Episode 214 of The Business Development Podcast features Brett Colvin, CEO and co-founder of GoodLawyer, who is on a mission to fix what’s broken in the legal industry. Brett shares his journey from corporate lawyer at one of Canada’s largest firms to disrupting the status quo with a smarter, more accessible legal model. He explains how traditional law firms operate on outdated structures that leave both businesses and lawyers frustrated—leading to a staggering statistic that half of all lawyers leave the profession within five years. With GoodLawyer, Brett is pioneering fractional legal services, offering businesses high-quality, in-house-style legal support without the overwhelming costs of big firms.

In this episode, Brett and I dive into why the current legal system doesn’t work for most entrepreneurs, the biggest legal blind spots that hurt growing businesses, and how his company is giving both lawyers and clients more flexibility and value. We discuss the power of transparent pricing, the challenges of building a legal tech startup, and why Brett believes the future of legal is changing fast. If you’re a business owner, startup founder, or just someone who has struggled with legal services, this episode will give you insights into a better way forward.

Key Takeaways:

1. The traditional legal model is outdated and doesn’t serve entrepreneurs effectively.

2. Half of all lawyers leave the profession within five years due to burnout and lack of fulfillment.

3. Law firms take 80% of the value from billable hours, leaving both lawyers and clients frustrated.

4. Fractional legal services provide businesses with in-house-style legal support at a fraction of the cost.

5. Transparent, upfront pricing removes friction and helps businesses make smarter legal decisions.

6. Lawyers can make more money and have better work-life balance outside of traditional law firms.

7. A strong legal foundation early on prevents costly mistakes for startups and small businesses.

8. Innovation in the legal industry is possible but requires breaking away from outdated structures.

9. Business owners often don’t realize they need legal help until it’s too late.

10. The future of law is changing fast, and entrepreneurs need flexible legal solutions to keep up.

Episode 213 of The Business Development Podcast dives into the four essential marketing materials every business needs to dominate in 2025. Kelly Kennedy breaks down why high-impact websites, bold and visually compelling brochures, memorable business cards, and a strong LinkedIn presence are non-negotiable for business success. With shrinking attention spans and increasing competition, he emphasizes the importance of visual appeal, strategic messaging, and minimal but powerful wording to capture interest and drive engagement.

Beyond just having marketing materials, Kelly explains how to optimize them for maximum effectiveness. He highlights why websites must be sleek and conversion-focused, how brochures remain a secret sales weapon, and why LinkedIn is now a mandatory part of any marketing strategy. If you’re looking to modernize your approach and ensure your materials attract the right clients, this episode provides a clear, actionable guide to standing out and winning in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

1. Marketing materials are critical for business success in 2025 and must be designed to capture attention quickly.

2. A high-impact website acts as your “20-story skyscraper” and must be visually appealing, SEO-optimized, and conversion-focused.

3. Brochures remain a powerful sales tool, especially when designed with bold statements, strong visuals, and minimal wording.

4. A pocket-style brochure folder allows for customizable, industry-specific inserts, making it a versatile marketing asset.

5. Business cards are still relevant but must be high-quality, visually appealing, and contain only essential information.

6. LinkedIn is now a mandatory marketing material, requiring an optimized profile, strong branding, and active engagement.

7. Video content is king—integrating video into websites and marketing materials builds trust and enhances engagement.

8. Attention spans are shorter than ever, so marketing materials must be designed to hook viewers in seconds.

9. Consistency in branding across websites, brochures, business cards, and LinkedIn creates a stronger, more memorable presence.

10. The ultimate goal of marketing materials is not just to inform, but to generate interest and secure meetings that lead to business growth.

Master Business Development with Kelly Kennedy – Book Your Free Discovery Session!

Business growth isn’t about luck—it’s about mastery. The Business Development Mastery Program with Kelly Kennedy gives you the tools, strategies, and confidence to scale your business, close more deals, and build lasting success.

✔ Proven business development frameworks that drive real results

✔ Personalized coaching tailored to your goals and challenges

✔ Actionable strategies to generate leads, close deals, and grow revenue

If you're serious about taking your business development skills to the next level, let’s talk. Book your free discovery session today and see how this program can help you achieve your goals.

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Episode 212 of The Business Development Podcast features a conversation with Sophie Baran, a rising leader in real estate development and private equity. As the General Partner and CEO of Bear Capital, Sophie has managed over $250 million in capital expenditures, playing a pivotal role in shaping Alberta’s land development landscape. She shares her insider knowledge on transforming raw land into thriving communities, the challenges of raising capital, and why Western Canada is a prime market for real estate investment. With a background in corporate finance and leadership, Sophie reveals how she leveraged her expertise to build a diversified investment model, balancing high-growth opportunities with strategic risk management.

In this inspiring discussion, Kelly Kennedy and Sophie explore the mindset shifts required to scale in a competitive industry, the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, and why she believes now is the time to invest in real estate. She also shares the personal turning point that led her to leave a high-level leadership role and bet on herself as an entrepreneur. Whether you're an investor, a business leader, or simply interested in how rising industry leaders make bold moves, this episode delivers valuable insights from one of real estate’s most dynamic emerging voices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Believing in yourself is the foundation for taking bold steps in business and entrepreneurship.

2. Hard economic times create opportunities for those who are resilient and willing to adapt.

3. Diversifying revenue streams reduces risk and builds long-term business stability.

4. Raising capital successfully depends on credibility, trust, and a clear value proposition.

5. The best markets for investment are often the ones that others overlook or hesitate to enter.

6. Strategic partnerships, including Indigenous collaborations, can create both financial success and lasting community impact.

7. Waiting for the perfect moment often leads to missed opportunities—taking action is what matters most.

8. Leadership requires making tough decisions and stepping outside of comfort zones.

9. Big ideas only succeed when paired with strong execution, planning, and financial discipline.

10. The greatest obstacles in business are often self-imposed—removing doubt and taking the first step is the key to success.

Links referenced in this episode:

• capitalbd.ca
• barecapital.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Bare Capital
• Landrex
• Capital Business Development
• Enbridge
• Canadian Western Bank
• TAG Developments

Master Business Development with Kelly Kennedy – Book Your Free Discovery Session

Business growth isn’t about luck—it’s about mastery. The Business Development Mastery Program with Kelly Kennedy gives you the tools, strategies, and confidence to scale your business, close more deals, and build lasting success.

✔ Proven business development frameworks that drive real results

✔ Personalized coaching tailored to your goals and challenges

✔ Actionable strategies to generate leads, close deals, and grow revenue

If you're serious about taking your business development skills to the next level, let’s talk. Book your free discovery session today and see how this program can help you achieve your goals.

Book a Free Discovery Call