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 He explains how traditional law firms operate on outdated structures that leave both businesses and lawyers frustrated—leading to a staggering statistic that half of all lawyers leave the profession within five years.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 The traditional legal model is outdated and doesn’t serve entrepreneurs effectively.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 Innovation in the legal industry is possible but requires breaking away from outdated structures.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

Solopreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of the economy, but balancing business development with daily operations can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Kelly Kennedy shares a powerful five-step framework to help entrepreneurs maximize their time, boost efficiency, and drive long-term success. From mastering time management and structuring a business development process to leveraging social media and building high-value client relationships, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help small business owners thrive. Kelly emphasizes the importance of treating every hour like it's worth $1,000, setting up a disciplined schedule, and ensuring that business development remains a top priority—no matter how busy the day-to-day grind gets.

Kelly also dives into the importance of targeted outreach, the power of digital networking, and why business owners must measure success in meetings rather than just revenue. By implementing structured follow-ups, optimizing LinkedIn strategies, and embracing a proactive BD approach, solopreneurs can create a steady pipeline of new opportunities. If you've been struggling to balance growth with daily operations or feel stuck in the hustle, this episode provides the roadmap to regain control and scale your business strategically.

1. Time management is critical—every hour should be treated like it's worth $1,000 to maximize efficiency and impact.

2. Solopreneurs must dedicate at least half a day per week to business development to ensure long-term growth.

3. Targeted outreach is essential—business owners waste too much time reaching out to the wrong people who can’t make buying decisions.

4. A strong social media presence, especially on LinkedIn, is no longer optional; it’s a key driver of credibility and visibility.

5. Adding 100 potential clients on LinkedIn per week and leveraging personal branding increases exposure and creates organic opportunities.

6. Scheduling all meetings, events, and tasks in a calendar improves productivity and ensures that important BD work gets done consistently.

7. Business success should be measured by the number of meetings booked, not just revenue, as meetings create opportunities that lead to sales.

8. Digital introductions, structured follow-ups, and CRM tracking streamline BD efforts and improve long-term conversion rates.

9. Business owners must confidently market themselves—being too humble holds back growth and limits brand recognition.

10. Consistency over time is the key to business success—solopreneurs who commit to structured BD efforts will see exponential results.

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 Today!

Links referenced in this episode:

• capitalbd.ca

Commuting is broken—and it’s costing North Americans a staggering $530 billion per year in wasted fuel, parking, and vehicle expenses. In this episode, The Business Development Podcast welcomes Malcolm Adams, a former oil and gas executive turned mobility innovator, who is on a mission to fix this crisis. As the CEO and founder of COREO Commute, Malcolm is pioneering a choreographed carpooling solution that goes beyond traditional ridesharing, offering a smarter, cost-saving alternative for daily commuters. He shares how his background in engineering and energy led him to identify solo commuting as the most inefficient system in transportation, and how COREO is poised to transform the way we get to work—saving commuters thousands annually while reducing congestion and emissions.

Malcolm dives into the hidden costs of commuting, why traditional carpooling has failed, and how COREO solves these challenges with real-time, AI-powered trip matching. He explains the behavioral shift needed to make shared commuting a mainstream solution, the role of major corporations in adoption, and how companies can use COREO to get employees back into the office without financial strain. With a successful rollout in Calgary, Malcolm also shares the expansion roadmap and the massive opportunities ahead for businesses, cities, and individuals looking to cut costs, build stronger communities, and revolutionize transportation. If you’ve ever wished for a better, more affordable way to commute, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

1. Commuting is one of the biggest hidden costs in North America, costing solo drivers over $530 billion annually.

2. Traditional carpooling fails because it lacks reliability, but choreographed commuting creates stable, predictable ride-sharing networks.

3. Most commuters don’t realize that transportation is their second-largest household expense, after housing and before food.

4. Car ownership costs have skyrocketed, with vehicle prices up 28% and used car prices up 50% in the last five years.

5. Many people resist carpooling due to fear of inconvenience, but tech-driven trip matching eliminates scheduling conflicts.

6. Businesses benefit from smarter commuting solutions by increasing office attendance, improving employee productivity, and reducing parking costs.

7. Solo commuting is a major contributor to emissions, and reducing single-occupant vehicle use is the fastest way to cut transportation-related carbon output.

8. Large employers and universities are key to driving mass adoption of choreographed commuting through incentives and corporate partnerships.

9. Creating strong community connections through shared rides improves trust, networking, and even job opportunities among commuters.

10. The biggest barrier to adoption is behavioral, but once people experience cost savings and reliability, they rarely go back to driving alone.

Links referenced in this episode:

• CapitalBD.ca
• COREO

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

It's the two-year anniversary of The Business Development Podcast, and in true Kelly Kennedy fashion, this episode is all about pushing forward when others pull back. With tariffs looming and recession fears on the rise, many businesses are making the critical mistake of hunkering down—cutting sales efforts, freezing hiring, and waiting for things to stabilize. Kelly breaks down why playing it safe is the fastest way to lose, sharing hard-earned lessons from past economic downturns that prove winners double down while others retreat. If you're feeling the weight of uncertainty, this episode will give you the motivation and strategy to take action instead of falling victim to fear.

Mindset separates thriving businesses from failing ones, and Kelly shares the exact playbook leaders need to stay ahead. From account management, sales team motivation, and strategic partnerships to leveraging social media and recession-proofing growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights. As The Business Development Podcast celebrates two years, Kelly's message is clear—fear kills growth, but bold action creates opportunity. If you’re ready to rise above the chaos and turn uncertainty into an advantage, this is the episode for you.

Links referenced in this episode:

• CapitalBD.ca
• The Business Development Mastery Program

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Capital Business Development

Women entrepreneurs are shaping the future of business, but the path to success is still filled with barriers—especially when it comes to funding and access to opportunities. In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Marcela Mandeville, CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a powerhouse leader on a mission to break down these obstacles. With a deep passion for business and community development, Marcela has spent over 15 years championing women in business, helping them access the capital, connections, and support they need to thrive. Under her leadership, AWE has transformed the landscape for women entrepreneurs, increasing funding, expanding networks, and driving real economic impact across Alberta.

Marcela’s journey is one of resilience, strategy, and an unshakable belief in the power of women-led businesses. From her early entrepreneurial ventures to leading one of Alberta’s most impactful organizations, she brings a wealth of knowledge on what it truly takes to succeed in today’s business world. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to scale, this conversation is packed with insights, motivation, and game-changing advice. If you’ve ever faced challenges securing funding, struggled with growth, or simply needed inspiration to take the leap, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. Women entrepreneurs still face systemic barriers in securing funding, but organizations like AWE are working to change that.

2. Access to capital, strategic connections, and capacity-building are the three core pillars that drive business success for women.

3. Risk-taking is often misunderstood—women entrepreneurs are not risk-averse but take strategic risks for long-term growth.

4. Revenue generation is just as important as external funding when scaling a business.

5. The business world is rapidly evolving, and women need to embrace digital transformation and AI to stay competitive.

6. Women-led businesses make a significant economic impact, with AWE’s lending programs generating an 11:1 return.

7. Building the right network and support system is essential for overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries.

8. Nonprofits like AWE are not just about funding—they provide mentorship, training, and long-term business support.

9. Traditional employment is no longer the only safe career path—entrepreneurship allows for greater control and financial independence.

10. Success comes from aligning passion with purpose and surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in your vision.

Links referenced in this episode:

• capitalbd.ca
• AWEBusiness

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
• Capital Business Development
• Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
• Business Development Bank of Canada
• Alberta Innovates
• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada

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...

Podcasting is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing industries, but beneath the surface lies a brutal reality—most podcasters will never make it. In this episode, Kelly Kennedy takes a no-holds-barred deep dive into the podcast industry, exposing the harsh truths that make it nearly impossible for many to succeed. From the overwhelming competition and slow audience growth to the financial and time-consuming demands, Kelly lays out exactly why 98% of podcasts fail before hitting 200 episodes. But it’s not all doom and gloom—he also breaks down 13 critical lessons that separate the few who thrive from the many who quit, providing tactical advice to help podcasters push through the struggle and build a show that stands out.

If you’ve ever considered starting a podcast or are already in the trenches wondering if it’s worth it, this episode is your wake-up call. Kelly reveals the industry’s biggest challenges, from the rigged advertising landscape to the grueling learning curve of content creation, while sharing practical strategies for survival. He pulls from his own two-year journey of growth, setbacks, and wins, offering hard-earned insights on finding support, mastering self-motivation, and committing to the long game. Whether you’re looking to launch, scale, or simply survive in podcasting, this episode delivers the raw truth and the roadmap to success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Podcasting is a long game, and most fail because they expect quick success, but the ones who win commit for years, not months.

2. The industry is not designed for podcasters to succeed, as advertising is expensive, growth is slow, and long-time podcasters are not helping newer shows break through.

3. Ninety-eight percent of podcasts fail before 200 episodes, and the difference between those who make it and those who don’t is sheer persistence.

4. Building a personal brand through podcasting can open doors to business opportunities, coaching, and new relationships that you never expected.

5. Self-motivation is everything because when numbers are down and success feels out of reach, the ability to push forward is what separates the top two percent.

6. Creating content consistently is hard since, over time, ideas don’t come as easily, and maintaining high-quality production becomes a serious challenge.

7. Monetizing a podcast is not just a goal but a necessity for long-term success, as the costs of production, advertising, and time commitment make it unsustainable without financial support.

8. Community is critical, and having engaged listeners who support and interact with the show makes all the difference in staying inspired.

9. The podcast industry is still evolving, and platform changes, algorithm shifts, and analytics inconsistencies create unpredictable challenges for hosts.

10. If you stick with it, podcasting can change your life by building authority, growing your network, and creating long-term opportunities that you can’t see at the start.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.CapitalBD.ca
• The Business Development Mastery Program

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Capital Business Development
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• AudioGo
• Buzzsprout