In Episode 284 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Adam Kimmel, an engineer with 12 global patents who made the leap from technical leadership to business development strategist. Together, they explore why so many technical professionals struggle to thrive in business development—and how to turn analytical precision into authentic human connection. Adam shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, unpacking the mindset shifts that allow technical experts to succeed in client-facing roles while maintaining integrity, clarity, and depth in their communication.

The conversation dives into the intersection of engineering, marketing, and trust-building in an AI-saturated world. From using content and video as tools of authenticity to mastering the art of simplifying complex ideas, Adam reveals how to create real impact in a space often dominated by noise. This episode is a masterclass for engineers, consultants, and technical leaders who want to connect their expertise to opportunity and grow beyond the technical into true business development mastery.

Key Takeaways:

1. Technical expertise alone doesn’t translate to business success; connection and clarity are what bridge the gap.

2. Authentic communication builds trust faster than polished marketing ever can.

3. AI is a great thought partner but can’t replace human insight, depth, or emotional nuance.

4. Engineers and technical experts already have the analytical skills needed for BD; they just need to learn emotional context.

5. Storytelling is the most effective way to translate complex technical ideas into client understanding.

6. Video is the new frontier for authenticity; people want to see and hear the real person behind the expertise.

7. Repetition, feedback, and iteration are the keys to getting comfortable with video and public communication.

8. Content should start from one strong cornerstone piece like a white paper or interview and be repurposed into multiple formats.

9. Brand trust comes before conversion; no one buys until they believe you understand their problem.

10. The best business development professionals don’t sell; they educate, simplify, and connect.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

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In Episode 283 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down one of the toughest truths in business: why free almost always fails. Drawing on lessons from early mentor Kevin Pydde and his own entrepreneurial journey, Kelly explores how undercharging and giving too much away can quietly destroy your business. He shares the mindset and pricing framework that helped him build Capital Business Development and The Business Development Podcast from the ground up, teaching that consistent, predictable revenue, not commissions or goodwill, sustains long-term success.

Kelly also exposes the hidden cost of free, showing why clients who don’t pay rarely commit or transform. From coaching to community building, he reveals that every time you remove the price tag, you remove the value. This episode is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs and creators alike: if you want your work to matter, you have to charge for it. Because in the end, free isn’t generosity, it’s a loss for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

1. You have to look after your family first, your business second, and yourself third because everything is interconnected.

2. Consistent, predictable revenue keeps a business alive while commissions are just pennies from heaven.

3. Know your real costs because your time is only a fraction of what it truly takes to run your business.

4. Price for value, not hours, since clients pay for results and outcomes, not time spent.

5. Confidence in your pricing is essential because the first sale you make is always to yourself.

6. Free almost always fails because when people do not pay, they do not show up or commit.

7. A token price beats no price since even a small investment creates ownership and engagement.

8. Free is not generosity because it devalues your work and trains others to undervalue it too.

9. Discount strategically, not emotionally, by rewarding loyalty or early adoption, never desperation.

10. Charging fairly is not selfish because it builds the foundation that allows you to create real impact.

Building a business can be lonely, especially when it feels like no one around you truly understands the pressure, the grind, or the dreams that drive you. That’s why I created The Catalyst Club — a private community where entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals connect with peers who actually get it.

Inside The Catalyst Club, you’ll find genuine support from people walking the same path. We share wins, tackle challenges, and grow together through weekly live events like Coffee with Rockstars, Catalyst Sessions, and Workshops. It’s real conversation, accountability, and encouragement from people who know what it takes to build something meaningful.

If you’re ready to stop doing it alone and start growing alongside others who understand the journey, join us today at KellyKennedyOfficial.com/thecatalystclub. Because success feels lighter when you’re surrounded by people who carry the same fire.

Episode 282 of The Business Development Podcast, “What AI Can’t Replace in Marketing with Jamie Moffat,” dives deep into the evolution of marketing from its radio roots to today’s AI-driven landscape. Jamie Moffat, a 30-year advertising veteran and digital marketing consultant with LocalIQ, shares his journey from selling vacuum cleaners and radio ads in the 90s to leading data-informed, AI-powered campaigns. He and Kelly unpack how modern technology has transformed how we reach customers—yet reveal that the fundamentals of trust, listening, and human connection remain unchanged.

Together, they explore what truly drives marketing success in 2025: speed of response, meaningful follow-up, and genuine relationships. From understanding the customer journey to using AI tools for smarter lead generation, Jamie shows how technology can amplify—not replace—the human touch. This episode is a reminder that while automation and analytics continue to evolve, it’s still people, not programs, who close deals and build lasting brands.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI can optimize your marketing, but it can’t replace the trust built through human connection.

2. Listening is still the most powerful skill in sales—it never goes out of style.

3. Speed matters. The faster you follow up, the higher your close rate.

4. Marketing is only as strong as the message. Content is still king.

5. Technology evolves, but relationships remain the foundation of every great business.

6. The customer journey starts with a trigger event—know it, and meet them there.

7. Missed calls mean missed opportunities. Always answer or call back fast.

8. Data helps guide your strategy, but emotion drives the decision to buy.

9. Authentic, human communication outperforms AI-generated content every time.

10. The future of marketing isn’t replacing people—it’s empowering them to connect better.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub