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I must admit to being a little absent-minded recently. One project was taking up most of my thoughts and activity. In doing so, much of my routine ‘day-to-day’ assignments remained on the ‘back burner.’ Being ‘away’ from the routine has served a purpose though, it has shown me how much I get done each day! During… Read more
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Great to see you this morning Connie, let’s grab a beverage, tea or coffee? Coffee would be great, thanks. You know Charlie, I almost didn’t make it today. Just the thought of showing up to a room full of people I don’t know, the idea unsettles me. Congratulations are due. Well done, Connie, my advice… Read more
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Let’s keep it simple … Leverage the benefits of belonging to a network, by becoming that go-to person, because … ‘reliable = referable’ #firstchoice #networking #reliable #you Read more
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Lucinda and I had about finished our catch-up when she turned to me and said: “Thanks for the meeting, Charlie, it was good to share some time. You know, when I first came to the business forum I didn’t think you liked me.” I laughed the statement off as we prepared to leave the coffee… Read more
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easy in those shoes Read more
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I picked up the pen to jot down a note to myself, instead of the original prompt I wrote: ‘No, I’m not doing this …’ It was a message from my subliminal self saying it was time for something different. The idea of doing the same thing for the same result, helping others, wasn’t appealing,… Read more
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I clutched my bag of groceries as I clambered out of the car, just in time to meet the postie fast approaching, her own hands full of paperwork. I could tell she looked a little ‘troubled.” Before I could greet her I was handed the mail and asked … ‘Do you know the people around the… Read more
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text reproduced from The Marginalian by Maria Popova, a regular contribution from the thought leader and running entirely through then kindness of donations from others. thank you. Read more
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You know what? You’re not alone. Taking your eye off the ball, whether through distraction, fatigue, or both, happens to every one of us. Especially this season, this time of year. Here’s what has helped me … Read more
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Hello Bill, are you OK for our catch-up next week? Can we leave the catch up until after August, Charlie? Most of us have had to make adjustments this time of the year. For me, August always seems like the world and his P.A. are on, or planning a holiday. Everyone but me …( just… Read more
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Most of you know that I love my networking. It’s not the fact that I have found a modicum of success through direct business either. All my contacts know precisely what I’m good at although the fact is … not everyone is in the marketplace for my particular services, all of the time. This is… Read more
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A friend had been having trouble negotiating a demanding work-life balance. A passion for the side-hustle seemed to be getting in the way of prioritisation. Cathy was so busy with the day job when she realised she was unhappy. What she wanted most was a business that reflected her passion. … You’re in the wrong… Read more
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As business owners we understand that tough times can beset the best intentions. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? We’re trying to stick to the plan, the strategy is in place and suddenly … it all goes pear-shaped. Why? It may be because of market conditions, budget cuts, a rise in operating costs, mortgage rates,… Read more
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I’ve been asked many times whether it was possible to ‘accelerate the magic’ that determines success when networking. Success, in this case, meaning more business. ‘Accelerating the magic?’ It’s not an easy question to answer given ‘people buy from people,’ You see, we’re all very different individuals with various reasons for stepping out of the… Read more
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Hey Charlie, ‘what’s in it for you?’ Once more I was asked why I manage to operate a not-for-profit social enterprise and not get paid for it. What did I … get out of it? My answer is the same every time. I’m networking for the same reason as anyone else – to consolidate my… Read more
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For the start-up looking to establish itself in a rural community such as ours, business can be tough. The ‘busy season’ for most market towns with a short summer is the tourist footfall. Many traders have grown by relying on this, there’s only a short time of bounty for the seasonal business to become established.… Read more
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Charlie, I’m suffering a famous ‘lack of confidence’ vote in myself … I don’t seem to be picking up any business through networking. I’m lucky with the introduction here and there, but … what am I doing wrong? Ian, there’s nothing wrong. You are practicing the art of networking. You, like all who practice ‘the magic,’… Read more
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I’d all but given up hope of being successful Read more
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Car phones. Remember those? Back in the day I spent much of my time in the car, back and forth supporting customers. The arrival of the telephone in the vehicle was good for business. Today we’re seeing mobile as one of the mainstays, an essential ‘accessory.’ We all have our opinions of the ‘pro’s and… Read more
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Gavin and I caught up after a few years being busy when he asked me: “Are you still networking?” I confirmed I was and that I was enjoying it, before he answered ‘why?’ … How about you, Gavin, how’s business? Charlie, I’ve plenty to keep me busy, most of the new projects don’t come through… Read more
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I don’t know Charlie, I seem to be standing still. Whatever I try to do fails to change my luck, any ideas where I’m going wrong? We’re all vulnerable to negative influences Chris, especially when the market is flat. If you’re asking for my opinion though, I need to know where you wish to go?… Read more
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“So Charlie, can you remember why you decided to work for yourself?“ Mark, I remind myself of that same question whenever the going gets tough. Why work for myself? The personal rewards of course and (this may sound tedious) because I wanted control of my destiny. What about you, Mark, do you enjoy your work? … Read more
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This was the question, recently: “What was my biggest takeaway from ‘living away from the old country’ these past twenty years?” ‘It’s the holidays! Come on …’ These weird questions come to disarm us at the time we’re most vulnerable don’t you think? I couldn’t respond without giving this particular question a little thought, ‘so much… Read more
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Here’s (another) day for the Diary, commencing 13th Nov ’23 … Any Monday … 11- 12 pm (BST)Clear the way through … Kundalini Yoga Workshophosted by my friend Harsha Moore … “Have a mat (or throw) and cushion to sit on the floor – ideal if possible, otherwise a chair to sit on A blanket… Read more
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‘Tough’ is not a trait some of us are born with. Working for yourself, one of the advantages of joining the solopreneur society is we soon harden up when honing our instincts. The business landscape? It’s tough out there. You know it, we’ve about survived the worst of a pandemic by drawing on our own resilience and that… Read more
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Accountability is less important to strangers.” I like this, it highlights one of the many reasons we’re meeting on a regular basis at Weeklybiz. Accountability, acting as you say you will. Being responsible. Strong personal relationships form a great platform for business, and it’s often rewarding to spend time with those you know well. There’s less pain,… Read more
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If there’s one question I ask as I approach my work, it’s “how can I make this easier?” Not that I’m afraid of hard work. It’s just … nothing frustrates me more than working hard, unnecessarily. How do I ease the frustration of avoiding hard work? It’s tied directly to (one) of my core principles.… Read more
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I was visiting friends recently when the conversation turned to the fact that Sarah, (aged 8,) wasn’t enjoying school so much. Sarah had only recently moved to her next ‘big’ school after living with mum and dad in a rural community. Sarah declares, ‘It’s not the same. My friends are all different and we don’t… Read more
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It just may be reciprocal … Read more
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Does anyone care to imagine how the new business ‘entrepreneur’ grew the businesses prior to the advent of the internet? Before digital? Give me just a minute … With the consolidation of in-person networking during the mid 80’s ‘word of mouth’ established itself as the preferred tactic of obtaining new business introductions. People recognised the… Read more
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Looks can be deceiving, life tests us each day, dares us to raise a smile and still, I often never see it happening. I’d like to share a short story with you. Not particularly linked to business, with only the merest reference to the practice of networking … although … well, you’ll see. Our son… Read more
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During the course of these past ten years, I am constantly reminding myself that I could be better. I’m happy ‘where I am’ with the business, sure, although these days I’m driven to consider how I could improve. Business is good. Recommendations are coming my way and while I’ve never been one to rest on my… Read more
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We make plans, and we picture the goal and the path to success as dictated by the plan. There is a preparation for action within our ability and that is complementary to our skills which will see us benefit from that plan. Then we step forward … Alan is a new acquaintance I met recently.… Read more
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How do I spend my leisure time? If the weather isn’t good and I’m all caught up with the business follow-up, then I have a garage with long-term projects to keep me busy. Otherwise, I like to stay occupied with any tasks that need attention, and I’m never sitting for long. When the sun is… Read more
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Not all are successful when it comes to networking. An open mind helps, and the willingness to engage in good conversation also. Craig was the type of fellow who was only with us to pick up the business (aren’t we all.) He wasn’t interested in the benefits of any long-term mutual collaboration. Craig was hunting… Read more
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It was at the regular Weeklybiz network morning session I’d been introduced to Thomas … Thomas had left Uni a few months beforehand with a decent degree in Engineering and was now finding it tough to find work. His ‘careers adviser’ suggested he talk with Sara Eke ** and join The Weeklybiz for conversation. Leaving… Read more
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‘You know Charlie, it’s tough for me to take time off work to attend these breakfast meetings.’ I used to hear the above phrase a lot during the early days of the Weeklybiz. Taking time off work? Another popular version was: ‘I can’t afford to spend time away from the job for the sake of… Read more
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‘It was only a matter of time, David.’ We were discussing the referral my friend had collected during this morning’s meeting. David had spent the past twelve months working on his presence, his persona, and the business. His input was now rewarding him with some important work for his company. David of course was happy,… Read more
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One’s own destiny defined by your own hand. Read more
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“You may call it networking Charlie, I call it fishing.” My wife was highlighting how much time I spent networking (6-8 hours per week.) Sue compared it to being a ‘golf widow’ or ‘fisherman’s wife.’ She had a point. I do enjoy the opportunity of meeting up with my regular group. We share so much, there’s… Read more
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Hi Charlie. “Sorry, I’ve had a call from a client who needs to see me tomorrow morning, so I can’t make the meeting.” For as long as I’ve been networking, this is the ‘stand out’ explanation I’m offered when someone calls to opt-out. They’re faced with choosing to replace one appointment with another. They choose to… Read more
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Accountability is such an important quality. There’s not a lot to maintain, we start by respecting the value of time while doing as we say we shall. I help clients write the story of their lives. Sometimes the project lasts only a short time, other works take a little longer. The business network forum I… Read more
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Who do we believe? We’re delivered ‘news’ daily – hourly – or by the minute(!) if, like the majority, we’re ‘geared up.’ Fake news or otherwise – who do we trust? Nothing is certain unless it’s personal, or seen. Is it me, or does it seem that as business owners we’ve been navigating these past… Read more
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George and I had been friends for over 30 years. I heard he wasn’t well so I made the call and you know, we picked up the conversation as if we were still in the same room. It was good to speak with him. I even had the chance of telling George how much I missed… Read more
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There was a time of course when I wasn’t considered an ‘expert’ in anything – least of all publishing. Sure, today the thirty+ years in the industry offer a kind of qualification, reassurance to potential clients. Although I’d never agree to be deemed an expert. Why? Because we’re always learning … and being an expert may… Read more
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‘How many will be there, Charlie?’ Mari asked. ‘A good mix of men and women no doubt,’ I replied. ‘Oh great, I much prefer lots of people, it makes for better value. ‘I’ll see if I can make it.’ Came the reply. Contrary to the claims of the paid-for member-driven organisations … networking is not about how many… Read more
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According to those who know …Airline passengers who prefer the aisle seat are business travellers, who like to sit at the front of the plane and get off quickly. The people who prefer the window seat are leisure travellers, and so generally less valuable to airlines. I do understand the above statement. People who hop on… Read more
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smile, it’s a great ice-breaker! Read more
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I hadn’t seen Hans for 15 years until our Boxing Day rendezvous on his way to visit his sister in Holland. Since that first meeting, Hans had finally wed his long-term girlfriend, Susan – along with the full blessing of her father! ‘So how did you manage to finally get Susan to the alter, Hans?’… Read more
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yes, no, or maybe. What turns away most new networkers? The ‘hungry’ member-driven groups often bring the most criticism. The calibre of people these seem to attract can be questionable. Dubious sentiments? Could be … Read more
people * stories * engagement
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