CharlieKenny.me

people * stories * engagement

Category: business

  • Learn and move on

    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,…

  • Just slow it down …

    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…

  • Am I worthy?

    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…

  • My busy season?

    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.…

  • Back to basics

    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…

  • Going my way?

    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?…

  • The Take Away

    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…

  • The apprentice

    ‘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…

  • Goodbye stranger

    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,…

  • Only people can

    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…