CharlieKenny.me
people * stories * engagement
Category: networking
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To my mind, business is about recognising the fundamentals then creating a routine of basic processes. Talking with Ian recently (someone who has ‘in the business for a bit’) I asked him … “How they were doing with the fundamental? “I know all that stuff.” Came the reply. I “know” all that. Know. Not do……
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I consider myself lucky. I am able to count my true friends on the fingers of both hands. Sure, I have several hundred network ‘friends,’ cyber contacts and ‘likes’ out there although while I sit here enjoying the first cup of tea of the day I’m struggling to add to that true friend count … although the toes are always optimistic 🙂 It’s a fact, that this handful of true friends is indeed my family, direct family and partners in fact. These are the people who understand me, know my ambitions well and know where my passions really lie. My family have spent time with me, grown with me and experienced life as we see it. So why am I sitting here, supping tea and dwelling on where my true allies really lie? I‘d met James earlier this week, he introduced himself through a mutual acquaintance as a ‘utilities expert.’ James explained that he was ‘giving networking a go’ as for the past few months he’d found business pretty slow. It turns out James had signed up with to promote his utilities solutions in support of his other, ‘main job.’ He was looking to add to his income. Sure, even I could understand this. We’re all in business for a lot of different reasons, working to provide a better standard of living for our family is as good a reason as any, right? James explained that he was unable to offer a lot of time to promote his new business as his main job kept him ‘busy’ although he was hopeful that any time he went out networking he was going to ‘get lucky’ and find some business and after all, if it didn’t work out, he’d simply ‘throw in the towel.’ I asked James to give me an idea of what he was passionate about, not to tell me he was in the job for the chance of business, is this what he told his family? If it was, this was likely why he had found only limited success … I’ve suggested to James that he treat his network with the sincerity that an extended family deserved. People like to do business with passionate people, with those who they know and who they trust. I asked James who he trusted … family, right? Build your network and look after them as you would an extended family … Show passion and get lucky. ‘people buy from people.’
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Most of us remember, when children, there were times we were scared by that bump in the middle of the night. The unexpected awakening. The “Midnight Demon” seemed so real at 3:00am. He would destroy our dreams and reek havoc. I dare say that today many of us still wake up in the night with bad dreams that still involve the “Midnight Demon”. Just as when the light of day comes about and the reality of the bad dreams goes away – it is the same with the Demon, away go the issues, the problems and blockages when light is turned on him. As an adult I still think these Demons are real and effectively stand in our way of success. Although, like magic, when light is shined on our Demon we can then deal with him and I think the Demons among many of us can be described as two very different things, things that stand in the way of real potential. The first Demon can be described as fear. The fear of failure. The fear of not being perfect. The fear of the unknown. The fear of openness. The fear of … We each have our own … Fear can be terrible and it can be debilitating. Fear causes us to hesitate, it causes us to question ourselves, to have the “I need the loo now, look”. We actually become less than our true selves, we start to doubt and ask, how we achieve greatness when we are not fully engaged? How can we achieve more when we are not allowed to be ourselves? Fear stifles creativity and the best creativity is open, free, boundless and exhilarating. How can you reach your full potential when you are literally choked by the Demon fear? Courage overcomes fear. The first step in beating this Demon is shining the light of truth on him so you know he is not real. Remember the courage when you fear your Demon … The second Demon who stops us fulfilling our potential is … the excuse. The Demon becomes an excuse. He becomes the reason why people don’t ask the questions or try new things, why they stall when reaching for new heights, or even when attempting to learn new skills. In essence, excuses become crutches or the Demons who you hide behind. Greatness comes with transparency and confession at our shortcomings. Excuses are not acceptable. Self awareness and self accountability lead to courage and success. Something I have learned from my Demons? Become accountable, don’t fear mistakes or failure. Learn from them. Leave the light on.
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So she said to me that really, she didn’t need to be looking for any more business and that she ‘wouldn’t be taking on any more … for a couple of months at least,’ adding she “had been fortunate enough to pick up plenty of business to … last until Christmas.” We’re still in October.…
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IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? Are you a positive influence or one of negativity? Do you sugarcoat things or get straight to the point? Much has been said about the best way of approaching business development or implementation of change, it can be stressful for many. Each of us have our goals (or we…
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The effective email marketing message needs to focus on the receiver and what’s in it for them … not what you have or what you offer – not even your product. It needs to be about what is in it for them. 7 secrets you should consider keeping in mind: The subject line serves as…
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I’ve always believed networking brought people together for the opportunity of growing through understanding of what their needs are, with perhaps the bonus smile, some great company and the opportunity for referral somewhere ‘down the line.’ Working hard to gain trust with others and understanding that important relationships will ultimately see partnerships and mutual respect…
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I was invited to attend a House Of Lords networking group one damp, though mild October evening. “Be there for 7pm.” I was advised by the fellow whom I was entrusted to mentor through his early networking experience. Dick was a keen networker, a little headstrong although he had at least an attitude for success.…
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You’ll find plenty to think over at Foxton Hall, Alnmouth on the 23rd September. Foxton is a lovely Golf Club, hosting our Weeklybiz Trade Fair, 11-4pm Tuesday morn., right after our networking group subsides … There’s plenty to come and see … FREE entry, seminars from learned people in the business of developing their personal…
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movement, doing is change
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