CharlieKenny.me

people * stories * engagement

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about

I love the coast and in particular, the area in which I live, the North East of England. It’s an uncomplicated life, for the past twelve years I’ve been away from the ‘big smoke’ … and the decision to relocate my business to the North has been the best move of my career. So far. I am a writer and have a lifetime of experience in publishing and personal development. I now consider myself a specialist in helping my clients with memoirs – this could be a biography, or simply bringing diary pages to life. I tend not to advertise my business, word of mouth has always been kind so it’s no surprise that I do spend a couple of days per week in collaboration through networking. Peer collaboration can be very rewarding. Therefore, if you’d like to join me fortnightly for Wednesday ZOOM or either Tuesday or Thursday for (in-person) morning coffee, please get in touch. I’d love to meet you and perhaps help in any way possible. Thank you for stopping by the website. engage, develop, grow … with Go! charliekenny@live.co.uk
  • Many hands …

    Many hands …

    Having been self-employed for over two decades, I’ve always had great faith in my own ability to succeed. I find optimism to be far more productive than the alternative.

    While bags of resilience are a must, more importantly, is a well-developed plan to help to routinely ‘put the work in.’ That said, these past few years have been particularly challenging for every business, even for the optimist.

    Particularly challenging when taking your eye off the prize for a minute and that distant horizon seems to disappear completely.

    The prize? I hear you ask.

    At the end of the day, the prize for all our endeavours is something personal to each one of us. It could be (in my case) a new business affiliation where a like-minded soul and I could work together, sharing ideas, supporting those who need to be served. 

    For Emma Thackara, pivoting a brand new business, Emma is looking to support SME’s by demonstrating her own 20+ years of marketing experience. My good friend (and Yoga teacher) Harsha Moore provides individuals with ad-hoc, qualified employment guidance – it’s her great skill.

    Like myself, Harsha and Emma dedicate their business to helping those in need. Like many, we’re bringing specialist support to the table so that the prize is visible and attainable.

    OK, so the prize may be ultimately more business, more receipts in exchange for skilled support. Maybe … although, I’ve often thought there is more to ‘it’ than cash in the pocket and revenues.

    When times are tough, like now. When most everyone is struggling to keep at least one eye on the horizon, I’ve found a strong reputation mixed with a depth of reliable friends and associates is invaluable.

    You could say that the ‘prize’ is something intangible. Affiliation takes time, as does trust. Just two of those overlooked ‘invisible prizes,’ earned through networking. 

    Being ‘in business’ can be challenging, but through trusted connections, you have trusted, qualified support able to help, conjuring echoes of that age-old proverb:

    ‘Many hands make light work.’
    John Heywood.

  • Closer to home

    Closer to home

    I stepped out of the house and closed the door behind me, just as Andrew left the bus. It’d been a while since I’d seen him, he looked perplexed.

    Good morning Andrew, Good to see you, how are you? I called out.

    Andrew offered a smile and an outstretched hand as I approached. “Well, that’s a greeting, good to see you also Charlie …” 

    We stood for a few minutes, chatting together before we began the short walk toward the local store. Andrew had a lot on his mind, not least neighbours who were thinking of sub-dividing land adjacent to his home. He was a little flustered because no one was listening to his protests, a feeling that his opinion was not important.

    I wished I could have been able to help my friend. His situation looked to be unsettling him. I suggested that apart from approaching local authorities, perhaps having a further conversation with his neighbour may help … 

    We’ve all experienced similar situations, haven’t we?  Do we push to have our voices heard, or accept the status quo? 

    Andrew and I parted ways as we reached the store. I picked up what I needed and went to pay the cashier. With my receipt, came a leaflet into the palm of my hand. 

    ‘Thank you for the business Charlie, don’t forget to vote, your participation matters.‘

    It seems the local ‘convenience’ was under threat of closure and the leaflet was asking for my views.

    Suddenly, I found myself standing in Andrew’s shoes. The actions of others were threatening to significantly change my own lifestyle.

    Of couse I did as asked and voted to uphold our community hub, the only one of its kind for several miles. I also viewed plans for the proposed redevelopment, I even called the local authority.

    It wasn’t long when I soon realised what I was doing wasn’t going to be enough. My protests weren’t be heard through my voice alone. Not until I rallied friends, neighbours, community groups, local businesses … 

    Leverage. We’re able to achieve much more when we share our stories. We lighten the load just by asking and it also show’s that we mean business. Seeking support can be empowering.

    Just now though, outside of my own personal concerns, there are plenty of issues the greater global community is looking to achieve. Each of us can do so much more through accountability and cooperation.

    If we only ask.

  • Chicken soup day

    Chicken soup day

    So it promised to be a busy day, Saturday. I may even clear my desk!
    Usually, I try not to spend too much time on stuff I’m usually doing during normal office hours … but hey, what are normal office hours? Today, I may even clear my desk!

    Besides, if I managed to finish the edits to a short story collection, I’d make headway into a manuscript I’d recently accepted. Normal office hours? Flexibility is very important to my business and using my time to best effect is something I enjoy.

    Today I thought I was doing ok until an impromptu visit from my not-so-happy wife had me ‘downing tools.’

    I need to go to the dentist. Now, please. I could see by the look on Sue’s face that she was not having a good time. I was aware there was a ‘niggling’ issue although neither of us knew how severe it had now become.

    Do you have painkillers/drugs? I asked.

    ‘Some.’  Came the reply

    OK, I thought, yes, let’s do this … prioritise. The dentist …
    So I picked up the telephone and dialled, only to met with a voicemail declaring “We’re now closed for the weekend, please call back Monday. Do not leave a message, do not turn up at the surgery unless invited.” 

    The news didn’t go down well with Sue. 
    ‘What are we going to do?’

    Of course, there is always something we could try next, but right now? Knowing how debilitating a severe toothache can be, I needed to make plans for the next 36hrs.  
    More painkillers, mouth wash, cold packs … wine!
    What about food?

    ‘Can we call the NHS emergency?’

    Good idea. I called NHS out of hours No. 111, left details, and waited … within minutes the nurse was on the ‘phone.
    ‘Sounds like it’s an abscess Sue, nothing we can do until Monday. Don’t take any more Ibroprufen, Paracetamol instead, pick up some Benzocaine, apply cold packs … stick to a liquid diet, but stay off the alcohol …’ 

    So I had my shopping list. I left Sue in charge of ‘dear dawg’ and set off. After an hour I had found most of what we required. The ‘liquid diet’ needed work though.

    Soup. Of course. Let’s choose, either canned or homemade? No contest, decision made, it was to be homemade, chicken soup … 

    In good time I was home, (the last painkiller swallowed by Sue hours ago.) The prescribed paracetamol was set to work. and I made my way to work in the kitchen. 

    Where am I going with this? I hear you say.
    Saturday it turned out, was not to be the day for catching up with the outstanding business. When it comes to looking after family, there’s no contest. Besides, I found the distraction helped with the clarity once I did return to the ‘tools’ of business.

    Life has a way of reminding us that there is more to life than business … just in case we’d forgotten.
    Business is personal.

  • Cricket, Rugby & networking

    Cricket, Rugby & networking

    I was enjoying a conversation with Sam. He’s excited by the prospects of winning new business through his new-discovered network.

     I want to be an achiever Charlie. If we’re achieving through sales then we’re contributing to the success of the business, right?

    Admirable Sam, but to achieve, we first need to understand the process. 
    A tenuous example may be the game of cricket, Sam.

    No, that’s not for me, what’s that about Charlie?

    OK, one team scores as many runs as they can with the bat, while the opposite team tries to stop them by hitting their stumps with the ball, catching them out, or at least restrict the run rate. At ‘half time’ they swap roles and go again. At the end of the allotted time frame, the team with the highest amount of runs goes on and wins the game. Simple, eh?

    If I could be bothered to understand it Charlie … runs?

    Exactly, O.K. Sam, Let’s try Rugby.

    I know you appreciate a good game and so you understand that for each different opponent we have a plan.

    The aim is to be victorious, get a result by following a game plan. The entire team understands that the result is important, BUT there needs to be a plan. In Rugby, if you keep the ball long enough through team skills, you infiltrate your opponent’s territory. Keeping possession of the ball and utilising skills that enable your team to move the ball beyond the final defender, you score points. If we repeat this more than the opposition, we win.

    By thinking process, we win the game, we get the result.

    I’ve got that Charlie … but what’s it got to do with networking? Or business?

    Sam, if we understand the game and the process by which we can achieve a win, then we can make an impression.

    Networking is much maligned at times. We see people come and go because they don’t spend time understanding the process. They’re after a quick fix.

    As in any team environment, networking is about developing an understanding. People gravitate to those of a like mind, they connect, then the relationships begin to flourish as trust develops.

    Good partnerships take time, results come when everyone in your network has an understanding of the process, just like Cricket, or Rugby …

  • It’s a start.

    It’s a start.

    If I had one piece of advice to offer anyone starting out in business today, it would be to value the people in your network.

    Network = your contacts. Grow the network, to encourage the opportunity.
    If I lost all my money today and my assets were gone, if my customers walked away I know that I’d be OK. I’d survive, start again and flourish because I have good relationships with those who I know well, share similar interests, trust.

    You see, it’s been my experience that people will get us to where we wish to be. If we only take the time to engage, converse and take part in the exchange of information.

    We have today, after all, a huge choice of media options at our disposal. We’re able to like, comment, join or share … 

    ‘It’s a start Charlie.’  I hear what you say, sure, it’s a start.

    But, how many starts have failed through the lack of following up? 

    It’s my belief that if you wish to develop any meaningful business, there is only one avenue worth pursuing and that is to seek regular engagement.

    So, on finding your potential business partner or customer, (even if it is via the like/share/comment, etc) why not show your intentions and ask for a meeting?
    Even if that meeting is via the miracle of ZOOM.

    Choose the opportunity that presented to you. Don’t wait, take the first step.

    Nothing is more enabling, with the ability to deliver the results required than to be the one to instigate the meeting. To be in the company of someone who is in the market for your product or services and … who is interested in listening can be empowering … and isn’t that just one of the reasons we’re in business?

    Seeking new markets, allies, and sales, there are occasions when we need to be the one taking the initiative.

    It’s a simple fact that the potential new customer won’t know about you, learn of the opportunity from you, unless you ask for their time.

    Social media is a great source of leads, but why stop there? Let’s show AND tell.

    Turn the possible business into probable referral. Be bold enough and have the faith and confidence in your product or services to reach out for the conversation. 

    The worst that could happen?  The prospect responds with “no, thank you.” 
    “Although, I may know someone else who may be interested …”

    Take the first step, join the conversation and develop the relationship, because people buy from people who they know, like and trust.

  • Rate your chances

    Rate your chances

    I’m regularly asked why I continue to visit my network, meet with friends and their colleagues when I have stated on numerous occasions that I’m not looking to attract ‘just any, or all, kind of business.’

    Not for me the ‘stacking them high to sell ’em cheap‘ kind of working.

    The type of potential client I’m interested in meeting? 

    He/she would aspire to offer the same profound benefit to their audience (their readers) as I aim to provide myself. 

    You see, my work is to encourage the story from my customer, and of course, this takes time. Not everyone is ready to draw back the curtains, discuss life in detail and so work together with ANother to paint a picture, construct a story.

    My type of customer is quite rare.

    The person I’d like to meet would already understand that compiling an accurate depiction of their story takes, well, a good story starts with good relationships.  The exchange of information between both parties should be offered freely, the frequency of meetings should be regular.

    On occasion, completing a story may take months, sometimes the book may take years to compile.  So why do I meet with my network on a regular basis?

    Business is personal. It’s only by spending time together we have the opportunity to really understand each other …

    Alternatively, I could trawl social media channels and ‘hoist a flag’ declaring something like … ‘cheap stories told here(!?),’ I’m sure that, eventually I’d be messaged by those attracted to my lure … but … chances are, I’d never get to put the kettle on, share a cup or shake the hand & break the ice in time-honoured fashion? 

    Why do I reach out to my network? Because people buy from people.

  • People, not devices

    People, not devices

    Like me, I thought some of you might find the following tale of interest. It came from a friend of mine, Mike Salter:

    The story went like this …

    I spent an hour in the bank with my elderly dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn’t resist myself and asked …

    ”Dad, why don’t we activate your internet banking?’

    ”Why would I do that?” He asked… ‘

    “Well, then you wont have to spend an hour here for things like transfer. You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!’

    I was excited about initiating him into the world of Net banking.

    He asked ”If I do that, I wont have to step out of the house?

    ”Yes, yes”! I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered at door now and how Amazon delivers everything!

    His answer left me tongue-tied.

    He said ”Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends, I have chatted a while with the staff who know me very well by now. You know I am alone … this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time, it is the personal touch that I crave.

    Two years back I got sick. The store owner from whom I buy fruits, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried. When your Mom fell down a few days back while on her morning walk, our local grocer saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home as he knows where I live.

    Would I have that ‘human’ touch if everything became online? Why would I want everything delivered to me, forcing me to interact with just my computer?

    I like to know the person that I’m dealing with and not only the ‘seller’. It creates bonds of relationships. Does Amazon deliver all this as well? Technology is useful, but it isn’t life..

    Spend time with people .. Not with devices.”

    ~

    Thank you, Mike. Please let dad know that we’re not quite ready to resume in-person networking just yet, although we’re still engaging the person, making the connections that matter, regularly via ZOOM.

    ~

    If you’d like to join the business conversation, you can do so by going to Eventbrite for further details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northumberland-weeklybiz-tickets-165537028709

  • Comes a time …

    Comes a time …

    A question during conversation …
    Know anyone Charlie?

    I offered Jenny the details of a local business funding program she was looking for. Why not contact them Jenny, this could help you, a grant that offers 20% of the investment planned. 

    I’m not sure Charlie, I mean, I’ve enough business ticking over just now … 

    But ‘just now’ is not enough, right? 

    Correct.  Trouble is, I’m frightened that by investing in more staff and services means that I’m going to expand my market. 

    So, is that so bad Jenny? 

    That’s the trouble, Charlie. I’m not entirely sure that expansion, growth, is something I’m ready for. 

    I’d known Jenny for a little while. During the past twelve months, she’d seen a strong surge in demand in her craft and tutelage, all driven by the current tendency for home working.

    Jenny’s concern was that the supplementary services she had planned might be premature. Especially now, given the likelihood that ‘normal’ business practice, being back at the office, may resume sometime soon.

    Jenny, you are the business. It’s a big step considering expansion, although if you want my advice? 

    Go on, Charlie, what’s your plan? 

    Think about why you started in the first place. Where do you see your current situation in your original plans?  You’ve found that life presents you now with an opportunity to take the next step in the process.

    So, my advice? Find out what your customers want and give it to them. Repay their existing faith in you, and show them your intention of offering more. Trust your choices and your ability to fulfill your own and your client’s ambition.

    Jenny then took some time to consider my view. She consulted and listened to her customers, seeing whether they would support her plans. She also talked to both her employees, who were more than excited by the news. Positive news all-round.

    New sales? Seeking is the driver of new business. It’s through conversation, communication, by reaching out, that we’re putting more lines in the water.

    The new business will come to those who ask for it.

    At the same time:
    “More business is lost through indecision than is lost through making the wrong decision.”

  • Keep seeking

    Keep seeking

    The above photograph is one of Captain James Cook’s monument.


    It stands in memory of a man who, along with many others travelling with him, circled the globe pushing boundaries.

    Even with the modern tools of today, sailing the world once is no mean feat. But casting off three times, in the 18th century!?

    Why?

    Because seeking is a driver …

    Cook was looking for what was new. What he discovered was already there. He and his crew came across wondrous new lands, rich cultures that had existed for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

    Yet the way us, as species and individuals look at boundaries … both inward and external, means we’re driven by the need to push further and explore.

    This is no difference in the realm of our faith. What we believe often leaves us with more questions than answers. This is what pushes us forwards to explore further. The validation of what we seek.

    Questions are tools. They offer clarity.

    My experience tells me, just as I reach what I think I’ve have been looking for, a new horizon opens up. Choices materialise, possibilities then become many.

    Whether in the business of discovery like Cook or reaching out to new friends, life is a journey of faith we are all embarked upon. By using the tool of conversation, seeking dialogue, we’re seeing past barriers, where there are no boundaries.

    There’s no turning back when our faith tells us there are always open doors. Keep the faith, keep seeking.

  • Shrink your circle …

    Shrink your circle …

    the point is …

    When you learn to network, you not only improve your career you also improve your personal life.

    The best network marketers don’t just have amazing businesses and careers. They have incredible friendships and are always at the forefront of the line for new opportunities.

    Networking is not about collecting cards and sending fancy emails anymore; there is more value in friends who share your interests than in bosses who do not have time to listen to your ideas.

    For this reason, the key to successful networking is to achieve these points:

    • Figure out WHO matters most. Your employed programmer FRIEND may know who runs the business if you want a job.
    • Find easy ways to ENGAGE with people. For instance, you can share more ideas on Twitter than in an email.
    • Help yourself by helping others. People notice when you are doing good.
    • THINK PEOPLE, not position. True networking occurs when there’s an understanding between a group of people.
    • Support big sharks so good they can’t ignore you. When you are incredibly helpful to someone, they will be happy to help you back.
    • PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE, because business is personal.

    Here’s the link to the full message from Desiree Peralta