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
  • 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

  • Creating memories

    Creating memories

    Or, the importance of great relations …

    It seems like a lifetime ago … I and several friends were spending together at a little-known festival in Spain. We were there for several days of detachment, endless sunshine, and a little mischief amongst great company.

    So it was with some delight I collected the call from Paul, one of those old-time friends. We spent the better part of the next hour reminiscing. We ‘chewed the cud’ and you know, the memories came alive. 

    The catalyst? Common experiences and the desire to reach out. So by way of conversation, the good times were vivid once more.

    Most of you following my story understand why I spend a generous amount of my time engaging close contacts. By ‘being there,’ living in the moment we all learn more, together we exchange views and begin to understand.

    It’s through familiarity we develop trust, and when we do that, dialogue is so much more rewarding.

    In Paul’s case, he called me to discuss a book he was writing, a memoir. He was collecting foundations for different stories, each was a chapter of his life. Each one brought together over the decades. It was to be a great story. After all, he had a least one chapter now (surely) locked down after connecting via a simple telephone call.

    A best-seller for sure!

    So, what if you have no intentions of writing down your story, (even though IMHO you should.) Why do we reach out?  

    Networking is misunderstood by many. Certainly, those looking for instant gratification to their needs and wants often go away bewildered.

    Each of us has a different view and so a different story.

    The simple fact is, networking is about creating visuals, memories, developing stories over time, years, even decades.

    Take time to engage in conversation, in dialogue and the benefits will soon be obvious. Your story means something, to someone.

    People buy from people.

  • Helping out.

    Helping out.

    It’s right, don’t you think?  We shouldn’t have a reason to want to help anyone.
    After all, by offering help to those who need it we’re somehow empowered … and I don’t mean empowered by indebtedness …

    I don’t get that … “if you help me, I’ll help you” stuff. 

    By empowerment, I’m meaning clarity. During these uncertain times, it’s easy to lose focus. I know many who have been so busy … staying busy, it’s come at a cost …

    One eye on the timesheet, the other on the next ‘win,’ it’s easy to lose sight of that most important issue. Happiness.

    For me, by spending time away from my own needs to offer support to someone else, I’m creating my own ‘space.’ I find clarity when problem-solving with friends.

    Concentrating on solutions for others has a way of bringing about fresh thinking. It can even be cathartic. For some people though, it can be difficult.

    Chris was a fine example. Among other things, he supplies cut, dried & bagged firewood, delivered to the door. Like many of us during social distancing right now he’s finding it difficult to make ends meet. The situation recently had become debilitating and he couldn’t see the way forward. Chris had become enveloped in the business.

    It was ‘by the school gate’ that Jane told his story. It turns out, Chris wouldn’t accept his best friend Jane’s help. He didn’t want to appear to be ‘reliant on his partner.’

    Keyword above?

    Partner.

    Chris and Jane did eventually prioritise and discuss the way forward – together. They sat down and spent time planning, they helped each other out. Chris talked, Jane listened, they both agreed on a solution and now they’re moving forward.

    Helping others by having a conversation? 
    That’s my kind of therapy. People buy from people.

  • Collaborative conversation

    Collaborative conversation

    So, I  picked up the telephone and the conversation was something  like this:
    Hi Charlie, do you have time for a chat? I’d like to discuss something that is capable of profoundly enhancing your business.

    Sure Ian, when is good for you? I can do Mon-Thurs morning or Thurs-Friday any time after 2 pm?

    I met up with Ian Smith soon thereafter. It was almost twenty years ago and I remember the meeting as if it were yesterday.
    “Charlie, come along and meet my friends, there’s business waiting for you.”
    I must admit, I was skeptical.

    Until then, my ‘method’ of generating new business was the time-honoured seek-out and call routine. I’d never thought (I had hoped) there might be a simpler, more reliable method to pick up leads. Something apart from targeted advertising.
    So, ‘business waiting for me?’ Naturally, I’m interested in what Ian described as a simple method of referral.

    Ian told me a little more, not too much. ‘Introductions through word of mouth.’
    He was going to leave it to me … “OK Ian, sounds good. I’m interested, see you there!”

    So it was that I ‘survived’ my first structured networking event. It was to be the first of many over the years. The fact that I met people who were keen to see me succeed and willing to look out for my business was irresistible.
    It sure beats ‘cold-calling …’ I remember saying at the time.

    So what has networking brought me?

    I’d need far more than this short note to describe in detail the benefits/skills I’ve been gifted by simply conversing and listening, sharing and accepting challenges, offering support and advice …

    * Over the years I’ve learned that no one is going to recommend you, unless you relate, engage your market. 
    * I’ve come to understand that if I proved to be a reliable contact, I’d soon become referable.
    * Over time I’ve become a confident emissary of my craft. I’m empowering contacts to pass on my story.
    * By giving people my time and conversation I was soon a familiar part of a team. I developed relationships through affinity. Trust.

    Networking has provided me skills required to ‘go the distance,’ and in turn, my business has thrived. New business has come to me from a variety of sources and I’ve met some fabulous people. All instrumental in changing the fortunes of my business.

    I’ve also been lucky enough to learn enough ‘along the way’ to enable me to support friends in business.

    So, ‘the best introduction I’ve been fortunate enough to experience?’ I hear you ask?
    That’s easy, and you know this already. It was that initial telephone call from Ian Smith, some 20 years ago.

    When the conversation turns to collaboration, people buy from people.

  • Become better, not bigger.

    Become better, not bigger.

    Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves …

    … a problem shared is a problem solved …

    …time is the greatest gift, once given it is never recouped …

    … If you do nothing, nothing is what remains …

    … The first step to change is acceptance …

    … the greatest rewards come from the greatest commitment …

    … the bitterness of poor quality far outweighs the sweetness of low prices …

    … business is a by-product of networking …

    … treat people as you would have them treat you …

    So, what drives you?

    At The Weekly Business, we’re looking to hear what drives your business. What do you believe? What’s your idiom of choice?

    The Weekly Business, established 10 years meet to discuss the world for a little over the hour each Wednesday 12.30 (GMT) and Thursday morning 8 am. All via ZOOM, it costs nothing to engage.

    If you’ve got the time, you have our attention.

    More info? Contact Charlie Kenny.

    theweeklybusiness@gmail.com

  • Be like Greta.

    Be like Greta.


    Last night I was watching TV., a BBC programme, all about an 18yr old environmental activist named Greta Thunberg, the show was entitled “A Year to Change the World.”

    What strikes me about this young lady is her utmost dedication. During ‘the show’ we see her visit Poland, a monumental coal mine where we hear points of view from burly miners with a lifetime in mining. 

    We’re taken to Davos, Switzerland and the ‘World Economic Forum,’ where Greta addresses leaders from around the world. Reminding them that, ‘you can’t negotiate with physics.’  

    She visits the UK to a plant working on carbon dioxide capture and a whole lot of other ‘stuff.’  The plan is a year of environmental awareness, reaching out to China and the rest of Asia. That was before COVID.

    Greta and her father have both contracted the virus.  It’s all change.

    You cannot alter the direction of where you’re heading unless you alter the course.

    “A Year to Change the World” is a journey for Greta that may be on hold now, although it’s not stopped her. Greta’s voice carries huge influence as she advises youth ‘to take the virus seriously.’

    “In a crisis, we change our behaviour and adapt to the new circumstances for the greater good of society,”

    Greta Thunberg is not giving up. Aspergers, OCD, COVID, depression and an ultimate sense of loss is evident as she utters to Sir David Attenborough … 
    ‘No-one is listening’ 

    ‘A great many people are watching and listening.’ he replies.

    Sir David continues to reassure her that whilst there is no easy fix to the errors of the past generations, her bravery, determination, innovation … her legacy continues to inspire and bring about gradual change.

    But, I’m not here to promote TV, even though I find this one program immensely watchable.

    What does it for me?  

    It’s Greta’s utmost determination, inspired drive to bring about change.  It’s her absolute trust in those around her (guiding her) and for me what does it for me is her admission to being at a loss asking for support.

    You know, reaching out for advice from those you know and trust is no sign of weakness.  It’s exactly the opposite.

    Let’s be more like Greta Thunberg.  Grow the social conscience, reach out to help others to change our world.

  • Happiness

    Happiness

    ‘I remember that song …’ I thought to myself.

    We all know how it works don’t we? You realise that the tune on the radio has taken us back to somewhere. Usually a special “somewhere.”

    Or it may be a shout-out from the DJ – ‘any requests’?  We recall our favourites. These days I even find it difficult to choose between the favourite songs on my own playlist. It can be nigh impossible to select.

    But when we get it right?

    We recall the words, some of us are brave enough to attempt a sing-along! We go with the flow, we remember the message, and what we learned as well.

    So it was when I picked up a call from someone from the other side of the world recently … I hadn’t heard from Michael for 25 years.

    Michael was selling his business. He sounded excited about a future with more free time and being able to board a plane to catch up with friends.

    He was now planning a visit to the UK, booking the next available flight ‘whenever that may be.’  We had an ‘easy’ conversation, lots of common interests. Mutual friends. We talked of the home town and covered the dim and distant past as if it were yesterday.

    Michael and I always had a good relationship. I was looking forward to hearing about his plans for the future.

    Charlie, he said, you know the best times for me are when I’m spending time with close friends. Even after 25 years, you and I can relate, with the same views the similar understanding that we always had. Our group of friends spent time growing and learning together.

    Agreed Michael. I look forward to catching up when we see you.

    I’ll keep you informed Charlie. You know this, the best relationships are those developed over time. Time together brings us familiarity. We share stories, we learn what makes others happy and in turn , that makes us happy.

    Sharing those familiar tunes, Michael.

  • Knowing me, knowing you

    Knowing me, knowing you

    Again, I was with a bunch of friends via ZOOM recently, we were discussing the value of LinkedIn and similar online networking platforms.

    It was more than curiosity that drove me. I understand that some folk view networking as a vessel for new leads while others look for learning, peer affinity. Networking fulfils different needs for everyone, even so, I asked the question:

    ‘How often do you post the benefits your company offer?’ You see, I’ve often wondered how many individuals actually reach out.  I thought it was simple enough, ‘how often do you shout about your business?’

    I followed up with another, more pointed question. 

    ‘What do you bring to your network?’
    There was a minute or so contemplation. Then came the description of their own services, the quality, the reach. The product range was mentioned, customer service, pricing, availability. Someone even suggested that years of experience was available to customers. Just a phone call away …” 

    I felt it wasn’t enough, I wasn’t satisfied, so I put the question another way: ‘

    “Do you engage your network often?”

    “Whenever I have something to offer, I’ll post.” came a reply …

    “I leave the maintenance of our ‘social media’ to someone else.” said another …

    “Occasionally, perhaps once or twice per year. We don’t like to ‘spam’ people.” and …

    “I like the customer to come to me.” replied the optimist.

    So, we finished our conversation and yes, I did admit that I don’t offer nearly enough information through my network.

    Bear with me. I needed to respond to my colleagues …

    ‘Whenever I have something to offer, I’ll post?”   It’s not ALL about the selly-sell. If we’re not conversing we’re not participating right? We’re not cultivating empathy.

    “I leave the maintenance of our ‘social media’ to someone else.” As the business owner you should know what is offered to prospects, otherwise how can you plan for the future?

    “Occasionally, perhaps once or twice per year. We don’t like to SPAM people?”  If you don’t have enough confidence to see past the SPAM value, then will your prospect?

    “I like the customer to come to me.”  Hey, me too. The thing is, that new customer is not going to come to you, if they don ‘t know what you’ve got!

    No wonder there are people in business ‘out there’ disillusioned with the value of online networking. It’s not enough to be simply a ‘member’ of a network, paid for or otherwise, especially during these times.

    To be considered authoritive, engaging, forward thinking, the professional business needs to regularly reach-out, show and tell, set examples, tell stories. We need to earn the right to serve. It’s not called networking for nothing.


  • You are the pilot

    You are the pilot

    So, twelve months on, working through a global crisis.
    Another new financial year and I hope this finds you in that same moment of reflection as it does myself because I want to help with what’s to come. 
    My Wish …

    My wish to you in the forthcoming new financial year is that the right people know more about you and that they become just as excited about what you’re doing as you do yourself.

    My wish for you from April 6th, the new business tax year, is that you find within yourself the commitment and discipline to keep your passions alive, that you share them with all those who need what you’re doing and providing. 

    If however, for whatever reason, you’re not currently working on something you feel passionately about, I wish that the next twelve months prove to be your breakout year,  I hope that you become the main protagonist, that you find the instigators and influencers who really shout about your business.

    I hope that you dare to drive a van painted bright yellow – with your mission blazed in red alongside it!  I hope you keep your hair lock-down long and that you try that online yoga course. I hope you hoist your flag higher than anyone else. I hope you tell that person you’ve loved forever that you do all this for them.

    My wish is that you yearn for more … but show abundant gratitude for what you have. Make the “abundant” be about your capabilities and your ability to serve. Make the “what you have” serve you well, never looking for anchors when success comes from sails. 

    Wealth comes from serving others, so find those you can help and help them. Don’t worry about the how’s or why’s. Be helpful. All my money came from two places: failure, and helping others. And remember that money isn’t the definition of wealth. It’s a by-product.

    My wish for you is that you learn from the fears of a horrible past 12 months, some that need facing once again. We’ve come so far … those fears that we need once more to visit we’re prepared & practised for.

    Now we’re ready, we’re ready for the new better.

    My wish for you is that you really get to know those around you. Weeklybiz is the vessel, it’s been my dream these past ten years. The creator of your dreams though, is you and you are the pilot and you already know the way ahead.