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 – that could entail 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 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
  • That glittering prize …

    That glittering prize …

    Living by the coast, I spend much of my spare time along the shore-line. The combination of energy by the sea, oxygen in abundance, space, the solitude and of course, the dog are a great combination for inspiration.

    I inadvertently scour the shoreline for washed-ashore treasure. Just fragments of colour glistening amongst the sand and pebbles perhaps, the cast-off once loved bits and pieces. The sunlight draws me in and catches them and I’m always tempted to pick them up and slip them into the pocket. It’s become a bit of a routine now.

    You can picture it can’t you? The dog bounds aways one direction while I’m stuttering along, picking up pieces of broken ‘treasure’ in the hope of discovering the best piece yet.

    Much to the dismay of Mrs Kenny (known as the ‘better half’) I’ve managed to now gather a really healthy collection of ‘pocket trinkets’ that are regularly brought to her attention as they somehow manage to confound the spin dryer …

    A little like networking?

    No, not the spin dryer! I do spend a good deal of time with my network colleagues, it has become another routine. The routine here though is keeping an eye out for the glittering prize of referral, all shapes, all types of referral.

    These come along through a developed understanding that when I’m ‘on the patch,’ when I’m attending The Forum I have the opportunity to hear what others are looking out for. Learning how can I help them, where might I find the prize they look for. I’m learning to keep an eye and an ear open for those friends I see on a regular basis.

    Good referrals, treasure, do not come along readily enough for some. Maybe it’s because they don’t frequent their patch often enough? This is often the case when people errantly declare “networking doesn’t work for me.” Of course, these miss out, they are not available to give and receive, or perhaps they have yet to determine exactly what prizes others seek.

    Know what treasure do you seek? Make the networking routine, embrace the structure and the opportunity of picking up the not so perfect and understand that we are learning, training our senses for the time we recognise the glittering prize.

  • Serendipity?

    Serendipity?

    Brian D. Powell was born in York in 1932. and as a young boy, he frequently accompanied his grandfather down by the River Ouse.

    With Britains involvement in WW2 Brian spent many a day ‘sculling’ the (mostly) servicemen/women back and forth across the river. It was during 1944 that Brian Powell, budding artist, spent a day sketching the ‘traffic’ upon the water at the Leeman Road Ferry. There’s a copy of that very scene, opposite.

    No alt text provided for this image

    Leaving school, Brian completed an electrical apprenticeship, then national service before joining the Fire Service for a career that was to last 30 years. It wasn’t long before Brian rediscovered his passion for art and in 1965 he produced a watercolour depiction of the aforementioned original. This watercolour was presented to a cousin who kept it in the family for over fifty years, until his passing. The painting, along with the contents of his house then went to charity …

    At around the time of the house clearance, Pauline Sturchfield and her husband were looking for something that little bit different and found Brian’s watercolour. The condition of the canvas was ‘a little worse for wear’ although they immediately fell in love with the depiction of life by the river, an ideal addition to their home collection as it reminded them of their time ‘sailing’ on the River Ouse. It was only recently that Pauline decided to find out a little more about the artist and the painting.

    Brian Powell, today aged 87, lives and paints in Northumberland. He is an active member of his local art community and regularly exhibits his work … never did he think he would have someone contact him, asking for verification of a painting produced – in 1965 … but to his surprise and to Pauline’s credit, this was exactly what Pauline Sturchfield did.

    Although, little did Pauline know, that Brian also had a surprise for her! He was still in possession of that original sketch from where the watercolour was painted. Dated 1944.

    No alt text provided for this image

    I know what you are thinking dear reader, a good ‘yarn’ perhaps? Simply another example of coincidence, serendipity?

    I prefer to think of this as a wonderful example of friendships forged by simply reaching out, or how art has that ability to bind a community together. Don’t you think?

    FOOTNOTE … Brian D. Powell is not only an accomplished artist. During his time in the Cumbria Fire Service, he was responsible for some of the more profound innovations in health and safety. Brian is recognised as the inventor of today’s portable life raft, the fire safety door, decontamination chamber, HGV anti-spillage valve and much more. He is credited with saving dozens of lives, appeared on BBC television’s Tomorrow’s World and inducted as a fellow of the National Geographic Society. He has published his story, widely available, “Thoughts Of A Watercolour Artist.”
  • The lessons of the past

    The lessons of the past

    Britain’s tribal inhabitants first arrived sometime during the 2nd century. A time of identity, belonging and ownership. There were unseen lines of territory leading to tribal disputes, warfare and wholesale cultural disposition.

    Sound familiar?

    Here’s an excerpt from a book by a brand new writer…

    = starts =

    The Selgovae were among the first of Britains tribes, occupying the chalk hills of the North East of England, the Cheviot.

    One Roman writer described the Selgovae warrior in this way, saying:

    ‘Each warrior dons on his head the face mask of a wolf as he wears the pelt like a cloak on his back. Warriors colour their body to match that pelt, chest, arms, legs. He even goes to the extent that the sturdy hill pony he rides is coloured the same, making the ‘warrior wolf ‘ and pony appear as one large, almost mystical, fearsome opponent. Before battle the Selgovae holy man would call to their God when the mists would descend their Chalk mountain, shrouding the lands in that Kingdom of Calchfynydd, where Selgovae enemies were soon terrified by their own imagining of what was before them, the Selgovae lands presented a frightening, inhospitable landscape, for in these mists supernatural things would happen.’

    . . .

    Tea had finished, everything washed up and put away. All those staying at the shepherd’s cottage that evening settled down in front of the remnants of a still flickering fire and listened, as the Selgovae storyteller continued:

    . . .

    Today’s glorious spring day was waning as the couple paused by their destination, the imposing entrance to a magnificent Norman cathedral. They had arrived but were unsure. Beyond the threshold was the same comfort and shelter offered to all over the centuries and as they stepped within, the last rays of sunshine filtered through the rose windows, illuminating their entrance toward the pulpit of this Great House of God.

    ‘Take my hand, our instincts shall guide us, she whispered, we’ve been invited here and whoever sent for us knows that we have arrived.’

    = ends =

    —– the above is an excerpt from soon to be published series of factually based work supporting the work of Alzheimers Research (UK) —-

    Have faith, learn from our past. We shall know when we have arrived!

  • When our bird has flown

    When our bird has flown

    Growing up in Australia, I’ve known Diane Merrick’s family since I was a youngster, she and her brothers were always sharing our apple tree, the mischief.

    Here’s part of the story when catching up with Diane, some 15 years later:

    ‘So Charlie, picture this, February 1971, I’m 20 years and 3 months old, six weeks into my senior year of nursing as I find myself deep in the Vietnamese jungle – the so-called ‘wrong’ jungle. Our ‘ride’ had flown and left the two of us.

    Cradled in my arms is a US Marine (a Grunt) not much older than myself but with a hole through his stomach the diameter of the ‘bud’ can, he was clutching. The wound is clean, I’m able to see my left boot curled below us where we sit. 

    Nothing is heard above the cacophony of exploding shells, cartridges whirring about our heads. I don’t see anything but the pleading, blood-shot blue of my ‘patient’s’ eyes, an expression of disbelief as he uttered ‘they got me, the b—–ds shot me.’

    I held him … ‘don’t give up, please don’t give up.’

    I can still see those eyes today, mine was the last face he saw, I was caring for that man as he died …

    Silence. I had nothing to say.

    I was sat beside Diane Merrick’s hospital bed, forty-one years on, she presents a slight figure with eyes that burn with determination, she is almost enveloped amongst the tubes, the ‘lifelines’ that monitor and maintain her position, propped-up amongst the linen.

    Sitting almost adjacent me, on the other side of the bed, is Paul, her husband, a slightly older, equally determined-looking, weather-worn fellow

    Charlie, I’m almost 63 years of age, I’m ill and told I’m dying, said Diane. Turning toward her husband she added, I want our story put down, I want you to write my story because I’m not ready for giving up.

    Diane Merrick, an independent young woman, a nurse who took to the armed forces for economic reasons during the Vietnam War wants her story told,  ‘before I forget.’ 

    “Where’s our bird?” is the story of Diane Merrick, published Spring 2020.

    Never give up.

  • I remember you!

    I remember you!

    Networking works, yet for some, it simply does not.

    Reputations, integrity through your business community greatly influences your opportunity for success, so there is a little work to do once we decide we’re going to give this networking thing a go … most of us wish to be seen in the best light.

    I wonder if he’s here either to develop the audience or simply the quick fix?

    Sure you can have both, we’re all sales-people of one kind or another, right? Here’s where the engagement matters.

    For the real benefits of business networking to become more apparent we simply need to be working on the fundamentals.

    Today’s networking is full of those looking for instant success, it’s to be expected, the D.I.Y marketing opportunity is at everyone’s fingertips, the multitude of social platforms and more, we’re all driven to sign up, show and tell, the selly-sell.

    Personally? I make my most important business decisions with those I know best, those whom I can engage, discuss in person over a decent coffee. OK, the cake also …

    It’s choices, we all have choices.

    Attending the network meeting day we choose to either ‘wing it’ for the instance order or ‘go with the flow.’  We’ve received the invitation to attend the appointment, meet with new people, potential colleagues, we choose whether to accept that appointment, we either embrace the structured environment for the long term plan of relationships and trust or simply take the meeting as a given opportunity (it’s that word again, opportunity) for a little incidental business.

    It’s through our choosing how we engage, choices who we work with, how we treat others, the time that we give or do not, the follow-up and so much more, all of this contributes to how we are perceived.

    Networking works for those who give time working on the opportunity. The opportunity to define the reputation.

    Think about how you may be perceived? Hunter or farmer?

  • The conjurer

    The conjurer

    My offer? My business?  It’s simple.

    Help others put more wins on the board. When people become more successful as a by-product of something I’ve provided, that’s a win for me. When they are not so successful? I’ll try to think of other ways to help those in need.

    There is no trickery, it’s pretty straightforward stuff.

    There is though, something that will always upset ‘the apple cart’ here.

    If people don’t know me well enough, they are not going to believe my offer.

    That is the problem. It’s everyone else’s problem in life also, isn’t it? We’re worried that people don’t have our best interests at heart, we worry that someone who acts with kindness, maybe isn’t that kind. They can’t be can they??

    It’s the same in business, given that we’re worried about trust in all avenues of life, there is no easy answer. There is though, a word that conjures up hope.

    Faith.

    I’m one of those guys that believe people are all inherently good people. I act as if everyone has my best interest at heart the way I have theirs. I act as if what people tell me is the absolute truth, no question, no hesitation. This helps me with lots of situations.

    Faith.

    But there are other things that people conjure:

    They will cheat on you.

    People will lie!

    There are people around who take glee in doing stuff behind your back that isn’t so good …

    I accept that it is going to happen, we know it, it’s part of ‘the deal.’

    My response to this? I have faith that people will treat me the way I treat them.

    I have faith that by doing enough – if not, more than enough and by going out of my way to help people then I’m going to be conjuring up the positive that will come my way over time.

    Naive perhaps?

    Faith. Our thoughts create reality, make sure you conjure really fabulous thoughts!

     

    Image.  Tony Rabbit. Courtesy Joe Scarano (US)
  • Make it special …

    Make it special …

    I really don’t know how to pitch the room today, Charlie. 

    Do as you usually do Tom, and continue the education and enlightenment.

    Should I tell them about the new business I’m thinking about, after all the presentation is only a couple of minutes and I’ve plenty of the regular business just now, should I drop in something new?

    That depends on how you wish to be seen, have you thought about how you would like your customers to remember you Tom?

    This is just a side-line Charlie, it’s something that might prove interesting to one or two, offering a different angle to my presentation.

    Does this new side-line complement the existing core business Tom? If so, I’m sure your audience would find value in learning more about you, you’ve been informing the room for a few months now. Most of us are familiar with your professional offer and should now be in a position to refer you.

    … although, if this new offer is completely different, then personally I’d be careful you don’t spoil all that groundwork laid down during the recent engagement.

    Let’s try not to cloud the water, Tom.

    Whaa? I don’t get it.

    If it were down to me I’d be inclined to concentrate on the core business and save the new introduction until the after meeting one-to-one. In fact, there’s a great opportunity to enlighten your referral partners with company news, and diversity perhaps. Invite them to sit down with you after the meeting.

    Ask their opinion.

    So you think I should stick to the regular intro., incorporating a hint of new company developments within the presentation, generating interest that way?

    If it’s important, why not Tom? I’d continue to deliver the specialist that is you. Showing what we’ve come to expect and then ask for the one-to-one with ‘selected colleagues,’ inviting them to meet and learn more about the broader offer, new developments.

    Make it special.

    Maintain your expertise Tom. Most of us are able to offer much more than the core business, unseen until we’ve had the chance to know each other or even work together. Think about who you and I would prefer to work with. It’s the expert in their given field right?

    There are plenty of hobbyist, part-time offers out there and personally I’d be wary of asking the handy-man plumber to tend my electrics, wouldn’t you?

    Be the expert, make it special.

  • What then?

    What then?

     

    ‘What’s so good about networking Charlie?’

    It’s been a few years since I started my blog and most of you have been extremely tolerant of my persistent business focus, thanks for that.

    I’m very happy that some of what I’ve shared has been useful as well and in answer to that question – ‘what’s so good about networking?’

    I’ll try.

    If – and there are a lot of ‘if’s’

    If you can be generous with your time

    If you are reliable (referable?)

    If the people in your network are encouraging, if they reflect your own enthusiasm, if they care

    If those that you meet understand it’s treating each other as we ourselves would like to be treated

    If you have diversity … if you can dance!

    If the timing is right, costs are acceptable etc, etc … like I said, lot’s of the if’s.

    Another one …

    If you give networking time, it can profoundly impact your business and therefore your future prospects. Networking is NOT just for the start-up either, if you are established, share your failures as well as your success.

    Build the relationships and you shall succeed.

    Succeed like this … (in my view)

    Try networking with friendship in mind. Don’t be shy, there is always someone else less comfortable than yourself in the room. Find the like-minded individuals, make time for the information exchange and share ideas.

    Referral business is a great by-product to networking, learning from your new-found friends, understanding their strengths enables you to pass referral while receiving the same, some of which can lead to great long-term partnerships.

    Networking is great for the confidence. Being able to share your news and views in a room full of friends offers great scope for personal development through added confidence.

    Developing your reputation, raising your profile with regular networking and engagement is great for the visibility. Engagement and visibility = the ‘bizability.’

    It’s great doing business with friends, hugely satisfying, just show your new colleagues how they can help you, to help them.

    If, (it’s that word again) you don’t ask, you don’t learn, you gain nought.

    Business is personal.

  • Fail sometimes. It’s ok.

    Fail sometimes. It’s ok.

     

    So how about a salesperson Sally? Who looks after sales within your organisation??

    Employ someone? Where am I going to get a salesperson that understands my business, Charlie?

    Fair comment I thought to myself, we’ve all asked the same question.

    I knew that Sally was a sole trader and the question from me was an honest one. Sally had her bookkeeper, relied on some freelance and just now was worrying about the struggle for new business.  Social media brought the odd enquiry although nothing substantial.

    Besides Charlie, I don’t think I could burden the business with the cost of an extra person, even if it were part-time. I would worry about their messages, fear for their rejection, the critique acquired through competitor comparison … if that makes sense.

    It does. So, you’re going to come along and find out how networking may help?

    Yes, next week. It’s early, which is good as just now, it’s the only time I have Charlie and I feel I need to be more accountable for new business, for sales.

    Fear of transparency, failure as a consequence of taking the opportunity, stepping out of the comfort zone is commonplace Sally. The very thought of turning up and engaging a room of expectant strangers is enough to undermine any thoughts of a great first impression … but … the positive to networking can be profound.

    So when should I expect results?

    I’m just as impatient Sally, although when I started networking I soon found out that not everyone is in the marketplace for my services at the same time. Networking ‘works’ with calculated patience.

    You already know and understand that you are the best qualified to offer your business services. The ‘selly-sell’ is not required.

    Be prepared to fail sometimes, show your vulnerable side … (develop empathy.)

    If you can keep your eye on the ‘why am I doing this?’  Clearly explaining this to your audience, by being concise you will soon find support.

    Benchmark your efforts Sarah. Deliver consistent messages over a given period of time and adjust your presentation accordingly, for ‘the room’ or seasonally to suit your business, create the trust among your audience to realise the opportunity, the ‘bizability.’

    Something else, don’t forget to have fun Sarah, smile.

    At 7 am?

    People buy from people Sally.

  • So, what’s plan B?

    So, what’s plan B?

    Terry and I used to work alongside, together with a small army on the press-room floor. The job was proof-reading and press make-ready. The daily broadsheet didn’t wait for anyone, going to press in the small hours and straight out for distribution.

    We worked together a couple of generations ago and although the news industry has drastically altered through technology, the importance of pre-press quality control still matters, maintaining quality levels and protecting advertising revenue remaining all important.

    We had a depth to the quality assurance in days gone by, if we were light on personnel there was always someone else on hand, willing (and qualified) to check the proof and ‘press pass.’

    Contingency is still very much a priority in business today, having a plan if the plan does not go to plan … you never know when we’ll need a plan B!

    Yet I find it surprising that around 78% of today’s start-up business has no plan for success in contingency, whether that be planning for downtime or ultimately business succession.

    Take networking for instance. We have around 40 business owners attending our local meetings on a regular basis, the goal being simple, to engage and educate like-minded individuals to the advantages of working together in the hope of that eventually, our colleagues will have the confidence of being able to introduce us to our next best client.

    Yet when it comes down to contingency safeguarding the new business proposition, there is a scant idea of the purposes of a plan B.

    Put yourself in those shoes …

    Wouldn’t you feel better working together with a new supplier who has a thorough understanding of your needs demonstrably walks the walk and knows the depth of commitment you have together? Isn’t it comforting to be the client who is happily secure in the knowledge that if it all goes up in smoke … plan B is in place …

    Earning the new business is more than having the right product at the right price, your prospects need to know that if they are going to risk new business and reputation with you, then the risk needs to be minimal while being covered by the shared contingent plan B.