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
  • You, me, us.

    You, me, us.

    I spent my early youth fending for myself. My mother and father split up when I was twelve years old, leaving my mum to bring up four kids. Poor mum, we kids surely test her wits! 

    I say ‘poor mum’ although she never complained and ensured we all had opportunity for learning and fun. If we kids needed something, we asked. 

    If you don’t ask, you don’t get …  

    Since those early days, I’ve always believed that if I was in need, I should go out and find it by asking for help. Rarely do we meet a mind reader who can conjure up our needs without sharing a conversation, do we?

    I do understand that some people find it difficult to ask. I see it first-hand in my role as host of The Weekly Biz. I’m supporting clients through encouragement. 

    Some of my pals are terrified at the very thought of asking for help … apprehensive when seeking that important special something that would further their business and therefore the well-being.

    Perhaps the bigger ask is scarier than the small favour?

    Back in the day … asking for help was seen by many as rude, it was impolite to ask a favour or burden someone with our needs.

    Times have changed.

    You cannot buy referrals at the local store. Some try bribery while there are those who promise all sorts of business favours in return for introductions “… if you help me, I’ll … etc, etc. ” It’s no wonder that for years, networking picked up bad press. 

    You know, it’s all in the way we do it!

    I’m glad to say things have improved big time. These days most new entrepreneurs understand that it’s good to share face to face. It’s a human thingy to talk with another, sharing emotion, knowledge, it’s empowering. It’s great for the self confidence as well.

    Through familiarity, we relax, life is easier, we’re empowered to be specific, giving colleagues the opportunity to help when they smile, asking ‘How can I help?’

    We need to empower our mates!

    Many people spend their time networking by describing what they do. The same introduction every time we meet up, it’s ‘I’m busy just now with this and that, keeping customers happy with stuff … when more importantly, we should be introducing that most important denominator – you/me/ourselves.

    Everyone is busy talking busy, so let’s talk about us.

    By sharing with our friends, introducing our personal story we’re cultivating important relationships.

    Trust is developed as we all understand that people buy from people.

    Ask your friends …

  • Now is the time …

    Now is the time …

    It’s official, the end of Spring is imminent here in the UK.

    Where did that go?

    In turn, I’m now wondering how I haven’t managed to plant next season’s veg? The spuds, carrots, and greens I promised last year aren’t in the ground yet. I now beginning to feel a little left behind … although it’s not too late!

    I need to prepare now.

    Preparation for the future can be managed if we are mindful. By living in the moment, we can do a little each day to prepare for the future, whether for the business, our health and of course the garden.  The seed is you.

    In conversation with Liz last week she was saying how guilty she felt when taking time away from the business day-to-day to look after the family.  We agreed that passion plays a big part in our commitment to the future. Family is always going to be the main priority. Business? For many, business is part of the family. Our work is often a lifestyle we choose to spend the majority of our time on. It can become all-consuming for those passionate about its well-being.

    There’s a balancing act that many of us play. We can share our time.

    We learn the routines of family life and set aside time for certain necessities. 

    Business being seasonal, we look to the busy times when our offer may be in demand. Then, when it’s not so busy, we develop and nurture what we have to make us more competitive, more attractive to the market. We further our reputation.

    The same goes for networking. Those of us who have spent time cultivating relations understand that the meaningful business may take a little time to present itself. As we look to establish our position of authority, we are the go-to person in the room. Trust takes a while to develop before others consider recommending your trade or services.

    Cultivating a network of support means that we offer our time freely. Sharing our skills and experience through story-telling. Those who walk away from the network after only a few short weeks are not cultivating, they’re hunting for the opportunity. Once they’ve succeeded in gaining an order or two, we rarely see them again, they’re off hunting elsewhere.

    Therefore, to garner any kind of success, think gardening.

    If we tend our patch, prepare the soil, plant the seeds and feed the bed regularly, we may end up with a healthy return on our efforts.

    That’s how we become a reliable business connection. Prepare now, understanding that business is seasonal.

  • Too busy for biz …

    Too busy for biz …

    It was set up to be a vibrant morning for breakfast networking. The sun was shining, our venue was organised and ready for a good number of guests, when to my great surprise, Mike had arrived to join the throng.

    We hadn’t seen Mike for a while, it must have been six weeks.

    ‘How are you doing Mike? Long time no see.’

    ‘Hi Charlie, yes I’m well, a little too busy that’s all. How about you?’

    ‘I’m all the better for seeing you Mike, have you been fielding my invitations to the networking, I did follow up via SMS as well?’

    ‘Yeah sorry, mate, I’ve had to take a back seat as we’ve a particularly needy client who has demanded all my time …’

    ‘Mike, how important is future business? We meet to nurture those relationships and reliability for the referrals. When someone isn’t communicating, the only message we hear is that they don’t care.

    Not the way to treat future prospects is it… what can we do to help?’

    ‘Yeah, I know Charlie. I’m only here this morning to catch up with one or two … once things settle down I’ll make a return.’

    Thankfully myself and others in the network, finding themselves in a similar situation to Mike understand that increased business is a by-product of networking. We expect to grow through regular contact and developed trust. To ignore your network due to being too busy for further business signals that Mike is a little unprepared for the results networking may bring. 

    Here’s some simple guidelines to ensure your time networking isn’t similarly wasted:

    • Treat people how you would wish to be treated yourself
    • Develop your circle of confidantes
    • Stay in touch
    • Be present for referrals (don’t be too busy for business!)
    • Recommend network colleagues to friends and family
    • Follow up on promises, so ‘cultivating the reliable’

    Mike has always been a popular guy within the group although he hasn’t helped his future business prospects through neglecting the relationships.

    Business is personal. By being reliable you make yourself referable.

  • Innovation, endurance

    Innovation, endurance

    A few of us met up for coffee after our networking event where I asked Norman what was the main part of his business. He has many interests, from electric bicycles to promotional items to his own range of board games. What keeps your business ticking over Norman?

    ‘It’s difficult to say, you know. If I’m lucky with an order for a state-of-the-art electric bike, this can float the business for a few months. More so my passion is the pin badges and magnets I produce for customers.’

    ‘It’s the variety, that’s what gives me enjoyment. We should enjoy what we do, don’t you think?’

    I agree, I started. It’s not a passion if you aren’t getting any enjoyment. It sounds like your ‘endurance items’ provide you with the passion so lacking in many workplaces today?

    ‘Endurance items?’ asked Norman.

    Yes, those promotional badges were once referred to as ‘endurance items’ way back in the ’90s.

    Norman was on the case – not wishing to miss an opportunity he consulted his mobile and searched online ‘endurance items.’

    Nothing.  ‘Sports supplements’ and other things Charlie – there’s nothing about badges?

    Norman and I discussed that ‘back in the day’ the ambitious sales-person would always welcome the opportunity to offer promotional hand-outs. Trade shows were a great place to collect a handful of freebies. We called these endurance sales items in the trade.  Nowadays these are referred to as simply giveaways, appreciation tokens or swag.  

    Norman’s promotional badges would have been called similar. Another sales endurance item.

    Success in business is about talking the language don’t you think?  This skill comes with time and hearing enough messages to learn what to listen out for. Networking is great for that.

    Today’s conversation was a reminder from Norman’s ingenious offer that we can never stand still in business. With so many challenges as we endeavour to make a living, the savvy business owner, whether sole trader/entrepreneur or thriving SME need to be thinking innovation.

    What’s our difference? How do we attract more interest in the skills we are providing?

    Success has always been about who we know.

    While technology today has stolen a lead on many of the traditional forms of business offerings … it may have even sounded the death knell to many of those lacking the vision to move on … it’s comforting to know there may still be room for innovative people to step up and move forward.

    Today I’ll thank networking, that opportunity that never goes away. Plus of course Norman for putting me back on the ‘straight and narrow!’

  • Speaking the lingo

    Speaking the lingo

    Janice and I were waiting for a train, talking progress over pots of tea the other day.

    I’d managed to load BAD BOY, a book by Kevin Clarke to a new publishing platform while my friend Janice was considering promoting her new business. She was looking to do some advertising.

    Janice has been in business only twelve months and she was eager to gain more orders for her design services.

    ‘Have you considered ‘word of mouth’ Janice, working alongside a mentor?’

    ‘Er, no Charlie. I’m not ready for that step yet. I’m confident I can ‘get there’ on my own … What does a mentor do anyway?’

    I explained to Janice my own thoughts on networking, collaboration, and the whole ‘people buy from people’ principle. It works by learning from those within our circle, those who may be ahead of our own business curve through experience, learning as they go. 

    I saw the look of enlightenment cross her face as Janice asked …

    ‘Where do you meet Charlie?’

    As it happens, Janice is at the other end of the country, so unable to meet at our in-person meetings. I did ask her along another time, when I’d introduce her via the regular Zoom call …

    I felt the reality check with Janice very satisfying for me. On reflection, our conversation made me realise I’d learned something from someone 40 years my junior. 

    Over the rim of the tea cup I saw that being in business for over 25 years, I so often overlooked the opportunity …

    … those regular scheduled meetings with others who have similar experience to mine is invaluable. The conversation flows as we share so much, we talk the same language through experience.

    Apart from the conversation, we learn that we’re never alone in our business pursuits. The reality-check is that we’re never too young (or too old) to learn new things by engaging in conversation with colleagues.

    Networking isn’t always about the next order, that’s yet another by-product of networking.  

  • My shout.

    My shout.

    I’m going to the pub, Charlie.

    A friend of mine is struggling to come to terms with ‘starting again.’  These past few months Nancy has felt her business not ‘going anywhere.’ Now she feels the need for reinvention, by trying something new.

    Is that so strange? I hear you say …

    After all, as self-employed entrepreneurs, we have the ability to pivot. There’s no contending with a ‘corporate’ depth of structure. We’re flexible, and for many, we’re able to ‘scale to fit,’ so adapt to the journey.

    I’m going to try my hand at being a publican, Charlie. What do you think? Said Nancy.

    I did detect a smile. Now, given Nancy had been in the care industry these past several years, you’d be forgiven to think that support of a different kind would be … well, second nature, wouldn’t you?

    Nancy, I asked. How long have you been in business?  

    Two years, Charlie.

    You do understand the good things take time don’t you … why not stick to what you do best?

    You mean two years of perseverance isn’t enough?

    I mean the time it takes to establish who you are, what you do and how you offer solutions to particular problems. Those two years you’ve spent developing relationships …

    Yes, I’ve met some great people. It’s just that I can’t see any meaningful business coming my way, Charlie.

    Here’s what I mean, Nancy …

    The two years you’ve’ invested’ in your new venture. Think of the word ‘invested’ Nancy …

    The time we spend engaging and telling the story pays off only when we maintain consistency. The investment in people and the potential in the connection is often missed when we start up Nancy. You know it’s about who your contacts may know, not what they, themselves, are buying, don’t you?

    Yeah, I see that, Charlie. It’s the results just seem like such a long time coming along.

    be bold, share the story

    Nancy, word of mouth favours the bold.

    You and your prospects are considering investing in each other every time you meet. The reality is there are many influences we should consider when looking for success. 

    Is what you offer needed? Is it urgent? Is now the right time?  Do you have what they need and … are you able to do the job? Depending on who you talk to, success does take time.

    OK, I get it Charlie, it’s about connections.  What do we do now?

    Well, why not let’s take a look at that pub you were fond of joining and see who we meet today?

    Your shout?

  • Look on the bright side

    Look on the bright side

    No, this story isn’t about the film ‘Life Of Brian.’

    Here’s a reflection from a friend of mine I’d like to share with you … nothing to do with the movie mentioned above although there are certain similarities.

    My story reflects on Brian Lever, a professional chauffeur. He and I were talking the other day as he waited for his next fare. Brian is in the people business and we shared a lot in common as we discussed all things topical. 

    Brian lost his job two years ago after 30 years as an Account Manager with a household name. 

    ‘The company were looking at saving costs, and as you and I know Charlie, staffing is a huge overhead to any business. Anyway, I’d spent my working life supporting corporate clients, large and small. I was responsible for 350 customers. In their wisdom, the Company informed me and hundreds of others that we’d lost our jobs. We were making way for ‘a new incentive.’  

    In their wisdom, the Company was to outsource my sales responsibilities. ‘Cost saving’ included bringing in teams of telephony staff to carry on the work of people like me.’

    I sympathised with Brian, I could see he was deeply aggrieved to have been ‘let go’ after such a long time in service.

    We continued talking …

    ‘You know what though, Charlie?  The company plan didn’t work.  There was a u-turn and last month myself and a handful of my former colleagues were offered our jobs back. The same roles, more autonomy, and generous incentives.  It appeared the ‘new teams’ were lacking in something important …’

    It seems the faceless voices on the telephone couldn’t duplicate the in-person experience. The affinity or emotional connection one person has with another.

    The Company had realised the true value of trusted, knowledgeable staff. In the eyes of the customer, the person IS the company. The trusted relationships cultivated over many years are the CORNERSTONE for ongoing business.

    Our Brian story is not so much the ‘Life Of Brian’ satire. It’s more like a tragicomedy seen all too often in today’s business world as tech tries, unsuccessfully, to replace human interaction.

    People buy from people, because business is personal. 

  • Happiness 365!

    Happiness 365!

    Contrary to popular opinion, like most, I do enjoy the holiday season. With expectations high after a busy year, taking a step away from the business routine to enjoy more freedom is welcome.

    Spending time with family is a bonus, although … the knee-jerk giving, together with the binge consumerism, brings me disappointment.

    OK, I wouldn’t consider myself a Scrooge, while I’m sure others may …

    My annoyance stems from the very thought we need a reminder for everyone to ‘switch on’ the kindness. It seems Summer ends when we’re all making an appointment for a giving December?

    I love giving, in fact, giving is what I founded my ‘career’ on, by supporting other people to success, offering my time and experience. Giving is in my DNA.

    Ok, the best bits of December? My favourite time during the holiday is the ‘middle bit,’ you know, between the 26th and 30th of December. 

    Once the hullaballoo of seasonal happiness has passed and consigned to next year … I’m happiest stepping out of the house, accompanied by ‘Dusty’ the Border Collie. 

    At fifteen, Dusty isn’t as demanding or boisterous as she once was but she always gives. She still enjoys demonstrating to us all how to chill out. by first showing the ‘right’ path along the daily routine.

    A reminder maybe?

    We all love routine. It’s something that helps us achieve, we get stuff done. Most of us enjoy happiness during our routine – after all, we wouldn’t do it otherwise, would we?

    My beef (rant) today? I endeavour to pursue the practice of year-round happiness, another important part of my giving, and yes I do understand there’s a huge economy dependent on the season of December, with many who benefit of course …

    But surely, we’d be happier (and healthier) if we all dedicated our thoughts, actions and endeavours to giving for the sake of … Happiness 365?

  • A Ghost In The Garden

    A Ghost In The Garden

    By Maria Popova

    One of the things no one tells us as we grow up is that we will be living in a world rife with ghosts — all of our disappointed hopes and our outgrown dreams, all the abandoned novels and unproven theorems, all the people we used to love, all the people we used to be. A ghost is a palpable presence of an absence charged with feeling, the contour of something half-known, half-remembered, half-forgotten — a halfway house between what we understand and what we cannot, between what we have let go and what we cannot. 

    Children are especially prone to perceiving ghosts because childhood itself is such a halfway house between imagination and reality, because what they know is so small against the vastness of what there is yet to know and what may never be known that they invent their own answers to the immense open question of life, answers wild and wondrous and often true. 

    Writer Kyo Maclear and artist Katty Maurey conjure up this primal reckoning with the unknowns of love and loss in There’s a Ghost in the Garden (public library) — the subtle and soulful story of a little boy who believes a ghost haunts his grandfather’s garden. 

    In the course of trying to discern the source and nature of the ghostly presence — a ghost mischievous but friendly, knocking down flower pots, leaving “little presents” in the bird nest and tracks on the path that “was once a cool, dark stream” — the boy discovers that his grandfather also had a childhood, that inside the old man lives the ghost of a long-ago boy who also had fantasies and fears, who also used to play in the flickering sunlight, who once swam in the stream that is now a dry path. 

    As the two converse, shadows flit across the gloaming garden — a hare, a fox, a deer, a bird — never fully revealing themselves, there and then gone, as the stars, clear and constant, rise in the night. 

    There is no grandmother in the picture — only a young boy and an old man talking about ghosts, about what is remembered, about the seen and the unseen.

    What emerges from the story is the intimation that forgetting — those who have left us, and the parts of ourselves we have left behind — is a kind of death, but we can come back from it through memory and love, which twine the lifeline tethering us to everything that is beautiful and enduring.

    Complement There’s a Ghost in the Garden with a different lens on the garden and the spirit and a different lens on the living ghost in each of us — the mystery of what makes you and your childhood self the same person, despite a lifetime of physical and psychological change.

    Thank you Maria.

  • Know what you want?

    Know what you want?

    I was twelve years of age when I realised I needed to work for a living. How about you?

    It was the time I’d started secondary school. All my friends were riding cycles to and from school and so, naturally, I thought life would be so much better if I was able to ride instead of walk the 2/3 miles to be with friends.

    So, I did what most kids my age did – I asked my dad if he would buy me a bike. 

    ‘Perhaps wait until Christmas,’ came the response from dad. ‘Besides, if I go out and find a bike for you, then your brother will need one as well.’

    ‘But dad, he doesn’t start ‘big school’ until next year …’

    ‘I tell you what, Charlie …’ Dad began…

    ‘I’ll buy you half a bike if you can raise the money for the other half. If you can do this, you shall have what you want.’

    Of course, I hadn’t  a clue where to start, although it didn’t take me long to realise I’d need more money than I had in my possession, to purchase ‘half a bike.’

    That said, I knew better than to argue with my father … I’d try Mum instead.

    ‘Charlie, if it’s important you need to try and find a job after school, or at the weekend?’ Came a sensible reply.

    So, I busied myself knocking on doors offering my services for odd jobs. Before long, I found that by running errands, collecting rubbish and helping out around the house … with a garden tidy, or washing the neighbour’s car, the collective small sums soon set me on the path to ‘entrepreneurship.’

    The next endeavour was the summer lemonade at the end of the driveway, I even had a ‘trusty’ helper in my brother who soon learned the value of partnership. We then progressed to delivering leaflets … then, by the Autumn I was offered a ‘paper round,’ if I had a bike!

    Now, I hadn’t all of the money that paid for a bicycle, although one morning, to my amazement, there on the porch was the bike I’d been working for.

    ‘That’s reward for all your effort, Charlie. Said Dad.  By making yourself available for work and becoming reliable, you’ve put yourself in a position for further opportunity. Good for you! Now work on that paper-round so we might save something saved for your brother’s bike, eh?

    These days I don’t have a ‘paper-round’ although I do sometimes yearn for those simpler times.  Today I am always ready to tell (a condensed version) of the above story if anyone ever queries when they are likely to see a return on their efforts while business networking … 

    Networking meets you halfway.

    Such as life, we see a return on what we put in, right?