CharlieKenny.me

“I got lucky last night, Charlie.”

February 2, 2026

Spare us the details, Joe. Luck is the reward for being in the right place at the right time … just like today, you never know who may introduce you to your next best client.

So, last night Joe, anything you’d like to share with us?

“Yes, right time, right place, something like that Charlie. I went to collect the kids from a class after school as my wife didn’t have a car, I bumped into a friend I hadn’t seen for a bit … long story short, she asked me to help out with a design project. So yeah, lucky me …“

That’s a great story Joe, sometimes good karma comes our way simply by stepping out of our comfort zone.

“Yes, I’m with you … so what have you been up to Charlie?“

Apart from the writing I’m kept busy with the local network here, it offers some great diversity, Joe. A good number of people working on all sorts of projects.

Follow me Joe, let me introduce you to someone I know in a similar industry to yours … he might be a good option for your clients …

… I hadn’t seen Joe for some time, his new family keeps him busy and of course supporting his own design services from home takes up much of his time. Today though, he chose to accompany a mutual friend to the network and introduce himself. Just so happens, the right decision has changed his luck – again!

I speak with quite a few people who come to me wishing to change direction, grow their prospects and I’m invariably suggesting we have a conversation during networking.

There are so many options open to us with the benefit of flexibility that comes with the solopreneur, if only we simply step out and take the opportunity that presents itself. Sure, the value at first may be unseen, and you may wish to check the calendar for the full moon (yes, it happens!) Or, like me you might consider the regular visit to your group of like-minded business-owners … just for the opportunity of learning from their experience as they share your story.

So if you’re in two minds as to where to spend your time and money developing the reputation that brings your next opportunity, there’s no need to wait until the next new moon. Start a conversation with a new connection at your local network, there are so many options, real people with valuable experience.

‘people buy from people’

Let me know when you do.

January 9, 2026

Change happens, so true.

Sh*t happens to come along, and guess what? Change happens. We share with close connections and the trust goes deeper.

We may be basking in a moment of success, a somewhat rare occasion when the day is cruising, uneventful, time is yours to play with … when it happens. Yes, change happens, we’re on our toes once more.

I rely on change, I know that now. So much in fact, I wouldn’t be pursuing the path I have been on these past 15 years. If it wasn’t for those ripples on a flat sea or sunshine during a particularly dark and dreary day. Change is my inspiration, I don’t see how any of us are the worse off for distraction, it’s vision, the fuel for doing. Discovery.

As it happens we’ve come out of two weeks break time over the holiday and for me and the family it was lovely. I’ve had time to reflect, (steady, I hear you say) the extra time offered me the chance to empty the tank and see from whence came or what was the case for … value. For me.

Reflection is rare for me.

The most valuable thing we have in our lives is our time and our energy, both being in limited supply. It is the people and the situations we give our time and energy to that will define the way we live, how we exist.

I appreciate the company of close family and good friends, more so as the years go by. I see change as the opportunity to remedy. Those situations where I’m surrounded by selfish people, (it happens) you know, when we find ourselves giving so much … only to find that nothing comes back. The givers and takers analogy I guess …

In that situation, yes, I’m seeking remedy, by which I mean, I’m changing the company I keep.

It may not be easy to side-step those who appear to rely on my input for their own gain … I understand it’s important to help. We need to change by degree.

I’m inspired by something else. Those who influence me are the people who encourage introduction … different/fresh points of view, different tales, are vital to the way I see life.

I enjoy my life and I’ll continue to seek out those inspirations because people are the key to being where we wish to be …

This is what feeds me, I applaud these connections. We all are different. Made up of a combination of different stories and influences. The role of collaborative, like minded souls in our circle for me, should never be underestimated.

The good for me is not always good for you, the givers and the takers, the time thieves, the cultivators. Change is good.

Collaboration is a key driver of change. If I’m stuck for ideas, I see change as the opportunity to grow from within.

By listening out for change we’re learning from others. I’ve been very lucky. How does change inspire you? Take your time, let me know … when you know …?

People buy from people.

Putting the work in

November 25, 2025

“We haven’t seen Smithy for a while now, Charlie?” Asked Ian.

I’ve heard the above statement many times from lots of different people regarding those who just don’t ‘get it’ … one-time attendees to our business community. (Just like Smithy)

“Community is not for everyone, Ian.”

The term ‘community’ is something I use more often when discussing our network these days, being established and meeting on at least a fortnightly basis since 2012 … makes sense eh?

Our sole reason for coming together is to support and inspire, support the business owner and so inspire the opportunity. The given ‘opportunity’ comes in different guises. Some of us see stepping out, attending the meeting itself as the sole reason for qualifying it’s effectiveness. It’s always been tough being a sole trader or SME, so I get it, the value of conversation is invaluable.

When working for yourself the feeling that no-one is listening, or that the ‘world has forgotten you’ comes to us all.

I’ve always said that business is a by-product of effective networking. Not the sole benefit or add-on by any means. There are many benefits, the most valuable (depending on who’s listening) is the opportunity to share. By sharing we’re offering insights, experiences, bringing further education about our business during conversation … becoming even more … valuable

… we’re enlightening others on the type of person we are, and the positioning of our business, about what makes us both tick, where we’d like to be in the future. Aspirations … We’re educating.

The clearest opportunity in the early days of community building is the offer of solution(s) to family members. Introducing a helping hand to loved ones through our business community can be especially satisfying.

Another oft-overlooked advantage of joining a like-minded community is partnership. By putting the work-in, being brave, giving time to the room, we’re reaching a whole new community of listeners. Each of us have the potential to reach new prospects through recommendation. Word of mouth works … if only you give us something to talk about.

“So, yes Ian, it’s a shame Smithy is too busy for more business, seemed like a nice fella, although I never got to know him. Did you?“

The greatest gift is time, if you’re building a community network, the most important ingredient is together-time.

‘people buy from people’

How do they feel?

October 28, 2025

I was in conversation with a business friend recently. I do this a lot, … Sue was going through a rough time qualifying herself as the go-to business-person.

She felt that all she ever did when promoting her business, was sell. Endlessly pitching the selly-sell…

If they don’t know, then how can they make a decision? I asked.

Before Sue could counter my claim, I reminded her of the basics once more … why are you in business? What is it your company provides? Most importantly, how do you make people feel?

Today was a particularly bad day for Sue. I knew she was promoting her business through various presentations recently. Like everyone else, she was busy on the business ‘circuit’ and I wanted her to understand how valuable her efforts were.

You are building your reputation, Sue. Repetitive messages over a given people is what it takes.

I clarified with Sue that we needed to have people believe in the person before they actually invest in anything. Whether our prospects invest their time or hard-earned cash, the first point we needed to address is our own self-belief … are we believable?

Does your company offer a better way of life, Sue?

Is this something you provide? If so, say it, and tell a story of how this has worked in the past.

Sue nodded in affirmation, she was listening.

Remember why you do what you do. If it’s to bring yourself and others a better standard of living, then understand what you are offering to your network is worthy indeed.

It’s significant, is it not?

There was silence …

Once you believe that you have a credible offer, and that you are the in-the-flesh proof of this offer, and the vision of how your company works for your customers … then you should remind yourself, daily – that you have the power to bring the ‘feel-good’ to anyone in business.

That’s why you’re taking the message out to as many people as you can, so that they can spread the word on your behalf.

You are the bringer of good news – and that’s not a bad thing, is it Sue?

B, but …

No buts Sue, business is personal.

Hoooraaay!

October 4, 2025

“Hoooraay!”

Nicky offered a gleeful cheer and a leap of joy as she declared that today … at what had proved a very quiet trade fair, her start-up business had received it’s very first order!

Great news indeed.

“It’s success Charlie, I’m so pleased!” Nicky cried.

Nicky had every right to be happy. That first acknowledgement of the faith she has in her very own enterprise will stay with her for a long while.

It’s relief, validation of her actions and in her product and service. It can be tricky for anyone wishing to start their own business. Today’s fickle, competitive, and somewhat demoralising world calls for a tough skin.

The very process of declaring yourself ‘open for business’ calls for bravery. Although working for yourself doesn’t call for being anything other than transparent. Being yourself.

While we understand Nicky’s delight in her first order, isn’t it great news? We should understand that success does not start with the first exchange of cash for goods.

Some would say success is in the very fact that you step out, decide to start out on your own in the first place!

I/we believe that to be true, don’t you think?

So, that very start. Before we start trading. Even in advance of company formation and bank(?) account, that tricky market positioning and publicity … all that ‘stuff’ is way, way ‘down the line’ in the pursuit of success.

We should first turn our thoughts to recognition. By working toward validation from peers that you can be trusted as a credible person and with a viable product … this is the most important ingredient to success. Imagine who they know?

For, until we have affinity with like minds, those contacts within our business or social sphere … the pursuit of satisfaction through real success may be lonely, and tougher than it should be.

So, it’s further Hooooraaay!! Congratulations! A warm welcome from all to the business world Nicky, as you work smart building that trusted network.

‘people buy from people’

Try this instead

September 1, 2025

A friend once told me that their best work came when they didn’t know how to do the thing yet. You know, the first time they tried gymnastics they were terrified. The thought of landing badly after the tumble terrified them, but the adrenaline, this made her focus and she scored big points. The second time? She knew what to expect she was calmer, more comfortable and this is where mistakes were made. Comfort smothered the concentration and ruined the precision.

We think comfort means safety, sadly in the space where you want to create, comfort is not our friend.

Comfort is the slippers as opposed the shiny biz shoes.

Comfort is leaning on “what worked last time” instead of taking the risk of new tumble combinations, variations in movement, new experiments. Comfort is cozy. But it’s also static. And static kills movement.

The Push and the Pull

We need comfort in some parts of life. Familiar food. A safe home. Routine. But when it comes to creativity, predictability dulls the edge. To grow, you have to risk the wobble. To create, being bad at something for long enough will get us good.

Think about when you last learned something new. Whatsapp for one! A camera setting. Curried over poached egg. A musical instrument. You hesitated, maybe stumbled, right? Stumbling is progress. Comfort would have kept you in our seat and stopped you from even trying.

What to Do Instead

Pick something you don’t know how to do and give it ten messy tries.

Choose a responsibility that feels slightly too big for your current skills.

Shift a habit that’s lost its excitement for something that makes you … nervous.

It doesn’t have to be massive. Maybe that curry in your cooking. Bare feet instead of slippers. One new way of showing that you care. The important part is that you shake yourself away from the slippers of comfort into the, not so much the gymnastics, but the stretch of creativity.

Try it with your next presentation. Surprise yourself and give others vision.

Quick step or bolero?

August 12, 2025

The past few years working for myself have been tough. I’ve noticed a tremendous change in the way people do business. Speaking with friends in my network, they all see the same …

The familiar high-street names have disappeared from local focus. Woolworths, Miss Selfridge, Debenhams to name a few. Sure, some have resurfaced on-line and are doing well, as change continues …

Today I see opportunity. By looking for a way forward, it’s easy to recognise the landscape of the individual owner/manager. The independent entrepreneur.

No, I’m not delving into the world of that AI fellow, not this time, although he does figure … I’m talking real world.

It is the individuals who are growing this vision of new economy, and even though AI has offered a myriad of new skills, bringing the can-do confidence … it is the independent thinker who has the agility to utilise and apply new tech.

Isn’t that the way independents have always been successful? Adaptability, mobility? The quick-step over bolero?

In today’s new-new age, independence seems to be working; there’s success seen for some, although not everyone …

I’ve heard it is the wariness of unknown threats that affects the confidence of anyone looking to step up. Hey … we’ve all been there, remember? No surprise eh?

Brexit, the Pandemic, and unsteady governance. Continued unrest in countries around the world. There is plenty to observe and witness, although if I’m honest with you (the only way to be,) I’m thinking …

The biggest difficulty facing independent thinking is that we’re not welcome in the HMRC dystopian world of 2025. We don’t consume or create enough, independent owner/manager doesn’t pay the taxes. According to the statisticians, we’re not growing fast enough.

To be successful … the 56% of businesses in the UK registered as sole-traders should be brave, even braver than the previous generation. They should hold their nerve as we pursue the new business with confidence.

Tough times call for an optimistic mindset if we are to prevail. Then, as we’re eventually able to hire and retain staff, create supply lines and embrace the cherished ledger debt so favoured by the accountant … we look toward the future for consolidation.

The good news is that we don’t have to step-up on our own. By finding a like-minded network (community/resource,) any business will soon gain confidence to step up and out.

By having this sounding board of trusted colleagues by our side, we’re able to dream bigger … inspiration comes to the fore as we navigate the brave new world of today’s owner/manager.

‘people buy from people’

More homework

July 23, 2025

So I was talking to Ross who attended networking only a handful of times before giving it away.

What’s up Ross? Leaving in the middle of sowing season?

‘Wha? Charlie, I’ve come along to enough meetings now to understand my market is simply not in the room … I need employers of staff, with production lines or shifts working, or both.’

Give it time, Ross. Educate the audience on who could use your product or service. Give the audience time to buy in to you, the person and they may bring you business … through the depth of contacts …

Now, given that Ross was new to the community, he found he was in need of a whole lot of homework. Being an experienced networker, he was taking the broader, general view that networking was able to cater for all needs, and …

Sometimes it doesn’t. The audience needs to know more if you are presenting a niche product. Our job is to work smarter if we are committing to a network without letting people down.

A few years ago I was addressing a meeting of locals from a rural community. Tourism and agriculture were the mainstay of household income. Home support was another, although most of the ‘tool vans’ worked away from home during the week.

Now, after stating my case for networking with the farm community, I asked the question:

‘Who do you turn to when you need to know something important?’

After a few wise-cracks, the odd snigger thrown in as well, I asked the same question – with the words ‘about business’ tagged on the end …

We talk to the bank or the accountant.

I continued … before you go to the bank etc., who do you confide in?

You mean apart from the Mrs? Well I talk to my neighbour, or the lads at the pub.

‘Correct.’ I said, and before anyone had time to add something …

‘That’s the value of having a network, that’s why we meet regularly, to mull over, take advice, share and begin to ,see more clearly …’

So at the end of our meeting, I was chatting to one of my new friends who declined my invitation to a place in the new group.

Thanks, Charlie, I understand what you mean about the networking, but it’s not for me.’

I’m sorry to hear that, came my reply.

Yes, well, we’ve been doing it all our lives here (networking) – we’ve all got to know each other pretty well. Good luck with it, though I can’t see networking catching on here.

I smiled to myself and thought against relating more of the story of time and trust to Ross.

Shaking hands with Ross, we agreed it was to be the long game given the rural community he was looking to inspire. Communities are built on good, long-term relationships and if you are not prepared to spend time on understanding the depth of that community … then success may not be yours any-time soon.

People buy from people they know and trust.

Foundations matter …

July 21, 2025

Katharine Hepburn, in her own words:

“Once, when I was a teenager, my father and I were standing in line to buy tickets for the circus. Finally, there was only one family between us and the ticket counter. That family made a lasting impression on me.

There were eight children, all under the age of 12. From the way they were dressed, you could tell they didn’t have much money, but their clothes were clean, very clean. The children were well-behaved, standing in pairs behind their parents, holding hands.

They were so excited about the clowns, the animals, and all the acts they would see that night. From their excitement, you could tell they had never been to a circus before. It was going to be a highlight of their lives.

The father and mother stood proudly at the front of their little group. The mother was holding her husband’s hand, looking at him as if to say, ‘You’re my knight in shining armor.’ He was smiling, enjoying seeing his family happy.

The ticket lady asked how many tickets he wanted, and he proudly responded, ‘I want eight children’s tickets and two adult tickets.’ Then she announced the price.

The wife let go of her husband’s hand, her head dropped, and the man’s lip began to quiver. He leaned in closer and asked, ‘How much did you say?’

The ticket lady repeated the price.

He didn’t have enough money. How was he supposed to turn around and tell his eight kids that he couldn’t afford to take them to the circus?

Seeing what was happening, my dad reached into his pocket, pulled out a $20 bill, and dropped it on the ground. We weren’t rich by any means. My father bent down, picked up the $20 bill, tapped the man on the shoulder, and said, ‘Excuse me, sir, this fell out of your pocket.’

The man understood what was happening. He wasn’t being handed charity, but he gratefully accepted the help in his desperate, heartbreaking, and embarrassing situation. He looked straight into my father’s eyes, took my dad’s hand in both of his, squeezed the bill tightly, and with trembling lips and a tear streaming down his cheek, he replied, ‘Thank you, sir. This really means so much to me and my family.’

My father and I went back to our car and drove home. The $20 my dad gave away was what we had planned to use for our own tickets.

Although we didn’t see the circus that night, we felt a joy inside us that was far greater than seeing the circus.

That day, I learned the true value of giving. The Giver is greater than the Receiver.

If you want to be great, greater than life itself, learn to give. Love has nothing to do with what you expect to get, only with what you expect to give—everything.

The importance of giving and blessing others cannot be overstated because there is always joy in giving.

Learn to make someone happy through acts of giving.”

~Katharine Hepburn

‘people buy from people’

Stay where you are?

July 20, 2025

After a warm, dry spell of weather, today had turned cooler. Sea mist was rolling across the cricket pitch to offer some respite for the fielding side.

I turned to my friend Bob sitting beside me as he suggested we move to the back of the pavilion where he thought it maybe more comfortable…

I think I’ll sit right here, came my reply. Besides, I’m into the game and the change in conditions is sure to bring something different. I’ll stay right where I am, thanks Bob.

Bob nodded to me as he stood, pulled on his sweater and clamoured over the rows of seats behind us.

With my fidgeting friend gone, I was able to concentrate on the game before me. The weather and the change of light had brought a different bowler, the field placements were adjusted to reflect the pace and bounce … and then, with the watching spectators (Bob, myself and one or two others) enthralled, something happened.

The game gathered pace..

The new bowler wasn’t to the batsman’s liking. Now, as the man with the bat, abandoning his patience, plays an uncharacteristically hurried shot, … he’s caught behind the wicket…

The action is witnessed from ‘the gallery!’

‘Howzat!’ came the reply from Bob, now ensconced at the back of the shed, pint in hand!

Isn’t it wonderful what change can bring us?

Mother nature brings us opportunity with a little impatient action taken, both on and off the pitch. Bob has a favourable(?) refreshing new view enjoyed from the gallery and the conversation takes a turn for the better ….

There’s a quote by Mahatma Gandi:

‘You must be the change you wish to see in this world.’

Isn’t that a great lesson?

recent posts

about

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: