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
  • Faith in me

    Faith in me

    Mike and I have faith in a similar business field. I’m committed to spending my time building professional networks, I’m told that I’m good at what I do, my experience over the years has brought out the best in others and although it’s business at the sharp end, real ‘trenches stuff,’ it’s hugely satisfying.

    Today Mike and I discussed the expectation of success, with a pretty good understanding of the local community, I felt the ‘opportunity’ we were currently launching had some great potential.

    ‘People can either pick you up or let you down eh, Charlie?’

    Correct …

    Meet Geoff. He was over for the first meeting last week and with a great plan for the business, he fully appreciates that people are the key to success. Geoff has a desire to succeed …

    ‘I’m looking forward to the opportunity Charlie, when do we start?’ I recall our first conversation …

    We have a ten-week build plan in place, Geoff, all we need are the fundamentals and people just like you!

    Geoff realised the opportunity of building the community with little risk on the pocket, self-managed, with just a couple of hours per week connecting with your team … ‘there’s great promise Charlie, all we need are right ingredients.’

    The bonus I saw in Geoff? With his own plan in place, he knew the work had just begun.

    Over the following weeks, people came to meet us, some stayed, others went. Some shared the vision of the future, others were in the room for instant gratification, ‘hunters’ we call them. Life in the trenches, at grassroots beginnings, can be tough … although, we slowly built the numbers by sharing the vision, the bigger picture.

    Something unexpected happened though, just before the launch. Geoff, my ally, he of the like mind from the ‘trenches,’ the man with a plan … approached to tell me he’d had a change of mind.

    Charlie, I’m not sure I’ve made the right decision. Not sure I can go the distance. Maybe networking is not right for me …

    It seems Geoff had been blinded by his own enthusiasm and was finding it difficult to commit to the lesson all of us go through, especially with new relationships. Managing our time, adapting the plan to suit.

    Geoff, the faith you showed with work you put in during the build has not gone unnoticed. It’s not all about the business in the hand, or the paycheck. It’s more about how you cope with the business ‘in the trenches’ forging the early relationships that eventually pay off through word of mouth, over the long term. Faith is good Geoff, but we need to work on the bigger picture …

    Networking? Working on the business while being ‘in business.’ That’s networking.

  • Authentic

    Authentic

    Michael Peterson passed in 2012. He is recognised as one of the greatest surfers, an authentic Australian ‘someone’ who set the bar for Australian surfing in the mid-seventies. His aggressive, no-nonsense style was all his own at a time when Midget Farrelly and Nat Young were dominating.

    Michael was the son of a doting Jean, growing up near to Queensland’s Gold Coast with brother Tommy, he picked up his first real ‘board’ in ’66 aged fourteen and with his extraordinary drive, set himself on a path to being the best.

    Michael Peterson dominated

    During 1970’s surfing, Michael was winning Australian titles in ’72 and ’74. Taking out the win at Stubbies with his final competition in ’77. Michael Petersen won most of the available prize-money during his relatively short shine-time living for the sea. He was single-minded, lived for surfing and shunned the lime-light celebrity brought him … unless it was on his terms.

    But there was a dark side that even Michael was unaware he was contending – undiagnosed Paranoid Schizophrenia. It the height of his time, when he was setting himself apart from his contemporaries through dynamics on the water and alienating friends and family as he unwittingly contended with his illness and the hedonism that was surf culture.

    Michael was so successful as a surfer, his merchandise was soon in demand and carrying the now famous (MP) brand. The trouble was, Michael Petersen shaped boards for Michael, and so no-one could ride the ultra-thin, radically-channelled designs that commanded premium bucks. Sadly the business was short-lived, with no-one getting close enough to offer the business acumen, diversity or insights for managed growth. Michael never capitalised on his legacy. Being the winner out of the water.

    Michael Petersen ended his competitive surfing while still having much to offer. He’d succumbed to the dark thoughts he was not to recognise for another ten years but still, with the support of his family and ‘friends’ his legend prevails.

    Michael was authentic but through no fault of his own, he was unable to reach out and collaborate.

    A lesson from MP? Whatever business we’re in, it’s personal. We can inspire new clients and encourage our customers to return if we are able to recognise diversity, embrace our collaborators and work on our offer.

    Ask yourself. ‘Can I remain authentic, while reaching-out?’

  • Let’s refer you

    Let’s refer you

    ‘Good timing.’ I uttered as mince pies arrived along with our guest for the morning, Stephen.

    Stephen is a likeable fellow, he’d been recently made redundant from a local research firm when he called to attend our meeting. We were about to hear his plan for the business going forward:

    ‘I know what I’m going to do Charlie. Laundry and dry-cleaning services. What do you think? I’m just part-time now but I bet the local business around here would find my services useful?

    Sure thing Stephen. You’ve obviously done the homework, identified the client profile, the territory, pricing etc? How can I refer you?

    ‘I’ve already landed one or two clients Charlie, friends of friends and I know there will be more business out there once the word gets around. That’s why I’m visiting your Forum today.

    Stephen had the enthusiasm and the attitude that goes with it, he had plans in place to grow … all sounded pretty good for the future. So, how can I refer you?

    ‘If I can get enough business to ‘tide me over,’ to help me get started … besides Charlie, if all goes ‘pear-shaped’ I can always fall back on my old trade. I mean, I can give ‘it’ six months and if it doesn’t work out then …’

    I paused the mince pie, mid-chomp.

    Stephen had just undermined all the promise of a good start to networking. With one phrase the initial confidence in being able to meaningfully refer him to family and the personal connections within a trusted network had evaporated.

    Those we refer to our network are the people committed to the long-term growth of their business. Most of our Forum has grown to know each other well over the months/years as they put the roots down for the referral.

    Stephen was surely on his way to success although enthusiasm and attitude alone are not the only ingredients for better business, so I was pleased when he agreed to sit down over further seasonal pie for the one to one.

    Spending time with your network and learning what it takes to go the distance, as a specialist in your craft/service will ultimately pay dividends, once we gain the trust to refer you.

  • December, morning coffee…

    December, morning coffee…

    It was a typically dark, cold December morning and I was more than pleased when Natasha (and coffee) arrived, just as I surveyed the setting for today’s business over breakfast.

    We wouldn’t be alone for long though, as approaching headlights suggested the first of our company this morning were on their way.

    Nice and early Martin!’ I said, glancing at the clock on the clubhouse wall, 06.45.

    Courtesy of the ‘Missus,’ Charlie. My car had broken-down over the weekend so Sue and the kids kindly offered a lift, they needed to be at school early anyway … I’ll be meeting ‘Bruce the garage’ here as he’s running me back after today’s meeting to attend the vehicle.

    ‘Sounds like a plan Martin.’

    The tail-lights of ‘taxi Sue’s’ car receded in the distance, dawn was finally on its way as were others for our weekly business meeting.

    Even in the midst of winter, we enjoyed a good attendance, plenty of interaction, lots of  discussion, the business flowed and with a near full-house … apart from ‘Bruce the garage.’

    Martin had received a message to say he’d been called out for ‘an emergency’ and that he’d be in touch asap.

    ‘The best-laid plans eh, Martin?’

    Any chance of a lift over my way Charlie?

    Among those at the meeting, someone managed the lift Martin needed with an added bonus … the driver knew he could hook-up Martin with an alternative local garage – a ‘start-up’ looking for more business so it wasn’t long before Martin was back on the road and ‘taxi Sue’ back in the old routine.

    ‘Bruce the garage’ had left an impression, sadly nothing to enamour his reputation as the ‘go to’ service either.

    Today in business, relationships matter. Even more so if you are a service provider, business is personal. It’s not what you have or what you can do that impresses your next best client, it’s how you relate.

  • Better together

    Better together

     

    Bob arrived, pulled up a chair and reclined with a cup of what appeared to be hot chocolate …

    ‘So, what do you say, Bob? I asked.’

    ~

    “Getting good players is easy. Getting those good players to play together is the hard part.” 

    It’s so true don’t you think? A quote by Casey Stengel, I thought this was ‘right up our street.’ Just about sums up the development of our referral network, don’t you think?

    ‘A good one Bob, yes, I like this one as well, collaboration is a huge part of the business. Especially so for the small business.

    OK, I get that, what do you say though, when you meet someone who doubts the value of collaboration?

    ‘It depends on circumstances Bob, we’re all different, aren’t we? Some don’t value it. Others may be wary of the thought of relinquishing the reins of business, perhaps it’s uncomfortable for them. Some of us fear ‘control’ may be lost when meeting new people, developing those new relationships and trust.

    Being aware that we are working for ourselves is great for the soul. No matter whether you’re employed, or whether you have your own business Bob. I remember that as soon as I understood the value, of sharing views and opinions outside of the workplace, the sooner I learn to embrace the opportunity and many benefits good relations bring through my network, the human collateral. We’re never truly ‘going it along.’

    Sharing the wear?

    ‘Sharing the chocolate perhaps? Yes, that’s about it, although in my case? More like taking my head out of the sand.

    So networking is not about money?

    ‘Bob, the value of collaboration goes beyond ‘making money’… through collaboration we learn to think differently, we’re inspired while educating and sharing strengths. Networking is the opportunity to develop strong connections with ready-made marketing expertise, finance wizards, creatives and much more. All developed through networking. We’re richer before we know it.

    So, engaging others makes you more profitable?

    ‘We’re immediately better off when we meet someone new Bob. By making the human connection, by offering help and support when required – and not simply at a professional level … networking is hugely educational and can help solve many doubts and dilemmas, even before they materialise.

    Henry Ford said it best.

    “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.”

    My quote is better though Charlie.

    ‘Better together, Bob.’

  • community network

    community network

    Community-focused networking has lots of benefits, some are immediately evident, others need clarification and I was witness to this just recently as around twenty met over ‘brunch.’

    Our guest was Michael has a lot of domestic responsibility, being the ‘office at home’ and supporting two young kids. He loved the idea of opportunity through engagement, connecting with others in business. The same for many sharing a similar routine these days …

    ‘Great business today Charlie, met some good people and so glad I accepted your invitation.’

    It’s taking that first step, isn’t it? That’s where the intimidation lies, right? Stepping outside of the ‘comfort zone’ into an alien landscape, we all become moulded by our routines and I think Michael was no exception.

    With a greater number working from the home office, we soon realise the value of people.

    ‘I didn’t know what to expect really. Although, I was half expecting the selly-sell, and/or the ‘sign-up’ so today was a refreshing change.’

    ‘Yes Michael, it is good to have you with us and course there are those who come along fishing for business, with focus on the referral. Others Michael, are just as happy to engage views, share the dialogue, focus on areas of passion, of need and the point of view, not to mention collaboration and to ultimately sample the ‘culture.’ ‘

    Business is at times a secondary consideration – or ‘the bonus’ as some put it.

    Seems to me, the development of community engagement is important, not least because it inspires better efficiencies by creating belonging. Along with a clear infrastructure, community helps us all, in whatever line business.

    Most especially, those working from the home office.

    ‘Happy people mean a happy business, right?’

    True Michael, cultivating the community network has enabled many to plan for the realisation of longer-term goals, the chance to step away from the monthly/quarterly led management figures and visualise the ‘bigger picture’.

    Cultivating community delivers so much more. Community inspires relationships, affinity, infrastructure and ultimately the trust – then comes referral.

  • Blame the Leonids!!

    Blame the Leonids!!

    With those bright spark Leonids visiting us all, we’ve been super busy, apologies from us and Leonid for the late delivery of November!

    We shall all try harder! x

    ARIES – The November 3 full moon lights up the money and material possessions in your life. Someone, or an unusual situation, could lead to an influx of cash or earning opportunity. It may take time, but it can start now. The moon-Mars conjunction on the fourteenth makes it easy to get what you want, if you know what that is. The new moon on November 18 suggests that nothing will be a problem for you during the next month. You have a clear view of a situation that may have been a bother for a while. Resources and helpful advice are at your fingertips. 
    Standout days: 5, 10, 25
    Challenging days: 1, 19

    TAURUS – You’re totally conspicuous around the full moon on November 3, and in all the best ways. If you have wanted a boost for a special project, helping hands and brilliant ideas are on their way. You won’t even need to ask. Venus enters Scorpio on the seventh. Watch for love to get deep and for romance to get serious. A spectacular new love or romantic interest comes your way with the new moon on November 18. Or a current partnership may deepen and become rich beyond either of your wildest dreams. Be inundated with random acts of kindness and generosity.
    Standout days: 13, 16, 21
    Challenging days: 4, 26

    GEMINI – Feel appreciated and cuddled around the full moon on November 3. Enjoy your personal space and private time. If feeling restless or still thinking of what else you should have or be doing, set all that aside and love your life here and now. Feel good about yourself with the new moon on the eighteenth. Feel good about your day job, and let your co-workers feel good about you, too. If there have been any doubts about anything, they will be resolved and disappear now. The Mercury-Saturn conjunction on November 27 can help you understand a piece of cryptic but valuable advice.
    Standout days: 5, 17, 25
    Challenging days: 1, 13

    CANCER – The spotlight is on your social life during the November 3 full moon. Step into a bigger, perhaps faster social set. Don’t feel shy or awkward. Let others do the crazy stuff if they like. Dance to your own music, but dance. On the new moon on the eighteenth, pour your feelings into something creative. Paint, decorate, cook, play or write music, and soak yourself in all the things that you love best. Surround yourself with your best-loved company, too. The moon-Uranus conjunction on November 30 could reopen – or settle – an old argument. Be emotional but also reasonable, and heal an old wound.
    Standout days: 7, 13, 21
    Challenging days: 9, 19

    LEO  – Career options and opportunities are blazing under the full moon on November 3. Feel secure and solid in your talents, skills, and experience. Friends or family may encourage you beyond your comfort level, but really, they’re right. Be brave if not bold. The new moon on the eighteenth makes home the best place to be. Spoil yourself and have a party if you like. Change something and make your environment luxurious and beautiful. Let friends and family visit and be jealous of your great space. The sun enters Sagittarius on November 21. If it wasn’t party time before, it is now.
    Standout days: 3, 9, 29
    Challenging days: 16, 28

    VIRGO – If you’re feeling limited or constrained, the full moon on November 3 lets you break out and run free. You may not want to do anything extreme, but you have plenty of support and people cheering you on if you do. Mercury enters Sagittarius on the fifth, and it might be hard to concentrate on the important small stuff. Do your best. Stay near to home during the new moon on November 18. There will be a lot that you want to do with your friends. If siblings show up, let them figure out how to fit in with what’s going on.
    Standout days: 9, 17, 28
    Challenging days: 12, 24

    LIBRA – On the full moon of November 3, resolve something that has been annoying or worrying you. It may not be important in the long run, but it could feel that way now. You have more than enough resources and lots of moral support. On the thirteenth, Venus conjoins Jupiter in Scorpio. Something or someone could touch or steal your heart. Money and material possessions are highlighted with the new moon on November 18. Pretty things look prettier and more desirable than usual. You might be tempted to go on a spending spree. Maybe leave your plastic at home and do some serious window-shopping.
    Standout days: 7, 16, 28
    Challenging days: 9, 26

    SCORPIO – A rise in love and romance is highlighted by the full moon on November 3. Get sexy and sensual with someone who already worships the air you breathe. Don’t let any socializing get too extravagant because it might. The new moon on the eighteenth gives you the chance to do and say things that you would normally keep private. Be tactful, keep it nice, and people will understand and probably agree. You could alter your appearance now, too, with no negative criticism. On November 21, the Venus-Pluto sextile could smooth the rough edges on a relationship that shows promise of becoming valuable.
    Standout days: 5, 12, 22
    Challenging days: 19, 29

    SAGITTARIUS – Health and happiness are spotlighted by the full moon on November 3. Take pleasure in taking care of yourself. You may also have a friend or a pet who needs a little extra pampering. Pamper away! On the thirteenth, the Venus-Jupiter conjunction shows you just how loved and cherished you really are. During the new moon on November 18, your private life and interior landscape may be much more interesting and richer than anything in the outside world. Indulge in deep thoughts, read a heavy book, get philosophical, and talk with your soul mate, real or yet to be manifested.
    Standout days: 7, 16, 21
    Challenging days: 4, 26

    CAPRICORN – Around the November 3 full moon, get creative and spruce up your home, wardrobe, or anything else that you value and would like to give a fresh look. Get daring and have some wild and crazy fun with a lot of friends. The new moon on the eighteenth says to get ready for a fantastic social life in the coming weeks. Be popular and be treated extremely well. It’s OK to be pampered, so long as you appreciate it. On November 27, the Mercury-Saturn conjunction could slow down the pace and maybe change the direction of a developing relationship. 
    Standout days: 11, 15, 20
    Challenging days: 2, 13

    AQUARIUS – Family or home life could tug at your heart with the full moon on November 3. There may be good news at work that makes time at home better and better. It’s so nice when home and work are not in fierce competition. The new moon on the eighteenth could open a door for your career or public presence that puts you on the fast track to success and popularity. Enjoy a burst of charm that brings someone or something to help you make the next big leap. On November 25, the Mercury-Uranus trine could reveal something powerful and useful that has long been concealed.
    Standout days: 2, 11, 20
    Challenging days: 4, 17

    PISCES – Friends and neighbors are prominent, in all the best ways, during the full moon on November 3. Generosity from afar may be shared with you and your besties. It may not be party time, but it could be close. Break out of your shell with the new moon on the eighteenth. If you’ve been hunkered down with one specific job or project, you can now widen your range and have a fuller perspective without sacrificing your concentration. You will make success look easy. On November 26, the Moon-Neptune conjunction exposes hidden emotions and lets you talk openly about them.
    Standout days: 13, 16, 22
    Challenging days: 9, 19

    Love beyond November!

  • Don’t mention Vicar

    Don’t mention Vicar

    The conversation was going nicely until I mentioned the Vicar.

    My colleague Helen has a well established stained glass business when the conversation naturally turned to business referral.

    ‘Would you like an introduction to the Vicar, Helen?’

    ‘No.’ Came her curt reply, the ecclesiastic world is not my market, I prefer to provide my services to those looking for decorative work or commissions for the home or office.

    ‘Don’t you think that our local Vicar may just be a source of great referral for you?’ I replied.

    ‘No Charlie, I’m not looking to work with the Church. More commercial work is what I’m looking for.’

    ‘How about our mutual friend who supplies pottery crafts?’

    ‘Why would he be able to help Charlie?’

    Now, it comes to mind that we all have our network of contacts. Some have an abundance of trusted connections built up over the years. Others prefer a few friends they stay close to within that circle.

    Helen had only recently joined our referral Forum and so I pressed my case …

    Think ‘bigger picture’ Helen. Our ideal referral may not be evident in the room. We should spend the time to forge the partnerships with those who may be willing to lead us to those who may profoundly help our business.

    Strategic partnerships … forged over time and through familiarity and trust are so important. Think of the congregation our Vicar may have? The stories from those she meets on a regular basis must surely be vast … I wonder how many times our Vicar has come across someone who, when admiring the stained glass windows within the Church asks …

    ‘I’d love to have windows similar to this in the home … do you happen to know anyone?’

    The same can be said for our ‘Potter’ and all the close business connections Helen. The key to better business through networking is to take the time to listen, to understand how we are able to help each other through the greater network.

  • Why pay me?

    Why pay me?

    “Hey, I can do better than that, why should I pay you?

    ‘Why should I pay you, when I know I could produce the same, just as well, if not even better than you?’”

    Friends, do you ever have one of ‘those’ days where everyone seems to be the expert with an opinion?

    …

    The following excerpt came via a recent conversation with Tracey Bloxham, Tracey is a highly reputable photographer and a friend of our Friday forum.

    …

    I’d barely broken a sweat this Monday morning (what is it with Monday?) when this particular local wise-ass, know-it-all surfaced. He also happened to be a new client.

    Let’s identify him as ‘the WAKA.’

    I went ahead and offered ‘wise ass know it all’ use of my preferred tool of trade, the latest Nikon (very expensive) DSLR.

    ‘Please, take the camera, ideal for the interior portraits you called me in for. See if you think you can use this Mr WAKA.’

    “Nah, far too complicated, besides I’m supposed to be in the picture.”

    ‘Take the camera, let’s see your skills.’

    “No, don’t bother, photography is not my trade, besides that’s why I’m employing you.”

    Correct.

    You have asked me over to visit your home on a Saturday to take portraits of your family. You know I am qualified, I’ve had 20 years experience with plenty of recommendations.

    “I haven’t the time to do the job myself, besides …’ began our friendly WAKA.

    ‘Yes, I know, you’re supposed to be in the photo …ok, so you book me here (I continued) to spend 4 hours of my time with the skills I’ve honed and developed over years in my professional industry, skills and time that you simply do not have …

    I know I do ‘rant’ at times although our WAKA needed to know this so I went on…

    You see, when we engage or pay for professional services, we’re not simply buying the product. We buy the person who is celebrated for what they do. We buy solutions. Someone with the skills and craftsmanship that we don’t necessarily have or which we are unable to use efficiently ourselves.

    Beware the WAKA folks, they could cost you your sanity at the very least …

  • Networking and bigger cake

    Networking and bigger cake

    Today is about cake. I’d no sooner swallowed the first bite of my (very generously) iced doughnut when my table partner immediately went on the offensive…

    I don’t know why you bother with these meetings Charlie, I mean, come on, you can’t be making the big bucks?

    I’d known David a few months now, he is in the business of I.T. Security. Business is good for David, more so now that he has found his feet amongst his referral partners. David was atypical of one or two I knew already, very keen to quicken the business through referral. Impatient.

    ‘It seems to be working for you, Dave.’ I suggested.

    ‘The orders are coming, I’m not complaining just now Charlie, it’d be great to pick up a little more though, so I’m working on that.’

    ‘I’ve been working ‘on that’ almost 20 years now David and you know what? Every time I find ‘it’ I’m happy, sure but networking is not about the gifts along the way, it’s about the goal, the bigger picture don’t you think?’

    ‘More cake David?’

    ‘Yes, please. The bigger picture? I’m talking about the money, that’s my bigger picture, the targets I hit to keep my business on track, to feed my family.’

    ‘David, it may not be obvious to you but you and I have a common goal. That’s to build a reputable business, the personal reputation through recommendation, right? The point is, your business will benefit for years to come on the cultivation you put in today.

    Eat that cake David, it’s great to savour the current success. Be patient, those targets you seek to hit will be met as you move forward through clarity in communication, education and learning from where it is your more meaningful business may come from.

    Once you know that … tell others.

    It’s about the people who hear your story, those with whom you have built the relationships and trust over the years.

    Big bucks? That’s a lot of cake David, I could never eat all of that… not right away …