CharlieKenny.me

people * stories * engagement

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about

I love the coast and in particular, the area in which I live, the North East of England. It’s an uncomplicated life, for the past twelve years I’ve been away from the ‘big smoke’ … and the decision to relocate my business to the North has been the best move of my career. So far. I am a writer and have a lifetime of experience in publishing and personal development. I now consider myself a specialist in helping my clients with memoirs – this could be a biography, or simply bringing diary pages to life. I tend not to advertise my business, word of mouth has always been kind so it’s no surprise that I do spend a couple of days per week in collaboration through networking. Peer collaboration can be very rewarding. Therefore, if you’d like to join me fortnightly for Wednesday ZOOM or either Tuesday or Thursday for (in-person) morning coffee, please get in touch. I’d love to meet you and perhaps help in any way possible. Thank you for stopping by the website. engage, develop, grow … with Go! charliekenny@live.co.uk
  • The moon and the stars

    The moon and the stars

     

    Aries 20th March -19th April

    Mars your ruling planet has been making you look at the way you are leading your life. Are you happy? Have things not gone quite as you would have planned? Are the people you are spending your time with your kind of people. The truth is something must change and while that may indicate some endings which are sad to release, it also gives you the freedom to take up on some very interesting twists and turns in fate later in the month. So, have no time for regrets, onwards and upwards.

    Thought for the Month ‘A life half lived is a life half lost’

    ————-

    Taurus April 19th April – 20th May

    This month for many is a month of self-questioning; am I happy? Are you the right one for me? Inevitably these are questions asked when there is some dissatisfaction, Still, if we don’t ask them then we are just shutting up and putting up and is that living? No, it is not! Still when we take these questions to the right place our bosses our spouses and lovers even our children and friends. Further, we brave asking the tough questions directly then there is an opportunity for positive change especially now!

    Thought for the Month ‘Strike while the iron is hot!

    ————–

    Gemini May 20th- June 20th

    It is often said the darkest hour is just before the dawn and it is true that we also often leave the worst till last. Well, as much as it may not appeal to you it is time to clear out the last of the serious stuff. Why because when you do you will feel a sense of relief which will lighten your spirit. Better still the end of the month brings in some exciting opportunities and some fascinating people and you want to be free to enjoy that to the full. Not least because it is taking you in an altogether better direction!

    Thought for the Month ‘Clear the decks’

    —————-

    Cancer June 20th – July 22nd

    Relationships are on the front burner this month. It seems in some ways you are finding it difficult to reconcile the behaviour of another. Your values are different. Still, there must be compromise, is there compromise? If you know things are not right do not sit on the fence now. If it’s not working let it go. This is a time of opportunity but strides must be taken, bridges must be crossed and boundaries drawn. While this sounds final all that is good will bend, and all that is dead will break. It’s for the best.

    Thought for the Month ‘Look where you want to go’

    ——————

    Leo July 22nd – August 22nd

    The first part of the month should be ideally focused on pressing practical matters. It is a busy time where the pace is fast and, the load heavy. While it seems as if this is a progressive trend the good news is later in the month romance and fun beckon you. This should be an exciting time that enjoys your full focus. So, deal with the mundane jobs early month and you can just relax and enjoy life’s pleasures. These have the possibility of leading you in an entirely different refreshing direction.

    Thought for the Month ‘Luck is preparation meeting opportunity’

    ——————

    Virgo August 22nd – September 22nd

    For a while now you have been jogging along, doing what you are supposed to do. On the face of it keeping up your end of the bargain. But have you? Have you done what was asked of you or what you thought was needed? Even when we act in the very best faith we may have miss read a situation. Tensions around this now actually offer you a chance to sever some ties. Shake off some negative influences and please yourself. The time has come to move on in many ways.

    Thought for the month ‘A change is as good as a rest’

    ——————-

    Libra September 22nd – October 23rd

    Tensions are unavoidable as are certain disruptive individuals. Still, if you play fair in the games of love and war and cover all your bases. More importantly, anticipate the could be problems it is very likely that you will get ahead of the game. Better still despite the tensions, it seems what is happening for you now is opening better opportunities and times ahead. The secret now is to keep eyes on goals and keep battling through. This month efforts will be rewarded and make up for all the stress.

    Thought for the Month ‘If at first you don’t succeed try and try again’

    ———————

    Scorpio October 23rd – November 21st

    While others may have plans to squash your dreams, why let them? This should be your motto for the month! The thing with somebody else’s anger, rage, hate, sadness or bitterness is just that; It is theirs and not yours! While it may seem unfair let it go, turn your back on it and just keep doing what you are doing. It seems the heavens have aligned some successes for you this month if you just keep the faith and carry on there are some very pleasant surprises indeed. The stuff dreams are made of!

    Thought for the Month ‘Click your heels three times and say there’s no place like home’

    ———————-

    Sagittarius November 21st – December 21st

    With Saturn in your sign, the tempo has been serious and finances have been a niggling matter for some time. Still this month maybe you should challenge certain individuals. Once you have you can see more clearly some of the underlying problems and do something about it. So, trust your instincts, follow your hunches and do not be afraid to act on them. What’s even better is that others will be glad you did too. This paves the way for better mutual understanding even if ties are broken.

    Thought for the Month ‘Time to call a spade a spade’

    ——————–

    Capricorn December 22nd – January 20th

    With a Full Moon in your sign on the 9th, we can expect to see some Capricorn action. While feelings run high it’s time to take a stand and make yourself heard. Better still talk your worries through with others as there will be as support around you and the resulting discussions could lead to some much overdue change. You have for some time now been restless with one or two areas of your life. What at first seems disruptive will soon result in a greater sense of harmony and balance, so go with it!

    Thought for the Month ‘Trust the process’

    ———————

    Aquarius January 20th – February 19th

    An Eclipse in your sign on August 7th heralds in some exciting new beginnings. For that reason, don’t be surprised if July is about endings. Better still ponder that thought. What are you sick of? What must go? Who is boring? Where are you wasting your time? Then decide to make July a Feng Shui month. Clear the clutter and make way for the possibility. Change is just around that corner and the heavens are promising some very fine things indeed.

    Thought for the Month ‘Change is the result of true learning’

    ———————

    Pisces February 19th – March 20th

    You have invested a great deal of time and energy in keeping certain situations a float. You have been disrespected, ignored, overruled and even lied to and it has taken a great amount of tolerance and lip biting. This month when things don’t go your way again. Just let go, while it may not be easy it is for the best. Better still when new opportunities present themselves you will be glad your freer to just move on with your life. Some people can’t be helped and like to assume the suffering role.

    Thought for the Month ‘Some things are just best left’

    ~ Amanda Corrick

  • follow up … follow up … follow up …

    follow up … follow up … follow up …

     

    ‘How is business, Ben?’

    Great Charlie, had a couple of enquiries last week which sounds just about right for business.

    Fantastic – take a donut! What kind of work was that?

    Well, nothing has happened just yet, I need to follow up.

    Now I know many of you reading this would have been in this situation, and I don’t wish to sound churlish … but please follow up …

    I shall when I get the chance Charlie, I’m rather busy just now …

    Ben, put yourself in your referrers shoes, look at it this way … if the roles were reversed … say you asked someone to provide services or quote for provision. Would you take kindly waiting days for a response? How do you think this impacts the opinion other prospects may have of you?

    Perhaps they’re thinking – or worse, talking: maybe Ben is too busy for more business? Perhaps he can’t handle our kind of enquiry … or worse – our business may not be suitable …

    ‘Maybe Ben is too busy for more business? Perhaps he can’t handle our kind of enquiry … or worse – our business may not be suitable …’

    Ben, do it.

    Think about it, you are working for referrals, on the lookout for leads that just may turn into business, it takes time. Then – as if by miracle, you are lucky enough to be handed an introduction to what sounds like ideal business, what is the first thing you do?

    Follow up.

    Ben, put the donut down and do it now … follow up the enquiry before the opportunity is lost, otherwise, all the time, energy and groundwork you have spent promoting your personal service have gone to waste.

    Nothing undermines the relationship, the potency of a network forum more quickly than neglect.

    Networking works, it’s simple, we pitch our interests, we develop the understanding, the relationships which lead to partnerships and trust and when the time is right we earn the opportunity for more business.

    Follow up the business Ben, do it quickly and show your potential new client how you intend to fulfil their faith in you, how you intend to carry on.

    It’s the reputation we are building Ben …

  • Now, I understand

    I know what he’s thinking, I understand now.

    How often have you thought to yourself … I know, just by looking into their eyes, what he or she is thinking, by simply observing body language.

    Have you ever said to yourself:

     ‘I wish I had the words?’

    Only to find out that none were required, a simple action was enough. Whether that’s a nod or a shake of the head, we understand on an intimate level at times where words are simply not required.

    This moment of telepathy usually occurs with those you know particularly well. It may be a partner, child or even a pet and more often than not this moment of instantaneous understanding between humans is overlooked as simply ‘co-incidence.’

    Wouldn’t it be fabulous if world leaders could communicate, engage and mutually understand through telepathy? If people had the time and ability to express how they truly felt if the population could send messages straight to the top without the diatribe and red tape that confines the clarity of sanity…

    Fleeting moments of profound communication are wonderful for the soul and are just as essential for the business to understand don’t you think?

    So, Ben had been having troubles with his presentations. Or he thought he was having trouble … he felt the message just wasn’t coming out of his mouth.

    ‘So much to say and unable to say it.’

    Take your time to deliver Ben, be specific when offering the message, presentation jitters come to all of us at some point and although we have not yet mastered the telepathic message as some have with text or email, once people understand that you are comfortable and wholly committed to your cause, your message will soon become clear.

    It is then we find that people do business with who they understand, those they know, like and trust … almost telepathically.

  • Comfortable vs remarkable

    ‘Hey Charlie, I think I’m getting comfortable with this networking ‘thing’ now. I do understand when you say that it’s all about spending time, being familiar with the expectation, you’re right, it takes a while.’

    Good things take time Ben …

    the key is to stay the course and following through.

    ‘Well, I’m managing the routine now, gradually booking the appointments and I’m learning, so feeling happier.’

    I can tell that Ben, just by you opening up and discussing the situation tends to show you are growing in confidence, understanding the process.

    ‘The process?’

    The referral process. This is your ‘realisation,’ Ben, others are beginning to appreciate you as they see you grow, they come to understand your character, ask your advice and how you work. Just as you do with others.

    Just now is the start of the process.

    Continue with the visibility, book the meetings, the one to one and understand your marketplace. Learn from others and keep the antenna flying for possible introductions for others. The more you help, the better your ‘bizability.’

    ‘But I’m just getting comfortable Charlie, I’m happy where I am now.’

    Where you are is great Ben. Not too comfortable now though because ‘comfortable’ brings stagnation and this is something that should never happen within your network.

    Stay the course Ben, follow through, continue your path. If you are happy then the ‘process’ is working.

    Next step is to begin to lose the comfort zone Ben… go the extra mile and actively pursue business on behalf of others – don’t just wait for it to happen, be the referral process you would like to see happening for you.

    Nothing remarkable ever comes from being comfortable …

  • Talk about

    Talk about

    Talk about others. It’s great for business.

    Referrals are something we all aspire to, some of us go out of our way to cultivate the new business by doing all the ‘stuff’ we’re told by the gurus, those abundant soothsayers and community influencers.

    So what happens when you do all that which you’re supposed to be doing only to find that the recommended ground work is just not working, literally, the only new life you’re hearing are those crickets again … away in the distance …

    Let’s get unselfish. Good business comes our way when we stop worrying about why it’s not coming our way – have you noticed that?

    Try this, it works for me, it may not be right for you just now but just give it a go – after all, it’s just those pesky crickets, right?

    Each of us in business knows lots of other people, some we see more often than not and of course, it’s natural that those we do see most regularly are those we tend to want to help when required.

    ‘Help? Ok, but how?’ I hear you ask

    Simply talk about them. Spread a little good news about your mates.

    For instance, when you meet up with a friend and they ask:

    ‘How’s it going, what have you been up to?’

    Avoid dwelling on me, me, me for just a minute …

    Try telling them you met up with a great professional the other morning, someone who has a unique line of business and someone you would highly recommend.

    Give them a reason why your mate is so referable. Talk them up, shine the light and really give your friend a reason to make mental notes as you both discuss …

    ‘OK, so I talk them up, but how is this helping me?’

    Bear with me. Chances are the next conversation your friend has with you in mind he is going to also mention your recommended new best friend – he’s going to mention your mate and of course he’s going to talk about you, your business, how he knows what it is you do, and how well connected you really are.

    Word of mouth, let’s not underestimate the power of a good conversation – especially when you are talking about someone … behind their back!

  • You. The Individual

    You. The Individual

    It’s been 12 weeks since Ben asked me to help with his individual ‘offer.’

    He has worked hard in the transition from back-room support act to become Managing Director of the family firm, the organisation that had earned his mum and dad a reputable business, a healthy clientele and a good living.

    We had just left a brand new prospect for business. ‘Smithy’ and his board, are now asking for more. More on prices, more about deadlines and more about styles from Ben’s bespoke product range – always a sign of good things to come.

    So I thought.

    No regrets, no more looking back Ben?

    ‘I do understand the legacy I’ve inherited Charlie although I’m all too aware that I’m not my father! I feel inadequate that I can’t deliver his depth of knowledge, his connectivity or the rapport that I feel I need to deliver on behalf of those prospects looking for more.’

    Ben, who was that in there? Smithy and his team don’t even know your father, they know the family reputation and now it’s all about you! Just have faith in the follow-up and your abilities.

    Bring the individual offer to the table, be prepared to make stupid mistakes, do boring stuff, make idle conversation and be the difference that separates you and dad.

    Self-confidence comes with the qualification of success Ben, you are certainly not your father (a strong character with an overriding presence) and although you should, of course, follow his example … it’s equally important to develop your own persona – clients like ‘Smithy’ are indeed asking for more, that’s great – more from Ben, no-one else.

    Your existing customers already know the company, right?

    The exciting thing is, after three short months they’re starting to get to know you now Ben – just as you are finding your feet, your own network is learning too. Be different … please … try NOT to fit in, you don’t have to ‘fit in’ everywhere, right?

    It’s ok to be individual Ben, don’t compare yourself to anyone else, they just don’t come close.

    People buy from people, be the change you represent and people will love you for it.

  • He’s no one hit wonder

    He’s no one hit wonder

     

    Ben, it’s great to hear you enjoyed the holiday. Welcome back.

     

    “Thanks, Charlie, I did enjoy the time away from the factory, I took the opportunity to do a lot of thinking …”

    Holidays are good for thinking Ben, have another biscuit with the tea … what do we need to discuss?

    “Ok, I’m thinking of offering our tailor made line online, you know, the additional income stream you talked about? Networking is great although I’m not getting a lot of ‘hits’ with my engagement – any reason why do you think?”

    Hits Ben? The online store is a great idea …

    The efforts you put into your business, your people and your network are a progressive development of the ‘reliable, dependable, Ben.’ It’s about you becoming the person your contacts can rely on, not only for the so-called ‘hits’ but for direction, advice and support.

    Sure, you will find and always welcome the odd single order for your fine, bespoke footwear although is that the end game here?

    “What do you mean? Of course, I want orders, that’s what I’m networking for isn’t it?”

    Ben, anyone can buy a pair of shoes that suit the budget, we get free financial advice, accountancy solutions or websites in a box, logos for not much more than a fiver, it’s all ‘out there’ Ben.

    The meaningful partnerships in business surpass all of the above. The reason those ‘in the know’ are networking is the fact that the road to fruition is that much shorter with the help of our colleagues. Even if your network is the slow-burn, the odd order here, the single referral there … think about what you are cultivating Ben.

    Your scope of contacts – even over a short time networking while developing the relationships and trust is enormous. Think of the connections others have and who they are able to refer you to given the relationship. Never underestimate leverage. Think also of the advice and support, the range of services at your fingertips for the sake of caring about others a couple of hours per week.

    It’s not about the ‘hits’ Ben, it’s about your leverage and quality of connections, who knows you and who may then introduce you to others.

    Have faith Ben, you are no ‘one hit wonder.’

    So, what else did you do on holiday apart from thinking about work?

  • Be you, get naked

    Be you, get naked

     

    ‘We become part of the company that we keep, that’s for sure.’

     

    I was having a conversation with a friend as we walked the local beach the other day. Brendon was up for the holiday and we were reminiscing somewhat. The dogs were doing their doggy thing and the wind was howling, but hey …

    Brendon was telling me about a mutual friend, someone who was so busy playing catch-up through his social media accounts, he’d forgotten to live the life.

    It’s not that Brendon was feeling neglected, it was, in fact, the understanding that our mutual friend was shadowing the life others, being led through a series of likes/follows/retweet/shares, whatever else.

    So why do you think that is Brendon? Is it ‘the business he pursues?’

    ‘Undoubtedly it’s business but there is something else Charlie. I say that because he just does not see the good around him, what he has already, ‘it’s as if he is missing out if he’s not in touch.’

    I kind of agreed, and I said so. We are all aware of the potential for new business with most entrepreneurs on-line and looking for the opportunity we’re surely missing one important point, aren’t we?

    The news is in fact you.

    It’s not what others have or what they offer or might do or save or sell or enhance …

    Let’s use the social for what it is – as a sounding board for flavours. We need to offer our own newsworthy flavours and if we are to embrace the net for what it’s worth – let’s make it work for us and stop simply being ‘there’ for everyone else. Resist the temptation to be first, the envy that comes with missing out on the latest pic., the conversation. Be you.

    So … what’s holding him back?

    Most likely fear I said, fear that he won’t make it, anxiety that he is not ‘one of them’ and fearful that if he tries to be so and offers naked ambition, he may not be seen at all.

    Hey, why be led by the flow of popular opinion when you have so much individuality to share with others? Show me a room full of naked ambition (ok, transparent then) individuals who are happy to confront their fears, those who are happy with that. Give me that option anytime.

    Oops.

    The dog had demonstrated her own needs and as I bent toward the sand to clean up after her I realised what I had become myself …

    No, I can see what you are saying, right now is not my true vocation …

    I could see what Brendon meant now. I could relate to that, I’d become a product of my own network. We are what we practice, the reality is, we become part of whom we spend the most time with.

    Don’t we?

  • The human experience

    The human experience

    I’ve been around a while, discovered some success and I’m blessed to have been working with some wonderfully talented people.

    Over time I’ve also discovered that success is powered by three fundamentals.

    Your know-how, your reputation and your network of contacts.

    Sounds simple don’t you think? Isn’t that how it should be though?

    Hey, you can take away all my money, all my assets and investments, you can take away my customer list as well but if you leave me my business relationships and with my reputation in place … I’ll have the ability to work at successfully replacing everything you’ve taken away.

    Having knowledge, social capital and trust is the ultimate security blanket whether we’re heading into good times or bad.

    This is why I believe that if we’re in business, any time is an excellent time to increase market share. Whether we’re engaging new prospects, building better relationships with existing customers, we’re developing trust, that’s essentially what we’re about, are we not?

    Engaging, building and relating …

    Contrary to popular opinion though, building social capital is not about sitting alone in front of the PC, tablet or locked into your i-phone trying to come up with a winning marketing formula all on your own …

    No one who is successful creating their meaningful marketing presence works in isolation.

    Successful people may have started out on their own sure enough. After all, we need to start to reach the end. But it’s what you do when you recognise your marketing is starting to work for you that counts. That’s when you begin to leverage your ambitions with like-minded people, real humans and combine your ideas with others, leveraging experiences and relationships.

    By developing trust within your community, delivering consistent messages … and leveraging that trust is where we may ultimately be successful.

  • Doubt your happiness ?

    Doubt your happiness ?

    ‘Thanks Charlie, I’m back in a fortnight, without the doubt I promise, and we can follow up then, ok by you?’

    Ben was away for a well-deserved holiday. Together we’ve put in place a short-term strategy for success, something Ben is more than capable of achieving if only he could lose his doubt.

    Stepping out of the shadows of his parents business was hard for him. Finding himself now in charge, the dynamic had changed for him. Ben found all this uncomfortable and he needed to swap those shoes.

    Considering his was the successful business of footwear – as a Cordwainer – you’d be right to suggest it shouldn’t be too difficult …

    Ben was indeed a ‘worry-guts.’

     

    ‘The existing clients love mum and dad. What if they don’t like me, Charlie? How do I maintain the relationships, the status-quo in the community? I know not a lot about sales either, what happens if I don’t hit the targets?’

    Ben’s expectation of life was scuppering his happiness – it was time for a holiday.

    As a young man, unclear about how he should follow in mum and dad’s footsteps, Ben was beset with doubt. You know, the kind of uncertain feelings we all collide with from time to time, for whatever reason.

    Ben … I replied, we have the contingency in place – no doubt you and half the population are taking a break this time of year, you have a trusted support staff who know the business. Your only concern should be how to cope with the business of ‘holiday mindset.’

    “What do you mean?”

    When we’re away from site Ben, ‘off the familiar patch,’ life works the magic, releasing the not so important ‘stuff’ enabling us to realise what is most valuable …

    Our happiness.

    Success Ben, is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal.

    Take some time, enjoy the holiday and understand that each small step takes you closer to those goals of personal and professional happiness.