CharlieKenny.me

people * stories * engagement

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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
  • Trust the bun.

    Trust the bun.

    I was mulling over my schedule. It was 6am and I’d already jumped in the car for the first meeting of the day, a rendezvous with business colleagues and guests.

    There are times when I do wonder of my intentions. ‘What’s it about?’ I ask myself.

    It can be tough working from home …

    I’ve been working ‘for myself’ for the best part of a decade and still the imaginary violin comes out to play whenever I’m begrudging the fact I don’t anymore have the opportunity of a smile with office peers, banter with opinionated colleagues and the routines that, as part of my lost ‘corporate world’ would see us driven by familiar, similar targets or goals.

    ‘I’m too old for this.’ Came the reply to my original question to self.

    ‘I should have stayed in bed.’ I uttered.

    As if by autopilot I’d negotiated my way to the venue. The imaginary violin had now retired and I followed the scent of coffee to discover a very lovely Boston bun … set aside, especially for me.

    Soon enough we’ve a lively room full of familiar faces. Some jostling for preferred position, exchanging stories, others supporting through offers of help, opinion, direction and discussion. All driven by the desire to help others.

    ‘Kinda glad I arrived early.’ 

    This is of course why I’m here, to be in the room and discover how I can help develop trust.

    I’m driven to witness the young and the not so young confirm that ‘what it is all about’ is the people. The network peer group, our resource centre. Where anyone in business with a notion of developing the market is able to connect, pick the brains of learned colleagues and chew the fat. Or in my case, the cake.

    Developing a trusted network of colleagues is a fantastic resource for any growing business, any level business.

    ‘I reached for the hand of an approaching familiar face:

    Welcome to the board. Your very own board of Directors.’ I suggested.

    ‘Put the cake down first Charlie.’ Retorted my colleague.

    That could cost you my dry cleaning!’

  • Hey good looking … smile

    Hey good looking … smile

    It’s January … you are dreading the call to the local Networking soirée.

    Are you the kind of person wishing there was an easy way to break the ice and so avoid those uncomfortable silences prior the feeling of … ‘I can relax now.’

    Smile, you are certainly not alone.

    Study the following FORM Guide beforehand, dispel the anxiety and be ready for any of the awkwardness that may come with breaking the January conversational ice:

    F = have some Fun…. smile.

    It’s the shortest distance between two people and easiest way to break the ice. Your first time acquaintance may be looking for just the same support. Smile as you introduce yourself:

    Ask how the journey was .. ‘travel far for networking?’

    O = ‘so what do you do, what’s your Occupation?’

    Far nicer to swap cards (and do swap cards!) after you’ve established parity!

    R = ‘is networking part of your Recreation?’

    Perhaps there is a common opportunity in recreation outside of networking? Play golf maybe?

    M = ‘what brings you here, whats the Motivation?’

    Many colleagues find January a challenging time when taking the first steps to network success.

    Smile and have some fun while studying the FORM Guide as you grow the trust through networking.

  • Circle or Square?

    Circle or Square?

    Who’s happy? I asked.

    ‘I just seem to keep heading in circles,’ came the shout from the back of the room.

    ‘Great’ I said.

    ‘I don’t feel as if I’m achieving though, I feel I’m doing all the right things, for very little reward.’

    ‘Widen the circle perhaps, maybe you’ve become stuck in a corner?’ I replied.

    ‘Try knocking a couple of corners off here and there. I continued. We all need help with ‘the path’ at times, support in clearing the obstacles in the way of progress.’

    ‘I like to think circles. Ever decreasing circles, moving in circles through the business practice, as we maintain the flow, the awareness of what is to be achieved, those small rewards we offer ourselves and within our circle the vision of the path we’re heading toward – the end game is always in sight.’

    ‘Whaa … ?’ Came the reply as the room fell silent.

    ‘Think about it, just for a minute.’

    ‘Think circles. As business owners we have many different tasks and projects to accomplish at any given time and keeping focused on where we should be spending most energy can often be a struggle, more so with today’s eternal distractions.’

    ‘By thinking circle, a starting point within a given circumference we flow, we’re not held up, were avoiding seeing distractions, obstacles to our destination, we’re hitting the target(s) and flowing. Seamless business is, after all, better business.’

    If you’re feeling lost, like minded friends can help. Effective networks offer support going forward, business connections working together offer vision, after all, that’s why were networking … think circles, don’t get stuck in ‘squares’ by overlooking the resources within the network.

    So if you cannot get help within your circle? Let’s increase those connections.

  • The resource for referral

    The resource for referral

    It’s been a BIG year for Clarice, lots of new resources and the business looks now to be heading in the right direction.

    ‘What now?’ I asked – just as the festive mince pie hit her chops …

    Once composure was regained Clarice informed me exactly of what I already knew.

    ‘More of the same Charlie, please.’I don’t know where I’d be without the resources I’ve discovered since becoming a regular attendee of the Weeklybiz network.’

    Not everyone shares the vision of Clarice. Indeed many choose to overlook the structure that creates the opportunity when knocking on the door of business. The lure of an easy ‘fix’ is too strong for some, those with deadlines for success, targets to meet and so the real value of resource available in ‘the room’ is simply not given the time to flourish.

    Not so for my companion.

    ‘The resources in place then Clarice?’

    ‘In place and I can see the path to my goals Charlie …’

    ‘Look who is on my team Charlie. We’ve a business planning specialist, marketing guru, software and I.T. ‘geek’ as well and more. The people I am in immediate contact with, developing relations and trust is phenomenal.’

    Social media is just part of it and I can call upon these resources within Weeklybiz, money people, recruitment, law and human resources as well. Not to mention events, training and coaching.

    ‘We’re lucky I guess Clarice?’

    ‘It’s a gift, a great opportunity Charlie, I knew that when I first arrived and I cannot understand those who dismiss Weeklybiz networking as simply a hunting ground. I have now learned to covet and protect my position within the group as I work to cultivate the key relationships that take my business to new levels.’

    ‘Merry Christmas Clarice … another mince pie?’

  • It’s just not for you!

    It’s just not for you!

    I pulled up a chair …

    George had suggested that networking just wasn’t his style, he was adverse to ‘breaking the ice’ with those he hadn’t met before and being ‘nice’ just because … and the whole ‘first-date’ scenario left him less than warm …

    “Getting out of the comfort zone is just not for me Charlie, I’m comfortable here with comfortable.”

    ‘I’m not entirely sure face to face networking is relevant. Besides, all the new business is on-line now anyway. I can strike up a conversation with anyone I so desire, I connect and like and in turn get liked by all kinds of people with the same interests I have without even meeting them!’

    I asked George if he’d like to grow his customer list, if he was still in the market for more business?

    “Charlie, we have a whole bunch of customers and when they’re busy the company is busy so no, I’m not really looking to grow my database. The networking breakfast sounds fantastic though!”

    George had a well established company providing an on-line service and had been growing ‘organically’ over the years – all by ‘word of mouth.’

    ‘So, are you happy where you are with the business George?’ I asked.

    “Sure Charlie. It gets a little isolated now and again from where I sit now but in the main I’m content.’

    I like George, he’d been around about as long as I had, worked on the business with the right people, understood the referral business enough to know the value of the right connection but now he was ‘comfortable, being comfortable.’

    “I can see why you inhabit the network though Charlie,” said George …

    “I know you value the input from others, hearing about their business, the advice and mutual support and direction. Not to mention the diversity and mentor opportunity – and yeah, that breakfast does sound good; but hey, does that really drive you to get out of bed at that time of day?”

    ‘It’s not the breakfast George, I’m just naturally nosey …’

    I couldn’t bring myself to remind George of the ‘organic business by referral growth’ his own business had enjoyed and thrived on over the years. Sure, structured networking relies on your input and what you bring to the room. Networking is about desire, the attitude and your understanding of the value people bring to the business.

    George, despite his delight at the thought of a fine network breakfast, had simply lost his appetite.

    Like George, if you are comfortable with the bottom line then that’s one reason networking may not be for you but for a whole host of reasons regular face to face networking really is still relevant as we understand why ‘people buy from people.’

  • Meerkat vs Coyote

    Meerkat vs Coyote

    I put the telephone down from Hans, I’d not spoken with him for a while. It was a rewarding conversation – one of those times you pick up just where you left off as if it were yesterday. A sign of real friendship don’t you think?

    Hans called to tell me of (amongst other things) a network he’d heard of back home in his native Chicago, it was a ladies-only group with a really great psychology. Something I can certainly relate to, see what you think …

    It seems the ladies, a close knit collection of very successful business owners are meeting once per month, engaging to develop the business, support and discuss the opportunity.

    ‘Nothing new.’ I suggested.

    Hans wanted to make a point. ANY group outside of their own circle which the ladies saw as a possible group to visit needed to have a specific criteria in place … before even being considered a complementary destination to visit and to share business.

    First, the potential network needed to demonstrate a good presence of ‘Samaritans’ – those who were natural supporters of the needy, going out of their way to help. Secondly, the Group should have ‘Librarians,’ those members who were willing to deliver unconditional learning and support.

    Additionally, the proposed network partners should have a good sprinkling of ‘Meerkats.’ Now, the vision hardly needs description, most of us can relate to these cute beasties. Those busy creatures always supporting, constantly on the look-out, those members akin to Meerkats who went out of their way to cultivate the lead and referral.

    Meerkats Hans? I asked.

    ‘I told you it was good Charlie, I thought you could relate to this.’ came the reply.

    Sure, Hans was right about the importance of diversity. It’s a critical part of the referral network.

    ‘I asked: ‘What about the Coyote though Hans?’ Do our all-star ladies identify with the Coyote within the network?

    I knew Hans had an answer, although what about the ladies, what would they think?

    ‘Charlie, every network has its Coyote types, those out for the quick deal, the easy fix. Our ladies believe that each of us should have some part of the essential ingredients enabling cultivated business … but not a trace of the hunter Coyote.

    The Samaritan, Librarian, the Meerkat … a fine (if not amusing) blend of characteristics that make up the environment for success every regular network should aspire to.

    Now, let’s take a look in the mirror …

  • Know your vision of the future?

    Know your vision of the future?

    Bear with me now …

    Do you know where your business is heading and what it shall look like when you eventually ‘get there?’

    “What? Of course.” I hear you say. “That’s a natural!” Comes another …

    I know the evangelists profess the ‘only’ way to achieve is to keep that picture of the ultimate ‘me and the business’ in focus, as part of the plan moving forward. Some find that pretty easy, (and I know it differs depending on your own circumstances,) some find it tough going, we all have our diversions to path, we are swayed with trends, different challenges or solutions that promise much and (sadly) deliver not a lot.

    Some of us just find it easy to stay on track. Take Gus, he’s one of the guys who started my publishing platform here several years ago, he is one such person. Gus sees a vision, he has his twelve-month goal all mapped out – he’s even stuck it up and over our wall here!

    Gus creates the vision, he has this monthly cycle of events that he sees need to happen to enable change, bring fulfilment … and he tackles those, one by one until he’s into the next month, the next and ultimately – which I find so annoying Gus reaches October and he’s there, right on top, he’s in charge and knows exactly how the next eight weeks are going to be impact his degree of fulfilment.

    Gus calls it his ‘numbers game’ and he is always working on it, Gus believes day to day revolves around simple numbers …  he keeps a pencil and paper beside his keyboard and jots down influences here, the to-do’s there and he just gets it done! Gus knows exactly what needs to be doing for months in advance for goodness sake!

    Lucky for me I hear you say? Drives me nuts I would suggest!

    We all need a Gus in our lives don’t we? These are the people who have that ability to avoid the static, the pull of the me-me-me, the online like-fest and must do’s to keep up or else style of influence that annoys the heck out of me … and many others I’m sure.

    Gus is beginning to rub-off though. I leave the lists and heavy duty wall-planners to him as I work on my “three word mind map,” reinstated for next year and and my short-cut to staying on track, I can solve the conundrum of the ‘bigger picture’ with just a little work.

    All I have to do is stay between the lines. Whenever distracted simply recall my three words. Easy isn’t it? Keep focused and understand that while I continue on the day to day ‘stuff’ I already know who we’ll need and what we shall require to get to the ultimate destination and what I have to do to make that happen.

    Engage * Develop * Grow does it for me.

    What are your three words to guide you? I’d like to know how you intend to to fulfil your vision of the future, let me know if I can help.

  • People buy from people

    People buy from people

    Just ask Hilary. People buy from people.

    With the spotlight on choices by the people and some monumental personal decisions on both sides of ‘the pond’ this year, it is never been so blindingly obvious:

              “I’ve learned that people forget what you said,

                    people will forget what you did

             but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

                                                                        ~ Maya Angelou

    It was clear, citizens had reason to vote for change. We knew it here in the UK, Donald knew it, change was due…

    It’s not what you have that makes the difference, it’s how you relate.

    People are the key to where you wish to be, that’s why … ‘people buy from people …’

    http://weeklybusiness-northumberland.co.uk

  • Time tells …

    Time tells …

    It was one of those clear, crisp Autumn mornings … so wife, father-in-law (George) and I took some time to walk down through the gardens to the church yard. We crossed the old ‘falling-down’ bridge and up, through the gates leading to our destination.

    We were here just last month. George had wanted to show us the grave of his own grandmother, laid to rest some 80 years past and a headstone still offering a surprisingly easy read to the stone inscription. George had a question regarding ‘Stephen,’ the family member mentioned and accompanying, ‘Harold’ who had been killed at the Somme …

    Stephen had been unaccounted for.

    George could identify with certain stories his mother passed on about Harold over time though had he not heard anything about Stephen. It was clear he wished to learn more.

    So I’d asked a friend (genealogist) to spend some time and research George and his part of the family and it was just a short time later he returned with news. Stephen had been formally listed as missing in action (MIA) although our current investigation tells us now … Stephen had survived certain wounds in hospital, outlasted the war and after a time he’d been traced living in southern Europe with his adopted family!

    What would ‘they’ have thought!

    A bemused George led us away past a mature ‘Wingnut’ tree spanning some 18 metres and which was looking all of it’s 25 years … clearly more than a little past prime time.

    ‘These get-away too fast, they’re bonnie trees but just too keen to tak a hold and lose their way in the soft earth n the ‘clarts.’ That’ll be felled afore lang.’ stated George.

    ‘Thats canny good ower there ‘ George directed our gaze to a ‘Cypress,’ the same age as our Wingnut though not as tall at just a little over 3 metres. Straight and strong.

    Added George, ‘that’n will be heor long affta that big-un is gone, these tyek thor time te establish yee knaa.’

    I continued to mull-over (interpret?) George’s view, taking time to dwell over insights to the headstone, those long overlooked facts uncovered, laying hidden until now …

    ‘Aye, yee could write a book aboot tha un.’ says George wistfully.

    ‘Now there was an idea.’ I thought to myself … half listening and thoroughly pre-occupied with our trees. While George pondered his own questions, I observed my own relationship with colleagues throughout our regular business referral group …

    George, I thought … I’d much rather understand the advantages time spent building solid foundations than the results the alternative may bring…

  • Sticky bun over dead wood

    Sticky bun over dead wood

    Bill and I were discussing business over coffee and a magnificent ‘sticky bun’ the other morning. More reflection than current news. The state of ‘people politics’ was popular, as was all things general when Bill suddenly said…

    ‘I’m really not looking forward to the New Year Charlie. I’m not sure we can carry our existing product line for another year.”

    ‘Have a prune back Bill.’

    ‘A what? I’m not into gardening and I’m not keen on letting any of the staff go if that’s what you mean. Some of them have been with me for years.’

    It’s true, Bill had some great long term staff. People who knew the business and undertook the day to day tasks better than he did himself, without thinking – or having to!

    ‘You’re not reaching the new business because you’re carrying out procedures that are faltering.’ I said. ‘The existing plans may have been good for last season, or the past two or three, but for now? Maybe it’s time to reconsider your offer, give your staff some new direction, invite them to offer their opinion and lose some of last seasons dead wood. After all, it’s Autumn now. ‘

    ‘What has Autumn got to do with it?’ Replied Bill.

    ‘Seasons Bill, we’re all seasonal folk. Don’t be afraid to change your direction. Take a long look at the entrenched strategy, a tweak here, adjustment there, just in time for Spring and the new market.’

    ‘OK, I think I’m with you. I’m still not firing any staff though …’

    ‘No real need is there Bill? We can learn a lot from mother nature, observe the seasons and learn from what went before. Lose the dead wood that stifles your offer. Find where you were once successful and peel away the layers. Observe your competitors and cultivate for the new season.’

    ‘Simply lead by example Bill, observe where you’d like to be and put the plans in place that might best help you arrive. Those dedicated people you have around you will thank you for it and a fresh new offer for Spring may just be the impetus for change. What do you say?’

    ‘Here, have another sticky bun.’ Came the reply.