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
  • Choose reliable

    Choose reliable

    ‘I cannot be with you this week – can we rearrange something?’

    It’s little wonder some never achieve, they’re ok when it’s a sit down for coffee or cake, but when it comes to following up in business?

    Trouble is, this kind of postponement has exactly the same effect on our own business. Postponement … so I’m inclined to move on.

    Ok, let’s dwell a minute. It’s what we choose isn’t it? Really.

    We put the household trash out regularly otherwise we’re left with some particularly nasty consequences. The kids we might take to school to ensure they arrive on time, safely. Makes sense to me? How about you?

    We choose to save the cooking, grab a take-out, go for a swift interlude at the watering hole perhaps, we choose to accept the invitation for a night out with the ‘other half.’

    At regular intervals during those busy spells I often choose the most comfortable chair in the room to relax for a minute, choose time with coffee, I choose to listen to those favourite tunes or the views of the current news hound …

    The bed has to do the job as well, we choose and plan to take rest so that we can cope with the challenges the following day brings. We make the appointments, to take the journey, we choose to jump in the car to arrive at the meeting, on time – it’s convenient, we know it will get us ‘there.’

    It’s about choosing to make that appointment in the diary. Isn’t it? 

    We arrive for networking to cultivate the relationships, the affinity and most of all the trust with reliable colleagues who we understand shall be at that meeting for the very same reason.

    We naturally choose to develop the trust with reliable people over regular pre-arranged appointments…

    Yet, some still don’t ‘get it.’ some who should know better still don’t seem to understand the lingo when I explain that ‘it’ is about being there and supporting, by doing as you say you shall by following up on the promises.

    We choose to support our colleagues.

    You cannot build a reputation on false promises, although you can build your business and in turn your own reputation with the right connections.

    What type of connection would you choose?

  • Time for coffee?

    Time for coffee?

    Breakfast was over, I had grabbed a coffee and was about to head toward the office when the ‘phone rang. Now the other hand was busy.

    On the other end of the line was Tricia. Tricia had recently started a physiotherapy business and returned from holiday with what is recognised as a seasonal ‘gripe’ – although perhaps a little more of a reality check for those such at Tricia – a newbie to running her own business.

    “Charlie, I’ve been away for two weeks, batteries recharged and ready to get back into ‘it.’

    ‘Good for you.’ I heard myself reply as I juggled the coffee and found a seat.

    ‘The trouble is, there is nothing happening – all my regular clients are away on holiday and I’m sure I’m not going to hit my targets for next month. I’m worried about my year-end totals.’

    When I say that this reality check is something that many newbies find difficult to deal with, it happens to us all and it’s essential that we understand that business – like the people that run the business – its a seasonal thing and we need to make allowances for the roller-coaster of enquiry, order, invoice, payment and the impacted cash-flow.

    ‘Think about this Tricia. I began. Worry shows that you are aware of where your business should be although the emotion of ‘worry’ does not help you get ‘there.’

    ‘But it’s mid September – and just fourteen weeks until the end of the year …’ came the reply.

    ‘More likely just the 12 weeks Tricia.’ I suggested. Think about Christmas.

    Stony silence from Tricia. She was listening and I wanted to help her.

    Fifty two weeks of the year, take away your three weeks of holiday/vacation, another 10 days of public holiday, all topped by your best customer taking a much needed break … it means we need to really sit down and take a look at our business ‘seasons’ and budget accordingly.

    ‘Don’t worry about not making the end of year targets, there is nothing you can do to impact this just now. Stick to your original plan, keeping close to your clients and keep pitching the business.’

    Take it month by month, week by week and prioritise your daily tasks. ‘Make it easy for you to finish the week on top every week – and start thinking about how you would like to finish the year.’

    It’s great that Tricia is thinking for the future as next month we’d be talking about how she wishes to start the year in understanding that business is indeed seasonal, as we take time for a coffee and plan the reality check that is the ‘first year in business.’

    image courtesy http://www.whyimcray.com

  • Here is the news!

    Network Updates – Weekly Business Northumberland:

    Here’s the link!

     

  • Compass due north?

    Compass due north?

    It can be tough at the top … just ask any owner/manager.

    During the busy times there are simply not enough hours in the day, we’re pretty much stretched just coping, ‘making hay’ when we’re busy and when those quieter times arrive?

    We take the opportunity to ‘kick back’ don’t we? We embrace the ‘down time,’ take in some exercise perhaps, hit the gym, reward ourselves for all the effort, eat cake(!), make time for some fun, relationships.

    After all, it’s no good chasing the business when the rest of the world is on holiday …

    Is it?

    Whether you have a written plan in place or not (if not, you need one!) we set our goals and accelerate the actions to achieve those goals. We have performance indicators in place (in mind or on paper), to help gauge our progress then adjust the plan to accommodate any improvements needed to keep us on track. We have a plan, we are goal aware.

    Accordingly, with one third of 2016 now passed and better weather(!?) on the way we can be forgiven if we start thinking of a few days away from business to spend time with family maybe … BUT before we do that, why not take a breath, grab what’s left of the cake and think about the past four months. Ask yourself…

    Am I happy?

    Simply compare the business progress to plan. Is business fun? Do you enjoy supplying the results of your efforts? Is your business rewarding for you? Are you making money?

    If the answer is yes, yes, yes and more yes – great! Even if it’s no, no, no and some, speak with those who will listen, business people like you, maybe those who have been around a little longer, ‘newbies’ as well – share the wear, get out there and seek opinions. It can be tough at the top.

    So … time to check the compass. What direction is your plan taking you? Might it now be time to assess core success? Embracing where best results have come from will enable you clarity. Clarity to stay on track, avoiding the energy sapping trends, clarity to support your own particular success.

    A compass shows us true North. When in doubt listen to your intuition, check-in with your peers then go back to the compass, adjust and refine direction where necessary and stay on course with the plan … then can really enjoy the ‘kick back.’

  • Meaningful emotional links ,,,

    Meaningful emotional links ,,,

    Is the lack of the emotional connection hindering your chances for successful business growth?

    The ‘getting to know you’ can be tedious for some. Especially in today’s crowded business environment.

    “Deadlines don’t allow for emotional tedium … do they?”

    Take social media, most of us have experience of the ‘add,’ ‘like,’ the ‘share’ or the ‘follow’ … it’s all part in qualifying through social media. We feel good connecting, we become part of an on line community.

    The ‘selly’ is  online isn’t it? We naturally gravitate to those we are connected to, those who share common ground, it’s a pretty straight forward engagement due to that lack of emotional connection. The commitment.

    Back to the ‘real world’ now. How often do you see the uninitiated blatantly promote their goods and services to the new audience without so much as a request to meet or even participate in a knowledge swap. There is no time for the ’emo-connection.’

    To my mind the most important legacy of social media – so far – has been in exposing the true value of real time engagement. True there is a qualification of togetherness through social although the ‘real time’ skills are often lost …

    People buy from people who they know and who they trust.

    Good solid relationships in business, like anywhere else take time.

    We could do a lot worse for our business (and for our reputation) than ask those in our community for a little time to meet, just so we could find out a little more about each other?

  • Referral tip No. 6

    Referral tip No. 6

    Some really missed the point when we discussed the ‘being helpful’ post just recently … they missed the referral pointer, or maybe it was just my way of  ‘engagement’ that may have confounded the issue?

    The issue of being really helpful …

    So a friend or colleague have a need?

    To me – and I know this is right for many – it’s just not about offering to help – we learn this when looking for referral.  It’s knowing how we can help – in a meaningful way.

    Sure, it’s great when someone suggests:

    ‘I’ll help, what is it you want me to do?’

    Although, isn’t it so much better when that same someone offers support this way:

    ‘I”d like to help, let me take care of that for you.’

    So what!? I hear you say.

     At least I’ve offered  – it’s always welcome isn’t it? Besides, it may lead to referral …

    What I’m trying to suggest here is … ‘being helpful’ is about spending time, connecting, understanding and relating to the needs of others. Most of us are not even aware of what it is we need help with!

    A real friend (someone who knows you well) just may be able to offer a solution and be really helpful simply because they have taken the time to get to know you well enough.

    OK, that’s cleared that little referral conundrum (hasn’t it?) or is this something I need to spend more time and coffee with?

  • Be helpful

    Be helpful

    Be helpful. It seems to me we worry a lot about how people see us…
    “But, I’m no expert,”  I’ve heard people say.
    In most cases, people want a solution more than they want to worry about who you are or are not.
    It’s true of course, I might want my surgeon and my airline pilot to be the expert but for anyone else?

    But what do I mean? What’s helpful?
    More often than not, and this is the most important part of this note … being helpful means sharing or doing what you know with someone who doesn’t know it or can’t do it. It’s that easy.

    I don’t know anything about video marketing, so I work with Mark Orr. Others need a Psychotherapist, so they reach out to Sian Barnard. Helping others by connecting others. Isn’t that simple?

    While Networking, being helpful requires action and initiative.

    Not so helpful?
    The least useful thing you can ever say to another in your network:
    “Let me know how I can help.”
    Most times, we don’t know what we need or want. We may be organising a fundraiser and we hear. “Let me organise the invitations,” in contrast to another who says “What can I do?”

    Here’s the trick … learn to know how you can help others.

    In my own business, I lead with written ideas, but that’s another story. In my network – it’s solutions. I offer specifics for people, because I know them, know what they do. If someone says, “I’m having trouble finding a reputable valet.” I ask my Network Forum, or a reliable Accountant – I can do this.
    Although when someone tells me they’re frustrated with the progress of their book, I show a few of my own potential solutions.

    Be helpful. Lets listen …
    Helpful people come in all forms. Some of the best and most helpful people I know are good listeners. Friends like Gareth Shackleton and Paul Tutleman often help with just a sentence.

    Other times, people are helpful by just caring. That’s just as helpful.

    We meet and engage our communities regularly, not just for being fed and watered, but to build our support network (that’s the key) Net-Work … of support.

    More on this next time, meanwhile, ‘who can I be helpful for today?’

  • Lessons from The Bridge

    Lessons from The Bridge

    It was ‘after hours’ and (unlike me) I found myself on my way to a pre-arranged meet with friends and colleagues at London House Of Lords (!) … ‘come along’ they said, ‘it may be worthwhile simply to take a look at the place.’

    As I alighted at the station and made my way, I noticed I was a little early and headed toward the Millennium Wheel, just for a peek.

    Half way along the bridge I was struck by a vision out of the corner of my eye…

    She clung to the lamp stanchion in the damp half-light of a miserable February evening. Pleading to passers-by, anyone …

    ‘Give me a cigarette or I’m jumping from this bridge …’

    My focus from the distant wheelie attraction wavered upon hearing these words and my gazed fixed upon the eyes of what appeared to be desperation.

    ‘Social Security have taken my children, I’ve nothing to live for … someone give me a cigarette, please.’

    Without hesitation I reached for the Marlboro, half-wondering why it was that no-one else had bothered to heed what appeared desperate cries from just a few metres away.

    ‘I need to speak with the Prime Minister, get me the Prime Minister otherwise I’m going over this bridge.’

    I stood for a few minutes in the middle of Westminster Bridge listening to the repeated pleas from this stranger and realised she was seriously considering action if her wishes were not met.

    ‘Sort her out mate.’ Came comment from one direction. ‘Silly cow!’ From the other.

    Am I dreaming? I wasn’t the only one in earshot but I was the only one #listening. What??

    I motioned a move for my mobile and suggested to my new friend I’d call the Prime Minister and managed eventually to make contact with the city police.

    Our distressed conversation continued, further cigarettes passed and it wasn’t long before a police motor-launch appeared atop the murky water, some 15 metres below.

    My new best friend again repeated her threat to end it all. I’d run out of cigarettes.

    ‘Having trouble with the missus?’ A call from a passer-by …

    Amongst the rush hour din our fragile ‘conversation’ continued when one demand led to another and I found I’d simply run out of patience …

    I bleated: ‘Ok, if it’s so bad, then throw yourself from the bridge and get it over with then …’

    It was not the thing to say; although now I could not help notice her eyes were now transfixed on me. I had at least gained her full attention.

    ‘Help me please.’ she continued.

    With the illuminating blue light I became aware of the presence of police standing either side of me and further afield, a gathering of bystanders  stood-by and gawped.

    ‘Now Sir, having trouble at home are we?’ Asked the male officer.

    I bit my tongue and began to explain as the female police office made her way to our hapless subject.

    ‘You can’t stay up there all night my love, come on down. Why is it you want to throw yourself from the bridge anyway?’

    Without hesitation my traitorous ‘friend’ shot a condemning finger in my direction and spat … ‘because he told me to.’

    Now was my opportunity to depart further earshot and as reinforcements managed the further conversation and coaxing, I headed toward my meeting just opposite, beyond the murk at the House Of Lords promenade.

    Our guests that evening were representing a major mental health charity.

    Our host had offered them a ‘tour’ of the facilities and while the party awaited my arrival they were witness to the commotion ‘across the water’ through the dim light, toward Westminster Bridge.

    Now the story I related to all that would listen that night needed no fantasy. I was happy to be away from the commotion and just as enthusiastic in relating my experience of ‘new best friend’ to colleagues.

    Also very interested were our special guests, who took particular interest in my own support for someone less fortunate than himself and who of course had found someone within the entourage that evening who may just have the affinity and potential trust required for ongoing business relations …

    #networking is an opportunity. #success takes time and #participation, #empathy to build #trust and most of all … #patience.

     

    PS … Unlike friends reading here, I chose not to tell my colleagues how on that wintry night my lack of patience almost let me down badly.

  • Leap year – pop the question

    Leap year – pop the question

    It is well documented that our business population spends a whole lot more time online than predecessors. We know this already.

    ‘That’s a no-brainer! Tell us another one.’ I hear you say.

    Many of us understand that the personal connection is vital, that’s why were driven to add/like/share and participate. Essentially though, the real business transactions either work or fail with the follow-up, personal engagement – when we pop the question.

    So how do we initiate personal interaction, connecting with the real decision makers? What methods do we utilise to gain interest?
    Are we seeking to engage others with beneficial information? Probably. Demonstration of affinity? Likely.

    Engaging with the appointment in mind? Perhaps not.

    How much business time is spent on line, window-shopping and wondering how to engage for a meeting? Hey, I’m not saying this is not the way to go – there is plenty of proof also that most online ‘connections’ are a result of qualified common ground, soft canvassing pre-qualification although rarely does this create substantial business entirely on it’s own … unless of course the person to person meeting materialises.

    In reality though, geography and logistics combine to mean we’re unable to perform the one to one … nothing the matter with prospecting, good business takes time …

    Video link is one way of gaining face-to-face engagement with your potential ‘next best customer’ and video offers the chance to deliver your message – in person – to the key person who is able to take your offer to an even greater audience.

    Are you confident on live link? If the answer is no, then you shall need to practice those online presentation skills, because until we are fully adept at using direct link video messaging you won’t trust the technology, you shall not appear credible or trustworthy to the potential client and the whole exercise is lost, your confidence is gone also. Trust.

    Each of us has a particular personal skill, a vastly under-utilised skill that in today’s peer-led, trust conscious, cost factored, connections-led online world is often overlooked.

    Qualification and engagement are great groundwork but when looking for meaningful results we need to ‘pop the question,’ ask for the appointment.

    Why not make plans next month to use your personal skills and get out more? Visit those geographically accessible prospects you’ve cultivated on line and – pop the question – make those strategic appointments and leave the office behind (unless you’ve no choice but to take it with you.)

    Take some time building trust and doing some business in person, with real people. Because in today’s business world, business IS personal.

  • Faith beats the monkey!

    Faith beats the monkey!

    Teri disappeared into the night toward her car and as I closed the door behind her I realised that the business I’m in is set up around a really simple idea… so simple I thought.

    I’m in business to help others become more successful. When these people become more successful as a result of something I’ve provided, then I consider myself successful also or when the results are not quite right, I’ll try to think of other ways to help those in need.

    There’s no fakery or black art required. My offer is pretty straightforward.
    So how do I overcome that certain something that messes it all up?

    You know, if people don’t know me well enough, they don’t BELIEVE any of my offers. That’s the problem and we each have this conundrum don’t we? We worry that at times people don’t have our best interests at heart, or we worry that some who seem genuine enough may not be quite so …

    Given that most all of us worry about trust in near all avenues of life there are many, many different ways we find we’re fire fighting, dealing with the ‘monkey.’

    I have faith.

    I was ‘loaned’ this word from Teri before she made her way home.

    You see my belief is that all people are inherently good. I believe that everyone has my best interest at heart … just the way I have his or hers. I also believe what people tell me is the absolutely truth, no question.

    I have faith in the path I choose, in life and in business.

    The ‘monkey’ does on occasion remind me that at some point people may cheat me. That perhaps I’m going to be lied to at some point and I’m also reminded that on occasion some may act behind my back …

    I accept all of the above. It just so happens, that thanks to Teri I have faith that “people will treat me the way I treat them.”

    Sure I hear you say it’s a big ask. Others may say I’m taking risks. I’ll stick with faith. Faith in accepting that everyone’s doing his or her best and that most everyone shall reciprocate what I give.

    It may seem ‘risky’ to some although it beats the alternative of feeding the paranoia of whether I’m being cheated, lied to or much worse …

    Have faith. Lose the monkey. Thanks Teri.