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
  • 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.

  • Sales not selly sales

    Sales not selly sales

    It wasn’t so long ago I was supporting a small manufacturing company with a team of sales people, offering my own direction and advise in the wiles of what some have called ‘the black art sales through sustained relationships.’

    We’d have Monday morning sales meetings to determine business forecasts, the order input and we’d generally ‘mull over’ the business model, from the success to the not so successful.

    The regular meetings gave us unity, insight and the opportunity for development.

    Our priority during these times was regular contact with our clients. As it remains today. We routinely made daily calls and regular in-person visits to engage our clients and offer our expertise and support. The journey to and from clients premises wasn’t a wasted journey either – this was the time for the ‘cold call.’

    We’d encourage each to stop the vehicle, get out and knock on doors for engagement with the intention of introduction for future business.

    Why drive past an opportunity, after all?

    If the time wasn’t right to talk sales with the decision maker we’d try booking for a future meeting or at least seek the contact details and follow up through telephone calls or post.

    We found that our prospects actively supported these personal engagements.

    The regular visits with ‘real people’ work and all that time ago those calls made a huge difference to business and set us apart from many of our competitors.

    It’s a little like our structured networking @weeklybusiness. The familiar, trusted face of the professional in the room offering their support when and as required. No sales required.

    This is how I do business, how about you …

    What sets you apart?

  • the plan for profit

    the plan for profit

    With the turn of the year our business expectations come into focus and most reflect on what has gone before … usually for me it’s when I’m putting together a fresh pot of tea, sitting down with friends … what about you?

    We have a plan (of course we do) and that plan may not be a lot different to last year although, at this time and with the benefits of hindsight, like you I tend to become a little more critical. I’m adding to this, taking away from that, building more actions and reference points to the existing plan to help guide me forward.

    All these actions set out to make me busier, to be more profitable!

    How did your three words guide work for you last year? Do you need to revise the short cut to your ‘key action’ reminders? Again, this proves more work for us …keeping us busy.

    It’s easy to feel overrun sometimes with the must do’s, the add-ons, his/her opinion etc., all of those critical elements we feel we need to encompass in the plan, the bigger picture.

    It is of course important to simply begin the journey in the first place.

    Take the business plan you are working with, assess and consider really what needs doing and understand that some, though not everything may be accomplished today. Some of these small actions we implement will hugely impact the forward planning and ultimately the results so take just a little time … small steps.

    More importantly is, as a business owner, we have the willingness to take those small steps of change, to improve, one step at a time.

  • Lead, or referral?

    Lead, or referral?

    charlie kenny's avatarCharlieKenny.me

    We’ve been there before haven’t we? You know, those situations when you say to yourself …

    “I should really do that now or I’ll never get it done…”

    My dear ‘other half ‘ reminisces daily (Sue would argue this, naturally.) What Sue had forgotten today Sue was adding it to the mental list for tomorrow. I invariably chuckle at dear wife’s expense until recalling a story from a while ago …

    Belonging to an active business community is a great resource. Especially so for the SME or self employed and for so many reasons. The instilled importance of supporting your like-minded colleagues takes a little while to sink-in for some although when it does, the ‘passion’ never leaves you.

    Anyway, I too reminisce, I’d got to know Michael well through business and he was looking for a connection to ‘a local serviced office,’ it was a specific request for referral.

    View original post 407 more words

  • Coming in for landing …

    Coming in for landing …

    If you can get them, try holidays next year; they really work!

    Occasionally the challenge can be coming back to ‘biz’ don’t you think?

    If we’re not on the ball, the best-laid plans are soon scuppered by the unexpected.

    It was 7.30am and the first tea and sticky bun were already a distant memory as  I spied a familiar face heading my way. Brian and I shook hands and naturally, I asked how his networking was progressing?

    ‘Charlie, I’m under-whelmed’ he said.

    Having not seen Brian for a number of weeks I enquired further.

    ‘I’ve been visiting my group for the past four weeks and still it’s the same, the same routine, same messages, even the breakfast has become ‘samey.’

    You are unhappy because of the routine or the breakfast??  I replied.

    ‘Well it gets to a point where I expect what’s coming next … it’s about who needs help with this and how someone else can support you with that – I know all that stuff now and I’m thinking of moving on …’

    At that precise ‘go figure’ moment I enquired exactly why he was networking.

    ‘Business of course, I’m looking for more orders.’

    I did my best to explain to Brian that, for some in business, the structured network meeting was not the answer.

    If you are not looking for a fast-track to a diverse business community right on the doorstep, or a purpose-built sales team intent on learning about you and your own skills, it could be that regular networking is not for you … I added.

    Brian then handed me his new business card with a detailed list of products and services printed on reverse. He suggested that … ‘if ever I needed his type of product, why not get in touch?’

    I enquired after the coffee …

    Structured networking is great for business; sadly some of us are not so great for networking.

  • People, funny?

    People, funny?

    “People are funny”

    I find I quote this phrase regularly during conversation, even to myself although most often when I’m indulging with friends over a ‘sticky bun’ and a decent coffee.

    I find engagement with like-minded souls is always good for the morale and if we’re lucky we receive more than just a boost for the psyche. An introduction perhaps, even a smile!

    After all, people are just like me, they’re much like you – hey, we’re all alike and although we surely have our very different views on life, it’s one of the essential ingredients when reflecting with a smile … how people have that great ability to lift you up when you are down or level the ‘playing field’ when you fly too high.

    I recently had an acquaintance get in touch, calling early one evening whilst I was demolishing a fine … home baked rice pudding …

    Anyway by the sound of his voice, Shah was having troubles. His wife was leaving him, his children, now post teen, had moved out and with the home-front in disarray, the business was suffering.

    Shah initially called to ask me for money. He thought this may be the cure.

    Rarely have I set aside the rice pudding once I’d started. I was not about to ignore it at this point either, so I suggested we meet up.

    The opportunity came at the local hostelry – always a good idea (and no, it’s not somewhere I often frequent, much!) I insisted on ale, Shah and I had a chat.

    It was all too apparent Shah needed to talk. He was very good at talking and with limited family engagement and no-one listening to his recent domestic plight he turned to someone (me) who might just listen. I like to listen. It soon became apparent that Shah had historic family problems that required his attention and his business needed an interim manager to enable him to manage the home front. He was uncertain how to go forward, he continued to talk and I simply listened over my ale.

    Shah is part of my own network of friends/colleagues. Until recently I was frequently meeting with him and a number of other independent businesses for referral engagement. The reasons for his regular absences were unclear – until just now.

    After a most enjoyable soirée at the aforementioned hostelry it was agreed that we meet with some key people within the business forum – after all, what is an affinity group all about if not to offer support and guidance to a colleague?

    The meeting of minds took place the following week, we found the right connection who knew the right kind of people for business support, Shah took time off to be with his family – and pretty soon we saw him smiling again.

    “People are funny” is something I often repeat (yes, to myself if there is no-one else around) and Shah is indeed funny.

    Shah had built a trusted network of contacts over the years and here he was – blinded by his plight where he simply couldn’t see a way forward until … he asked for help through the aid of conversation, engagement and …it cost him nothing but the odd ale …

    Shah now sees the value of his network. People can help you engage, develop and grow, so build the relationships and ask in confidence.  He

  • Unsubscribe, go on!

    Unsubscribe, go on!

    “Good morning …so here’s something really special for you today.”

    Ever get the feeling that the whole world is on a sales pitch?

    As a self employed, multi-tasking ‘all things mastered’ professional of today I found myself asking (again) how do I really get the right ‘stuff’ – the real business, done?

    Daily I’m bombarded with easy access outlets, offers of contribution and participation and the promise of an easy way to grow the business (heard that one before?)

    It can be tough just completing the basics don’t you think?

    It was until recently for me also.

    I was bound up in the routine. Unaware that I was over-run by an ever-growing multitude of ‘habits’ that were forging my expectancy, testing the comfort zone.

    Know the feeling?

    Sure I made the choices to participate, although in today’s business I find all are driven to allocate certain times to chosen tasks that may not directly benefit us whilst enticing us to be all things to all channels, so to speak.

     

    I do understand that for some in business this really has become the norm’. There is no time to ‘pencil in’ (remember the pencil?) that push for new business, the growth. Some of my closest friends were just too busy with that “same old ever growing routine!”

    I’d had enough. So … I took time to take action. Some small, practical steps I needed to make to implement change. I felt driven to get back some ‘me and the business’ focus.

    I found what was NOT WORKING in the roller-coaster routine. I looked at what I could consider quitting and how much TIME I could retrieve to invest in MYSELF.

    By making one or two small adjustments to the daily necessaries, by taking the decision to change – it felt good. Very good.

    By simply quitting the habit … the NOT WORKING FOR ME, by choosing opt-out, unsubscribe, saying no and creating the ‘new’ I had ditched the negative, created the space and invited the opportunity for growth.

    Try it … dare you kick the habit(s) to really see what’s working?