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
  • I know all that stuff.

    I know all that stuff.

    To my mind, business is about recognising the fundamentals then creating a routine of basic processes.

    Talking with Ian recently (someone who has ‘in the business for a bit’) I asked him … “How they were doing with the fundamental?

    “I know all that stuff.” Came the reply.

    I “know” all that. Know. Not do… Know.

    The magic difference. Knowing without doing … and Ian knows what I’m saying here:

    Check it out, what sets you apart from people who aren’t finding their success is that you know and you practice the basics. You know that discipline and repetition and practice and doing the fundamentals are what will get you over the line.

    Every success story I provide comes from doing the basics. I create a product that adds value to someone’s life. I share what the product will do for them. I ask people to buy the product. I help them understand why the product will help, and I then help people execute the follow-up.

    There’s absolutely nothing advanced in this type of work practice.

    MOST of what anyone requires to improve and be successful stems from understanding the basics.

    People getting the basics wrong is the problem.

    We confuse doing the fundamentals with repeating something. This activity we misinterpret as growth.

    People tell me things like “I do the fundamentals. I blog every day. I tweet all day. I …”

    By this point I’ve taken a seat …

    Take a step back, it’s self analysis time …

    What are YOU doing every day that really doesn’t take your business or your work forward? Can you understand this is the routine? Lets ask yourselves:

     

    What I do each day … does it contribute to growth?

    Don’t forget, the fundamentals of your business will be somewhat different than other people, it depends on what you do, but there will be similarities.

    For instance … the local parish priest helps and supports the congregation by interpret life path, offering comfort and direction. (True, I believe for most religions, right?)

    An educator shares lessons.

    A musician performs (and creates).

    And then on top of those types of basics, there’s your primary role but also what you need to do to sustain and grow.

    A preacher has to find more people to serve. An educator has to market the specific education. A musician needs to get the word out and do all the promotional work, etc.

    What are YOUR fundamentals? What is required for growth efforts? Determine which of these are essentially meant for daily work process and separate these basics from the required growth activity.

    You know the difference, now do the difference.

    I’m going for tea, tomorrow looks busy …

  • Show passion, get lucky!

    I consider myself lucky. I am able to count my true friends on the fingers of both hands.

    Sure, I have several hundred network ‘friends,’ cyber contacts and ‘likes’ out there although while I sit here enjoying the first cup of tea of the day I’m struggling to add to that true friend count … although the toes are always optimistic 🙂

    It’s a fact, that this handful of true friends is indeed my family, direct family and partners in fact. These are the people who understand me, know my ambitions well and know where my passions really lie. My family have spent time with me, grown with me and experienced life as we see it.

    So why am I sitting here, supping tea and dwelling on where my true allies really lie?

    I‘d met James earlier this week, he introduced himself through a mutual  acquaintance as a ‘utilities expert.’  James explained that he was ‘giving networking  a go’ as for the past few months he’d found business pretty slow.

    It turns out James had signed up with to promote his utilities solutions in support of his other, ‘main job.’ He was looking to add to his income.

    Sure, even I could understand this. We’re all in business for a lot of different reasons, working to provide a better standard of living for our family is as good a reason as any, right?

    James explained that he was unable to offer a lot of time to promote his new  business as his main job kept him ‘busy’ although he was hopeful that any time he went out networking he was going to ‘get lucky’ and find some business and after all, if it didn’t work out, he’d simply ‘throw in the towel.’

    I asked James to give me an idea of what he was passionate about, not to tell me he was in the job for the chance of business, is this what he told his family?  If it was, this was likely why he had found only limited success …

    I’ve suggested to James that he treat his network with the sincerity that an extended family deserved.  People like to do business with passionate people, with those who they know and who they trust.  I asked James who he trusted … family, right?

    Build your network and look after them as you would an extended family …

    Show passion and get lucky.

    ‘people buy from people.’

  • Leave the light on this Halloween.

    Most of us remember, when children, there were times we were scared by that bump in the middle of the night.  The unexpected awakening. The “Midnight Demon” seemed so real at 3:00am.  He would destroy our dreams and reek havoc.

    I dare say that today many of us still wake up in the night with bad dreams that  still involve the “Midnight Demon”. Just as when the light of day comes about and the reality of the bad dreams goes away – it is the same with the Demon, away go the issues, the problems and blockages when light is turned on him.

    As an adult I still think these Demons are real and effectively stand in our way of success. Although, like magic, when light is shined on our Demon we can then deal with him and I think the Demons among many of us can be described as two very different things, things that stand in the way of real potential.

    The first Demon can be described as fear.  The fear of failure.  The fear of not being perfect. The fear of the unknown.  The fear of openness.  The fear of …

    We each have our own …

    Fear can be terrible and it can be debilitating. Fear causes us to hesitate, it causes us to question ourselves, to have the “I need the loo now, look”.  We actually become less than our true selves, we start to doubt and ask, how we achieve greatness when we are not fully engaged?  How can we achieve more when we are not allowed to be ourselves?  Fear stifles creativity and the best creativity is open, free, boundless and exhilarating.  How can you reach your full potential when you are literally choked by the Demon fear?

    Courage overcomes fear. The first step in beating this Demon is shining the light of truth on him so you know he is not real.  Remember the courage when you fear your Demon …

    The second Demon who stops us fulfilling our potential is … the excuse.

    The Demon becomes an excuse.  He becomes the reason why people don’t ask the questions or try new things, why they stall when reaching for new heights, or even when attempting to learn new skills.

    In essence, excuses become crutches or the Demons who you hide behind.  Greatness comes with transparency and confession at our shortcomings.  Excuses are not acceptable.  Self awareness and self accountability lead to courage and success.

    Something I have learned from my Demons? Become accountable, don’t fear mistakes or failure.  Learn from them.

    Leave the light on.

  • Too busy for biz.

    more too busy1So she said to me that really, she didn’t need to be looking for any more business and that she ‘wouldn’t be taking on any more … for a couple of months at least,’ adding she “had been fortunate enough to pick up plenty of business to … last until Christmas.”  We’re still in October.

    Impressed I was until I enquired how she was lucky enough to pick up such business.

    ‘Only networking’ came the reply, ‘spent the last 7 months at a regular meeting and picked up the business. Won’t be going back for a bit.’

    Now, I should say – good luck to her, she certainly deserved it, after-all she was the one putting in all that prospecting and graft … but something told me to keep the top lip buttoned for a change …

    Seen this before?

    The messages that go out are many and not pretty …

    How can she possibly be seen as the professional ‘go to’ for her particular services if she is simply looking after her own schedules? What does this kind of disregard for others say about the way she feels about her future new business prospects?

    Respectful? No. Offer of support? Hardly? Reciprocal arrangement? No time for that… reliable? Sadly not.

    By simply suggesting that she is ‘too busy for more business’ the damage is done, the time spent cultivating the network to encourage the planning, future growth and attainment of future goals have been undone in one swift gesture of self fulfillment.

    Could you refer a supplier responded with the offer of new business with ‘Thanks anyway – I have enough business for now, I’ll call again some time after Christmas.’

    We could argue that she is only being honest – and besides, she is not going to be letting anyone down by refusing the work. Is she? But what does the future hold?

    Again, we’ve seen this happen a lot although the situation still astonishes me and does nothing for the ‘biz neighbourhood’ do you not think?

    You views? Be interested to find out …

  • Out of my way …

    IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? Are you a positive influence or one of negativity? Do you sugarcoat things or get straight to the point?

    Much has been said about the best way of approaching business development or implementation of change, it can be stressful for many. Each of us have our goals (or we are working on them) and we all strive to do the best or be at our best … but are we willing to do what is needed to achieve the reputation for being ‘the best?’

    If we are to be the best, to succeed in our chosen field, we must be single minded on the task at hand. Know your industry well; take time for education whether through formal training or peer groups, subscribe to those blogs, industry magazines and newsletters.

    Show others what you know and stand out by delivering.

    The ‘scary bit’ … change. Even the smallest focus in a different direction is going to alienate one or two who thought they knew our intentions.  Change though is good if you are not achieving.

    Lets find that fine line where our intentions to excel offer inspiration to others not alienation and ensure we ultimately offer vision for them to achieve and raise their own levels to where they never thought possible.

    So for that particular goal you are working on? How about trying to be someone that is the calming force, offers advice, someone that might be counted on in times of need.

    Who has the time for answers? You do. Who is the person not settling for ‘good enough?’ Who leads by example? You do, of course.

    We all have it inside us to become better and to be the best. But are we willing to really make that happen?

    Let’s get out of our own way, be the change you seek. Don’t dream, do.

  • But, what’s in it for me?

    The effective email marketing message needs to focus on the receiver and what’s in it for them … not what you have or what you offer – not even your product. It needs to be about what is in it for them.

    7 secrets you should consider keeping in mind:

    The subject line serves as a headline for your message. This needs to encourage the reader to do just that – read the mail to generate a response.

    Make the content of your message personal. Whether you’re sending this email to one person or one million it should read like a personal communication. Write the way you wish to talk, make it easy for people to relate to you.

    Make sure the content of your message has one and only one objective. If you include more than one objective for your message you are unlikely meet any objective at all.

    Keep the message brief. You know how it is … getting a long drawn out email is like getting a long voice mail. The reader is unlikely to scan for the punch line, you will end up in the junk folder.

    Include a ‘link’ in your message to match the objective of the message. In all cases you want your email to evoke an action. Adding a link ensures the action is taken.

    Don’t forget to include a Positive Power Statement for Action, otherwise known as a P.S. This is likely to be the most important statement in your entire message as it’s the statement most likely to get read, so clearly state the exact action you want and the exact benefit the reader gets for taking that action.

    Once the message goes out – it’s time to follow-up … to find out what’s in it for you … so make sure the language is consistent, the format to the message is familiar and the signature works to develop familiarity. Most often the close is made with an effective follow-up.

  • This may just save you grief.

    I’ve always believed networking brought people together for the opportunity of growing through understanding of what their needs are, with perhaps the bonus smile, some great company and the opportunity for referral somewhere ‘down the line.’

    Working hard to gain trust with others and understanding that important relationships will ultimately see partnerships and mutual respect is something most of us take for granted.

    We need to understand though, there are those ‘out there’ who are not who they say they are and so never intend to do what they say they are going to do. These pretenders are simply looking to line their pockets and believe that ‘people buying from people’ is their right to certain transactions and therefore look to take full advantage of ‘their’ captured client base.

    Undoubtedly this attitude is potentially disastrous for any serious Networker, (as opposed to the opportunistic Hunter) we need to ensure that such people are never given the chance to meet our broader established network. In short we need to look hard at who we introduce to our contact sphere – because if we don’t, the potential collapse of our historic trusted relations is a very real possibility.

    Partnerships fail when true colours are revealed and the sooner we discover the fakes within our midst the quicker we can attempt to expose them and fortify with ‘real people,’ those who are genuinely looking to cultivate and exchange contacts for the long term.

    My advice to you, if you find such a pretender within your network?

    Well if you find it is too late to close and padlock that kitchen door, learn from the unsavoury experience and warn whoever may listen before moving on.

    They just might thank you for it 🙂

  • Cigarette saved her …

    I was invited to attend a House Of Lords networking group one damp, though mild October evening. “Be there for 7pm.” I was advised by the fellow whom I was entrusted to mentor through his early networking experience.

    Dick was a keen networker, a little headstrong although he had at least an attitude for success.

    I’d decided to take the train down to Westminster, it was easier on the constitution and I could at least sit and read through the hour-long journey – and it made a change from sitting in traffic.

    The journey was swift and I arrived at 6.45, Big Ben saying so and a little early I thought, I’d walk some way over Westminster Bridge and take in a view of the London Eye – all lit up to brighten the Autumn evening commuter evacuation.

    Some way along I stopped for a cigarette when I heard a female voice call out:

    “Can I have a cigarette please mister?”

    Looking about I noticed that the voice came from a woman who had positioned herself atop one of the lamp support pillars that populated the bridge at regular intervals …

    “Be grateful for a cigarette please.”

    “What are you doing up there?” I asked, surprised more than anything.

    “I want to talk to Tony Blair – and I need a cigarette now.” came the reply

    I hinted that she was not in the right place to speak with our current leader and that it was a particularly dangerous place to hold a conversation. Why would she not get down?

    “I’m going to throw myself into the river because Tony Blair had me kicked out of my house … but first I want to talk to him – can I have a cigarette please?”

    I offered her a cigarette and the conversation went into more depth over a few minutes although my encouragement to step down off the barrier was falling on deaf ears, the only attention I was getting was from passers-by …

    “Having trouble with the Mrs are you mate?

    “Nope, just trying to help someone in trouble.” I replied

    “I’m going to jump if I can’t talk to Tony Blair!”

    We’d spent ten minutes discussing the benefits of politicians and the alternative of leaping into a very cold river with a strong rip-tide – I was running out of cigarettes and the passing public were starting to linger.

    OK I thought, lets try this I thought …

    “Here’s my last cigarette, then I’m going to telephone Tony Blair for you.”

    “If he’s not here in five minutes I’m jumping, I’ve got nothing to live for, he’s taken away my children and my home.”

    It went on …

    I was now seriously late for my appointment at House Of Lords and I could not help but notice a crowd had gathered on the terrace to witness the occasion of ‘a nutter about to jump into the Thames.’

    “Give me another cigarette …”

    I reached for my mobile and dialled 999, calling for a police presence and advising my chain smoking friend that I’d informed the government of her needs.

    “Give me another …. Or I’m jumping”

    I interrupted her now – look, Tony Blair has your details and you will be discussing all this in good time … but if you cannot wait – jump for all I care!

    She froze for a minute, at least it kept her mouth closed momentarily.

    The police arrived, they were present on the water also …

    What’s the trouble here sir, having trouble with the Mrs are we??

    The same reply I gave to the Police … no, simply being humankind …

    OK madam, come on down from the barrier, we can talk about this.

    “Not until I have spoken to Tony Blair …”

    Can I ask why are you doing this madam?” asked the policewoman

    Turning her manic gaze at me and pointing a finger directly the reply came …

    “Because he told me to!”

    A moment of shame before I quickly explained the situation to the police, offered thanks for their support, offered my card and left them to it …

    Now 7.30 came when I entered the gathering that had witnessed the show over Westminster Bridge, with most of the excitement gone once the unfortunate lady had been removed from the scene.

    Of course once my story was told I was met with surprise as well as bemusement.

    “So that’s why you were late” cried Dick, not like you at all, thought there must have been a delay with the trains.

    Could I introduce you to Fiona Jones, Head of Community Development for SHELTER.

    So began a solid relationship with the Charity which brought many great opportunities for business and I enjoyed 12 months working with the Charity and their B2C marketing plus of course extolling the virtues of networking and preparing Dick for the road ahead – being ready for the opportunity that may be just around the corner and offering kindness and attitude, two of the most overlooked attributes of any networker.

  • Business? Come and meet the people.

    You’ll find plenty to think over at Foxton Hall, Alnmouth on the 23rd September.

    Foxton is a lovely Golf Club, hosting our Weeklybiz Trade Fair, 11-4pm Tuesday morn., right after our networking group subsides …

    There’s plenty to come and see … FREE entry, seminars from learned people in the business of developing their personal contacts and offering education on diverse skills on offer such as …

    11-11.15am   “What Networking Can Do For Me”

    11.20   “Are You In The Right Mind For Business Success?”

    11.40   “Media Services Your Best Image”

    12.00   “Understanding The Web”

    LUNCH – Win a Lunch … let’s have a card!

    13.00 “Marketing Your Business”

    13.30 “NBSL/Regional Growth Network – Funding For Business”

    14.00 “Six Steps To A Better Business”

    14.30 “How To Choose An Accountant”

    15.00 “Finance For Life & Estate Planning”

    15.30 “Human Resources and Recruitment”

    Apart from the FREE presentations and as well as the Prize Draw, there’s the chance to engage “those in the business”

    So, Tuesday 23rd September – come along and meet the people who are specialising in “people buy from people”

    See you there!

     

  • Just by doing.

    Just by doing.

    Several years back I had finished a long-term tenure with the Ex-Pat Chamber of Commerce and was looking for ‘something similar.’
    I was confident of a new assignment with a similar organisation, a familiar role and so I  bided my time.
    One or two agencies had my resume and so sat back … waiting for the ‘offers’ to come by.  I figured that in three or four months I could transfer my contacts and all which I’d learned and move amongst the familiar network once more.
    Twelve months arrived without any interest. Twelve became 14 months, then 18 months came and went.  
    I found myself in an unfamiliar position of ‘chasing shadows’ via ‘specialist recruiters’ offering limited, much oversubscribed ‘vacancies.’
     I wouldn’t say that I was worried, although after eighteen months I was now considering diversity. It was time to start with a blank canvas, I needed to leave the comfort zone of what I knew – start afresh.
    Around this time a friend suggested I visit a local networking event:
    “Something that might ‘do you good’ and ‘help to view the bigger picture.’ ” 
    We agreed to meet up later that evening after I visited the local automatic bank teller.
    After twenty years in business, I’d never been in a position when I had found myself ‘broke.’  Now though, the message I read as I requested my withdrawal confirmed it – ‘funds unavailable.’ 
    Starting at nothing was one thing, existing on it was another and the realisation of this moment took me aback. A reality check.
    Needless to say, I did catch up with my friend, and after we’d discussed my ‘plight’ when he introduced me to an acquaintance who happened to be heading up a Govt., funded rehabilitation unit.
    It so happens they were ‘looking for specialists’ who could manage to deliver ‘a brand-new programme.’ It did not take me long to confirm ‘I’m interested,’ so we set up a meeting at his office the next day which led to a 4-month delivery cycle.  It was a start.
    Some way into the new role, on my way home, I met a familiar face …
    “Hi, George” I called as my near neighbour approached, almost colliding with the chap.  There was a short exchange of pleasantries although at the time I did feel that George was not acting his usual buoyant self.
    The next couple of weeks proved fulfilling, the project keeping me busy. I had certainly not given up plans of moving back into the industry I loved, although I was grateful for this hiatus in my search for the ideal work-life balance.
    The project training I was charged to deliver one evening, was to a group who were unknown to us. I read the expected attendance sheet and saw a list of names – amongst them I saw was my neighbour, George Parks.
    Sure enough, a band of six ‘offenders’ arrived, one being my near neighbour and all accompanied by community police officers.  ‘This was going to be tough.’ I thought to myself and sure enough, George saw me and immediately broke down.
    Little did I know, George and his wife were having a tough time. He had recently been made redundant and all was not as it should be. George had picked up with his drinking and his his wife was not in the best of health. At 55 years of age, this was proving an awful time for the family.
    Eventually, George stayed with the programme of three weeks and I came to know and understand him well. Both he and his wife moved on from their problems and both became much happier as a result.
    My lesson from this was pretty easy.  I have always known that networking can be an antidote for many ills, whether business or personal. Given the chance, a simple conversation can work its magic.
    Sure networking is often seen as something we ‘do’ to encourage business. Although we should never underestimate the simple choice of ‘moving,’ of ‘doing’ – networking is more than business. It’s about people. By engaging, doing brings change.
    I’ve learned from the past. For me, business is personal.