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

  • 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.

  • Gone Fishing

    Networking is a little bit like fishing. It takes time.

    We need to pick the spot – find the right conditions for you

    Is it fairly local?

    Fair Weather, without any competition or potential snags?

    Do we have the right tools? A smile, business cards, pen perhaps …

    We need to prepare the pool to ensuring the audience know that we are regularly around and that we have a better chance with our cast (or message in this case)

    The Lure – are the conditions right?

    People buy seasonally, try and adapt your offer to the marketplace

    Have patience.   And throw the little ones back. It takes time …

    After you plant the seed, give the potential a chance to grow, if the work on offer is not right for you, say so and point your colleague in the right direction.

    You know they will be back and that you will be rewarded down the line.

     

  • Avoid disappointments. Give more time

    Developing the relationships through networking is important it is the foundation of success. Most of us are aware of this although there comes a time when we need to step back and think:

    ‘Is the relationship i value really a priority for my network colleagues?’

    I’ve had my own personal experiences with supposed allies, friends even! Those go-to like-minded associates who carry the same vision and principles as yourself, only to see it all goes sour – for lots of different reasons.

    The most common influence, not just in my own experience, is impatience and greed. Especially true of course during our recent unsettled economic climate.

    The lesson I’ve learned from this experience is that trust is an ever more valuable commodity in the business world. Trust is built over time and enables the fast track to business development and success. These days I give my networking more time. I am much more selective and of course much more wary of whom I befriend of who I offer help and ultimately to who I offer my trust.

    Business is personal and there are givers and there are takers.

    We may have our own business priorities although when assessing our business ‘partner,’ it is my view that we need to really understand where they are heading.

    What is important to their business?

    • Is it regular cash transactions,
    • New business partnerships,
    • Network education or
    • Diversity through people?

    In most instances it is a combination of all of the above although the time to be wary is when you find that the only relationship your ‘trusted’ business partner is interested in is the regular cash transaction – this is a relationship that has no solid foundations and in my experience greed soon possesses your once trusted partner.

    So what happens when you find your trust is compromised for the sake of a run of cash transactions – or the gain of a ‘quick buck?’

    Walk away, and remember to close that kitchen door behind you!

  • Look after your mates

     

     

    The one topic that the referral handbooks don’t cover is the question of … internal disputes. When partnerships fail and the rogue is uncovered … the apple-cart tips!

    As a referral partner, should I shout about it? Whisper the warnings? Maybe report the offending operator as a dud and not worthy of anyone else’s’ attention – or all of the above?

    Our Business Forum is a great place to be – even more so now we’ve just recently introduced a reporting process for grievances and it’s working well…

    Here’s a recent example …

    In this case the offender had withheld payment for services completed by a long-standing referral partner. (Yes, someone within the same Group.) Usually the work provided is paid by return and there is a clear understanding to the working relationship (to a point!)

    The supplier (referral partner) had recently moved locality through necessity and advised the offender although with this change the offender saw opportunity and decided to renege on the existing long-standing relationship by withholding the outstanding dues.

    Now it goes without saying that the outgoing supplier was/is on good terms with the Network Group, with many solid relations and as an influential figure, he is someone that others, when in doubt, looked toward for guidance.

    Our Network now have in place a simple direction for resolution:

    Reporting the issue by email to the Network ‘Chair’ and copying in to the solicitor/mediator within the Group quickly had the desired effect, supplier paid, lessons learned and job done, we move on.

    So what of the alternative?

    Would you shout about the situation to anyone listening … that the offender was to be avoided and certainly never trusted?   Unlikely, although this could happen.

    Bringing the organisation into disrepute through malice has a devastating effect and should be avoided although no one is happy being ripped-off by those who were once trusted.

    This is one instance where we see that ‘business is indeed personal,’ and that even long term relationships are scuppered when greed rears it’s ugly head.

    Shut that door!

  • Networking or Netconnecting?

    Over the last few decades, networking has devolved into an endless series of cattle-call events full of barn-style open bars, pizza and a mingle coffee meets and the inevitable gathering tub-thumpers …

    Perfect strangers, after a long day at the office, agree to show up and bump into each other, randomly exchanging business pitches for business cards.

    Needless to say, traditional networking is not working anymore. For successful 21st century business people, large networking events and the mountains of business cards they produce have become a waste of time and valuable resources. It’s time to re-evaluate why people buy people.

    Networking will feed you today. And for some of us, this is why we ‘do’ networking. We know this, but connecting … really connecting and playing the longer game, understanding that properly developed relations is what makes for some amazing and sustainable opportunities that stretch far deeper than simply the one-off business opportunity.  

    So let me ask you … are you Networking for today or Netconnecting ?

  • So, what’s up?

    and it’s so easy to get it right …

  • Shut that door – the Hunter again!

    Looking to nullify the effect of the inevitable “Hunter” present in your Network Forum?

    Here are just a few more tips from our series of …

    How to combat the sales-hungry ‘Matt Le-Fatt’ type…

    As in earlier post, Matt Le-Fatt is our fictitious ever-present shark-hunter type. A not unusual species and often seen circulating even the best of Network Forum, our shark Le-Fatt is ever-present in the kitchens, waiting for the uninitiated to arrive.

    Therefore …

    1. Best you arrive EARLY for business besides, nothing gets people talking better than the early bird arrival. The right impression is made with visitors curious what the buzz is about – you all cannot be here simply for more business, right? The visitor will soon be ever so grateful for your support.

    2. Volunteer to HELP. As above, why not make a point of arriving in good time to help – and ask if your colleagues need help, don’t just assume it is not required. Also, Hunters don’t like others arriving too early – as it spoils their own sales pitch …

    3. Be happy, smile. Another antidote to certain Hunter-types. You are more appealing when you smile – and in stark contrast to the Hunter-cook who, in fear of missing out cannot help the but send out expletives emanating from the kitchens as another sausage goes up in flames … don’t forget we are protecting our visitor here …

    4. Listen to your visitor. Don’t be tempted to do a Matt Le-Fatt and over sell just as the niceties of introduction have cooled. No-one likes to be sold to – especially over breakfast.

    5. Relax, and be yourself … People buy from people – remember?

    6. Book a One to One … Try and educate your visitor on the above psychology before the Hunter Le-Fatt reach them. You cannot possibly know all about your new network partner during open networking – if you think you do, you will start sending out all the wrong ‘Hunter’ messages. Book a One to One asap.

    7. Support each other …Inevitably the visitor is going to be cornered by the lone shark at some stage – Matt Le-Fatt is renowned for it and has all the moves. So by offering your support to the visitor, mentoring and removing the threat of the Hunter you shall greatly enhance your position of confidant and ‘go to’ person, which can only be a good thing, right?

    8. Most importantly, during networking (or any time,) if you say you are going to do something – always do so. Nothing destroys the opportunity for future referral more than neglecting the follow-up.

    9. Ask for help. We are all good at offering our support although many misunderstand the power of the need for assistance. People like to help because it offers a clear path to the relationship. So ask if you need help, better relationships are part of the reason MOST of us are in business for

    10. And finally, if you cannot seem to get a word in conversation because of the ever-present Matt Le-Fatt Hunter …

                You will realise only then, that you forgot to shut that kitchen door!

    More to follow …