CharlieKenny.me

people * stories * engagement

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I love the coast and in particular, the area in which I live, the North East of England. It’s an uncomplicated life, for the past twelve years I’ve been away from the ‘big smoke’ … and the decision to relocate my business to the North has been the best move of my career. So far. I am a writer and have a lifetime of experience in publishing and personal development. I now consider myself a specialist in helping my clients with memoirs – this could be a biography, or simply bringing diary pages to life. I tend not to advertise my business, word of mouth has always been kind so it’s no surprise that I do spend a couple of days per week in collaboration through networking. Peer collaboration can be very rewarding. Therefore, if you’d like to join me fortnightly for Wednesday ZOOM or either Tuesday or Thursday for (in-person) morning coffee, please get in touch. I’d love to meet you and perhaps help in any way possible. Thank you for stopping by the website. engage, develop, grow … with Go! charliekenny@live.co.uk
  • The Bad Boy (2)

    The Bad Boy (2)

    (an excerpt from a forthcoming book of the same name by Kevin John Ragnarsson Wilson Lee Clarke)

    PART 2

    I sat in my cell at my small wooden table, beside me was my solicitor, opposite me was the investigating detective beside my ‘jailer’new friend) PC Lonigan.

    Just tell us your story Michael, start from the beginning …

    It was 1969, I was 16 years old and school was over. At the time I remember myself and a friend starting jobs where my dad worked, at the local water pipeline.

    Dad was pleased with himself as he began working with a gang of Irishmen on a part of the pipeline they called the front end. First the bulldozers cleared the land before a different team laid and welded the pipes. Dad loved his part of the job, erecting fencing alongside where the pipes were being laid. Here was his chance to share the ‘craic’ and he was in his element. With Irish blood and a great sense of humour, dad mixed well with the Irish boys and they soon adopted him. I often thought that dad must have kissed the Blarney Stone!

    Together, there were a gang of about 25 Irishmen. The fellow who oversaw the operation was the ‘charge hand,’ a young man named Sean Fitzpatrick. I say young as was only ten years older than me. He and my dad shared the same sense of humour and ‘got on like a house on fire.’

    On the many nights out with Sean, he’d ensure there were plenty of bottles of Guinness. All the Irish boys were there and they’d sing Irish republican songs long into the night. At some point Dad told his new friends he was a relative of one of the leaders of the Irish uprising. Also letting anyone who was listening that this was who his son (me) was named after . 

    It was Michael Collins he spoke of. He being outspoken Irish revolutionary soldier, politician and government Minister of Finance. Collins was an inspirational leader, active in 1919 and part of the political party, Sinn Fein, during the Irish Civil War. His star burned bright until one night, on the 22nd August 1922. Collin’s party were travelling by car along a quiet country road when they were ambushed by Anti Treaty forces. Michael Collins ended up being shot and killed, dying a martyr and loved by many, especially my dad.

    Sean and dad enjoyed each other’s company and they soon became inseparable. To me, it seemed that Sean took the place of my older brother, Stephen, who was now living in Australia. During conversation Dad would introduce me as ‘our kid’ when Sean (or anyone else) returned to our house for supper after a night’s drinking. We were all close, kindred spirits.

    Over time, and with more experience gained at work, it wasn’t long before I joined a company of Irish lads, all around my age. There were eight of us. I found this to be a strange situation at first as I could not make them out! I couldn’t understand them at all, their Irish ‘lingo’ being raw Southern Irish tongue. Of course they knew I struggled to keep up and I soon became the scapegoat for many pranks.

    The work we did was tough at times and these lads loved to drink after work. Saying this, all went to church mass on a Sunday morning. Then, right after? It was a return to the pub for more Guinness. The hair of the dog they had swilled down the night before. I couldn’t keep up with them. I know they thought I was a wimp at the time, but I always paid for my round of Guinness. There was one night on the drink when I’d taken too much and it was boss man, Sean who took me home. 

    I remember, mother was mad at me, but she knew I had to learn to hold my liquor and she said ‘this was your time to get drunk. My turn to be sick and live in sufferance with a hangover!’ I would learn, but not this time. 

    Dad was devoted, he loved his family, mum, me and my absent brother. I sensed Sean knew this. Dad treated Sean like another son, I also knew that he loved what dad was doing for Sean … during his time with us, Sean had his family, loved by us all.

    My boss Sean had a tough start in life. Born in Ireland and abandoned by his mother, in a the local Catholic Church hours after being born. From here, he ended up in an orphanage where he would stay until he was old enough to leave. Sean became a loner, he was soon an outcast, a rebel. Any possessions Sean owned, anything, even gifts for birthday or Christmas, the older boys took them.

    Time was on his side. As this young man grew in confidence he learned to fight back and stand up for himself until before long Sean became top boy himself. He gained the respect of others who obeyed him now, giving him anything he wanted. What Sean wanted was devotion, loyalty.

    At 16 Sean left the orphanage. It was the Father at the local Catholic Church who found him a job with a construction company.

    Sean was a quick learner. He soon knew the tricks of the trade, developing his ‘people skills’ while operating a range of heavy equipment. In only a short time he gained respect and so became one of the top men ‘on the ground’ for the firm, transferring to England as a charge-hand.

    Here Sean found himself responsible for human resources. Hiring and firing personnel for the construction of the new North Sea pipelines. 

    This is how our family came to meet Sean Fitzpatrick.

    https://charliekenny.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=6458&action=edit
    Part 1 link above …

    (part 3 follows)

    © 2023 Kevin John Ragnarsson Wilson Lee Clarke

  • Here’s what sells

    Here’s what sells

    One of the great things I’ve learned whilst working for myself, and I’ve learned a lot of really great stuff … is that I wasn’t really going to be happy until I accepted the idea that I couldn’t be all things to all people …

    It wasn’t until I embraced my own fallibility that I began to enjoy my career.

    The turn-around took almost ten years, even with ‘bags of’ blind enthusiasm. During the early days of self-employment, my plans were BIG. Dreams were BIGGER … the expectation of reward were grander still. My success was reliant very much on past faithful prospects becoming customers overnight. It was exciting times; the optimism drove me on toward success.

    I was soon to find out that ‘success’ wasn’t to be so simple. Not everyone wished to change and align with my thoughts – even in my brave new world! Some of my prospects were comfortable with existing long-term service providers. For others my ambitious plans fell on deaf ears. Change it seems, was too risky, not a good idea at the time.

    The fact was, I had to admit I was looking to run before I could walk. My old friends enjoyed the stability I was once a part of. Why should they drop everything and join me? Yes, we were friends, although now, I needed to prove my worth, my value if I was to succeed when convincing others to invest in me alone.

    Eventually I succumbed to apathy and accepted that my plans of world domination sucked. 

    Did I give up? No, not quite. I lowered my horizons, bringing the desired target a little closer. The reality of success became more visible.

    Today? Through the benefit of experience, I’ve found that if I visualise my dreams, the journey and break it down, draw a picture, life is easy. I’ve also accepted that bite size ‘wins,’ however small they may be … achieved through strategy, with less stress … are wins nonetheless,

    We all have our routines. For me, the pursuit of marginal gains has given me an appreciation of the important stuff. I value what I have, more time with family and friends, all in all, I am more content.

    The magic is, this new found contentment has helped in other ways. In business I’m now finding people come to me for advice as I’m not selling anything other than my experience.

    By learning to appreciate what I have … as opposed to what I want. By simplifying the task in hand, I’m far happier and, isn’t that what people want? Happiness?

    Reputations sell.

    People buy from people they know, trust and who are comfortable in their shoes.

  • After the holiday

    After the holiday

    Hello Bill, are you OK for our catch-up next week?

    Can we leave the catch up until after August, Charlie?

    Most of us have had to make adjustments this time of the year. For me, August always seems like the world and his P.A. are on, or planning a holiday. Everyone but me …( just a hint of jealousy) …

    I’m lucky to have the freedom of choice nowadays. Being self-employed and working from home, holidays are a choice of convenience. A spontaneous decision.

    Someone once told me that ‘we should busy ourselves when we’re busy.’  

    Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? There’s bound to be more opportunity in our marketplace during the ‘busy’ season.  Is your business seasonal?

    For those who have been trading for a year or so, we’ve learned to reflect on when business is coming our way (or not) and so forecast the time to ‘down tools.’

    I do find the holiday season can prove frustrating when you feel like the only one working, here’s how I spend a little time prospecting to fight the frustration during the ‘quiet spell.’

    I’ll visit the post office, (remember them?) to purchase a dozen stamps, together with a selection of greetings cards. I’ll send a note to prospects and customers alike, a short note, something like ‘thank you for the business’, or ‘I look forward to catching up upon your return,’ or more appropriate for just now …

    ‘Look forward to catching up after the August holiday Bill. Is the second week of September good for you?’

    ‘All very good’ I hear you say. Why though, should we bother to go to such lengths?

    Because the holiday provides a welcome a distraction from the business. The personalised note? It’s a distraction from the mundane and it sure beats the email as a stand-out way to confirm the meeting or show appreciation.

    It also does the job of keeping our pre-holiday conversation uppermost in mind. It’s something I am happy to do, whilst being different … it does little to harm my reputation.

    What say you? Too creepy, salesy?

    Some may think so and stick to the messenger or email? I like to think a little extra care is a reflection of how I value my customers … and prospects alike.  

    So, how do you show your appreciation. How do you stand out?

    Try something new, because people buy from people.

  • Being a habit

    Being a habit

    Most of you know that I love my networking.

    It’s not the fact that I have found a modicum of success through direct business either. All my contacts know precisely what I’m good at although the fact is … not everyone is in the marketplace for my particular services, all of the time.

    This is the same for each of us. Those who know, understand that the ‘magic’ happens through familiarity. By being there for the opportunity.

    My passion for networking stems from something more valuable, a spin-off that has helped me define my reputation … the greatest ‘take-away.’

    That spin-off? It’s the people I’ve met. The one-time acquaintances and those good friends who, over the years, have introduced me to their own circle.

    For me, that’s made the difference. This is why I’m forever grateful that I realised the importance of following-up.

    You see, early in my working life I wasn’t aware of the importance of following up the conversation. I missed out until I became responsible for the welfare of others. My employees and their family, not least my own dependants, and of course, me. It wasn’t until then that I realised I needed to step up and do more. 

    Do more of what I said I would do.

    You know how it works? It can be too easy to offer the “I’ll get back to you” … or … “we must catch up soon,” … or even … “I’ll stick that in the post!”

    It’s all very well we know who does what and the possibilities of association, although if we wish to thrive, then we should apply the finishing touches to our conversation(s) … by doing:

    I’ll get back to you … this afternoon.

    ‘We must catch up soon, how about Friday?’

    “I’ll post that quote to you today, you should have it by the end of the week.”

    Life in business is (for most of us) a long term engagement, whatever we do, the impression we leave on others can be profound. How we prioritise relationships is how we develop our reputation.

    Nothing takes the gloss off a promising first impression than failing to follow-up.  

    Don’t leave it too late, make your relationships a priority, your follow-up a habit. Then like me, you’ll learn to love networking.

  • The Fox, Bear & Steam Engine

    The Fox, Bear & Steam Engine

    Maria Popova and Hermann Hesse ponder how to be more alive.

    Read that full story here:

    https://mailchi.mp/themarginalian/change-wonder?e=73733b688f

  • The Bad Boy

    The Bad Boy

    (an excerpt from a forthcoming book of the same name by Kevin John Ragnarsson Wilson Lee Clarke)

    Chapter 1

    It was a quiet, cool, and beautifully crisp Irish lakeside morning as I busied myself tending to the deck of a recently moored motor launch, returned early after an overnight fishing expedition. 

    I was happily lost in my thoughts, at peace, once again declaring myself grateful. ‘I’m so lucky being here … there could be worse jobs I thought, and just look at that view.’

    Suddenly, shaken from my daydream by an unfamiliar sound, I stood bolt upright. Again, I heard it once more … was that the crack of a gun shot!?

    Dropping everything, almost without thinking, I leapt from the deck of the launch, in full stride I raced across the 200 yards from the mooring to the door of the cottage. Stumbling into the kitchen, gasping for breath and almost toppling over … there on the floor was Sean. Not moving, lying before me in a pool of blood.

    ‘God no, please no!’  With the bitter stench of cordite lingering in the air I clambered to kneel beside my love. Confused, I was grasping, hands eventually beneath Sean’s head, cradling him as the milky morning sunshine streamed through the kitchen window. 

    Was it dream, a nightmare? ‘Sean … Sean, please wake up!’

    Then, an overwhelming smell of Chloroform is all I remember from that time, darkness took me as I choked on those awful fumes. 

    The next thing I recall is being jostled awake, I didn’t recognise where I was, I appeared to be a cell before I began to remember … 

    ‘Wha? Sean, Who’s here with me?’ I spluttered …

    Then a voice, a friendly though authoritative voice began:

    “Good morning young ‘un. You’re feeling a little groggy no doubt? My name is PC Lonigan, I’m with the local constabulary and you are safe here. I’ve brought you tea, so drink that up, you’ll feel better once you do. Call out for me if you want anything, I’m just next door.

    I sat stunned, barely hearing this words. “I-I need to speak to someone – there were gunshots! Sean, he’s been killed … has he been killed?

    Son, we believe terrorists killed your friend, Sean Fitzpatrick. You are a very lucky young man. Being a descendant, a relative of Michael Collins, the killers dare not harm you!”

    My kindly guardian advised me not to say anything more until legal representation arrived later that day. PC Lonigan then informed me the police intended to keep hold of my car, ‘for a bit’ also that the cottage is out of bounds. Then, this unusually kind officer declared the police would provide me with the means to go home once I’d made a statement. This was to ‘ensure my safety,’ he said. I was to leave Ireland and return to Northumberland.

    I was blubbering inconsolably now. In shock and feeling desperate. I had no life, he was dead, Sean was gone … 

    PC Lonigan also made sure I understood there would be no discussions about what happened with anyone outside of my legal counsel and that the authorities would be in contact with me to follow-up, as and when more information was required.

    It wasn’t long before I was required to make a statement. I found myself sat at a small wooden table together with my solicitor and a detective, both of who journeyed from Dublin.

    PC Lonigan was also with us, providing copious tea and cake.

    ‘Now Michael, said the detective. We need you to hear all about you and exactly what you know about what happened at the cottage. In your own words, tell us please, how you came to be associated with Sean Fitzpatrick and your relationship with him.’

    ‘Where do I start?’ I replied.

    Start from the very beginning Michael. Remember, you are not in any trouble, we simply need to understand your story …

    © 2023 Kevin John Ragnarsson Wilson Lee Clarke

  • No, I’m not telling …

    No, I’m not telling …

    I’m not going to tell you how to run your business. I’m going to try and help you realise your goals and make business more enjoyable.

    Here are four questions to ask yourself that may help you:

    Do I have direction?

    Who (or what) is your audience …

    Is the business visible (bizable?)

    Am I fit for business?

    There are plenty of questions to ask ourselves when qualifying why we’re in business.

    I like to keep the above points top of mind. These offer the most impactful insight to the business journey. There’s less ‘fluff.’

    Let’s look at those:

    Write each question down as we go …

    Do I have direction? Where is your business is heading – the goal, do you know where nirvana is for your enterprise? If not, spend a little time (a couple of minutes) each day and visualise the end game.

    Who (or what) is your audience? The strategy. Your customers have a huge impact on the end game. I know it’s difficult not to accept every offer of new business along the way. I’ve been there. Let’s keep in mind that if we spend too much time heading in the wrong direction … we may take a little longer to get back on track. Find direction and reach that goal. Think specific audience, think strategy.

    Am I fit for business? Today we have plenty of opportunity to show our logo … splash our message and shout the plaudits from our satisfied customers. Digital is excellent for that hit of dopamine, the instant gratification. Let’s remember that much of our marketing can be time wasted. Until we realise that business is personal. Most of today’s purchasing is through reputable brands, reputable people. Make the personal appearances often. Network, in person. Show potential customers that you are available for new business. Build your brand, become bizable.

    By sticking with the above points, I’ve found my personal journey has not only fulfilled my wishes … it has been more enjoyable.

    Consider the above vision and develop your reputation along the way.

    ‘People buy from people.’

  • Time for passion

    Time for passion

    A friend had been having trouble negotiating a demanding work-life balance.

    A passion for the side-hustle seemed to be getting in the way of prioritisation. Cathy was so busy with the day job when she realised she was unhappy. What she wanted most was a business that reflected her passion.

    … You’re in the wrong job. I suggested. Shouldn’t you be prioritising your passion, I asked?

    Duuh … OK smart pants, how do I do that? The day job pays the bills Charlie. How do I walk away and start afresh when I’m reliant on the business that no longer excites me?

    First thing is a conversation. Find someone you trust who stands away from you business. Ask them to observe your business processes, you may find you can create more time.

    Time?

    Time. Unless you’d prefer to cut ties with the business you’ve worked so hard to establish? Wouldn’t that be a shame?

    We all need to make space during the busy lifestyle, by managing our time a little better we create space – and with the extra space, what would you do? What could you achieve?

    I need days more that minutes, Charlie.

    So, think of how much time you may find each day, over six days per week to be able to address your passion. It’s a lifestyle you’ve chosen, now adapt … 

    I didn’t know it would grow so fast, Charlie.

    So people like you and your product. That’s great, isn’t it? How would an extra day per week help you pursue that passion?  It is possible, by stepping back. Understand that we all need to trust others once in a while to help us work smarter. Be better.

    OK, an extra day would be useful …

    With that extra time, the bonus is that you would be able to visualise. See now that you’re on the road to creating a business that works without you.

    You mean it’s the start?

    It’s where we should start, with the end in mind, yet it can be difficult to start up with this ability … the ‘bizability.’ By sharing with others and trusting in their skills we gift ourselves time. Have you thought about an extra pair of hands-on for one/two days per week?

    I’m not ready Charlie.

    Try creating that time … you’ll soon be ready …

    Through rapport, we’re blessed with time and space. We create a transportable (marketable, saleable) business, allowing us to plan for the future. With the passion in mind.

  • Learn and move on

    Learn and move on

    As business owners we understand that tough times can beset the best intentions. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? We’re trying to stick to the plan, the strategy is in place and suddenly … it all goes pear-shaped. Why? It may be because of market conditions, budget cuts, a rise in operating costs, mortgage rates, or a host of accompanying ‘downers’ when we find we’re simply stuck and ‘sinking’ fast. 

    The results can be disheartening. We find ourselves on the negative side of the fence and it’s tricky picking up the pieces through all the ‘stuff’ and it becomes almost impossible to even consider jumping the fence to reshape the plan. Stuck fast. The distractions are not only disheartening but debilitating. It’s a scene where, if action isn’t quickly taken, can be played out daily.

    The worst of it? The more bad news hangs around, more of the same turns up!

    Ultimately we find ourselves inhabiting the negative mindset. It’s tough enough dealing with your own knocks and setbacks but contending with the ‘sympathisers’ only interested in hearing bad news doesn’t help. Remember, bad news attracts more post views, sees most clicks, right? Why? Because it’s more compelling.

    Doom attracts the doom-mongers!

    So how do we combat the constant flow of knocks and downbeat attitudes that seem to feed the negative mind set, the pessimism? 

    To remedy any of the above symptoms of negative is surprisingly simple. Negative cannot live with positive. There is always an opposite to every reaction and in my experience a solution is always found by reaching out through candid discussion.

    Be bold, step out and find the ‘right kind’ of people, those you trust and who thrive on success, sharing positive news. Being transparent with colleagues who visualise the path forward will help talk up the steps to success.

    I’m lucky, the business I’m in attracts the optimism required to be successful during challenging times. 

    My advice if you’re stuck with how to move forward? Find yourself a network of like-minded associates and share whatever the seasonal disappointments have brought you. Ask for help. Chances are there is already a solution to your current situation just waiting for the conversation. Take time to talk up your past wins and of course recall the shortcomings. Learn how to thrive again. 

    Discuss, learn and discard to realign as your business, your life benefit through association with the positive.

    Positive attracts optimism. Leave the alternative to the sceptics.  

  • An extraordinary life

    May Sarton on the Art of Living Alone

    “There is no place more intimate than the spirit alone,” the young May Sarton (May 3, 1912–July 16, 1995) wrote in her stunning ode to solitude — the solitude she came to know, over the course of her long and prolific life, as the seedbed of creativity. 

    Living alone can be deeply rewarding and deeply challenging. It is not for everyone. It is not for those who romanticize its offerings of freedom and focus, but excise its menacing visitations of loneliness and alienation. It is not for those who find silence shattering. It is especially not for those who hunger for another consciousness to validate their experience and redeem their reality. It is only for the whole.

    In her elder years, living alone on the coast of Maine and savoring a renaissance of creative energy after a long depression, Sarton returns to the subject of what solitude is and is not on the pages of her boundlessly rewarding journal The House by the Sea (public library)

    . 

    May Sarton

    Looking back on her life, she writes:

    Solitude, like a long love, deepens with time.

    But what solitude brings to a person is shaped by what the person brings to solitude. One August day, life brings Sarton a prompt to consider the art of living alone and the necessary preconditions for making of solitude not a resignation but a rapture:

    Yesterday I had a letter from a young woman who is living alone, a film maker of some reputation. She wants to do a film on people who live alone, and will come next week to talk about her plans. I gather she has some doubts about the solitary life. I told her that I feel it is not for the young (she is only thirty-three). I did not begin to live alone till I was forty-five, and had “lived” in the sense of passionate friendships and love affairs very richly for twenty-five years. I had a huge amount of life to think about and to digest, and, above all, I was a person by then and knew what I wanted of my life. The people we love are built into us. Every day I am suddenly aware of something someone taught me long ago — or just yesterday — of some certainty and self-awareness that grew out of conflict with someone I loved enough to try to encompass, however painful that effort may have been.

    Complement with the Buddhist scholar and teacher Stephen Batchelor on the art of solitude, Emerson on what solitude really means, and a contemporary field guide to how to be alone, then revisit Sarton on gardening and creativity, how to cultivate your talent, how to live openheartedly in a harsh world, and her stunning poem about the relationship between presence, solitude, and love.

    With thanks to The Marginalian by Maria Popova.