Chairman’s Business Networking Blog, Thursday 14th August 2014.
Once again a really good turnout given the fact that we are in the holiday season; 20 members present and 1 visitor, Marvin Angel of Barter Card.
Therefore let me start the Blog with congratulations to all members for the level of attendance they have achieved over the last 5 or 6 weeks, which has helped to give the meetings a real buzz.
As for this week, although Alan Shaw was absent his partner in whimsy, Nick Cooke played a blinder. This modern day hero who not only shops at Tesco’s but previously at Woollies reserves all of his praise for Cosco. They apparently send round an excellent magazine and enclose business blogs and articles of such a topical nature as “women in business”. They apparently produce great quality and the fish counter has to be seen to be believed. If you thought that Alan Shaw’s “brick in the cistern” was a useful Ed Slot, you would have regarded Mr Cooke’s contribution as nothing less than a treat. He got us off to just the right start.
Looking back on it, I feel that I sent the business card box round the table in perhaps slightly more joyous and vigorous way than usual and it certainly seemed to inspire the 60-second round.
Gary Waskett declared himself and his employers the administrators of TLC to all companies that need help. He has apparently been heavily involved through Anthony Batty in promoting Essex Young Professionals. It’s nice to hear about other people than simply those sitting round the table, none of whom qualified largely by virtue of the adjective “young”.
Neal Lewer, sporting a “full set”( beard and moustache to the uninitiated ) was probably trying to hide his youth. The same can’t be said for Kevin Radford who reinvented himself as the Bard of Hadleigh with some inspired verse based on the Jack and Jill theme and the need as a director of a company to ensure you observe Health and Safety Regulations or at least get insured for them through RMK. Then Nick Cooke was back with even more whimsy. He named several countries throughout the world both, first second and third, and pointed out that all of them had one thing in common, namely that they had houses although these could range from your traditional brick built to ice blocks and daube and wattle. Whatever the materials of construction, Nick’s your man to give you peace of mind…come back Alan Shaw all is forgiven.
I haven’t checked but I do believe last week I remonstrated over Richard Reed’s lack of pricing of holidays in his 60 seconds; well he rose to the occasion this week. Holidays all over the world, starting with the cheapest – USA and Canada from £549.00. It apparently includes the flights as well as accommodation. Certainly transport to and from your holiday destination is a necessary component.
Well done Richard, nice to see you back on track. If we thought things were going to settle down, Howard Bullock rose to his feet, strode centre stage to reveal his “back from his hols” attire of shorts, deck shoes with discreet white socks and matching his white polo shirt. Rather disappointingly Kevin Brooks was not sporting his shorts and matching flip flops. As Howard pointed out, “outcomes” are important.
Michael Adelizzi had the time to take us on a guided tour through his shop and once again regaled us with his tag line “no problems: only solutions”. Kim Redwood-Lee, always well turned out, looked particularly relaxed at this meeting and the reason became obvious, she is not overworked and needs more. Let’s try and give her that haggard drawn look if not for the next week’s meeting, at least by the following.
Peter Hood has spent a lot of time in Wickford recently and indeed looked as if he had.
Normally Brian Painter can be relied upon for the ghoulish. This week he was simply regaling us with double backwoods summersaults. It was left to Paul Booth to look for people who have ageing accountants so that when these octogenarian figures men finally hang up their calculators, he will be ready to step into the breach. Allan Moller by contrast is looking for young customers, under 30, we will only look for you Alan if you let us know next week how many electricians it took to put up a strip light, in fact we will never know will we, because you are on holiday next week, never mind.
This cheerful 60 second round therefore came to an end. Who won the Oscar? I didn’t mention it at the time. Its destination was always obvious – the Bard of Hadleigh is back!
Paul Booth then reported to us on the Synergy Meeting for Finance and Professionals that had taken place earlier in the week. You will all by now know that I managed to stay awake throughout although at times it was a close run thing.
We quietly slid into the 10 minute slot and it was Michael Adelizzi again, this time with something of his family history. His father apparently made ice creams and sold them from a push bike, he then changed direction, turned the handlebars, and went into tiles. Michael, as always gave a confident performance and regaled us with stories about tiles, yes that right tiles…you did not think there were many stories about tiles did you….. Most of us now have visited Michael in his Emporium and indeed used his services. I for one know that I can refer him with confidence. He always rises to the occasion, at the moment he is supplying me with a tall toilet. Once it is installed I will report to you on its efficacy but I have no doubt in my mind that I will be very pleased with it.
So interesting was Michael’s recital he made 20mins sound like 10. We did eventually get to the referrals and testimonials round however, about £12,400.00 worth of business passed which is maintaining a good average given the holiday season.
I hope that my congratulations at the beginning of this Blog regarding member’s attendances is not a hostage to fortune.
I look forward to another great turnout next week.
A great palindromic meeting, although to be fair we’d need to wait 27 years for it to be a true palindrome – 14.8.41.
I’m a fool; aloof am I. (palindrome!)
Well done the Bard, we haven’t had a lyric for a while. Congratulaziones Senor Adellizzi. I look forward to reading future blogs from the bog. Good participation from everyone to make it a good meeting.
This for palindrome fans. Step on no pets. Was it a car or a cat I saw? No it is opposition. Live not on evil. Never odd or even.
Sex at noon taxes. Pull up if I pull up. Madam I’m Adam. Able was I ere I saw Elba. Nurse I spy gypsies run.
Palindrome or Pleasure Dome?
27 years? It’s only 6.5 years to 12/2/21.
first time I remember a palindrome was at school- we were allowed to put 7//77 but only for the one day!! Great meeting and keep up the good turnout please!
Good meeting everyone even tho’ we had five or six on holiday and Aidan even got my offer right – flights plus accommodation to USA from £549pp. See you all again next week.
The bard was in top form as usual … anyone think just a little work is needed on the meter? Maybe one week we should all come up with a lymerick to be included in our 60 seconds.
A programming genius called Hank
Wrote a system to ‘access’ his ‘bank’
When his memory failed him
They nailed him then jailed him
Now his ‘storage’ is ‘basic’ and dank.
Even less to 12/1/21
Anangrams are good too: “Eleven plus Two” = “Twelve plus One” … amazing! Sorry … am I getting off the subject?