Chairman’s Business Networking Blog Tuesday 18th February 2014.
20, Members in all and two guests David Kendall from a carpet and upholstery firm invited by Fred Harcourt and Dean Caldon a regular Estate Agent/Letting Agent- Brentwood visitor.
Once again a good turn out with apologies for absence from Peter Hall and Steve Hayes.
Spirits were uplifted by a morning where day light was upon us as we kicked off.
Standing Orders were passed round for our meeting subscription. May I ask members to act promptly in submitting these to their bank to help alleviate the administrative problems in dealing with cash at the door.
We quickly moved on to the 60 second round, Anne Clarke had the distinction of not only being the first at the meeting but first up for the 60 seconds.
Lots of good solid performances giving relevant and maximum information about business but solid quality doesn’t get you the headlines.
Richard Willis was notable in his thoughtfulness, using “kinda” only 4 times. Jim Henshaw was condemnatory of Meerkat’s telephones with wheels on and other frippery that so ready illustrates the power of advertising in the insurance industry. The worrying thing is that if Jim were to dress up as a Meerkat next week he would probably win the Oscar.
Ian Nicholson had discovered an old pension pot which I originally thought was some old drunk that he had bumped into but apparently it was a nest egg worth an awful lot of money.
Robert Osborne declared himself to be your local friendly Mortgage Broker and then burst into laughter…worrying really.
Ian Martin once again declared himself looking for local work. He is looking to make houses smart and lighting intelligent watch this space…
Mark Waller apparently has vehicles from 8 seats downwards and he promptly proceeded to count down from 8. This isn’t just intelligent lighting, its intelligent taxi driving. The other interesting snippet from Mark’s 60 seconds that there are 39 places to eat in Billericay. Does that include the kiosk in Radford Crescent?
Nige Kirby produced the quote of the meeting, “…if it’s got a pipe to it, I’ll do it…” Mark Heath was more measured with his declaration that he could deal with any type of finish on wood.
Brian Painter told of a claustrophobic who he “cured” and who now enjoys riding in elevators. Not sure as I would regard that as a cure.
Normally something occurs in the 60 seconds round that is bizarre. No difference this week, Vivienne held something up that was flashing, as a result I haven’t the slightest idea what she was talking about, so mesmerised was I.
And so we moved on to the 10 minutes slot and as always Brian Painter is good for an entertaining presentation. It was a truly hypnotic performance. He gave us a walk though his early career, like leading a blind man round a house. I managed to catch the bit about him being in the RAF but I wasn’t sure whether he was with the Dam Busters or not. He apparently came to London from Lancashire with a cat, believing the streets were paved with gold.
What he always successfully conveys is his expertise as a hypnotherapist, his sympathetic approach to his clients and therefore the reassurance that we can all refer people to him.
Finally, the referrals and testimonials round produced both testimonials and a fair number of referrals. With every week this round improves, which is another of the reassuring things about the quality of our group.
My final task to ask you all to comment on this Blog as to whether Jim could more usefully dress up as different character than a Meerkat and/or what would suit other members in the quest for the Oscar.
Great meeting once again and thanks to Ian Nicholson and Nige Kirby for both signing up for an advertising stint in Around Town Magazine. Personally I think seeing Jim dressed as a meerkat first thing on a Tuesday morning may be something we should each donate £1 to Little Havens for…. who’s with me?
May I suggest we have a ‘hat’ meeting one week – whereby we all wear an amusing hat and anyone who forgets donates another £1 to the charity pot.
Speaking of Little Havens, myself and a couple of colleagues have arranged to visit the hospice next Thursday, with Peter Hall. We will be taking presents in the form of drawing material, pens, paints and such for the children. This is in addition to the confirmation last week that Big Stinky Dog (the music promotion company I also help run) will be supporting Little Havens at this years annual all day event, ThingamaGig, at the New White Hart Pub, Billericay High Street – to which you’re all welcome. Saturday 19th July – date for your diary…
Until next time – have a great week everyone
Another great meeting and good to see so many regulars.
Thanks to Brian for his 10min presentation. Certainly gave me a better insure into his work.
My vote goes for a Meerkat for Jim. I would also suggest that he does not be tempted to go down the GoCompare man route as with the adverts, it would be very annoying!!!!!
The meetings have a real buzz about them now. Congratulations to mighty mouse for winning the Oscar. Jim, would have been entitled to kiss Ann when you presented the Oscar to her but no tongues!
An excellent idea to pass the hat around. If anyone has any spare hair kindly put it in, one or two of our members would be grateful!
Great meeting this week….and yes Brian’s 10 minutes are going to be a hard act to follow. Hopefully whoever does the 10 minutes next week gives Nige something easier to read!
I’m going down to Little Havens at the same time as Stuart next week, and as I said not only have i signed up for the sponsored walk in April, but I’ve given an undertaking that for every referral that leads to business I’ll donate £50 to Little Havens.
Looking at the quality of the people in the room I’m sure we’re all going to be able to make a difference for those children over time.
Have a great week everyone
I still say Aidan’s missed a career in comedy writing. I didn’t know Vivienne was a flasher either. – I thought the Borrowers were landing in a spaceship.
Jim as always on top form, Vivian,s flashing notes were good as well, very cleaver, I might ware a rotating bow tie next time, or a Gimp mask I found in my cupboard,don’t know we’re that came from..
A late entry to the blog for me! Enjoyable as always but as I’m in holiday mode hope next two weeks for you guys is just as stimulating!