Chairman’s Blog Thursday 29th August 2013
22 present including Gill Poet from the Organisation for Responsible Business.
The Ed Slot was delivered by Terry Maylin and directed to the importance of communication between ourselves as members of EBF and also and perhaps more importantly with our customers, a useful and important reminder for us all.
And so we entered the 60 second round.
Stewart Roberts was almost unrecognisable without his shorts on, gone was the carefree schoolboy look, his long trousers matching the seriousness of his message as a family councillor for cocaine users. Apparently his fees are little more than the cost or a wrap of cocaine.
Three members in their 60 seconds recognised and explained the importance of insuring that you know potential customer/clients budgets from the outset in order not to waste time in giving advice that is not capable of being used.
Alan Shaw saw somebody with a bungalow in a 2 acre plot to deal with an extension. The impression was that the plans that they were looking at did not marry up to the amount of money they had to spend. Kevin Brooks made the same point about the building of extensions and the importance of producing bills of quantities. Graham Thurston, back from his operation looking fit and healthy (and one stone lighter), checks out the budget before attending people with his carpets to choose from ensuring they were of a type and quality that would fit the amount that his customer was looking to spend.
Whilst we are on the question of losing weight, Ed Crocker continues to shrink before our very eyes and was once again today resplendent in shorts. By contract Chris Sadler found himself too fat for his suit when he attended a wedding as photographer. He explained that it was a long time to be walking round in a tight fitting suit, John Probert sympathised.
Brian Painter recited a series of case studies relating to driving. A fear of driving tests, of turning right into oncoming traffic, panicking at roundabouts, having to travel a route as a passenger before driving it, and a fear of driving on motorways. Apparently he put all of these people back on the road and we can only hope that part of his hypnotherapy cure is to improve their driving skills. Like Brian’s case studies, Marcelle Saad was all at sea or rather all at “C” in explaining how to choose the best diamond for your requirements at any one time. She referred us to the four “Cs”; carat, colour, clarity and cut. She added three more; certificate, need to have confidence in the person selling to you and commitment to best practice. John Probert was persuaded by this performance, quite rightly, to award her the Oscar.
David Plumley reported on the Business to Business Synergy Team Meeting on Tuesday and then went on to introduce the 10 minute presentation, this week presented by Jason Nortey. Jason started right at the beginning of his career by telling us where and when he was born. He apparently doesn’t like motorbikes and would not like to ride on one and also he cannot swim. The rest of it was positive and once again he made it clear, by explaining his approach to things, why he is such a good manager and has been so helpful both to members and their referrals in going that extra mile with his attention to his customers.
On a sad note, Jaimie Harrison bade us farewell. We were all sorry to see her leave, she has been a good member and brought sunshine into our lives one way or the other, if only by constantly reminding us that she could turn it into pounds.
Despite our limited numbers the referrals round produced written business of £24,146. 00 and a monthly value in excess of £130,000.00. A terrific effort in a month when attendances have been so affected as usual by holidays.
One final thought! Next week there will be a committee meeting with a main item on the agenda of making a push for new visitors and thereby new members. I invite each member who reads this Blog, as well as making any other comment, pleasingly fatuous or otherwise, to also add one category of business not currently represented at EBF that they feel would benefit them and they could likewise benefit.
This might turn out to be a rather chilling test of how few members either read this Blog or can be ar…d to leave a comment.
See you all next week
I’m gonna start this off by saying that I think that we could all benefit from having a member from the Motor Trade within our group.
We all have vehicles and while some of us may occasionally crash or bang them, we certainly ALL need MOT’s, Servicing, New Tyres and such like and so do out friends, families and clients. A member in this category would do very well from our group.
Hi all – good vibes from meeting with only 22 people there- just shows the enthusiasm we can generate! I think we could do with a florist and a mechanic and an affordable printer who can do everyday stationary items at reasonable cost like business cards, leaflets letter headings etc
I would have thought that a new letting agent /estate agent would be a useful addition
Despite the shortage in numbers through August I have enjoyed all of the meetings which have been very positive. So thanks to all those who have attended.
Good bye Jaimie you will be sadly missed
I would like to see some key categories being filled that we know already would get lots of business – a painter/decorator and a landcape gardener who does not so much designing gardens but does the basic stuff such as trimming bushes, removing trees, etc. I also think it would be nice to have some more women members.
A very good meeting despite the reduced numbers (and I wasn’t responsible for any absentees this week…. begs the question why though!!).
Plenty of business passed throughout the month goes to prove that we do continue to generate business amongst ourselves and our contacts.
Sorry to see you go Jamie but I wish you all the best with your expanded responsibilities at C.B’s.
I agree with Paul that more female members would benefit the group and we do need a florist, letting/estate agents, car mechanic and a self storage company.
We’ve said it many times but I’ll say it again, a florist would be a useful member.
Sorry to see Jamie leaving, she was an enthusiastic and lively member
I’ve just secured a guest for next weeks meeting. He’s a Bouncy Castle hire company.
I also think that we could have good business for security company, a promotional goods and clothing company, a caterer, a graphic designer, and a painter/decorator
Actually it was good to see numbers increasing again after the summer vacations. We should be back to full force shortly. I agree that car sales and car services would be two good categories to fill. Also someone like ChipsAway … and tyres … and car/van hire … and …
“This might turn out to be a rather chilling test of how few members either read this Blog or can be ar…d to leave a comment.”
It would appear that more members read this blog than you thought 🙂 i think you owe us an apology 🙂
Great meeting again this week with plenty of business for most members considering the numbers were low, a real shame that Jaimie will no longer be attending.
Great Ed Slot Terry. Although I had to leave early I had some feedback from Jill Poet who enjoyed our meeting, very one was friendly and made her feel welcome. Sorry to see Jaimie go but wish her all the luck.
Have a good weekend everyone see you all next week and yes I will be there until the end.
Thank you all so much for a lovely final meeting – I shall miss seeing you all every week and the dogs will miss the sausages too. Stay in touch and all the very best. x
Sounds like I missed a cracking meeting (sorry to learn that you are leaving us Jaimie).
Well I’m back in dear old Blighty now & wading through several hundred emails.
I echo all of the above suggestions for new member categories.
See you all on Thursday.
I would agree with Scott regarding having a member from the motor trade. I would like to add that a property developer would beuseful for myself and other members.
I will not be present on Thursday as I will be off to Birmingham at the crack of dawn for an Architect’s Conference as I represent architects in the Chelmsford Area.
See you the following week.