Chairman’s Business Networking Blog, Thursday 3rd November 2016.
We welcomed back old friends. David Plumley fresh from his Chilean Experience and Howard Bullock refreshed from a flu ravaged family. Mike Rogers was back after a coup[le of weeks away sporting a pully which gave an impression that he was in his “wrapping up for the onset of Winter” mode. Whether or not absence makes the heart grow fonder, it certainly leads to a more cheerful Mike Rogers. There were only one or two slight flashes of possibly the realisation that he was not adopting his grumpy persona.
David Plumley was not only back, but back in charge of the Education Slot and he had obviously used his Chilean break to think about attendance. He was not talking about absence through sickness or holidays but “shear turn over in bed and let the alarm ring cussedness”. The upshot of what is the first of a “four parter” was that we should all expect regular attendance from our fellow members. It goes to the very heart of our referral based networking ethos.
In the absence of both Nick Cooke and Alan Shaw the School of Whimsy was severely depleted. Brian Painter did his best, telling of a man seeking his services who he described rather colourfully as looking like “a pox doctors clerk”. The most recent recruit Allan Moller did not help his school very much. He simply stated that he was now able to take on more work, although he did ask for an introduction to a 39 year old female thus linking with the mistress in the scenario created by his fellow schooler, our Pilgrim.
By contrast the Naughty Table was well represented. Michael Adelizzi, proprietor of the House of Thrones gave the impression that things were flying off the shelves and anywhere else that he had his bathroom fittings located. Even the mould spray apparently is “moving”, which creates slightly disturbing images in my mind. Dean Caldon warned of various changes in legislation that puts even greater burdens on landlords, including the fact that they must check the right of a tenant to rent. They are being turned into the xenophobic police. Howard Bullock warned of the life time allowance for pensions of one million pounds.
We were pleased to welcome into our ranks this week Nikhil Shah and he talked about a charity event that he was organising. Welcome to the group and the 60 second round Nikhil.
So what brightened up the 60 second round this week??? Terry Maylin had a client in Spain with a property in Liverpool and the expressed belief that everyone north of Watford was a rogue and a vagabond. Particularly those scouse barristers. Mike Rogers’ stylish jumper was a candidate but pride of place for colour and style had to go to Carmel Jane with her bright red wonder woman kit. Her explanation was that she had a tennis lesson immediately afterwards. No explanation need, Carmel, for bringing light into our lives.
What brought light into the Plums life this week, as the awarder of the Oscar, was the fact that Kim Redwood-Lee had started work at a client’s premises at 6 am in order to mitigate a shut down of their systems for a whole day. She was finished by 11 am. I think David Plumley awarded the Oscar to her for no other reason that he could not imagine anybody getting up that early unless they were coming to EBF.
So ended the 60 second round.
Whilst we are talking of Oscar like awards, Tina Walker produced the best apology for absence I have heard in a long time. Apparently someone parked a car across the drop kerb at the entrance to her house so she could not get her car out. They don’t get any better…
Scott Griffiths reported to the group on the Brentwood Business Showcase where the day before several of us manned our stand and had a very successful time getting business cards from prospective members…. watch this space.
The 10 minute presentation had Stuart Smallcombe producing a low tech approach to his subject but it finished up with a music quiz. Before he did so however there were one or two gems “multi-layer telephony” was the first, “a stupid sense of humour” and “the putting of square pegs into round holes”. The theme of his musical quiz was finally discovered by Dean half way through the answers…..telephones. It was highly entertaining as well as informative effort by Stuart. He is certainly a member you can refer with confidence. Let’s see if we can find some referrals for him in the coming week or so.
The referrals round produced 21 referrals and £17,500.00 worth of business acknowledged, a great start for the month.
I will end with a reminder. Next week at Reids Rooms in Billericay at 4.30pm is the Finance Synergy Team’s meeting. At that meeting we will be fixing details of the this Synergy Teams Christmas Party. Be there to take advantage of preferential rates.
Until next week…
I feel that Paul Booth should be mentioned in dispatches for his attire which was of particular note!
Yep agreed Howard…David talked about servers in his 60 seconds ….and all I could think about was Paul Booth’s outfit too. Good 10 minutes Stuart, I’ve just realised all the songs were linked to phone calls, nice work. Great blog Aidan. see you all next week folks
Not sure how healthy it is to dream about Paul in his “outfits” Perhaps Howard and Dean you ought to pay a visit to Brian for a kill or cure session. Terry, its a small world , we actually insure several large properties in Liverpool so wouldn’t mind being introduced to your client if you get the opportunity.
Tennis was delightful thank you 🙂 lol!
Very lively and entertaining meeting and we even passed plenty of good business among ourselves!
Kevin, I hope no-one was dreaming about me in my previous week’s outfit. Great meeting and welcome Nikhil. Well done Stuart – how about a Music Quiz on hold option for phone systems.
Howard can I just say that I don’t think you’ve got a ski slope nose but I hope you’ve made the right choice.
I though everyone was dressed very snazzy this week. A very enthusiastic meeting and superb 10 mis from Stu-pot. Have a good weekend everyone
Another great meeting yet again, welcome Nikhail for joining up, their a mad old lot though!. See you all next week, b and b!! 🙂
An entertaining and productive meeting, welcome Nikhil. I too, would like to say another excellent blog. Also well done, Kim,for winning the Oscar and to the impersonation by Stuart of a young Geoff Capes!
Apologies for my early departure folks but a luxury suppliers event should never be missed, always great prizes on offer but I didn’t win any tho’ :-(.
Sounds like I missed the majority of a “good ‘un”, welcome to Nikhil and see you all next week.
Great to welcome Nikhil as a new member, look forward to learning more about his business over the coming week! See you all Thursday, Jill
Music quiz was a genius idea Stuart. Fun meeting as always