It was dark when I got into my car to come to the meeting, it was dark when I arrived and consequently it felt like autumn. By the end of the meeting it was bright and sunny but it was raining. If that was disappointing the turn out for what is supposed to be ‘visitors September’ was more so. Neil Bellham was the only member who had mustered a visitor. Unfortunately said visitor was accompanied by an owl called Honey. Exhibiting all of the wisdom attributed to it’s kind, Honey was both well behaved and understanding that she could not remain for the meeting In a cafe situation. Despite the fact that the cafe did not exhibit a ‘no owls’ sign the bird’s natural propensity to incontinence created amongst other things a reason why she could not stay for the meeting and we were reduced to 15.
The Performance League
It’s a new month and Vincent Goode and Howard Bullock are chasing Jane Malyon, the current leader.
Education Presentation
Our Education and Development officer was up front today with a warning that appearances can be deceptive. He did not fall into the Essex patois of calling it ‘deceivin’ and he went on to suggest that in all of our business dealings we should treat all of our customers/clients with these same courtesy and consideration. You never know when scruffy and rowdy oik can have the wherewithal to make substantial purchases.
The 60 Second Round
Tik Tok influencer and all EBFers darling, Jane Malyon, was the current holder of the Oscar and went first. She was followed by James Humphries who urged us to give the same attention to detail when we apply for our insurances that we do when we work. Failure to do this can result in substantial reductions in what we receive if we are obliged to make a claim. Attention to detail could also be shown to your website. Get Mike Skinner to produce a video for its opening page. It will get you ahead of the opposition.
Ben Golding alluded to the unstable economy and the prospect of soaring energy bills. Utility Warehouse is 5% below what is normal in the current marketplace.
John Hammond urged us to make sure that any fire alarms that we have at our premises are regularly tested. There’s no point in having them if they don’t work. It’s just like overuse of acronyms will make any presentation that you make incomprehensible. Paul Dulieu is the man to go to to ensure your language, wherever it appears, is clear.
Please produce a well-known phrase or saying using the words; everybody, somebody, anybody and nobody that means something will never get done. Alternatively, just contact Vincent Goode and Speed Print and all your printing needs will be done at speed whoever you are.
Brian Painter has had a varied week. He saw someone who ran a pie and mash shop and another who worked on the 8th floor of a building but couldn’t get into a lift through his anxieties that were apparently brought about by a rather unpleasant elder brother who at the ages of four and seven respectively locked him in an Ottoman and then a cupboard. This rare exhibition of brotherly love created the problem but once his subject realised does it was all down to an unpleasant brother his problem was solved.
Terry Maylin warns us of the changes that are coming about in Landlord and Tenant law. Residential Tenancies will no longer be brought to an end by a simple notice being served. No fault termination of a tenancy will soon be a thing of the past. If you’re a landlord you need to know more and Terry will give you initial advice for the very reasonable price of £150 plus VAT. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime offer.
Like a dentist, Stuart Smallcombe advised of the benefit of going private if you are having a problem with your Internet connection.
Auntie Jane was full of praise for the clarity of presentation exhibited by many presenters but it was the promise of clarity from Hannah O’Shea by producing a document that will explain exactly what she does that won the Oscar. Hannah’s first! Well done!!
Meeting Secretaries Report
Scott Griffiths pressed home to the assembled minority that we should make sure, in addition to visitors, we attend in sufficient numbers. He threatened a berating e-mail. Watch out!
10-minute Questions & Answers Session
We were presented with an absence of presentation and the substitution of a Q&A. Very successful it was too. After 15 minutes we cut short questions. An occasional venture into this format seems always to be successful. Congratulations to everyone for such a vibrant session.
Referrals & Testimonials Round
There might have been only a few of us present but there were some good referrals and a creditable £14,500 worth of business was recorded
Referral Reality Check
Once again checking last week’s referrals proved encouraging and with the sun shining and the rain falling, yes it was that kind of a day, the meeting broke up and we all headed out.
Sounds like a great meeting. Sorry that I missed this one as I was in Cambridgeshire on a course – but I should be around for the next 4
Meeting Honey was a highlight but it was another great meeting and thank you to Aidan for the write up! 🙂
Another depleted, yet vibrant meeting. Its a shame Brian thought my 75 seconds was, and I quote, “a load of old rubbish”. On reflection, I tend to agree. See you all next week
Well done Aunty Jane for being the leader. See you all next Thursday. Have a great weekend.
Very high quality 75-second presentations today and well done to Hannah on winning the oscar we look forward to hearing more about how your work can help our businesses
We were small in numbers but beautifully formed. A real Heineken Q and A, the best yet. Well done Hannah for the Oscar and M’Lady Jane for being the previous holder.
Good to have the girls on top.
Good to see you all this week, even better to see more of us next week!
Great meeting, despite the low turnout. Have a good week everyone and hopefully see more of you next week!
Another Great meeting . Well done to Hannah well deserved Oscar win.I Leaned a lot from the question and answer session.