Chairman’s Business Networking Blog, 4th February 2016.
Once again a really good turnout with 22 members.
David Plumley delivered the Ed Slot and made very good use of the flip chart.
The topic was the divergence between a lead and a referral. The presentation on the flip chart comprised two circles joined by a line with another line leading off the bottom circle and some other strange lines. His point was that a lot of people do not distinguish between a lead and a referral and he was looking to clarify for us all the difference.
His starting point presumably was that none of us knew the difference just as none of us understood what his drawings on the flip chart were. Having now received the benefit of his explanation to us all I will try to clarify. There are two rings with two lines from them which presumably means two leads around a collar. One of the leads links the two circles. The other does not. The one that links the two circles is a genuine referral i.e. both the person receiving the referral and the one to whom it was directed were both aware of each other and or that the other should be making contact. The difference between that referral and the lead that is linked to nothing is that this lead is a suggestion that somebody be contacted and that person does not know. Accordingly that is represented by the line that does not link the other circle. I hoped that is all clear to you now.
What of our two pressure groups:
Well the Naughty Corner were without Mr Bullock once again and it does appear that he is the main cause of much of the naughtiness. They were definitely toned down this week but don’t forget, there are new recruits to watch out for in Michael Adelizzi and old Grumble Guts himself, Mike Rogers. I fear for us all when Howard returns.
The School of Whimsy just is not living up to its billing. Alan Shaw was doing a survey in Walthamstow Village and along with Nick Cooke who was talking about party wall work, they were both very much on message. I looked in vain for some inappropriate contribution by Brian Painter, but he was more concerned about his upcoming holiday. His eyes glazed over as he thought of lying in the sun and drinking a cocktail. Continued membership of this august body is being seriously reconsidered. There are other people who are knocking on the door!!! Alan Moller for example. His suggestion for a valentines treat was absolutely stunning. Adimmer switch in the bathroom !!!! You share your bath with your loved one under romantically dimmed lights. Nobody bettered that for Whimsy.
There were some faintly ludicrous perhaps or alternatively rather scary contributions.
Peter Hood found a rat blocking water in a cistern and conveniently had pictures of said rodent.
Paul Booth demonstrated by listing recent clients that he is doing his bit for integration if not immigration. He apparently can number Hungarian Business Coaches and Bulgarian Managers amongst his clientèle.
Pride of Place and indeed the winner of the Oscar was the every cheerful Mike Rogers, his grumble this week was once again a foreign element in his clientèle that I think rather baffled him. He told of a Dr Choo and a Mrs Chin, a Mr Loo and Mrs Ling, there was a child called U U Loo and an even more unpleasant character called Cack Loo. I suggest that Mike gets together with Jo Jones and see if she can produce training for him in Kung Foo.
Talking of Loo it was Michael Adelizzi’s 10 minute slot. An assured performance by Michael. He demonstrated on the screen more toilets than you could shake a stick at, it was certainly enough to satisfy the average Englishman’s flair for making lavatorial jokes. It’s good to have Michael back and it almost feels he has never been away.
Numbers were quite good this week; about 20 referrals and over £9,000 worth of business written.
The coming weekend was the ScotGear Challenge. Yes its Scott Griffith’s 40th birthday and he refuses to grow old gracefully. Several cars are travelling via Yorkshire to Edinburgh and back doing stupid things in the meantime. Allan Moller and myself were members who turned up to observe the entourage leaving. You were all given an opportunity to see Terry Maylin’s entry which was a well decorated Volvo, no…it’s not been in the army.
I can report that they won the second stage challenge by taking off a wheel rolling it around the car and putting it back on again in 2 minutes which was several minutes faster than everyone else.
No doubt Scott can update you in comments to this Blog which I will close with the apology that Scott’s absence and my involvement in the Friday meant that this Blog has not been produced as promptly as usual. Please however keep your comments coming.
Great meeting and well done Mike winning the Oscar- I was so confused it was easier to award it to you rather than try and understand it all!!
Anyone wishing to know more about the ScotGear Challenge can do so by joining this Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/scotgear
Be warned though… the content features 30 frequently drunk idiots in various states. If you’re easily offended dont look…
Very good turn out this week, well done all of you.
Beware Mike the Chinese ARE in the process of taking over the world.
good meeting everyone, look forward to seeing you thursday
Be good whilst I’m away. Thanks to Joanne Hitler I can now get in to my Speedos! She’s tough, takes no prisoners but GETS RESULTS!!