Business Networking Blog 9th September
Not sure if it was the enhanced terrorist threat warning, or a massive pile up around Billericay. For whatever reason, numbers were an all time low this morning at the lovely located Burstead Golfclub.
Although numbers were low, spirits were high as usual. And as every cloud has a silver lining, we were not crammed in when we ate our extra full plates of breakfast.
In absence of Aiden, Brian Painter did a fantastic job chairing the meeting, and all went very smooth.
After introductions of the committee members, Richard Willis gave an explanation of the league rankings, and much to the surprise of all non-committee members present, the top three places were all people on the committee. Mmmmm, not sure what to think of that.
Anyway, it shows that active participating in the EBF group, does bring you up the ranking.
It was then time for the 60 second round, which could easily be extended to a 600 second round, without risking to end late. So because timing was not of major concern, it was tested to have a man multitask. Hugo Heij did both the timing and the awarding of the Oscar. Brian mentioned that Hugo could not award the Oscar to himself. What a shame, otherwise the winner would have been known, even before the presentations started.
In order to give everyone a fair chance of winning, winning of the 60 second round was based on Content, Voice Variety, Body Language, and Timing.
With the chair not present, some members took their chance to create anarchy, and the C-word was used on and off.
Hugo Heij kicked off, by explaining the role of a Business Coach (not that C-word), after which he could focus on his multitasking of timing and oscar awarding.
Debra Glover followed, and threw Christmas straight into her presentation. And she increased our awareness of being healthy.
Stuart Sinclair followed after that, mentioning Christmas. He even referred to the famous soft drink commercial, which he was going to impersonate in Billericay this Christmas. Hohoho, Stuart Sinclair is coming to town.
Ian Nicholson then said he was not going to mention Christmas, which he followed by mentioning it about eight times. Ian asked the group about the average pension fund people have in the UK. Clearly there is a different perception of pensions in the group, as guesses varied from £50,000 to £350,000. Unfortunately the average is 30,000, which gives a cracking £1,300 per year pension. Not sure if that will cover for future Christmas presents.
Richard Willis spoke about Social Media presence, and the purpose of that, followed by Nigel Kirby about examples of jobs he had done, and referrals he was looking for.
Brian Painter then took us back to our birth, when we were all cramming through a narrow opening. Most of us don’t remember or are feeling bad about it. One of his clients though, had still some issues with it. Luckily Brian got the narrow opening out of his head. Huh?
Jim Henshaw spoke about the importance of insurance, and Paul Lefever took again the shock out of our electrics.
After a long deliberation of the jury, the oscar was awarded to Ian Nicholson, for ticking all the boxes and engaging his listeners. His excessive mention of Christmas wasn’t taken into consideration.
Then Stuart Sinclair briefed us all about the B2B Synergy meeting, which was held last Wednesday. It had been a vibrant meeting with sufficient drinks and lovely tapas, and he also picked up some business. Which is all very remarkable, considering he was the only attendee. Stuart didn’t seem to be that bothered, and always loves to spend some time in the pub. In particular if it can be marked as work related.
Then Nige prepared us for future 10 minute presentations, and will circulate a rota for the the coming months. If you feel the urgent need to be top the list, and you haven’t recently presented, please speak to Nige.
Today’s 10 minute presentation was utilised for training, and Jim did a session on sales. With his extensive sales background, Jim was able to give us some key lessons in sales:
- Always look the part. Be tidy.
- Have the right attitude. Even if you left the house in a bad mood, don’t take that to the sales meeting.
- Be on time (not too early, and not late)
Jim also shared some closing techniques:
- The sympathy close. It feels that the people you are selling to, are so sorry for you, that they eventually buy.
- The assumption close. During the sales presentation you are talking towards a close, so that signing the documents is just a formality.
As a sum up Jim mentioned always to be genuine and honest. Try to build a relationship, and sell yourself first, before you sell your product/service.
It was then time for the referral round, in which, for whatever reason, the foreigner among us mixed a truculent printer with a succulent pig. Mmmm, not sure how to work that out.
Anyway, we got through this round and several referrals were passed.
In the notifications we spoke about:
– The important date of 30th September, which is our visitor day. Some people have been invited to that already.
– Remember your sponsor money for Nige
– Christmas dinner, preferred date seems to be 21st December. If you want to bring your partner, that is OK according to Brian. He said, you can bring wifes, husbands or whatever. Not sure, what to bring now……
On that note, Brian closed the meeting and we are looking forward to seeing all again next week.
Well done Hugo….though I seem to remember you saying it was going to be a short blog?…..not that I’m complaining!! Yes it was disappointing to have so few members. Obviously those that send apologies are excused ( and Happy Birthday again to Christine), but for those that don’t it only seems fair to the rest of us that you either turn up, or as I say send apologies. (if I sound grumpy its cos not only was it dark when I got up….but as I’m on a diet my breakfast consisted of a cup of coffee and a “bar”). We all want the group to succeed, and this can only be done with regular attendances.
On a lighter note those that were present all did a sterling job in the circumstances….and as I said to Stuart as I gave him a lift home….I’m amazed on a weekly basis how bright and breezy Doctor Deb is!…..must be all that Healthy Living!!
See you next week guys…and lets get everyone who’s not on holiday there!!
Ian
Well done Hugo on your first attempt at writing the blog – it has remained in a similar humorous vein and I am sure Aidan would be very proud.
Although the numbers at the B2B Synergy Team were reasonably low, it does prove success doesn’t necessarily rely on people being present 🙂
I thought Mr Henshaw’s presentation was very productive – a lot of information I learnt and ‘cut my teeth’ on many years ago, but I found it very stimulating to be reminded of these practices with like-minded people- well done Jim!
Finally, I would like to sign off with this –
♪ Holiday’s are coming…. Holiday’s are coming…. ♪
IT’S CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSTMAAAAAAASSSSS!
Thanks to you guys who’ve sent me birthday messages… much appreciated :))) x
Although I had a lie in and wasn’t planning on working today – I am working, and had a call from Vivienne at 7am this morning about an urgent job! I need to get a better work/home balance Peeps!
It’s been a manic September so far (as well as August being unusually busy)… and yes that C-word is coming! Will you be donning the red suit and talcing the beard Stu?
For those who’ve missed me, I WILL be back next week; earlier than usual on the door for a wonderful 6am start! OMG! Not looking forward to that…
Great work on the blog too Hugo – made me chuckle.
Have great week folks and see you all next week :))
Good timely work Hugo – Well done. And Happy Birthday Christine! Looking forward to seeing you all next week before I jet off to Vegas!
Well done Hugo for an excellent blog, clearly there is humour lurking within!
Well done English Ian for your Oscar winning performance, I did notice you eating your Mars bar.
And, well done, Jim lad, for reminding us on the basics of selling.
Well done the magnificent 9 for your attendance. I agree with Ian, if you can’t attend, send an apology.
Don’t forget visitors day on 30 September.
Well done Hugo – and yes, Deb is always bright and breezy. Keep it up Doc. Enjoyable meeting as always.