Chairman’s Business Networking Blog Tuesday 14th April 2016.
19 members present and for the first week in several, an absence of visitors made it feel a very relaxed and homely affair.
The education slot frequently provides both the sublime and the ridiculous. We have Alan Shaw delivering the Ed Slot as the next guest presenter, so today we had the sublime. Stuart Smallcombe set out his own company’s experience of the apprenticeship scheme which has worked very well for them. It was not inspirational but it was practical and probably one of the most useful Ed Slots that I have heard for a long time. It did what it said on the tin, it educated us. Thanks very much Stuart for what was a great start to the meeting.
If Stuart Smallcombe’s contribution was workmanlike and effective, to some extent to 60 second round followed his example. Members appeared very worthy and on message including all members of the School of Whimsy who were present i.e. Messrs Shaw and Cooke. The only genuine bit of Whimsy to emanate from Alan Shaw was his reference to what I thought was a“Certificate of Awfulness”. I am told that I misheard and it was a “Certificate of Lawfulness” to which he was referring – oh well, you can always dream…
Matters of interest arising were as follows:
Jo Eastwood talked about MWD, which is not a disturbing medico/physiological state but an acronym for Malbec World Day. Did anyone avail themselves of the open bottle that she claimed she had of the ruby nectar?
Dean Caldon warned of the dangers of the Granny Annex. His concern was for the tax consequences. I am more concerned that we should all be very careful when we step into them.
Scott announced that he is so busy that he has had to take on an assistant who glories under the name of Borat. I do not think it is necessary to comment on this further but if you want to, please do so.
Finally I must draw your attention to Carmel’s presentation which was both sharp and in focus. She produced a series of portraits which gives the impression she could make a silk purse our of a sow’s ear. Remember, all members, next week is her photoshoot when you will have your portrait for the Website refreshed. Provided you do not wear white and turn up as smartly as you possibly can she will try and turn varying degrees of sow’s ear into silk purses…be there early!!
Oh yes and Dean won the Oscar for pointing out the perils of the Granny Annex, well done Dean.
Terry Maylin reported to the meeting on the progress of the recruitment drive which now seems well under way and he then entertained us with his 10 minutes. Again, a bit like Stuart Smallcombe, he produced practical advice for members in taking on new customers and clients. He emphasised the importance of obtaining full details so that you are perfectly certain with whom you are trading with and whom your contract is with. It also enables you to chase down any slow or non-payers. An excellent 10 minutes of sound basic advice which we should all use as an opportunity to check our procedures and make sure were are lining ourselves up properly in our business dealings.
A very comfortable and very useful meeting simply leads me to sign off with another call to arms. Photographs next week make sure you are all there and early.
Great meeting as usual with a very educational 10 minute presentation too. Have a great weekend and see you all next week!, cheers Alan
Well done to Stuart for an excellent Ed-Slot!
Very Niiiiiiice. Chenqui
Glad you enjoyed Mr B – I’m off to prepare for my close up..
sounds like I missed a good ‘un, but I am back next week.
Good meeting folks, I am, at Scott’s suggestion going to do a blog and a sheet you can use to make sure you get paid! Don’t forget to get yourself scrubbed up for next weeks photos and get there as early as you can to give Carmel a chance!
Think I’ll get myself a nice new hat!
Anyone else think Howard’s picture tomorrow should just be of his legs?! Gutted I missed Stuarts apprenticeship talk but at least I know who to talk to when I finally get the ball rolling on my own apprentice! See you all bright and early in the morning..