Chairman’s Business Networking Blog, Thursday 30th October 2014.
The shock of a new format for our meeting clearly scared several people away. We were 18 in number present to meet the challenge of a later arrival time and earlier start to the meeting and a later time for breakfast. All very confusing I know! Still, we struggled through, in fact I would go so far as to say we positively sailed through. Another couple of weeks and we should have ironed out any gremlins… if that’s what you do to gremlins.
The Ed Slot, delivered by the Meeting Secretary himself dealt with synergy team meetings, how useful they were and, why you should attend if you do not currently do so. David has produced a very useful question sheet which hopefully will enable us to present Synergy Teams in the best possible way to encourage maximum attendance.
The Ed Slot followed the current performance league which was dominated Kevins, or so Scott would have us believe. Kevin Brooks was in the lead, Kevin Radford and “Kevin” Shaw filled the other positions.
Before we knew it, we were into the 60 second round. As you know, I do try and find a theme. Today it was straight forward. Our 60 second contributors largely chose to explain how they “helped” people with problems.
Kevin Brooks had himself and his employees on a first aid course so that they can be in a position to help anyone who is taken ill in the presence of Mr Brooks or any of his worthies.
Kim Redwood-Lee is looking to help people with their credit control problems, or rather make them recognise that they should follow up on outstanding debts to make sure that they have no credit control problems. Not only did she help herself, she also helped TM Law by confirming how Terry can assist with recalcitrant payers.
Alan “Kevin” Shaw was so overcome with being called Kevin, the power of speech almost deserted him and certainly the power of though did. He mumbled something about a change to commercial.
Mike Rogers wants to help us understand what affordable housing is. In order for you to do so you must; a. turn up next week b. listen to his 10 minute presentation and c.understand it.
I knew Brian Painter would be on theme. It’s just a question of trying to anticipate which particular section of society he is looking to help in any particular week. This week was no exception but was rather bizarre. His unfortunate client this time had an affliction whereby he was unable to pass water if he though anyone was looking at him. This apparently all started when he was an 8 year old choir boy…… fortunately the explanation did not stop there. Apparently, caught behind the gravestone attempting to have a pee, some woman told him to put the “dirty thing” away. I think it was noted that she did’nt tell him to put the “dirty little thing” away. You would have thought this would have been enough to encourage the young lad, but no such thing! Anyway, a couple of sessions on the couch with Brian and his wee flowed freely; like the Martini ad., any time, any place, anywhere.
David Plumley, who followed, was rather tame by comparison. He will help people if they have problems with their IT whether its software or hardware. Hannah Defries, our newest recruit from Barclays, was looking to help small businesses and Stuart Smallcombe wants to help anyone who puts up temporary buildings, tents or other such structures.
Nick Cooke was falling over himself to be helpful. He apparently identifies the problem, determines its extent and provides solutions.
I could go on, however I will limit myself to one or two gems that followed.
Richard Reed can help people who want a cruise from the UK rather than fly to a destination first. His selection was Royal Caribbean Cruises…who’d have thought it. It must be a long voyage. Kevin Radford was talking about insurance for leisure pursuits and how you spend your time when relaxing. His little ditty at the end included a suggestion that he could be regarded as a “little treasure”. If you don’t think he is a little treasure, comments as to what you think he is. If you do think his is a little treasure, are there any others in the group and if so please name and shame in the comments section below.
Given this outpouring of helpfulness, who was going to win the Oscar? Scott Griffiths awarded it to Kim-Redwood-Lee. I have no complaints about that as she also gave a plug to TM Law.
By now there was a smell of breakfast about the room but we bravely ploughed on totally un-distracted. The meeting secretary’s report confirmed good numbers for the meeting which finished up as 12 referrals and £19,500 worth of written business which is good to say the least.
At last breakfast was upon us!!! Hitherto bereft of sustenance we staggered towards the buffet area, loaded our plates, replenished our drinks and, 45 minutes after our normal time we introduced our stomachs to food.
Suitably refreshed we were treated by Paul Booth to a 10 minute presentation that dealt with company searches, credit ratings (picking up on Kim Redwood-Lee’s theme) and then lots of little points of interest as to whether you can obtain tax relief in various situations. Given the responses to the questions clearly we are all in need of Paul’s services and should be recommending other people to him as well.
Kim Redwood-Lee wants it to be networking November and is looking for 1-2-1’s. Scott Griffiths is suggesting that we consider Movember and all grow moustaches, particularly the blokes. It seemed rather inconclusive. Let’s see who turns up with what next week when I would urge everyone to be present to listen to Mike Rogers 20 minute presentation. He really has been so equable of late I would not want us to do anything to disturb the serenity of his current mood. A bit of rain, a muddy car park and darkness will do for him eventually.
I for one would agree that Mr Radford is a treasure, but a big treasure!
On the subject of Gremlins I feel I need to caution everyone – please do not iron them out if you have a steam iron. The moisure would cause them to bubble and multiply and then you will have an even bigger problem. If you have a more traditional iron though, feel free to ‘iron them out’.
Great meeting as usual even tho’ we were lacking in numbers. Come on guys, regular attendance is essential to our continued success as a networking group!!
I was listening to Alan and it is commercial rather than domestic referals that he is looking for please.
Royal Caribbean do Europe and the Med as well as the Caribbean… and the “lead in” was from just £399pp (3 nights all inclusive)!!
PS: I think that we are all “little treasures” in our own way, as we are there to offer professional advice to the members as and when necessary – this gives much needed support. I know how “twee” that sounds but it is the reason why networking works.
Just a thought and certainly not directed at my “adopted son” but aren’t treasures supposed to be hidden or buried?
A lively meeting, nobody nodded off! Congrats to Kim and Paul.
Good to hear the encouraging level of “business passed” this month. Well done Paul on your detailed 10 mins.
sorry I missed the meeting – sounds like an eventful one- I will be back next week with an education slot!
I am like the Crown Jewells I need to be on display for all to wonder at . Yes I agree with Richard we must not become complacent about attendance if we are going to remain as successful as we are. £80,000 of business passed to each other in the month shows the rewards that are there to be had.
Another excellent blog Aidan and a very informative 10 minutes from Paul .
Sorry that I have missed a couple of meetings due to not having a car but will be back this Thursday. Have a great weekend everyone. Mr R I will bring your bottle of wine with me – sorry that you have had to wait.