Business networking meeting review (19th May) by Jill Willis
This week’s Essex Business Forum meeting was a bustling success.
Brian Painter of Pilgrim Hypnotherapy (doing his best impersonation of Aidan Squire of Quality HR) chaired confidently, and guided us all through the proceedings.
Headlines to take away and savour include;
1. Scott Griffiths of Eseyo Web Design topped the performance league, with Terry Maylin of TM Law coming in second and Mike Rogers of The Mortgage Store in third.
2. David Plumley of Integrate Networks scooped the 60 second award – for a very theatrical warning on the perils of not protecting sufficiently against ransomware attacks against workplace IT systems.
3. Carmel Jane gave an outstanding presentation, showcasing the range of commercial and consumer photographic services she provides from her professional studio.
4. £46k of business passes at today’s meeting – a smoking hot figure!
5. 18 new referral opportunities – well done folks!
We were all reminded of the value of one-to-one meetings with fellow members by David Plumley. In his engaging education slot David outlined the importance of maintaining a continual cycle of member one-to-ones and suggested we each mix things up a little to keep the meetings exciting and relevant. Perhaps organising a group ‘one-to-one’, think adhoc synergy meeting. Bringing together a small group (perhaps up to 5) fellow members, and each taking 10 minutes to talk in more detail about their specialism and how other members can help them to attract new business. Perhaps consider alternative venues, or get into the habit of scheduling one-to-one meetings to take place in the lounge at Mary Green Manor following Thursday’s EBF breakfast. Most importantly though, use the one-to-one form as your discussion framework, and start meeting. Getting to know your fellow members, and building trust and confidence, is the first step to cultivating referrals.
The 60 second round had some interesting topics this week. With Nick Cooke, of Nick Cooke & Associates Structural Engineers telling us about a current project he’s involved with…relating to a bank, and the installation of some seriously heavy weight safes. Jo Jones of Jo Jones Massage & Fitness used Paul Booth of Booth & Co Accountants (A.K.A The Body) as her prop…tape measure in hand! Brian Johnston of Insightful Environments talked about the dangers of poor posture in the workplace and Brian Painter of Pilgrim Hypnotherapy gave us all the heebeegeebees when he talked of regressing a client to a past life. All in all a very entertaining and informative round.
Carmel Jane, of Carmel Jane Photography wowed us all with her sensational portfolio presentation. With exceptional images taken at a range of her photographic shoots; from dance school shows, to commercial head shots, actor head shots, fashion & event imagery, family portraits and even sports shots from the ropes of a boxing match. The quality of her work, photographic credentials and level of professionalism shone through.
After taking lots of interesting questions from the floor, Carmel reminded EBF members that her studio based commercial head shot package is available for £75 (usual price for non-members £95). So we were all left thinking that a trip to her studio at Stubbers Farm, Ingatestone will be on the cards soon.
For more information on the photographic services Carmel Jane Photography offers contact Carmel via https://www.carmeljane.co.uk/contact.php
With 23 members in attendance, I’m sure you’ll all agree, once again we have a solid demonstration of the value EBF brings to each of our businesses.
See you next week!
Jill (in for Aidan)
An excellent meeting. Good humour and plenty of business passed. Carmel’s 10 mins was an example of how to do it.
Carmel was excellent. Well done!
Great meeting as always super blog Jill and yes an interesting and professional presentation by Carmel looking forward to visiting your studio ???
Well done Carmel on your first 10 minutes and an excellent lively meeting – well done Jill on getting the blog done so quickly and so well!
Good meeting, top 10 minutes Carmel..and I read the blog!
I think our excellent meeting was all down to the ladies today guys.. Marcelle reading to us from a string of letters singing the praises for her work, Jo.E. showcasing a new product from Moet, Jo.J. using Paul as a prop, Donna winning praise for her remote controlled blinds, Jill explaining the importance of Google ranking and Carmel rounding things off nicely with her excellent (first) presentation.
However for telling everyone how FANTASTIC I am Marcelle won the day.
Ok, so I’m a little bias.
Excellent blog Jill. Your wordsmithery does you proud. A first class meeting all round and what a great 10 minute presentation from Carmel. It is so good to have a strong female presence in the group at long last.
great blog Jill and fabulous 10 minutes from Carmel too, the range of work you’ve done is really impressive. Look forward to another good meeting next week.
Great variety of pics, Carmel, to demonstrate your talent; you have given my Brownie camera an inferiority complex! Thank you, Jill for a good precis of our meeting. I see Paul and I were a double act again…………….as a pair of props! Thanks to all members for making it a good meeting