Chairman’s Business Networking Blog Thursday 20th November 2014.
We were 20 in all. By comparison with the previous 2 weeks we were down on numbers but the meeting had a buzz.
The Ed Slot was delivered by Paul Booth who warned against delivering “surprise” bills to our clients and customers. Surprise? That is both in the sense of receiving a bill at all or receiving a bill for more than anticipated. Always keep the payer of the bill apprised of when to expect the bill and its likely level.
The Performance League revealed a clear leader after only 2 weeks, Kim Redwood-Lee who is on 114 points already – well done Kim.
The 60 second round had 1 or 2 gems; more specifically Marcelle who declared herself very busy at the moment and told of a very specific little gem, the Diamond Belly Button Stud. The concept was best considered before breakfast. If Marcelle is busy Tina was offering help to business that are overwhelmed as Christmas approaches… simply use her services. Other people who appear to be busy at the moment; Peter Hood who is looking for small jobs to fit in with his current work load, Alan Moller, who thought he could see light at the end of a tunnel was speaking metaphorically but also wants small jobs in the lead up to Christmas and Kim, whether busy or not emphasised the importance of small clients and smaller jobs and doing them justice. They can often lead to more.
And what about the interesting and the unusual?
Alan Shaw is advising on building a new house in a garden of a property in Maida Vale. He might have to go underground and it will need a green roof. Alan, I think a good read of Wind in the Willows might help stimulate your imagination for this project.
We were treated to characters from the professional world of IT and Websites etc. David Plumley’s character who will help him get work is a new recruit to his business Mr IT Niggle. Scott Griffiths has another one, he is a policeman involved with websites who will always make sure that Scott is kept in business correcting badly made sites. this particular character is DI Why-Beginner. Little known fact also emerging from Scott’s 60 seconds is that his brother in law is a drummer, not Bernard Matthews I assume.
Am I the only one becoming increasingly concerned about Mike Rogers’s well being. This is probably the third meeting running that he has been cheerful. He also at the same time revealed a phobia for oranges or their smell.
It was Brian Painter who stole the show. He won the Oscar telling of a client who had a morbid fear of water and was regressed to an earlier incarnation of himself falling through ice and drowning in water. I suspect getting rid of Mike Rogers’s fear of oranges would be a piece of cake. My own guess is that in regression Mr R would reveal a previous incarnation in 1688 as a soldier in the armies of, who else but, William Prince of Orange and being struck down horribly in battle…… another reason for him to continue being cheerful until next week.
It was also Brian Painter who, after breakfast, delighted us with his 10 minute description of various of his clients and their problems. Ranging from the bizarre to the mundane he displayed that sympathetic confidence that makes it easy for us to look for referrals for him knowing that you would have introduced what would become a satisfied client.
The referrals and testimonials round was lively with 24 referrals passed and £7,300 of business recorded. Kim’s contribution will undoubtedly keep her ahead in the Performance League next week.
I cannot end this Blog without referring to once again to Howard Bullocks legs, shorts and his continuing willingness to brave the elements. This was emphasised as when I drove back from the meeting along the A127 I spied his car pulled into the side of the road or more accurately his bare legs sticking out from under it. I recognised them immediately and pulled over. A very nasty puncture allowed me stand and watch a master at work. I was cold; I cannot imagine what his legs felt like when he finally got back in the car having rather professionally changed the wheel. If ever you break down with a puncture and you are not too far from his offices its worth giving him a ring. His expertise is beyond doubt.
One of the best 10 minute presentations we have ever had. Well done Brian.
On a separate note I’d like to thank Aidan for stopping on A127 to help a damsel (or should I say “ruggedly handsome IFA”) in distress change a tyre after experiencing a 70mph blow-out!
Quite agree Howard an excellent 10 minutes Brian. going to be a hard act to follow for next weeks speaker-better get busy now!!
Thank you for all your kind comments, made the research and preparation worthwhile.
The last time I had a 70 mph blow out was after eating a particularly hot curry. (Well, that’s what it felt like!)
Sorry Howard I remember going past Aidan who was driving sedately down the A127 but didn’t notice your hairy legs until it was too late to stop.
Another excellent meeting and I also had the pleasure of sitting between our leading lady and Mr Hairy legs himself ( im glad I didn’t get that mixed up)
Another excellent meeting guys.
No additional plug from Aidan this week tho’ ‘cos I only said what I do and what I’m looking for … note to self… must ALWAYS include a holiday special offer in future.
A brentwood accountant called Paul, starts his day with a bucket of gruel. At lunch he has fish … and at dinner a dish, which he eats at the side of his pool.
Bring on the Lymericks