Chairman’s Blog Thursday 28th November 2013
A better turnout than in recent weeks, 23 including visitor Geoff Hunwick, Domestic and Commercial Cleaner who is threatening to join.
It was our Education Officer himself who delivered the Ed Slot. David told of the rebuilding of the Japanese economy after the Second World War and one W Edwards Demming whose management style and principles formed the basis of Japan’s emergence as a major economic power. David’s theme was the first of 14 principles that the said W.E.D enunciated, namely your constant purpose in business should be improvement and the production of good quality. It certainly resonates with promotional side of EBF, As we put ourselves forward as trusted traders. We were invited to research further into Mr Demming. I do not k now whether that means we will get questioned on this next week, watch this space.
Before David addressed us, as usual I announced apologies for absence received. The most shocking was Richard Reed’s. He was burgled over night. Apart from acknowledging that this was the most convincing apology that we have ever received our best wishes to him and his wife in dealing with this traumatic event. I hope we will see Richard next week so that I can give him a mention in my Blog for better and more constructive reasons.
Perhaps it was the announcement about Richard and a genuine reaction from the meeting that moved us forward to the 60 seconds round in a more subdued way than normal. The offerings were, to a man (or woman) models of perfection, names were given, businesses described, client/customers wished for, in exemplary fashion and the old curmudgeon Michael Alexander Rogers will no doubt correct me, but I do not believe that nobody was belled out for going over the 60 second mark. Well done everybody for starving me of material. I have decided therefore to name and shame those performances that normally provide me with good cheer and seemed to fall short this week.
Top of the list was Brian Painter, he very concisely listed the types of conditions that he can treat; no strange anecdotes, no suggestive moments, not even a description of the all of the poison you take in when you have a drag on your fag.
Scott Griffiths went on again about Santa Claus -Bah Humbug!!
I became slightly more excited when the Bard of Hadleigh rose to his feet, he did at least tell us about being stuck in a lift with an attractive young lady but then went on to talk about industrial inspection certificates.
Howard Bullock was very sensible with his financial advice. Jeni Pritchard, flying solo for the first time was of course doing little more than introducing herself. Dean Caldon most of the time confirming the importance of professional cleaning by Landlords which was marginally related to his business. Ed Crocker talked about Thanks Giving, Black Friday Amazon and EBay, absolutely nothing to do with his business unless I missed something.
Graham Thurston told us once more about the short stay carpet that he laid. The good news was he was able to sell it on to a porter at the location; I suppose full marks for ingenuity, Nick Cooke was talking about heave and Terry Maylin about getting tenants out. So it went on…. everyone sticking to the script, or just about.
There were however a couple of little gems. Mike Rogers is now a granddad, he told us about it, he showed us a photographic image of said grandchild and demonstrated how he cradles the little chap who apparently is called Alfie…all very disturbing.
Oh and no 60 seconds is complete without mention of Alan Shaw. His offering however was bland and accurate but the highlight was when he was introduced. After his name was called there was a brief pause and then the quote of the meeting “that’s me!” I suppose it’s something of a departure from most meetings when we do wonder whether he is fully aware of his own identity. He was awarding the Oscar this week. If I had been awarding the Oscar this week I would have given it to him for being the most uplifting.
As it happens Alan awarded it to the newly promoted grandfather, Mike Rogers and under the circumstances I can understand why, at least he stood out from the crowd.
I hope I have not cast any element of depression over my readers; as I said at the outset, the offerings this week were of really good quality…they were just so damned boring.
When Howard Bullock, the 10 minute presenter, produced an easy chair and sat down at the end of the room like some latter day Val Doonican I felt I was losing the will to live. However Howard produced what we have come to expect from him, a clear and well set out presentation that did keep mine and everyone’s attention.
He even livened the proceedings up by talking about marmalade sandwiches under his hat-Paddington Bullock. Passive and active methods of investment and tolerance for loss which I always thought was the prerogative of mourners at a funeral, an excellent 10 minutes Howard.
So the 60 seconds almost sent me off to sleep, the 10 minutes settled me down and brought me into focus and the referrals round brought deep joy and pleasure. Last month was a record £140,000 of recorded business. This week’s additions has produced around £238,000 worth of referrals a really astonishing performance, well done everybody. The meeting ended on that high.
It was a faultless meeting but next week I urge you to attend in droves and make us laugh in the 60 seconds round.
The caption says “It was this big”. Surely not Howard. Another great meeting & a record month for business passed. Looking forward to some fun and productive meetings for the rest of 2013.
What an excellent meeting- it makes such a difference having good numbers turning up – keep it up!
Lively meeting and a priceless quote from Alan Shaw what more could you ask for ??
We will have to start calling you Squire Grinch , i can remember chuckling a few times and found the whole 60 second round enlightening – Thats what you get when you sit next to Brian. Well done everybody on the business passed
I’d like to thank all those who have offered your best wishes & help following our “incident” – very much appreciated by Terri & I.
Glad to see that there was an even greater high on the value of business passed in November guys an’ gals over the previous record set in October – well done to all those contributing.
And, on a final note, “Aidan, leave Alan alone you big bully”!!
Next time I shall bring in a rocking chair & attire myself in brown trousers & a roll-neck nice jumper.
Great meeting everyone.
another good meeting interesting 10min from Howard fantastic amount of business passed this month not long to xmass
Glad to see that Howard intends to improve his appearance.
I actually woke up for this. I have a special EBF alarm on my Samsung Mobile phone. Glad there is lots of business flowing. Cheers to December’s success.
Was a pleasure to see Geoff from High Definition Cleaning at the meeting. We’ve used their services many times for pre/post tenancy and post build cleans so I can personally vouch for their professionalism and ability. A brilliant 10 minutes presentation from Howard, I didn’t actually see it mind you, but it was still brilliant 🙂 Looking forward to next weeks fun. Have a good week all.