Chairman’s Blog – Meeting Thursday 24th January 2013
Despite the cold weather 26 members turned out and were rewarded with an enjoyable and constructive meeting.
Graham Wright filled the Ed Slot very ably – he delivered a very simple message; always go well armed when you are out and about to be able to give referrals. Take with you a Directory, make sure you have other members cards etc. It is fundamental to our group that we focus on giving referrals and place ourselves in the best position at all times to do so. If we all adopt this attitude we will all receive the benefit of more business. It was a good contribution.
The 60 second round, first up was Steve Carmichael-Brown subbing for Jamie Harrison which seemed quite bizarre.
Marcelle Saad delivered a good 60 seconds by pointing out various situations that could give rise to an opportunity for a referral for her.
Alan Shaw started off in a very focused way by warning of new Building Regulations which he would be able to offer advice upon. Unfortunately this will be in about a months time after he has been to the seminar. All of this took about 40 seconds. The remaining 20 seconds was taken up by a hum. Yes, that’s right, a hum, as in a way of making a tune. All slightly reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh.
The Bard of Hadleigh must now be known as the Hobbit of Hadleigh given his rather contrived reference to “Tolkein” in his sleep. Need I say more.
Mike Rogers sent round a list of interest rates from various Building Societies and suggested that if you thought you were paying too much for your mortgage you should approach him. This rather simple expedient directly led to referrals in the referrals round and therefore, from a results point of view the best 60 seconds of the day.
The whimsical was left to Claire Greenslade who produced a small creature that could be personalised and used as a screen wiper. I wasn’t quite clear what part of the body of this small creature was being used for the purpose, but no sooner had she introduced this question in all of our minds, than Kevin Brooks stood up and boasted of many funeral director clients and when Brian Painter rose to his feet I was fully expecting an exposition of how smoking produced clients for funeral directors. Instead he boasted getting women pregnant by hypnosis. I suspect this is a hypnotherapists version of the immaculate conception.
It was nice to be brought down to earth by what will now be Scott Griffiths’ clarion call “I don’t do crap websites”. I hope that’s clear. Indeed, talking of clear, Howard Bullock quite properly won the Oscar for demonstrating how he could save people lots of money.
Talking of money, £17,200.00 worth of recorded business was done with coming up to 30 referrals. All in all, a good effort by everyone and has us on track for really good figures for this year.
Richard Reed produced an interesting 10 minutes that was largely biographical, but once again got everybody thinking about holidays and therefore the resulting referrals. I suspect he has got us all now thinking about the Summer and I think he can expect a good return for his 10 minute reminder to us all.
Otherwise the meeting produced 2 matters of note one slightly downbeat, the other very upbeat:-
Downbeat:
Mike Topping and Mike Moisley are leaving us. Their personalities and attitude have been a benefit to the group and we are sorry to see them go.
Upbeat:
The new website is up and running and as always Scott’s contribution in producing something that is at the core of our effectiveness is appreciated by everybody.
I look forward to the weather improving for our next meeting, at least we can hope for slightly warmer weather to encourage us all to attend. Let’s try and have a big meeting next week and don’t forget our second anniversary meeting of the 21stFebruary 2013.
I can only apologise for what was probably the worst joke of the year so far ,mind you I do remember Aidan’s joke causing a bit of tumbleweed. So I apologise for the 2nd worst joke of the year. Who is going to rise to the challenge of beating us.
Sad to see the two Mikes leaving I enjoyed their good humour.
Being unable to attend this morning and having read the meeting review it sounds as though another interesting and productive meeting was had by all. Sorry to hear Mike T and Mike M are leaving. I look forward to seeing you all next week.
Another vibrant meeting with a respectable turnout despite the cold damp morning. Amazing to think we are approaching the 2 year marker.
Yes it was a very good meeting. It’s a funny old thing isn’t it because I have an old CD of well known poems and thought I would give them an airing on the way back to the office. And in the last verse of IF, the subject of a good 60 seconds is raised. I’m fairly confident that Rudyard Kipling never attended any weekly networking meetings or at least none that featured the importance of being able to say in less than a minute who we are, what we do and the sort of referrals we are looking for each time. Anyway the thing is, if we can all do just that ours may well be the Earth and everything in it. If you would like to read the poem, this link will take you to it – http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_if.htm
It sounds very much to me like the theme of next weeks 60 seconds is going to be rhyme and verse? I’d be happy to give that a whirl… what do you think?
Thoroughly enjoyed yesterdays meeting and agree that it will be sad to say farewell to Mike’s M & T. I wish them both well in their future business endeavours.
Keeping it positive though, how many visitors have you invited to the next meeting? Why not use the “Invite a friend” form on this website it is very easy and useful. I have invited four new people this week using it. Please go give it a try…
An excellent meeting and a much better photo of the speaker this week! You will notice that i am paying full attention but it looks as if Mr Morgan has nodded off or perhaps he is dreaming of one of Richard’s holidays!