A summary of our weekly business networking meeting written from the unique perspective of one of our favourite members, Alan Shaw.Â
Education Presentation
Brian Painter gave us a reminder to wear our EBF badges to each meeting. You might think everybody knows you are but visitors do not.
The 60 Second Round
Nikhil Shah apologised for being away for a couple of weeks but is pleased to be back. He is very busy and would like to hire a marketing person for his specialist orthodontist business. Any contacts we have would be useful.
Jo Jones would like to make contact with possible clients who would like to know more about having ‘A healthy eating plan’ or a sports massage which last for 30, 45 or 60 minute sessions. (We recommend doing both!).
Mike Rogers. has had information regarding the Bank of Irelands first time buyer scheme which allows two people wanting to buy, substituting the lower earners income for one of their parents higher income so that they could purchase a more expensive house. It’s a novel idea but what if the father dies, would the lower income person’s salary be enough? Sounds a bit Irish to me.
Nick Cooke. Visited a three bedroom house this week. He took photos of the back and front of the house and noticed the roof was deformed in places. A loft visit confirmed major problems were present. Outcome – the owner decided not to purchase the property and thanked Nick for saving so much money.
Jo Eastwood. Showed us two examples of MOET summer items – three white plastic bottles for taking on a picnic. (Last year’s example) and this year’s bottle of pink champagne which is only £58 a bottle.
Mike Adelizzi. Described the layout of his bathroom showroom, with all the sanitary items. One day a couple came in with a 5 year old who decided to use the WC pan in the front window display.
Shortly after two other people came in and bought two toilets. Mike said that he would like us to model for him, as practical demonstrations obviously attract customers!!
Stuart Smallcome. Stated that they work on telecommunication networks and installations. He works with IT companies and would like to work with others. They do the high tech work and his company do the ‘dirty jobs’ such as installing cables through offices or homes. The high tech companies could be new start ups.
David Plumley. Has recently been on an education session regarding Windows 10. David is looking for businesses that are going through changes regarding IT issues. They could be start up companies.
Kim Redwood Lee had a meeting with a prospective client. The company came back to Kim because her company were on Google Moves.
John Freeman. He will tackle all sorts of small odd jobs. He has now returned to work on light duties owing to a bad back. ‘The handiest handyman in Brentwood’.
Cathy Neat stated that in a recent survey, they came out top for similar centres for hire. Based on this a new client ‘Capita’ booked for a whole month.
Richard Reed sent out two last minute offers. One to Greece from £400 for a week and the other £250 to Venice both sound very attractive.
Terry Maylin has a client who has many debt recovery situations in the building industry. Terry looks at the bigger picture and will advise the client to tighten up his credit control.
Scott Griffiths. People telephone Scott and ask for a price for producing a website. Scott says you would not buy a car without knowing a mass of details about it and designing a website is the same but with much more detail required and time.
Jill Willis stated the marketing strategy initially is the same cost for a new client as it is for an existing client who is looking to be more successful. Jill is looking for clients who wish to improve.
This weeks statistics and points of note
25 members in attendance, plus 1 guest.
Lots of new business opportunities passed around, and over £30,000 of completed business recorded since last week.
There also seemed to be lots of members who had switched tables and seats which is refreshing to see. I wonder what the meeting looks like from the other side of the room too sometimes!
10 minute presentation by Lee Scarff
This was Lee’s first presentation as a new member.  He spoke about his training as a gas safe heating engineer and plumber, then produced a visual reminder of some of the work that he had been involved in including a new kitchen with a tap that supplied instant boiling water to make tea and coffee. Unfortunately at this point the power point technology went haywire but luckily his father was there to assist.
The comments by some of the members were very appreciative of the work carried out for them.
Meeting Summary
The meeting was very lively but well controlled by our Acting Chairman, Brian Painter.
A very good turnout of members which we hope will be continued next week.
Well done Alan an excellent attempt but where is the Alan Shaw quiekiness?? Thanks for standing in
Well done Lee on your first 10 minutes
Well done Alan that’s a comprehensive review which shows you were listening intently. Another enjoyable meeting . Mystery question . Did I see Tina at the meeting or was I fantasizing and where did the wonderful Mr Bullock go ? All very puzzling
A fine contribution Alan. Lots of detail. Tahnk you Brian for switching off the air-con … although we roasted a little at least we could then hear the speakers.
Well done Lee, great presentation, always good to get the first one under your belt!
Been absent for a couple of weeks due to work and holiday but good to be back. Very good meeting as usual and Lee’s presentation was excellent – no bias there I can assure you all but shows that Dads do have a use after all!
A good lively meeting,well done Lee for your presentation, interesting content and good delivery. A bit disappointed in Alan’s blog, I understood everything!
Well done to Alan (blog), Lee (presentation) and also to Paul (bringing along our visitor, Lucy Sharp). Good stat. achieved as well.
Not “probably” but “definitely” the best networking group around!!
Great blog Alan, and wonderful 10 minute presentation from Lee. I can certainly personally recommend his work. Professional, high quality, friendly and tidy. What more could you need?