A harbinger of spring was the light in the sky when we started getting together for our meeting at 6:30 AM, and it wasn’t raining. Another reason to be cheerful was the presence of Silvia Nediva our newest member filling the cleaner’s seat. Welcome Sylvia! Winter’s continued presence ensured that sausage and bacon sandwiches abounded with one granola, one fruit and yoghurt only, and one fruit only being the only departures.
Performance League
First week of the new month has Joshua Ayettey out front with 135 points. Habitual over achiever Paul Corrigan is in second with Stuart Smallcombe third
Education Slot
In spirit with the upcoming Valentine’s Day celebrations Toby Acton declared that in order to sell your product you need people to fall in love with you. This can be achieved through networking emanating likeableness (if there is such a word) and warmth rather than brash and flash. It demonstrates reliability and lovability. Unusually heartwarming from the master of metaphor.
Membership Matters
Terry Maylin was able to announce Sylvia Nediva as our most recent acquisition along with 2 members coming up for renewal upon which he will report to us next week.
60-Second Presentation Round
It was a themed round for guess what, Valentine’s Day. Catherine Foley was not only our adjudicator for this week but recited a poem that was an ode to the onion, A true symbol of love! By contrast Mike Skinner spoke for the single unattached and lonely ones who can be brought out of their misery with corporate headshots and the like, which might go some way to lifting the gloom of facing a Marks and Spencer meal for two to celebrate the festivities.
Sally Waters is all was lyrical about scents and this week she was in praise of roses as part of the Valentine’s theme. There was a warning however, those bred for cutting just do not have the scent as they are grown for display. She was very much in praise of growing roses, in particular the Turkish ones.
Stuart Smallcombe was not to be deflected, he was championing mobile devices in relation to which she sells both the hardware and SIM only. He did however reveal his concern about ensuring he always wore his lucky underpants…. or something like that.
Sarah Smith was not going to be sentimental about things. She did however recite what people love, which amongst other things included ‘extreme ironing’ and other outlandish pursuits. The message is that she can free you up to pursue anything that you love.
Leann Reason was keen to ensure that we demonstrated the love for our home by using her services. By contrast Dave Roberts had had a very unromantic week fixing a swimming pool and gave the impression that he had effectively been up to his neck in water.
Terry Maylin has fallen back in love with mediations. He has suffered at the hands of our broken court system this week and always wishes to push his clients who are indulging in litigation to look to mediation as soon as possible.
Jane Malyon’s approach was to glory in her successes. The love of her Guinness World Record for the largest tea party and all other things verging on the delicious.
Paul Booth brought a bit of factual common sense to the theme by explaining that Saint Valentine himself was put to death in 270AD. He also touched on the severity frequently displayed by Roman Clergyman and Tax Collectors. He then brought us up to date. He can help save you from the modern-day tax collector.
The theme for the round had helped elevate the quality of presentation and Catherine had several to choose from. Her award went to Mike Skinner. She was clearly won over by the inherent loneliness of his presentation.
Meeting Secretaries Report
10 referrals this week and £8000+ worth of business recorded
Synergy Team Report
Paul Booth reported on the Tuesday’s Finance and Professions group meeting, which had been small but perfectly formed.
10-Minute Presentation by Matt Barry
It was the doyen of branding and creative marketing, Matt Barry who was this week’s presenter. His bio sheet was Irish rugby orientated. An interesting fact from his multi answered bio sheet revealed him as one of Ballymena’s greatest sons…. along with Willie John McBride! We have come to expect high quality presentations from Matt but this week’s was as good as he has done and gave us an insight into the quality and passion that he brings to his calling. The church and army’s loss is marketing and EBF’s gain. May I add my own special thanks for the excellent bottle of wine I obtained as a result of winning the speaker’s prize.
So sorry couldn’t be there. Sounds like a great meeting. Hoping to be back next week 🙏
We missed you x
Such an enjoyable meeting with the Valentine theme and Toby’s good food for thought. Particularly loved Matt’s presentation and contrary to the picture here…I can confirm he was as clean as a whistle and not splattered in mud at all!!!
The Valentine theme made judging very difficult this week but Mike’s claim to be able to capitalise on grief and loneliness stood out! A great presentation by Matt who has a very impressive list of clients!
Thanks Catherine! Ill bring my depressive take to future meetings!
Excellent presentation from Matt and a reasonably good Ed Slot. Fantastic to welcome Silvia as a new member!
We missed you, tall Paul. Another great meeting. Welcome, our new member, Sylvia.
Great 10 minutes Matt .
As usual I came away feeling uplifted despite the early start. Great 10 mins by Matt and Ed slot by Toby. Well done Mike for the Oscar and welcome to Silvia 😊
Great meeting and fantastic presentation Matt.
Gutted I cant be there next week to hand out my first Oscar in ages!
Great presentation Matt and well done everyone on a lively meeting!