Chairman’s blog Thursday 17th October 2024

I thought I was going to need my jacket this morning but it was unseasonably mild and I was able to discard it for the meeting itself. Scott Griffiths was less adaptable having put on a nice warm pulley over a T-shirt that should not see the light of day. Part of the warmth came from a well populated meeting that included our two new members, both bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready for induction. If that was not good news, two more visitors in attendance certainly was and 23 of us in all sat down to what became a busy and eventful networking get together.

The Performance League

Scott is out front with 419 points after only two weeks. He is followed by Leann Reason and Jane Malyon. Double points for visitors and subsequent joining as members looks as if it will lead to a high scoring month. Let’s try and make the second two weeks as productive as the first.

Education Presentation

Ben Golding delivered a timely piece not only explaining the need and benefits of 1-2-1 but also a reminder of what is not a 1-2-1. ‘Social high fives’ do not count.

New Member Induction & Existing Member Renewal

Joshua Ayettey and Catherine Foley were both duly inducted with all the pomp and ceremony that we could muster. Welcome to both of you. Both went on to set records that I will explain later.

The 60 Second Round

Neil Bellham, obviously overcome by the burden of being awarded the Oscar last week, was not in attendance and in his absence the award of the Oscar was at the discretion of Ben Golding. He accordingly started things off with an explanation of all of the benefits that Utility Warehouse can provide.

Paul Corrigan explained that he had had a mixed week, 4 new employees were with him at the beginning of the week; but only 2 of them by the end of the week. If you know any plumbers looking for a job, you know who to pass them on to.

Matt Barry and Toby Acton both were explaining the different ways in which they help businesses elevate their profile and performance respectively. If they help businesses unlock their potential, Joshua Ayettey, in his first 60 second presentation as a member explained how he helped unlock potential in people’s houses. And was our first record breaker by being awarded the Oscar on his first attempt. It’s all downhill from here I’m afraid but we should celebrate this achievement.

For Mike Skinner it was straightforward, he’s looking to provide videos for smaller businesses to help elevate their profile. Things are a little less clear for Clara Downton and her clients. The market for mortgages has become more volatile with the upcoming budget and many are withdrawing products. So what do you do if you are needing a mortgage straight away……. Call Clara and talk it through with her.

Chris de la Prida is thinking of holidaying in Zanzibar himself in May 2025 ten nights in all for £1284. It’s that good a deal! Talking about going abroad, John Hammond has been in Barcelona installing high quality CCTV. We would be forgiven for thinking that every day was a holiday for John! Blake Hammond could have been regarded as being a bit ‘presently’ by introducing Christmas into his 60 second presentation many weeks ago. Now he’s just doing it all the time. Lots of gifts though and he might just be able to solve your Christmas present dilemmas.

Howard Bullock warned against going for a SIPPs pension without considering your financial position carefully with him.

Catherine Foley focused on her services of helping preparing personal statements for university entrance. Second record of the morning…. was that in her first outing as a new member she attracted four new referrals by my count. Not a bad start, It’s why we should be delivering carefully thought out 60 second presentations on a weekly basis.

Dave Roberts provides electrical testing as he frequently reminds us. This week his suggestion was that we should use his services when moving to a new home.

Jane Malyon introduced a musical interlude to illustrate both her preferred funeral music and also a musical commentary on her business….. ‘Tea for two…’ she even managed to make her delivery whilst doing a Jig. Is there no end to her talents!

And so ended a highly entertaining round

This weeks statistics and points of note

Not only was Scott Griffiths able to report 17 referrals and £16,000  of business but also suggesting a Halloween theme for the last Thursday of the month’s 60 second round

10-minute presentation by Vincent Goode

The Mayor of Gants Hill Village produced a very well-prepared presentation that involved a recorded commentary by his daughter to a series of photographs illustrating himself and his business. Highly and entertaining, it was also a tribute to his presentation skills and the effort that he had made.

When the meetings are as good as this, I cannot understand why anyone stays away!