It was an invasive lurgy that kept our numbers down to 13 members and one visitor, Tina Walker. The first named storm of the year is not due to hit us until Friday. His name is Austin and it looks as if it will be horribly wet weather and Met Office warning windy, all of which is in sharp contrast to the joyous and temperate mood of our members and the prospect of our meeting this morning although no one ordered Granola.
Performance League
Terry Maylin, whilst absent on holiday was out front and well ahead on 247 points. Matt Barry is on 141, Paul Booth on 139 and Scott Griffiths on 122.
Education Slot
Stuart Smallcombe produced a theme that he described as ‘listening’. We don’t listen enough. Don’t mistake listening for hearing. Don’t think about how you can continue to present yourself favourably while somebody is explaining their situation to you. It is relevant in business, and it is particularly relevant in networking. Saying less and listening more builds trust, helps you make better decisions and improves your inter reaction with customers and fellow networkers and improves both.
60-Second Presentation Round
Stuart Smallcombe was back on his feet again, up first after winning the Oscar. His selection of presentations started with Lee Banks who illustrated his presentation with recent enquiries he has received from the motor trade, and property owners and the failure of both to be properly covered for the risks they should be aware of. That’s where brokers can help.
Toby Acton urged patience on business owners, exercise patience but get the balance right as far as ensuring you do not delay.
Blake Hammond mentioned both the H word and the C word. Let him help you with AI to produce appropriate greetings for both festivals.
Inspired by the Ed Slot Clara Downton acknowledged the importance of listening to precisely what her clients needed before trying to find appropriate products for them. This is particularly important in this volatile market.
Matt Barry was in battery charging mode. A current art exhibition in Colchester at the Minories exhibited amongst other things a Banksy collection. Probably worth a visit!
Although it was coincidental that Mike Skinner and Scott Griffiths should be placed next to each other in the presentation list, their message coincided. Websites need to be kept refreshed Mike can deal with the photographic and video side of the website presentation that is so important and as far as Scott is concerned maintenance and upkeep of your site is fundamental to its success.
As we approach the clocks going back Dave Roberts had a timely reminder about outside lights as the evenings get darker. Make sure they are functional he can help both test and remedy.
It was Jane Malyon who sparked a conversation that went on for the rest of the meeting, by a reference to butter and the irritation she created in her TikTok followers by suggesting that it could be spread in conjunction with peanut butter. There then followed a lively discussion about what you could use peanut butter for, including a mixture of peanut butter and Marmite and even the possibility of banana with both. Sharpest reaction was from Blake Hammond….. He definitely doesn’t like Marmite as the company’s advert would seem to support the fact that there are people like that out there. As to the use of peanut butter. This should be used with full awareness of the warning that it contains nuts.
As if by way of acknowledgement of the hornets’ nest that she had disturbed Jane was awarded the Oscar.
Meeting Secretaries Report
Scott Griffiths reported that to be added to the £36,000 worth of business written thus far this month we had recorded £8000 this week with 9 new referrals
Visitors Corner
Pull Booth reported that he had made contact with a jeweller who had shown interest as had Lee Banks with a motor contract hire company. I was able to report my colleague Terry Maylin’s success in making contact with a hypnotherapist. With any luck this will stimulate an interesting meeting next week.
10-Minute Presentation by Mike Skinner
It was timely that Mike Skinner, after his recent absence was able to put together the detailed presentation that reminded us all of his skills. There are those of us who only see the end results of his endeavours so this week he took us through the process of producing a video and very provoking and interesting it was. We should be looking out for people who can use his services both in the promotion of websites but also professionals like surveyors who might benefit from his drone services in producing reports. Outstanding presentation!
May I wish all of those members who were absent through illness a speedy recovery. There is self-interest in this wish in the hope that next week we can have a far bigger meeting
Really excellent 10 minutes from Mike – so interesting to see how you work. Stu’s Ed Slot was, as always, spot on and very important
great ed slot from Stuart and really interesting 10 minutes from Mike – insight into the skills of his craft.
what we lacked in attendance today was made up for in the quality of presentations. Excellent from both Stuart and Mike. Great meeting
Sorry to have missed both of these presentations today. Who was the super germ spreader there last week?!
So sorry I missed your 10 minutes Mike, it sounds like it went really well!
Hopefully will be there next week raring to go!
Great ed slot as always from Stuart this morning. Glad to get another 10 minutes out the way!
Sounds like I missed a good one today-walking around the New Forest
Will catch up watching the video 👍