Both storm Benjamin and our Benjamin (Golding) put in an appearance that was notable. With Storm Benjamin, it’s remnants produced a wet and windy introduction to the day which persisted throughout the meeting and our Benjamin as always was prominent both as Education and Development Officer and Utility Warehouse representative throughout the meeting. We were 20 in number including one visitor.
Performance League
Week 3 had Sally Waters out front with 233 points followed by Terry Maylin on 208 and Paul Dulieu on 182.
Education Slot
Paul Dulieu presented us with a view on ‘being remembered for the small things’, the personal things make people feel good and remember you by. This helps build both personal relationships and business relationships. It means we must pay careful attention when we meet people to find out the small things about them. As a philosophy it kind of fits in with Paul’s view of the world through the eyes of a Celebrant but which is valid for all of us both in our personal and business lives.
Membership Matters
Terry Maylin announced renewals of Leann Reason and Catherine Foley’s membership. He also invited them, as they are now eligible, to apply for the EBF mark of excellence. All of this was on the positive side. Unfortunately, he also announced Jon Foster leaving us. He read out an extract from a letter from Jon explaining why personal health as well as business reasons made it impossible for him to continue his membership. We wish him well!
60-Second Presentation Round
Matt Barry, current Oscar holder, was adjudicating this week, and his first presentation was from Toby Acton who told of a procrastinating client who wanted to put off certain motivational considerations until after Christmas. Toby was keen to point out that with two months to go before Christmas this was serious time theft. Mike Skinner had produced a poem for us glorifying the value of images such as the ones he produces to help all businesses move forward. He was also at pains to point out that it came from his own creative juices rather than those of AI.
Sarah Smith’s pitch was on the current state of the economy and the recruitment freeze. She can fill in gaps for employers who do not want to commit to hiring at this time.
Also reflective of the times that we are in had Stewart Smallcombe indicating the importance of cyber insurance but emphasising insurance won’t work if you haven’t got the appropriate security in place to prevent the insurers disclaiming. LG Networks of course can help you with the appropriate security.
Whilst Paul Corrigan used his 60 to give a general review of the services that they provide, Ben Golding concentrated on how UW were able to help a new recruit earn extra money in these turbulent times by being joined up as a partner and introducing four of her family to UW.
Terry Mayin concentrated on personal injury work and pointed out that there are some clients that you want and some clients that you don’t want. He is of course keen to have as many referrals as possible but a recent inquiry was by somebody who’s time limits expired in three days and wanted to get a claim under way. Needless to say, he was not willing to take this on. When people are injured in accidents the sooner they consult a solicitor the better.
Dave Roberts was specific. Install batteries that will enable you to use electricity at off peak times. He can advise on the appropriate batteries and their installation.
Attention to detail is always a watchword for the professional provision of services. Scott Griffiths emphasised how important it is to ensure that when you attract people to your website you make sure they do what you want them to do. Jane Malyon is also interested in these sorts of details in the when she receives orders, they could be from anywhere around the country, it can involve special requests. It’s a question of checking the detail. Location, precise requirements including any special requests so that she can dispatch in good time and provide satisfaction to the customer. It was that customer satisfaction Leann Reason was aiming for in the presentation. As winter draws in, she wants to make you cosy in your home and she can advise not only on the lounge but all the other rooms in the house. Matt Barry thought this was deserving of the Oscar and accordingly awarded it. Well done Leann!
Meeting Secretaries Report
Scott Griffiths declared it a good day in that there were 21 referrals and £13,500 worth of business passed. He was also at pains to point out the section of the website that dealt with member offers. Check out the ones that are there, and if you haven’t made one…. Do it.
10-Minute Presentation by Blake Hammond
Blake Hammond was suffering from a cold and voice loss and was therefore entirely reliant upon the television screen for his presentation. It was, as they say, both interesting and informative if not slightly frightening! The comforting thought for us trainee luddites is that he had very diligently put in 12 hours work in putting together his presentation and this is a clear indication that human beings are needed even with the use of AI. Despite lack of voice, it was a great demonstration of Blake’s skill in his field and the reason why a consultation with him is probably not only a very good idea but dare I say it….. Essential.
Referrals and Testimonials
It followed that Scott Griffiths’ predictions of a good meeting in terms of referrals etc would produce a heartwarming finale for all of us who see the passing of referrals and receipts of money is as being one of the fundamental reasons for being at the meeting.
A very thoughtful Ed slot thank you Paul D!
Great A.I presentation Blake very Interesting that it took you 12 hours to prepare-shows there is still room for humans in the A.I world !
Excellent presentations today from Paul D and Blake. Amazing how much hard work Blake had put into producing something that was specific to every member with useful links and pointers that last beyond the morning’s meeting and is now a permanent, useful resource for us.
Blake’s presentation was really impressive – if not a little terrifying! The help he has given all of us shows that he really knows his stuff. Great Ed slot from Paul D about how the personal touch is so important for all of us.
Fantastic meeting!! Loved Podcast Paul’s Ed slot- people don’t remember what you said, they remember the way you make them feel!
Blake’s 10 minutes was awesome!! The wizard of AI!! Plus even more respect that you spent 12 hours for preparation especially when you weren’t feeling well!!
Oh and can’t wait for my bottle of red next week 😉
A great meeting. Paul D’s Ed slot was spot on! Customer service and the personal touch really does make a difference to our clients and being remembered.
Blake’s 10 minutes was scary but so interesting about AI. Blake even went that much further in giving us all some pointers for how to use AI in and on our businesses. Blake is an AI master!
Thanks all for a great meeting! Always love blakes 10 minutes ❤️
Excellent meeting, thought provoking Ed Slot from Paul and a fascinating insight to the world of AI from Blake. Don’t be scared of AI, be scared of the people who use it for the wrong reasons. When used for productive methods its a game changer! (Although that picture of Scott and Paul, looked pretty real to me!
Ha Ha Ha!!!
Good to see everyone.
Following on Paul D’s ed slot, I highly recommend Geoff Ramm whose website has some excellent videos, and who has written a book about “Celebrity Service” – treating everyone like a VIP.
I also read The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath, also really good on a similar topic.
Excellent 10m mins Blake – I am not sure whose voice was hoarser, yours or the AI voice!
Superb Ed Slot Podcast Paul
Great ed slot from Paul, and fantastic 10 minutes from blake as ever!