Being World Bee Day, there was a definite buzz in the air as members began congregating online for this week’s Essex Business Forum meeting. With the start time changed to 7.20am to accommodate our ever-growing ranks, Scott Griffiths was poised to Chair the meeting in Aidan’s absence. However, with members and guests still joining, the meeting eventually began at the old start time of 7.30am.
The Performance League
After two weeks, a handful of members are topping 100 points, but Sarah Steel leads the pack with 140 points. Well done, Sarah!
Membership Matters
Terry Maylin advised that both David Plumley and Sarah Bell have renewed their membership and that Colin O’Connor’s membership will be renewed in the next week. Both Sarah and Colin can now apply for the EBF Mark of Excellence.
Jane Malyon has applied to join, and the process is being finalised. It is hoped that her membership will be confirmed next week.
Education Presentation
It was Sarah Steel’s debut doing the Education Slot this week, and there were smiles all around as she explained how a smile is a secret weapon when networking. Not only does smiling show we are ready to engage with people, but it also helps make us appear more genuine and likeable. For those of us who are carrying an extra chin or two, it was a little disappointing to find that smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning. However, Sarah has convinced me that it’s better to smile and have jowls than have a chiselled jaw that scowls.
The 60 Second Round
Scott Griffiths was adjudicating the Oscar this week and, with the power that being the Chair of the meeting creates, he decided that it would be far easier (for him!) if each 60 Second presenter nominated the next person.
Vincent Goode showed a fine array of vinyl roller banners he has printed for various businesses during the pandemic, and Mike Skinner, our resident videographer, highlighted the power of “How To” videos in helping businesses sell their products.
Unfortunately, he is yet to be asked to create videos of the 915,103,765 different ways that six Lego bricks can be connected together; a fact that Sarah Bell shared, having recently attended a course on using six Lego bricks to help young people with Autism learn through play. Building, although not with Lego, was also on Mason Edwards’ mind, as he is keen to do more cleaning up after builders have finished projects.
With the “nomination” process going smoothly, we arrived at the end of the 60 Second Round with barely a hiccup, although, as William Verner pointed out, it was more challenging for our newer members who are still learning names. Nonetheless, it was Scott’s duty to award the Oscar (in the shape of a Buddha). This week’s winner was a still smiling Sarah Steel for her excellent Education Slot and her 60 seconds of advice on how to trace a pension you may have misplaced, to avoid being part of the £19.4 billion that is sitting in misplaced or forgotten pensions in the UK.
10-minute presentation by Tina Walker
It was Tina Walker’s turn this week. From the short presentation Tina gave on how she became a virtual assistant, the benefits she brings businesses and her adaptability, it’s clear that Tina loves what she does. Tina will often say she is not “9 till 5”, she is “start to finish”. Anyone that has used her services can attest to that. Well done, Tina!
Spot the hare
With Terry Maylin having passed the bronze hare on to Tina Walker, and Tina being the subject of this week’s 10 Minute Presentation, it was surprising only three people spotted it. Admittedly, it was particularly fiendish concealment (on a shelf reflected in a mirror on Tina’s wall) and there is still some doubt as to whether the three did spot it, or they just got lucky guessing….
Well chaired Scott, you held it together very calmly. She’s not a 9 to 5, she’s a start to finish and her 10 minutes was very professional. Super smart smile strategies Sarah Steel. See what I did there?
An excellent meeting despite not spotting the hare! I’m trying to avoid that Monday morning sneer in favour of a more authentic smile today!
Your education slot made me smile. Congratulations Sarah and Tina’s presentation was very professional . Well done all
Well done Tina on both your 10 minutes and successfully hiding the hare
Good Ed slot Sarah very true!
Colin and Sarah B don’t forget to apply for the Mark of Excellence
Good to see more guests
Excellent meeting, as always. Great to see more guests and our new members. Have a good week everyone!
Great Ed Slot Sarah, well done Scott for chairing. Another great meeting see you all Thursday.
A smiling “Ed Slot”, a “Keep you on your toes” nomination round for our 60 seconds and Tina’s lovely 10mts all add up to yet another great start to Thursdays – well done everyone.
Good meeting and well done to all the presenters, chairs and tables
Great meeting . Tina your ten minutes was excellent . Sarah Smiling we slot was great . I think I might need a trip to the dentist to have such a fantastic smile as yours.
A very happy Ed Slot and well delivered by Sarah. Tina doesn’t have to say much in her presentation, her work speaks for itself. Highly recommended Have a good week.
Scott, you did a grand job keeping us all in check. Great education slot this week, made me smile. Have a great week all.
I’m so pleased to have renewed my membership for another year! An excellent ed slot – smiling is so important, even in the face of adversity! Tina, great presentation, very professional.