Business Networking at the Burstead Golf Club. 6th May

Chairman’s Business Networking Blog Tuesday 6th May 2014.

19 people had one thing in common. The stupidity, after a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend in particular a Monday of sunshine and relaxation, of having to drag themselves out of bed to be at meeting for just after 6 am. Our lethargic little group sustained themselves initially with coffee and orange juice as they, for the first time in their lives, questioned the value of networking.

Despite the various excuses from holidays to simply a “lie in” there were still 18 of us with 1 guest, Katie Adams representing Havens Hospice and accompanying Peter Hall.

We got off to a good start; I announced the date as being the 6th March 2014. Hugo, who had previously manned the door was looking decidedly under the weather, and it took the energy of the soon to be “slimmer of the year”, Nige Kirby to get us to pay attention. He delivered the Ed Slot with a good overview of the importance and method of inviting visitors. We should all take note; if we can recruit another 20 members more of us can have a lie in on Tuesdays.

The breakfast had revived most of us and the 60 second round loomed. The round was generally low key, Christine Arnold was present but there was no background noise to speak of, Richard Willis was the Bell Man but was not obliged to ring it for anyone going over the 60 seconds; either because nobody could be bothered to do so or he was just exhausted and could not find the energy to ring the bell. Chris Adams was giving it away, free reviews of all sorts were promised. David Dumbell was giving special offers for weddings and Christine Arnold raised herself to pitch for NCR’s which we still remain puzzled about. Fortunately it was the only acronym at the meeting and therefore our brains remained unstrained.

Just when we thought we were all going to drop off, the situation was rescued by Brian Painter. One of his more vivid presentations had him displaying a photograph of somebody’s gangrenous foot. Of course it was the result of smoking. Having studied the rather revolting foot it occurred to me that sandal manufacturers would benefit from people giving up smoking. Suddenly we all felt a little more lively, Hugo stood up and declared himself feeling fresher following the breakfast, he then commenced a metaphor based on bush craft in a forest and he sort of lost his way but we were all feeling better by then. By the time Paul Lefever stood up we were ready for anything, even a child throwing an extension lead into a swimming pool in a house that did not contain proper trip switches, no deaths were reported but I think we were feeling better and ready for the 10 minute presentation.

Richard Willis won the Oscar simply by creating a mathematical problem about the Co-Op and the additional time that the Bank Holiday was giving us to shop in this rather out moded emporium, well done Richard.

It was Chris Adams who finally brought the meeting to life. He produced a great presentation on the television that used pictures rather than words. Now that was something we all appreciated, well done Chris. Little known fact of the meeting, Chris Adams is rather tenuously related to Liam Neisen and has even had a drink with the great man. If ever your child gets kidnapped have a word with Chris so he can put you in touch…

Brian Painter won the speakers prize and the look of horror that passed over his face when presented with an IT gizmo made getting up early worthwhile for all of us, even though we did not think so when the alarm when off at 5 am.

We will have more lively meetings, we will have more lively members in attendance, but under all the circumstances it was another good meeting and congratulations to all of those who struggled successfully to make the effort.

I am optimistic about next week’s meeting.