Chairman’s Blog – Meeting Thursday 3rd January 2013
Christmas seems to have taken its toll. Several apologies from members suffering rather unpleasant afflictions and one or two not back from holiday. 22 in attendance was perhaps a good turnout and a lively meeting all the same.
Scott Griffiths announced the very clear winner for the Performance League for the shortened month of December. Dawn Ribnell was the clear winner with over 300 points. All this on only 3 meetings – well done Dawn.
Before we got down to the 60 second round Brian Painter was the guest Education Slot presenter. He produced a very effective piece entitled “Getting In the Punters”. He explained his own referral system within his business enlisting his Clients support in attracting new custom. A very useful contribution that we could all learn from. Later on in his 60 second offering he steered clear of gory images of death by smoking, confessed his love for Christmas with one of his pleasures being selecting wines. He missed out the joy of drinking them, but maybe that was deliberate as he was seeking referrals for resolution breakers who were back to hitting the bottle or inhaling tobacco smoke. Normal service will probably be resumed next week.
I am slightly ahead of myself, however. The 60 second round got into its stride when Alan Shaw told us about a recent film that he had watched on bridges in the context of a social history of London producing tolls and untold wealth for someone. He wasn’t clear whether that “someone” would be an Architect, but I suppose kicking off the New Year with a suggestion that we build bridges is perhaps not a bad idea. Otherwise and comfortingly reassuring the whole piece was irrelevant.
Our newest recruit duly inducted today was Peter Hood who declared January a bit slow unless it started freezing. He was in good company with Geoff Todds plea for snow. Personally, I would settle for dry weather, sunshine, in short Summer.
Alan Shaw’s whimsy on bridges was in fact followed by Jason Nortey declaring that he was not a “one size fits all person”. I assume that must be a good thing as he awarded me the Oscar for using the “S” word. However, we were brought down to earth by Terry Maylin suggesting that we found referrals for him for anyone with tenants who he would happily successfully evict through the Courts. Apparently it doesn’t matter whether they are good tenants or bad tenants, he will just get on and do it.
Nothing more worthy of reporting arose from the 60 second round, indeed I have probably made it sound too interesting. The fact is it was just plain dull and boring this week. I think I feel a theme coming on. Next week a far fuller attendance, plenty of energy in the 60 second round which will be themed “Some of the best New Years resolutions I have broken”. I will be awarding the Oscar and the winner must not only make reference to the aforementioned theme, but must also exhibit all of his worst 60 second traits. Graham Wright must play with his serviette, Graham Thurston must thrust his hand very deeply into his pockets, Kevin Radford must excite with his vivacious verse and Brian Painter must once again make our stomachs turn in describing the effects of smoking on our health – there! I have got it out of my system and I am feeling better already.
I was in fact uplifted by the whole meeting, but in particular the referrals round. Only 20 people present, but nearly £17,000.00 worth of business passed and numbers of referrals averaging 1 a person.
The other reason for feeling uplifted was the 10 minute presentation – yes that “coveted slot”. We were treated to a very professional presentation by Nick Morgan. A really excellent presentation.
2 reminders from our Meeting Secretary which are worth repeating:-
1. Don’t forget to get your nominations in to Howard Bullock in for the “Jolly Good Egg of the Month Award” each month.
2. Please provide testimonials to Scott Griffiths for the new website illustrating how EBF has been good for you. In fact, a challenge! Please enter a reply to this Blog with any stupid or facetious comments you choose, but in addition please provide one of those testimonials that Scott has been asking for.
I look forward to seeing you all next week, particularly those who have been under the weather – get well soon.
