29th April 2008

 

Another cold shower to enjoy on the way in to breakfast, amazingly people were still able to hold onto a pocketful of cheerfulness!

Apologies from Liz Copeland, she was having to endure doing a 7hr lecture, Andy Ward who is unwell, Mark Thornhill, and Frances Conn subbed by Alan Whitehead

Education:
After reading the BNI Success Magazine, Patrick highlighted an article which featured a plumber who uses information cards to advertise the members of his chapter. He gives one to everyone he comes across, generating hundreds of referrals for people. Patrick mentioned that it might be a good idea to follow the plumbers lead and create a card with each members basic details on…so watch this space! Thanks Patrick

60 Seconds:
Another set of fun and informative 60 second presentations with Andrew Browne suggesting it might be a good idea to search amongst our trinkets as gold is selling at a record high, Brian Harris reminds us to look out for business people who are unhappy with their current branding, Graham Tapley kept our attention as he gave his cars a mention, making sure that his clever rhyme stayed within the given time…well done Graham! Mark Hynes went through the chronicles of former BNI members who had given him business over the last 2 weeks, stating that they and visitors are our ‘life blood’ Morag impressed upon us how her company cares for the individual, she told us about a blind man who was visited at home at his request  When the accountant discovered stored invoices showing advance payment for garden jobs, she sensitively advised him what he should do.

On the subject of blind people, Joe Nathanail stated that it is more manageable to have blinds blocking sunlight as we squint at our computer and television screens than darkening the whole room with curtains, Clive Wilson crammed an interesting amount of information into his 60 seconds about taking care of our data, making sure systems are easy for all users and the importance of protecting data. David Munday talked about a posh hotel appeasing their clients dislike of annoyingly noisy alarms by switching them off… landing the managers in court! He suggests if you find any duff extinguishers in your travels…give him a bell!
                                      

Reports:
Laura Downton reported that over the last six months there were 475 referrals with a value of £185,983 and Scott Georgiades leading the throng.

Joe Nathanail informed everyone that breakfast will now cost £8 a week, please remember to change your DD

10 Minutes:
With his notes carefully written on his serviette and suffering with a morning after the night before head,  Scott Georgiades still managed to deliver an amusing and informative presentation. Having no stand, he handed out yellow bags with a variety of items within and talked everyone through what his company offers to customers who range from chauffeurs of limousines to drivers of fire engines out on their jolly boys outings. Scott develops good relationships with clients, often enjoying manly hugs at the end of a productive evening…this he says helps to build up trust! Scott asks that we all endeavour to talk to truck and taxi drivers about his great insurance deals for them.

Events: roll up, roll up...

1) Friday May 9th. 6:30pm onward at the Pilgrim, Caterham

Clearly the majority of our members enjoy each other's company and on the mornings of our meetings we all stand around chatting, laughing and generally getting on (or so it seems to the untrained eye). It's unclear how much 'proper' networking is done during that time but it's good to catch up with each other all the same. With that in mind, the first semi-organised event is a relaxed, social gathering at the Pilgrim in Caterham on Friday 9th May from 6:30pm. Nothing structured, just meet for a drink and a chat in a more social environment than the BNI meeting.

Those of us who want to go on for something to eat afterwards can but nothing is booked or arranged. It would be nice to see a good show of us there as it's important to be sociable and not just always meet in a business environment so please do come along and by all means invite whomever you choose. Ashley will hopefully be coming and I'm sure one or two other 'old' faces may too.

Be there or be square.

2) Friday 5th June. 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Reigate Garden Party

The second event will be bigger and more organised. We've arranged to have a garden party at the house one of Nic's friends/clients in Reigate on June 5th. It's the Friday before the Bank Holiday weekend so we'll all be relaxed and ready to be sociable after a long week's work, and with a long weekend to look forward to. An outstanding buffet will be provided by Sue (& Vanessa) from their new Ladybird Catering business so that we can all sample the the quality and standard of the service she and Vanessa provide. The cost of the food will be covered by a meagre charge of £10 per head. If we get a good turn-out and there's money left over we will put it towards the next event which will be..... (very exciting - watch this space...).

The garden party event will be early evening, around 6:30pm to 8:30pm and is for everyone - partners, friends, ex-members etc., so please invite people as the more we have the better and more fun it'll be.

Clive will be collecting your £10 from next Tuesday as we need to get a clear idea of number ASAP so please come armed with some crisp, clean £10 notes for yourself and each person you think will be coming too.

please contact Clive direct for any more information on either of these events (0845 456 0442 / This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Thought for the week:
He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had tried and failed
Frederick W Faber

And finally….Please remember Scott is doing his epic bike ride for a children’s charity and would really appreciate some sponsors! Please make an effort to speak to him next week and ask to sign his form…he will be delighted to have support from his fellow BNI friends!!

Have a lovely week