The Oracle

Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds!

2012-01-24T06:21:00.001-08:00

When filming Star Wars, Harrison Ford was having problems saying some of Han Solo’s lines. He told the director George Lucas, “George, you can type this [stuff], but you sure can’t say it”.

Later that year, George Lucas was nominated for an Oscar for best screenplay.

The first time I saw Ryan Giggs play for Manchester United, I was 19. I said to my friend “I doubt a 16 year old boy will be able to influence a match played by men”.

After 20 minutes, United were 3-0 up. Giggs had scored one and set up the other two. He’s gone on to be the most consistently good player in England – maybe Europe – over the past 20 years.

Now, it’s not often I think there are similarities between Harrison Ford and me (surprising, I know), but here’s one. We've both learned that ...

First impressions aren’t always right

The great thing about this sentence is there are lots of applications for it. Here are ten Tips, all based on this one fact...

First impressions may not always be right, but they can be disproportionately important, so ...

Practise the start of your communications a lot (when I’m presenting, I spend 20% of my prep time on the first 1% of my talk)
When preparing a document, ensure your first sentence contains the benefit of reading it
When preparing documents/slides, ensure the cover page/first slide looks impressive. Get it professionally designed, if need be
Dress appropriately
If you have to stand up to start a presentation, do so with pace. Don’t drag yourself up
When speaking, make sure your first few words are a little louder than you usually speak, so you make a clear start.

But, first impressions aren’t always right. So, ensure you are doing the best thing, not the first thing you thought of ...

On major projects, regularly ask “what’s changed? Is there a better way for us to approach this?”
Think of the colleague who impresses you. Ask yourself “what is the worst thing about them?” (not so you start disliking them, but rather to ensure you’re giving appropriate - not too much - weight to what they say)
Think of someone who annoys you. Ask yourself if this is because they're annoying now, or because you're still annoyed by something they once did early in your working relations... and/or consider whether it's worth saying to them “I don’t think we started off very well. Let’s try again”
When you have a brilliant idea, your first impression might be to throw loads of resource at it. If it’s a brilliant idea today, it will still be brilliant next week. Sleep on it before you start investing lots of time and money into something you shouldn’t

This Tip’s title might have suggested it would all be about Han Solo. It’s actually developed into something very different. These first impressions ...

Action point

A good thing about having ten Tips is that you have ten things to choose from.

A bad thing is that you might not be sure where to start. So, you might not start.

It's probably best to action the 1-2 Tip(s) that are most relevant to you.

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Andy Bounds

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Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds!

2012-01-17T01:12:00.001-08:00

Are you interesting?

I guess your answer is “yes” or “I hope so!”

And, when you’re making a presentation? Are you interesting then?

What’s your answer now?

To be an interesting presenter – and it is much nicer for both you and your audiences if you are – you only need to...

Know the things people find interesting; and
Use them

Everyone could come up with a good list in answer to point 1 – interactivity, stories, humour, good visuals, relevance, variety etc.

But – and this is weird, when you think about it – even though people know what audiences find interesting, they don’t always use them.

Logically, if you do not use any “interesting things”, you won’t be interesting. Just using one makes you more interesting. Use a few, and you’re probably one of the best presenters in your team.

Every time I present, after I’ve prepared my content, I use a highlighter pen to highlight the “interesting things” – the interactive bits, stories, humour etc.

Any sections which aren’t highlighted are therefore not interesting, so I can...

Insert something interesting (this could be as simple as stimulating interactivity by asking “before I go on, are there any questions?”); and/or
Remove some of the boring content
Change the order of my presentation, to break up the boring block etc.

Action point

For your next presentation, whether it be an informal team briefing or a formal conference keynote, highlight the interesting bits in your content, ensuring you have some at the start, end and sprinkled throughout. Reduce any un-highlighted sections, by using some of the techniques above.

Your audience - and you - will be grateful you did...

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Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds

2012-01-10T01:00:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, in a restaurant, I sat next to a man eating rabbit.

You can read this sentence in two ways. One will trigger apathy; one, amazement.

So, the same message can mean vastly different things to different people.

For example, when leaders say “Here’s the new strategy”, they might think “Here’s my exciting vision”; whereas their people might think “Is my job going to get worse?”

Or, when managers say “I need this by Friday”, they are thinking “this is urgent”, but the other person might think “I’m sure you do. But I’m busy”.

The sender of an “FYI” might think “this will help you” (or “this is now off my desk”!), whereas the recipient might think “What am I supposed to do with this?”

And, to the hundreds of salespeople out there, when you say “We were founded in 1922; we have got 80 offices and 4,000 staff”, your customers often think “OK, so you’re old, big and fat. But can you help me?”

You can’t second-guess everything that other people will think, but you can do so more often than “not at all”.

Do you think you review your communications from your audiences' point of view?

Do they think you do?

Action point

When preparing your next communication, review the content, pretending that you’re the audience...

What will they like/not?
When will they want you to speed up/slow down?
What is in there that they wish wasn’t?
What’s not in there that they wish was?

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Andy Bounds

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Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds!

2012-01-03T01:11:00.000-08:00

If you want to improve your team’s communication skills, there are many options – reading books, training, coaching, mentoring, role modelling, subscribing to Tuesday Tips, publicly praising good communications, privately criticising bad ones, and so on.

These, and other methods, all have merits. But here is another way – a fun, collaborative one – to achieve great results. Get your team together, and...

Step 1: ensure their buy-in to the exercise

Ask if they think the team’s communication is as good as it can be (they will say “No”)
Ask what benefits the team will get if it was better (they will list many things)
Say: “so, would you agree it’s worth exploring ways that we can improve our communication?” [“Yes”]

Step 2: do the exercise

Give everyone a piece of paper with a horizontal line drawn across the middle
Ask them to write (in big letters) two communication techniques they feel they are good at above the line, and ...
... two they struggle with below
Ask them to turn their pages round, so everyone can see everyone else’s
Tell them to find “pairs” i.e. where something you’re good at corresponds to something that somebody else struggles with
The team splits into these pairs, and the “good” person advises the “struggling” person how to improve
After a few minutes, they swap partners and the new pairs help each other
Re-split if it feels appropriate
Ask everyone what 1-2 actions they're goint to take, to improve

Step 3: follow-up

Ensure they act on their actions as you usually would. This is important. Without follow-up, it won't stick

Action Point

If you think it will help your team, run the above session, and see what happens...

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Andy Bounds

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Happy New Year and may it be prosperous for all!

Thornton.

Answers to the Questions in Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds!

2011-12-21T01:33:00.001-08:00

Here are the answers (the questions are below, if you want to refer back)...

Answer 1

You turn away from the fire and set fire to the vegetation on the other side of you to the fire.

The wind will blow this new fire away from you, burning the vegetation.

You then walk on this newly-burnt vegetation. The original fire won't be able to catch you, because it will now run out of vegetation to burn.

Answer 2

The American is on the moon.

Answer 3

The man was riding a horse called Friday.

Answer 4

The beggar is his sister.

Answer 5

Arthur is a baby.

Answer 6

The poison was in the ice which hadn't melted when he drank the punch.

Answer 7

Half way (because he's then running out of the woods).

Answer 8

He was playing Monopoly.

Answer 9

A snowman had melted.

Answer 10

It was day time.

Answer 11

The lions. If they hadn't eaten for three years, they'd be dead!

The questions again...

Question 1

You are standing in the middle of an island that is one mile long and fifty yards wide. The island is covered in vegetation that is very dry following a long drought.

The vegetation catches fire at one end of the island, and a strong wind is blowing this wall of fire towards you, burning the whole width of the island.

There's no beach - only sheer cliffs - and the sea is infested with sharks. The ground is too hard to dig a hole, and you have no means of escaping the island.

What can you do?

Question 2

An American who has never been to another country sees the Great Wall of China with his own eyes. He's standing on solid ground.

How is this possible?

Question 3

A man rode from Manchester to Liverpool on Friday. He stayed in Liverpool for three consecutive days and nights, never once leaving Liverpool. He then left on Friday.

How is this possible?

Question 4

A blind beggar had a brother who died. What relation was the blind beggar to the brother who died? (The answer isn't 'brother')

Question 5

Arthur lives with his parents in London.

Last week, while his parents were out, Arthur's next-door neighbour Sophie came round to spend the evening. At 8pm, she popped out to buy a newspaper.

Just then, two robbers broke into the house and, ignoring Arthur, stole the TV, an ipod and a computer.

Arthur had never seen the robbers before. They had no legal right to remove the goods yet he did nothing to stop them. In fact, he didn't even act surprised by what he saw.

Why not?

Question 6

A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning.

He didn't put anything in the punch after he drank it, nor did anyone else.

Why did he not die?

Question 7

What is the furthest a dog can run into the woods?

And, some good questions for children (and easier ones for adults!)

Question 8

A man pushed his car. He stopped when he reached a hotel, at which point he knew he was bankrupt. Why?

Question 9

Five pieces of coal, a carrot and a scarf are lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn.

How did they get there?

Question 10

A man is dressed completely in black - shoes, socks, trousers, coat, gloves... everything. He's also wearing a black ski mask.

He's walking down a back street with all the street lamps off. A black car is coming towards him with its headlights off, but somehow manages to stop in time.

How did the driver see the man?

Question 11

A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires; the second is full of assassins with loaded guns; and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in three years.

Which room should he choose?

Know people who'd benefit from reading this Tip? Please forward it on.

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Andy Bounds

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Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds

2011-12-20T01:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas!

Here are a few questions to ponder during your last week.

I'll send the answers to you tomorrow (drop me an email if you can't wait till then!). Good luck...

Question 1

You are standing in the middle of an island that is one mile long and fifty yards wide. The island is covered in vegetation that is very dry following a long drought.

The vegetation catches fire at one end of the island, and a strong wind is blowing this wall of fire towards you, burning the whole width of the island.

There's no beach - only sheer cliffs - and the sea is infested with sharks. The ground is too hard to dig a hole, and you have no means of escaping the island.

What can you do?

Question 2

An American who has never been to another country sees the Great Wall of China with his own eyes. He's standing on solid ground.

How is this possible?

Question 3

A man rode from Manchester to Liverpool on Friday. He stayed in Liverpool for three consecutive days and nights, never once leaving Liverpool. He then left on Friday.

How is this possible?

Question 4

A blind beggar had a brother who died. What relation was the blind beggar to the brother who died? (The answer isn't 'brother')

Question 5

Arthur lives with his parents in London.

Last week, while his parents were out, Arthur's next-door neighbour Sophie came round to spend the evening. At 8pm, she popped out to buy a newspaper.

Just then, two robbers broke into the house and, ignoring Arthur, stole the TV, an ipod and a computer.

Arthur had never seen the robbers before. They had no legal right to remove the goods yet he did nothing to stop them. In fact, he didn't even act surprised by what he saw.

Why not?

Question 6

A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning.

He didn't put anything in the punch after he drank it, nor did anyone else.

Why did he not die?

Question 7

What is the furthest a dog can run into the woods?

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The Oracle: Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds

2011-12-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

The Oracle: Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds: People fund long-term assets (e.g. a car) with long-term finance (a loan); and short-term assets (iPod) with short-term finance (credit...

Tuesday Tips from #AndyBounds

2011-12-14T07:07:00.001-08:00

People fund long-term assets (e.g. a car) with long-term finance (a loan); and short-term assets (iPod) with short-term finance (credit card).

After all, I’ve yet to see someone pay for a shirt by taking out a mortgage.

Similarly, if you want to change the way your colleagues think, feel and act forever, you’re going to have to tell them many times, over a long period of time.

One presentation, given once, is frankly never going to be enough...

... though, with all the important messages we hear only once - 'This year's objectives', 'Our new strategy' etc - this is another example of common sense not equalling common practice.

To maximise your chances of causing long-term improvement, you will need some/all of …

Pre-launch questions, to find your stakeholders' key objectives and concerns
Launch communications, tailored to address these objectives and concerns
Relentless, disciplined, focused, follow-up communications, where you do some/all of…

Deliver weekly updates
Share success stories
Institutionalise a coaching programme
Publicise early wins
Host regular meetings, for all relevant groups
Seek feedback, both formal and informal
Stimulate water-cooler chats
Select and train-up mentors
Delegate important follow-up roles to your best people
Etc

You would never buy a house with a credit card.

And you will never cause long-term change with one short-term communication.

Action point

List your current projects, and split them between those seeking to cause a long-term or a short-term impact.

Ensure each project's communications are of the appropriate quality, quantity and duration, given what you’re looking to achieve.

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Andy Bounds

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Tuesday Tips from Andy Bounds

2011-12-06T05:43:00.001-08:00

England's Cricket Team is proudly sitting on our perch as the world's leading Test Match side. A fantastic - and, when you consider where we were a few years ago, scarcely believable - feat.

There are hundreds of contributing factors, but one that jumped out at me was how people describe their roles.

For instance, Graham Gooch doesn't describe himself as a 'Batting Coach' but as a 'Run Making Coach'. Bowlers don't say they're 'bowlers' but that 'my job is to take wickets/stop them scoring' etc.

In other words, every one of them is focusing on the AFTERs they cause, not the work they do.

In fact, I've seen Mr Gooch correct interviewers who describe him as a Batting Coach. Because he knows he is absolutely, definitely, positively there to cause more runs. And, because he knows it, so does everyone he talks to.

When I want to pay less tax, I go to someone who sees their role as a Tax Reducer, not an Accountant.

When I want to grow my business, I go to a bank who talks about Business Growth, not their Business Development Loans.

When I want to score more runs, I would go to Graham Gooch (though, even he might struggle to help someone who's blind in one eye).

How do you describe yourself to others? How do you describe yourself to yourself?

The more you focus on what you cause, the more others will too...

... making you feel more valuable to them, and yourself.

Action point

Script how you'd describe yourself in one sentence, focusing on what you cause... not mentioning your job title, your profession, your deliverables.

Ask others if they agree with it. Fine-tune it. Keep telling yourself you are this. The more you do, the more you'll believe it...

Know people who'd benefit from reading this Tip? Please forward it on.

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Andy Bounds

Emma Merry(PA): +44 (0) 7900 217 929

T: +44 (0) 151 231 6110

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2011-03-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

thebusinessclub-North London next club meeting :

DATE: Wednesday 6th April 2011

Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet(Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Speaker : Chris Billington-Hughes

Chris has been responsible for identifying millions of pounds of extra revenue for Results Corporations clients' and helping business leaders see the true potential of their business. Chris has worked with hundreds of companies in many industry sectors, helping them to implement advanced marketing and business growth strategies .In addition to working directly with businesses, Chris is also sought after as a speaker, presenting to groups of CEO's, managing directors and business owners all over the UK for organisations such as Lloyds TSB, Business Money, The Business Club and many other leading organisations.

WHY DEVELOPING A STRUCTURED MARKETING AND SALES STRATEGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Every business has to market itself and every business has to sell.

Do you have a strategy?

How effective is it?

How much of an increase in business would you get if you did the most effective things, at the most effective time, in the most effective way?

Your marketing should be structured to educate your market place in the most cost, time and resource effective ways possible!

Your return on investment, relative to what you do to win and retain business can be excellent … providing you follow some simple rules.

This presentation discusses some of the key points of using a strategy to generate leads, to convert leads to sales and to retain clients … just as any good marketing and sales strategy should.

See you there!!

Thornton.

Call now to book your place!! 08432 181672
or email thornton@the-businessclub.org

2011-03-18T07:54:00.001-07:00

thebusinessclub-North London next club meeting :
DATE: Wednesday 23rd March 2011

Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet
(Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Speaker : Mohammed Mir

Fair & equal rights for all or political correctness gone mad??

The Equality Act 2010 came into force last October. It consolidates and replaces most of the previous law on discrimination and brings in some new provisions too.
The Act covers discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Discrimination in most areas such as employment and other areas of work, education, housing, the provision of services, the exercise of public functions and membership of associations is covered.
Some people may think this is political correctness gone mad, but many others will welcome the clarity in the law and the fairness the law provides. Come and join the debate and learn how the law might affect you!

call now to book your place!! 08432 181672
or email thornton@the-businessclub.org

The Business Club Next Meeting 23rd February 2011

2011-02-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

thebusinessclub-North London next club meeting :

DATE: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet
(Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Speaker :

How to Get from

Now to Wow!

SUNIL BALI

Sunil Bali is a recognised authority on human behaviour and author of the critically acclaimed book “Mind, Set & Match”.

His presentation will be both entertaining and provide the listener with a practical and realistic blueprint to help them take their own performance to the very highest level.

Sunil’s corporate experience includes roles as Director of Talent & Resourcing on behalf of Vodafone Group, Santander and Cable & Wireless Europe. He has also managed an MBO with subsequent trade sale and earn out, run a highly profitable multi-million pound recruitment business, and is a Non Executive Director.

Sunil’s first degree in Sports Science and Psychology fuelled his passion for the psychology of human achievement and well-being. As well as possessing an MBA, he is a qualified Psychotherapist, Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and qualified trainer of hypnosis.

call now to book your place!! 08432 181672
or email thornton@the-businessclub.org

What a great time to get a bargain on a new car!!!

2011-02-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

What a great time to grab a bargain at Hyundai!!!

Talking to our member Paul Sharma at Hyundai London he told me about the following deals :

Brand new i10 Classics for £6495 in standard Red colour. Metallic paint £405 extra.

Pre-registered i30 autos on 60 plate for £12300 and i20 autos from £11300 and many other ex - demos, some with only delivery mileage.

Paul prides himself in customer service and delivering value for money so anyone looking for a new vehicle should contact him now :

Paul Sharma

Corporate Sales Manager

Hyundai London

105 West Hendon Broadway

NW9 7BN

Tel: 02084576660 Mob: 07980014865

Fax: 02082017839

Thornton Holmes

The Business Club North London.

2011-01-27T07:37:00.001-08:00

thebusinessclub-North London next club meeting :

DATE: Wednesday 9th February 2011

Hendon Hall Hotel

SPECIAL EVENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE ‘ACTIONCOACH’ ORGANISATION. PROMPT TIMINGS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

TIME : 5pm for 5.30pm prompt start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet

(Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Hosted By :

Gil Devlin - ActionCoach

Thornton Holmes - The Business Club

For Business Owners – Learn How To Increase Profits By 61% And Work Less By Playing The Game Of Business…

It is the most practical, dynamic and profitable business game you’ll ever play...

This game is the brainchild of Brad Sugars, the multi-millionaire owner of the world’s largest business coaching organisation. Every single element of this game is designed to help you discover the nuts and bolts secrets of success that most businesses miss.As well as giving you some serious business lessons you’ll have lots of fun and you’ll meet other like minded business owners. Not only can you network, you’ll also learn from them as you compete together to learn as fast as you can how to win the game!

2011-01-07T03:55:00.000-08:00

thebusinessclub-North London next club meeting :

DATE: Wednesday 12th January 2010

Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm prompt start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet
(Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Presents:

Speaker: ANNA MASON
SHAPE UP FOR BUSINESS 2011!!

If you’re fit, you’ll work more effectively and also have more confidence and verve in the workplace. Busy professional and business people easily neglect their health under the stresses and strains of work. Too much sitting at the desk or behind the wheel, snacking and a diet of sandwiches and coke can mean the scales creep up and we suffer slumps in energy during the day. In “Shape Up For Business” Anna shows how to get fitter to do effective business and how to eat for energy and vitality, using all the skills you use at work to manage your health, weight and wellbeing.

“Clients benefit from Anna’s no nonsense approach to weight loss. Her advice and knowledge is founded on common sense and practicalities. She has no time for faddy diets, and refreshingly believes that life is for living and enjoying rather than getting hung up on dieting.”

Changes to SIPP drawdown....be aware!

2011-01-07T03:48:00.000-08:00

HM Treasury responded to consultation on proposed amendments to retirement flexibility at the end of last year.

There are quite a number of amendments :

These new proposals are due to take effect from 6 April 2011:

- Unsecured Pension and Alternatively Secured Pension (ASP) will be replaced by a new system of ‘Capped Drawdown’.

- Maximum withdrawal will be based on 100% of GAD rather than 120% as current, and there will be a graduated move to the new levels for those already in drawdown.

- Reviews of income will be 3 yearly, or annually once aged 75.

- There will be a 55% tax charge on lump sum payments on death for funds in drawdown irrespective of age – rather than the 35% currently in place (albeit this level only applies pre age 75 at the moment).

- It will be possible to make a lump sum payment tax free to a charity – as is currently the case for those in ASP.

Rather more strikingly, ‘flexible drawdown’ will also be introduced:

- Where an individual can demonstrate that they have secured pensions of at least £20,000 p.a., known as the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) from one or more sources, the cap on drawdown will be removed.

- This means an individual can draw as much pension as they wish from arrangements other than the MIR, until the fund is exhausted – subject, as normal, to income tax – although Protected Rights funds will be excluded from this.

- Only secure pension income (such as an annuity, occupational pension or state pension) will be considered in terms of the MIR.

- Individuals will not be able to accrue further tax relieved pension savings if in flexible drawdown.

As usual, advisers are presented with a number of matters to consider:

- Are there advantages to clients going into drawdown now so as to obtain the higher level of GAD available?

- Are all expressions of wish up to date – in particular, are there any clients who might wish to take advantage of the tax free charity payment on death?

- Some clients may suffer a drop in actual income (or an expectation of income) when the rates drop to 100% of GAD – do these clients require review and consultation?

- Some clients in drawdown may be considering a transfer to a new provider. Is it best to consider this sooner, rather than later, so as to retain the remainder of the 5 year period at the 120% GAD level?

A great time to get involved with networking.....

2010-11-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

One of the most valuable things about building business networking relationships is the priority you get given by your fellow networkers within a group, for certain offers and opportunities. I would like to thank Paul Sharma of Hyundai London who gave the Business Club North London some priority discounts on new and used vehicles and is always on hand to guide and help people through the issues of purchasing a new vehicle.

A close group of like minded individuals builds confidence and trust over a period of time and Paul has often commented how many connections and subsequent business opportunities have arisen from contacts and meetings arranged through The Business Club. This is the point; networking, as BNI founder Ivan Misner has always pointed out is about 'farming' NOT 'hunting' and small things over periods of time can yield great rewards.

Networking is about building Knowledge and confidence which can lead to trust and relationships. This is what ultimately turns into business and repeat business. It is not about turning up to an event, 'selling to the room' and hoping to walk away with an order.

If you want to learn more about education based networking and relationship building then call us

on 08432 181672 and meet many like minded people who are all there to build their brand, offer help and advice to others and above all position themselves to be in the best possible place as we come out of recession.

Oh...and if you want a great deal on a new or used car call Paul Sharma at Hyundai! 020 8457 6660.

See you all at the next Business Club meeting! Don't miss it!

Why 1300 + marketing professionals can't agree...

2010-11-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

David Berkoff Business Club member tells us why 1,300 plus marketing professional can’t agree… :

What is marketing? This was the question placed on the Marketing Communication Group social networking site on Linkedin and the responses that came in made for some very enlightening and interesting reading.

The person who posted this question, Mr John C in Philadelphia, must have a very full in tray of emails, but when I asked the question to the group “Surely with over 1,200 replies Mr C should have an idea of the answer by now...” I had a response from Dr. Brian M in Melbourne, Australia, (the self promoted spokes person and commentator of this question), that Mr C has long since left the building, but the discussion continues…”

Long left the building indeed. Maybe he’s gone down to the job centre to look for another career?

We had the simplistic answers like Michelle E in Bristol UK who says “Marketing is Life” err yes, why don’t you get one.

What about Nacy S from LA who says 'Effective' Marketing is creating the flame of desire by inspiring your potential customers to want to buy what you are selling and implementing it in such a way that is never invasive or hard sell and so much so that they are so excited about having it they can't wait to buy it!

Then there was Tim E from Cincinnati who had this intillectual banter with the Doctor that left me wondering what is this all about? Modern Centric Marketing, the old 4 P’s, the Gen-Ys and Zers marketing?

I think what they are trying to promote is a modern way of marketing. It’s where companies are now listening and engaging with their customers and then delivering what they want.

Ok, but isn’t that what market research companies have being doing for the last 50 years or more?

To me marketing is a mixture and calls for different strategies depending on what you are selling.

Take the guy selling fruit and veg on a busy street market. He’s in the right location to sell. He will get on his soap box and shout out at the top of his voice; “Luv-er-ly bananas, luv-erl-y bananas, I’m giving ‘em away… Two bunches for price of one… BOG OFF you lucky people!.”

Alternatively, if he took the Centric or “Modern” marketing approach – he would probably say, in a quite softly spoken voice, “Excuse me, I hope you don’t mind if I ask you, but what fruit you would like me to sell?

Now if you take the car sales person selling Porches in that same street market. Yes, wrong location. And if he adopts the same selling techinque as the Fuit and veg man of getting on his soap box what do you think will happen?

Do you get my point?

Carly S a Marketing assistant from Chicago starts to make sese to me when she said, “Maybe the question should be what is marketing. Marketing is everywhere, in so many forms, types, languages, places, symbols, advertisements, slogans, campaigns, etc. I really do not think there is a wrong answer, that's why it’s such a interesting topic and always will be due to constant changing environments”.

But Dr Brian had to reply and said to Carly - marketing is about exchanges. If there isn't an exchange - such as I give you a gift because it is say Christmas, that is not marketing. Whatever…

So at the end of a the day my advise to you is; Be careful what questions you ask on these groups because you may have opened a can of worms. Or then again, maybe you like cans of worms?

David Berkoff

For more insites into the marketing world visit my blog site at www.berkoffdesign.co.uk/blog and meet me at The Business Club North London! www.businessnetworklondon.co.uk

The Business Club - 'Building Better Business!'

2010-10-08T03:52:00.001-07:00

What a fantastic Speed Networking event we had on Oct 6th at Hendon Hall North London. Held jointly with the North London Chamber of Commerce it was a great success with many new faces and buzzing with enthusiasm!

What makes things even better for us is recieving such glowing testimonials as this, proving that we can genuinely help people 'build better business!' :

Hi Thornton

I would just like to thank you and Rachel for organising the event on Wednesday. It is the best speed networking event I have ever been to and I really enjoyed it.

Since I joined the Business club, only last month, I have already got one new client, Cobra Support. I have also had a referal from Carolyn Whycer from Inheritance planning. She put me in contact with a friend of hers who needs a PA. I have a meeting set up with him on 2nd November.
There were lots of other people who I spoke to on Wednesday who I will be making contact with and I will keep you updated.
I also refered Rob Glazer to Roy Block from Suits to your door, as he needed a new suit and hates to shop! I think Roy is coming to the next meeting.

Since I started up my business, nearly 2 years ago, I have been to loads of networking groups in order to meet lots of people and to see which one is best for me. The Business Club is the friendliest and most professional one that I have found. It certainly is the best one for me!

Thanks again to you and Rachel for all your hard work.

Regards

Sue

p.s If you want to change any thing and send this out that's fine with me.
Sue Cash
Personal Private Assistant
"making time for you"

CE Associates
43 Ambleside Gardens
Wembley
Middlesex
HA9 8TL

07768 100899
sue@ceassociates.co.uk

www.ceassociates.co.uk

Do all companies need a USP?

2010-09-24T02:50:00.000-07:00

One of our active members here at The Business Club, David Berkoff asks this very question on his own unique blogging site:

Berkoff Design may not have a USP, but maybe having one is a bit of an assumption that you are "unique" or "the best" in your field. I am quite happy in my ability to produce excellence, but I also aspire to and acknowledge great designers and marketers of our time like Saatchi and Saatchi and Sir Terence Conran. Do you agree?

This was the question I posted on Linkedin Q&A section.

Firstly, thank you, to all who so eloquently replied to the above on Linkedin - your comments certainly got me thinking further into the subject of USPs.

Ok, so it appears that the marketing world consensus is a definite “yes” and in favour of companies to having a USP. And who am I to disagree?

So what is Berkoff Designs USP?

With literally thousands of Design and Advertising Agencies in London what makes each of them different? And what do they claim to be their USP?

Being in a creative industry surely they can't be contrite or bland. Surely they wouldn't make a claim they can't substantiate such as Avis the Car rental company who try harder?

Let us take a look at that claim “We may not be number one but we try harder”. At first reading this seems a very clever copy slogan but I would ask the following questions about this claim?

Who are they working harder than? Can they prove that they work harder? And If they work harder now, weren't they working hard before?

And hey, they can't be trying very hard because they still aren't number 1 (the best) are they? So Avis, what are you saying?

This illustrates the dangers of contrite advertising propositions that are impossible to prove and there are many other examples of this type of statement in advertising to be sure.

Back to Berkoff Design. We help SMEs to look strategically at there marketing and communications. We can produce a one or two year marketing plan on how best to spend a marketing budget and avoid what I call “Ad hoc Advertising”. (see my blog on Ad hoc Advertising)

As you will see from my web site propositions I encourage companies to
B proud, of their product or services. B different, from their competitors and through this they will B noticed and with Berkoff Design they can B assured of the highest quality of work and service.

These are my values in creating excellence. I'm not using advertising talk like “Brand personality” or creating a "Mission Statement" or USP because isn't that what all marketing agencies do?

Thinking this through it then dawned on me. Berkoff Design does have a USP and it’s me!

No one thinks the same as me, no one has the same creative style as me, or had the same experiences in their career as me, in fact no one else in my profession is called David Berkoff.

I am totally unique - a one off. Does this count?

2010-09-15T04:01:00.000-07:00

In the old sense of the word is Networking dead?

In reality is it not more about CONNECTING?

So what is the best way to connect? In order to forge a relationship you need to make an impression.
To make an impression you need to have done something that will make you remembered.

So how do we do that? – There are of course the basics to adhere to such as :

Ask open questions such as ‘How did you get started in the widget business?’
Maintain eye contact
Wear something distinctive
Listen
Etc etc…

But here are three of the favourite things I like to do in addition to make sure someone remembers me :

1. Write your number on the front of your business card. Telephone numbers are often in very small print and when the contact gets back to their office with a pile of cards whose will stand out?

2. Try to introduce every new person you meet to at least one other person. No one forgets this type of introduction – when they get together who will be the common denominator?

3. Don’t ask them about their business, ask them about their PASSION! Sometimes this can of course be the same thing but either way you will engage and be remembered. For example, someone is far more likely to grab my attention if they talk about Harley Davidson’s than financial advice!

In Summary

It’s not about Who you know
It’s not about who knows you
It’s about what you do for the people you know……..

If you give with the hope of something of equal value in return you may be disappointed.

Just give for the sake of giving!

Happy Networking!

Thornton Holmes

Education Coordinator BNI Synergy

“Whatever we have accomplished is because other people have helped us.”

Walt Disney.

Skywalker's light sabre cuts through dull pension landscape

2010-08-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Whatever the reason, the stark reality is that pensions need re-branding for the iPod generation. There is no doubt that the content and language of this highly regulated area of financial planning is hard to make engaging. Each successive government has made saving into pensions schemes less attractive through hidden taxation. The value of pensions savings for most people, has either shrunk or grown at a minimal rate over the past few years and it is the worst of these cases that the press sensationalises.

The Holy Grail is to find ways of explaining pensions and investment options, in a way that motivates action, to a disenchanted generation with a very short attention span. What could be more "sexy" and "cool" than investing in a film company that have three films planned with award winning writers, producers, directors and A-lister stars, with the legendary Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker (and his light sabre!) involved in the entire project? With a minimum £25,000 investment, it may be hard to see how this links to pensions and the generation turned-off by them!

How about not having to put your hand in your pocket or raid your bank account? If all you had to do was entertain the possibility of rejuggling pension savings you have already committed would you want to hear more? And if you met or exceeded the 25k threshold for investment by simply redirecting a sensible part of your pre-tax earnings you had already waved goodbye to till retirement, wouldn't that be even more amazing?

Orchid Financial Services and SolutionsForce are seeking investors on behalf of Berkeley Square Films launched by Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker fame) and involving such industry leaders as Michael Uslan, Owner and Executive Producer of the Batman film franchise. For those looking for an alternative way to grow their pension funds, the three films predicted to range between good returns and blockbuster revenues by the industry gurus at Nash, have received EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) approval so tax advantages are already in place for would be EIS investors.

Working with Montpelier Group, a leading SIPPs administrator and wealth management company, Orchid Financial Services and SolutionsForce have added a new channel for investment through a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) This will provide an exciting investment opportunity with a way of "wrapping" or introducing the subject of pensions to a disenfranchised generation, giving an alluring alternative investment for those with a more adventurous attitude to risk.

For further information, contact the investment team on:

+44 (0)20 3130 4767

www.berkeleysquarefilms.com

David Berkoff at The Business Club launches his own blogging site!

2010-07-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

David Berkoff has grown his brand through The Business Club North London and met so many contacts he is now embracing social media to the extent that he is launching his very own blogging site! :

"With the cyber world at my finger tips, I have a dream of creating the most wonderful blog site ever."

My vision was to create a site where consumers can tell us what they think of Advertising and Design issues. Specifically, famous TV commercials and well known logo designs.
The idea developed when I thought of a name and logo design for the site. The name being “Blogo’s, Design and Advertising.”
The next stage was to research. So I set a question on Linkedin asking “What makes a good blog site and show me examples”. I had responses from all four corners of the world and this was hugely informative.
Once I was clear on what makes a good blog site, I then called on expertise from my copywriter, Stephen Barnard of the Write Line. Stephen work with me on the content and copywriting side and his background as copy head for the Readers Digest was invaluable.
I then wanted an objective opinion on the concept and advice on how best to structure the site. It was through Thornton Holmes at the Business Club North London who introduced me to Kush Shukla of Aviva. And 3 hours spent with Kush helped me to formulate ideas for the content and strategy to launch the blog site. He was thought provoking and rightly challenged me on where and how to proceed in a logical and structured way.
Having established the content, it was time to design and build the site. Adrian Kinloch my web designer and programmer based in New York recommended and set me up with Word Press. But it was another Business Club contact Suraj Shah who gave me training and helped me build the site. Suraj is currently helping with the voting programming, final design tweaks and emarketing strategies prior to launch.
So, from a dream to reality I am now almost ready to launch the site to the world and await your votes and comments.
I will be updating the site regularly with new voting polls and comments, so why not go now to :

www.berkoffdesign.co.uk/blog

to see how the site is progressing and what all the fuss is about!

With special thanks to and links to:
Aviva www.arivu.co.uk  Adrian Kinloch www.conceptmechanics.com  Suraj Shah www.surajshah.com 
Stephen Barnard www.write-line.co.uk  Thornton Holmes www.businessnetworklondon.co.uk

Solutionsforce Workshop

2010-07-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Paola Bradley always runs interactive and entertaining business events so don't miss the next Business Club meeting at Hendon Hall! :

thebusinessclub-North London next club meeting :

DATE: Wednesday 4th August

VENUE : Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm meet. 7pm start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet (Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Presents:

A 'SOLUTIONSFORCE WORKSHOP'

An evening of interactive entertainment centred around business related issues. Learn to self evaluate, improve upon your strategies for success and take your business to the next level!

SolutionsForce is a family run business which specialises in helping businesses grow. They coach business leaders to align the business' strengths with what their clients' need and create compelling communication to put this into action. This ranges from business fundraising and introducing them to key networks, to marketing and PR campaigns.

Paola has worked in and with very large and small businesses. Her background is very diverse & unusual and is reflected in the way she interacts with people and we guarantee you will have an entertaining and informative evening coupled with an opportunity to network with a range of different businesses!

The unavoidable budget.............main points

2010-06-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

Details of an emergency Budget predicted to contain some of the toughest measures since the end of the Second World War have been announced by the new Chancellor of the Exchequer. In what he called 'The Unavoidable Budget', George Osborne claims lower Government spending rather than higher taxes form the basis of the changes. Here is what the new coalition Government has decided should be done to try and drag the public finances back into some kind of order and an early indication of what it means for you.

• VAT is to rise from 17.5% to 20% from January next year. The Chancellor says that by the end of the parliament, this move will have generated £13bn in extra revenues. However, those items that do not currently attract VAT, such as children's clothing, newspapers and books, will remain exempt from the tax.

• Capital gains tax is to remain at 18% for low and middle income savers who pay the basic rate of tax. From midnight tonight, however, the rate for higher rate tax payers is to increase to 28%. The threshold for capital gains tax remains unchanged at £10,100.

• As had been widely reported, the income tax personal allowance is to be increased by £1,000, taking around 880,000 low earners out of the tax system. The rise in the threshold to £7,475 from April next year will be worth around £170 a year to 23 million basic rate taxpayers.

• No new increases were announced to the taxes payable on tobacco, alcohol or fuel.

• Public sector workers face a two year pay freeze, although the 1.7 million workers who earn less than £21K will be protected through a flat rise of £250 each year.

• A rise in the state pension age to 66 is to be fast tracked. The Chancellor has also promised to re-link rises in the basic state pension to earnings from April next year. A 'triple-lock' guarantee will see the pension rise by the greater of earnings, prices or 2.5%.

• The consumer prices index, rather than retail prices, will be used to work out rises in benefits, tax credits and public service pensions. However, pension and pension credit increase will remain linked to RPI.

• Tax credits to families earning over £40K will be reduced, while child benefit will be frozen for the next three years. However, the child element of child tax credit will increase by £150 above inflation next year.

• From January next year, banks will be charged a levy which is expected to generate £2bn in annual revenues for the Government. A green investment bank is also to be introduced.

Thornton Holmes.

Orchid Financial Services Ltd &

The Business Club North London

Visibility, Credibility, Profitability....

2010-06-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

The fundamentals of face to face networking.

Video Link : EDUCATION SLOT

BNI Education slot transcript :

Thornton Holmes, your Education Co-ordinator. This week I would like to talk about something that’s been mentioned a few times and the long standing members will probably be very aware of it – VCP. Anybody know what it stands for? One does. Essential for BNI. Visibility. First process in BNI – visibility. What we’re all doing here today. It’s about our branding, about our websites, about our business cards, how we present ourselves, how we’re perceived by others. Very, very important. Because once you get this right, it will lead onto, credibility. By being here every week, by giving out referrals, by embracing everybody else’s brands, by promoting your own, by continually doing what we do week in and week out, acting as sales people for each other’s businesses, we’re going to build credibility.
That will lead to profitability. Over time, through the credibility, through building up the confidence, it’s going to lead to sales, it’s going to lead to referrals, it’s going to lead to profit. What I’m interested in, and this was key, I think we’ve bought the book, we might be buying the book for the chapter, I’ve got a copy if people want to borrow it, and it’s called ‘The Speed of Trust’ by Stephen Covey. If you get chance, get hold of that book. I’ve got a copy if you want to borrow it.
What was interesting really, for me was the relationship between the visibility, the credibility and the profitability and it was all dependent on one thing. It was all dependent upon this – speed of trust. Low trust is the greatest cost in life and business. High trust produces speed and speed produces results and building all of this is part of your education.
The speed of trust increases re-orders, it compels people to recommend you and it turns you customers into promoters. So think about trust when you’re thinking about credibility. When you’re trying to build the credibility, think about building the trust. The faster you build the trust, the quicker you’ll gain credibility and the more profitability that’ll give you for your business.
If you want to read about it in depth, ask me and I’ll lend you the book. Hopefully the chapter is going to get a copy and you can read it. It’s very difficult to do all this in two minutes, but it’s given you an overview.

Thornton Holmes
Education Co-Ordinator
BNI Synergy

How do the banks set interest rates?

2010-05-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

A very useful article posted by Deborah Hyde on Citywire! :

"The Bank of England interest rate has been at record lows for over a year now but few of us have felt the benefit as lenders are lifting rates on borrowing but have passed the cut on to savers. The Bank of England cut rates so why haven't I felt the benefit? The Bank of England's interest rate known as the Bank Rate is not an instruction to banks about what rate they should charge. Instead it is the rate it charges banks and other financial institutions who want to borrow from it.
According to the Bank's website one of the things this is meant to do is affect the whole range of interest rates set by commercial banks, building societies and other institutions for their own savers and borrowers as well as the price of other things such as shares, the exchange rate and house prices. Lowering or raising interest rates is one way the Bank hopes to affect spending in the economy. The bank tries to control price increases as it tries to keep prices steady. But the move to cut the Bank Rate to 0.5% last year was a response to an extraordinary level of panic in the markets rather than a routine move to keep price rises in check. It was meant to help banks struggling to find anyone to lend money to them, to restore confidence and keep money flowing through the economy.

So why didn't the move help me?

Some people did feel an immediate benefit. People on tracker mortgages saw repayments fall giving them more cash. But for most borrowers rates rose as banks and other lenders passed on rising costs and tried to limit their losses as rising numbers of businesses and individuals declared themselves bankrupt and unable to pay. There is a widening gap between the rates charged to different customers. A new report from HSBC shows that people with plenty of equity in their home - i.e. where the value of their home is substantially above the amount they owe on a mortgage - are being charged much better rates. If you had savings the impact was almost immediate as banks sought to maximise profits by cutting savings rates.

If the Bank of England's rate is lower why are banks charging borrowers more?

Events in Greece and in other southern European nations have reminded people that the financial crisis has not been resolved despite all the stimulus put in place by central banks and governments. Many countries in the developed world are being hobbled by levels of debt that will be difficult to reduce without massive cost-cutting, businesses are still failing, unemployment is between 8 and 20% in the West and economic growth is still anemic in most European countries. The rate banks say they pay for three-month loans in dollars rose above 0.5% on Monday for the first time in 10 months amid concern that the creditworthiness of financial institutions is deteriorating - adding to costs. Others report that not only are costs on the rise but also the market remains closed for all but the safest banks. There are also moves afoot in most countries to force banks to hold more cash and to take less risk. Uncertainty about how much governments will tax the banking sector is adding to nervousness in the sector. All of which means cash is thin on the ground and anyone lending is charging higher rates. There has also been a widespread review of risk. When house prices were soaring, lenders believed that it was relatively safe to lend. Some went as far as lending more than a house was worth because they were confident that their lending was backed by an asset whose value was increasing. The downturn has changed that and there is less confidence around that property prices will rise - which means lenders feel lending has become riskier which in turn means they are charging more.

My credit card rate is nearly 18%, how can that be justified?

The average interest rate being charged by credit card companies has climbed to record highs in recent months. Basically, you are being charged against the risk that you or other people will not be able to pay back what they borrowed. Since credit card lending is unsecured, the companies cannot seize your assets if you cannot or won't pay them back and so they lose all the money that is not paid back. Figures from the Bank of England show that the amount of money credit card companies have had to accept they will not get back has soared in the recession. Since credit card companies often don't have savings businesses that also adds to their risks and their costs, adding to their reasons for charging more.

But why is my saving account paying so little interest?

Unfortunately, the rate banks pay savers does closely reflect the Bank of England Bank Rate. In fact, banks and building societies say they are being generous because they are losing money on what they pay to savers. With lenders worried about funding and in desperate need of deposits, rates are higher for people willing to tie their money up for a few years.

Where will rates go next?

It is highly unlikely that rates for borrowers will fall.
With inflation proving sticky there is increasingly pressure on the Bank of England to lift the Bank rate. A number of members of the bank's rate-setting committee believe it is irresponsible to keep rates so low with prices rising so fast. If the Bank does lift its rate that will be passed onto borrowers - except anyone on a fixed rate. Chancellor George Osborne is hopeful rates will stay low and so far the Bank has indicated there is no likelihood it will lift rates over the next few months. Even so, lenders will keep rates at current levels and may even begin to lift them as new rules come in and banks try to prop up profits and margins. If the wholesale market continues to worry about debt that could also add to the costs for banks and lead to higher rates for borrowers. But some - including former MPC member Charles Goodhart - believe that savers may eventually see rates rise as new rules mean that banks will be desperate to bring in cash to help pay for their lending."

Another great speaker at The Business Club!!

2010-05-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

The Business Club North London next club meeting :
DATE: Wednesday 19th May 2010
VENUE : Hendon Hall Hotel, Ashley Lane, Hendon, London NW4 1HF
TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm meet. 7pm start.
Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet (Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)Presents:

"Taking advantage of the Economic Recovery
and what really CAUSED the recession in the first place."

SPEAKER: Brett Alegre-Wood

* His predictions of what will happen over the next 2-5 years in the property market.

* Why the banks aren't lending and when they are likely to come back for small business.

* Why small business owners should be very careful about the income they declare.

* Explain how the FSA has turned consumer debt into a very dirty word.

* Why you may have already missed the cheapest property prices.

Brett was born and educated in Australia, he now lives and works in London. In Australia he owned one of the largest personal development companies with over 700 distributors. In 2002, he arrived in the UK and his passion for education and property led him to build the largest free property investment education websites in the world www.yourpropertyclub.com. He currently has a team of over 50 and in 2009 despite the recession sold over £80 million of UK property.

Call us now to book your place! - 08432 181672

How to automate your Twitter account - Step 1

2010-05-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Much of this I have discovered through trial and error and I am still learning but there are many professionals out there who can take this further for you such as Mark Shaw and Ivor Kellock who can be easily found on Twitter. So please don't hold me to task!

Ok. So how do you start to automate your Twitter account? There are three main components:
1. Send regular updates and feed relevant content to your account
2. Find an application that helps you find those you want to follow
3. Manage your microblogs to update other social media sites

In this blog I am going to explain point 1

Many of you may have seen the little orange box that looks like this :This indicates that there is an rss feed available on this page. This stands for ‘real simple syndication’ (I think!) and I am no techie but what it does is provide a code for the page that can be embedded into another site or page which will pull off new information as it updates. In other words, if you set up an rss feed from a website with regular updated content, every time there is something new it will automatically update on your site, or in this case your twitter account.
It is important to choose something that is relevant to your interests or business and that will be of interest to others who are in your line of work or possible prospects for your business or service. If these are the people you want to connect with and they are searching on twitter (or other applications you may set this up with) regular updated relevant content on your Twitter account is more likely to catch their eye and cause them to follow you and connect.

I use an application which is completely free – http://www.twitterfeed.com/

Log on and sign up for an account.

When you log in you will be confronted by a ‘Feed Dashboard’ – click ‘create new feed’. You can give it a title for your reference such as in my case it might be ‘financial markets’ etc and then you need to have the URL of the site/page that you want to use ready to put into the box ‘RSS FEED URL’

As an example go to http://thorntonholmes.blogspot.com/ and hold your mouse over the orange rss box on the tool bar at the top. This will bring up a new page which asks you to subscribe. If you do this it will simply place an icon in the favourites of your browser. What you actually need to do is COPY the URL of this page from the tool bar and then PASTE IT into the box in your account with twitterfeed (RSS FEED URL).

Now click – test rss feed. It should read ‘Feed parsed OK’

Next go down to advanced settings.

You now have a number of options. My recommendations are :
Update frequency : Every hour and up to 5 posts - too much can be boring and overwhelming and switch people off.
Post : Title only
Shorten link through : TinyURL
Post Prefix : put your name here
Post Suffix : leave blank

Then continue to step 2

You can then choose ‘Twitter’ and also ‘Facebook’ to automatically feed updates from your chosen site to these applications.

Click ‘All Done!’ and it will take you back to your Dashboard where the feed will be displayed and you have an option to delete or edit.

You can now add as many feeds as you want from many different sites or pages and your Twitter or Facebook account will update automatically making you more visible to others AND search engines!

Hope this helps and next week I will show you how to use an application to search for relevant contacts, follow them and have them follow you back – automatically! Contact me if you need help…

Networking IS a contact sport!

Thornton.

Why is social media so important for business?

2010-05-06T01:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great meeting last night at The Business Club in North London. There had been a mix up with the speaker so Kesh Mojaria and myself did an impromptu talk about utilising social media for business and importantly HOW to automate your twitter account to gain followers and add tweets. In fact, in my next bloggs I will take you step by step on exactly HOW to do just that.

So firstly - why is social media so important to business? I realised only last week, that there are many people out there who 'just don't get it' and by that I don't just mean social media....I mean networking full stop. Social media is just another step further on that enhances the whole process. let me give you an example :

last week a teacher friend of mine said "I noticed you advertised one of your networking events on facebook, is that ethical?" (In fact it had automatically been placed on there from another social media account but we'll come to that in later bloggs!) What struck me was his total misunderstanding of what social media has evolved to be. As a teacher he is fairly isolated from what is going on in the world of business perhaps and what I deduced was that his experience of facebook and other types of social media was influenced by those he came into contact with on a daily basis, i.e. school children and other teachers. Of course, kids talk about facebook and put up pictures of themselves partying etc and originally that is exactly what facebook was used for but what he had failed to realise was it's importance in building relationships. Building relationships is a key element to building a network of any sort whether social OR business and of course a natural development for social media was as an application for providing a 'route to market' to cement, build and develop business relationships.

BNI talks about Visibility, Credibility and Profitability in that order and social media is linked to all three. Visibility in that by using applications such as Twitter, Facebook and many others, the larger your network grows, the better your branding and the more you will be noticed. Credibility in that as you begin to be talked about, if you deliver and testimonials follow, your reputation becomes enhanced and it becomes more likely that people will want to do business with you....there of course is your 'Profitability'.
This is the basic principle of networking : getting others to talk about YOUR business to THEIR contacts and utilising social media will and is becoming increasingly important to enhance your face to face offline activities.
Time is money and of course if there are ways to grow your network automatically without being glued to your PC or mobile phone then business people will want to know about it. There IS and it can be done at NO COST. In my next series of bloggs I will explain exactly how I have learnt to do this ... watch this space :-)

Why did they even let Greece into the EU?

2010-04-16T03:42:00.000-07:00

There is a real danger that Germany may refuse to hand over it's cash in order to help Greece out of it's mess and who can blame them? It could mean the end of the euro and on the upside a return to cheap holidays and spending £6 for a night out of excellent food and drink! But without being flippant, why exactly was Greece and other countries such as Spain & Portugal who clearly have underlying issues with corruption, ever let into the 'club'?

Here are some frightening facts that beg this very question :

There are 10.7m people in Greece and in 2008 there were 8.3m personal tax returns, BUT 94% of those showed income of less than €30k.

Of those, 5m, or circa 65% declared income of less than the tax threshold of €12k. Only 3k declared income above €200k and only 65 individuals declared income greater than €900k!

Of the 421000 self-employed tax returns, 73% declared income below the €12k threshold, including numerous doctors and lawyers!

In total ‘Direct’ taxes (income & corporation tax) were just 7.7% of GDP in 2008, V’s the EU average of 13.1%!

The government must have been rubbing it's hands when entry was granted and bailing them out now will simply set a precedent for all the mismanaged currencies they have since let in. What will be the outcome and should we be pulling investments out of european funds etc etc? I suspect many investment managers will be doing just that!

Why have I been a networker for 20 years??

2010-03-17T06:31:00.001-07:00

Why have I been networking for 20yrs?...Been in BNI for 11yrs?... Own and run The Business Club?

The answer would seem obvious; referal business, trusted relationships and education in all areas. But why exactly has that been the result?
I ask this question because I still meet people who claim that networking doesn't work for them, or they meet the wrong sort of people or clients. The companies are in the wrong industry for what I need etc.

There is a simple answer to that - B*******!

The fact is that some people have an acute lack of awarenes about what is in front of their faces, how to react socially and in business and how to seek out synergy and opportunity. We can all suffer from this but if we are more aware we can optimise and capitalise on our networking activities.

I am a 'High Red' - I can be brash, 'in your face' and irritating according to that character trait. However, I accept and understand that and I am extremely mindful when meeting someone timid, quiet and understated. Obviously my character traits can be completely overbearing to someone like that and perhaps confrontational to someone of the same character as they see me as a 'threat to their stage'. On the positive side I am said to be loyal, encoraging and supportive and if I can get this message accross it will cement relationships! This is not rocket science but frequently I find myself in groups of people at networking events where the annoying 'in your face salesman' is throwing his business cards at everyone in the room without any change in behaviour towards individuals who sometimes have vastly different character traits!

Learn to recognise character, be more aware and learn from experts in body language, psychology etc - seek them out (we have numerous presentations on this at The Business Club)this will all serve to improve your networking abilities. Sometimes you can make assumptions on people's character from the way they dress, this can be dangerous and frequently wrong, but sometimes certain things are spot on. Learn to spot the signs and compile your own database of reference points in your mind and you will begin to see common threads. What immediately put you at ease with this person? Why did you instantly connect? Can you replicate this?

Notice I am not talking about particular trades, Industries or professions, I am talking about PEOPLE. If you learn why you like people, why they like you and how you connect then lasting relationships will form and no one knows who knows who. Effective networking is about building a huge circle of advocates; people who know, understand and like you to the extent that when they come accross common ground your name is the first one that pops into their head!

Be aware of who you are

Be aware of how others may percieve you

Be aware of how you take action directly affects the result

Happy Networking!!

Thornton :-)

Winning more Business – 7 steps to success

2010-03-13T02:06:00.000-08:00

The Business Club North London - next club meeting :

DATE: Wednesday 17th March 2010

VENUE : Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm meet. 7pm start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet (Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Presents:

Dexter Moscow

Dexter Moscow specialises in coaching teams and individuals to achieve

communication excellence utilizing a unique blend of humour and

practical interaction.

Over the last 40 years Dexter has gained substantial expertise working and coaching at the

highest level in the Property, advertising, sales, and entertainment industries.

His work with Reed International, the Dale Carnegie organisation and his live appearances, presenting and selling £millions worth of products for major organisations on QVC The Shopping Channel, informs his unique approach to consultative selling, corporate communication, selling ideas and influencing skills.

The Talk :

“Winning more Business – 7 steps to success”

Whether it is in a meeting with colleagues, networking situations,

presentations at the front of the room, influencing in the boardroom

or during a 1-2-1 interview you have to engender trust, confidence,

and have the ability to deliver instantly memorable sound bite messages in order

to motivate your ‘audience’ for them to be happy to take the action you desire

of them.

Often our fear of public speaking or just speaking up comes from a lack of process. We need a structure to enable us to make an impressive start, an end with a specific call to action and a ‘how to’ to construct a cohesive compelling argument that influences and persuades those listening, rarely is it lack of knowledge.

http://www.audiencedynamics.co.uk/blog/

Lead Generation through Business Networking

2010-03-08T04:54:00.000-08:00

Is lead generation a daunting, expensive and massive task?
Is the only route to create profitable lead generation through an expensive marketing campaign?

No! - The truth is lead generation can be cost effective, hugely profitable and the best bit? – FUN! Thousands of business owners are achieving successful lead generation through The Business Club, The Best of, BNI, Key Connectors, Ecademy & many more. Also known as ‘word-of-mouth’ marketing, business networking is one of the most effective ways to create lead generation.

Whilst expensive marketing campaigns may yield returns, using business networking groups to create lead generation can achieve greater success. Lead generation through business networking enables you to be more focused in your pre-sales positioning and more specific about whom you do business with. Increased lead generation can also be achieved by aligning your sales ‘pitch’ to meet each individual client’s needs – impossible with a ‘blanket’ marketing campaign.
So if it’s that easy to successfully achieve lead generation from attending business networking events, then why is it so many people who try it, fail?
Think about the latest marketing campaign you used for your business to create lead generation; randomly sending out 1000 leaflets for lead generation doesn’t automatically make your marketing campaign successful. They need to be targeted, distribution monitored and above all, followed-up. The same principal needs to be followed for lead generation through business networking; and that’s where many businesses fail.
Simply attending business networking groups won’t automatically result in lead generation for your business. Successful lead generation through business networking has to be a disciplined, targeted and measured activity, and all leads MUST be followed up. This may sound like common sense, but you’d be amazed at just how many people believe they’ve done enough to create lead generation just by turning up!
How successful you become at lead generation through business networking groups is massively affected by you - your attitude and approach. Having someone blatantly using you to create their lead generation is an uncomfortable experience, so you need to be friendly, professional, trustworthy and above all nice! The truth is, everyone is there to try to create lead generation for their business, but some will be more successful than others at it.
Pushing your product at every person in the group will result in alienating yourself, your business and a Zero in lead generation! However, taking the time to genuinely get to know people will start to build business relationships, mutual trust and respect. Lead generation then takes another positive step as they introduce you to their contacts, creating many more lead generation opportunities than you would have achieved if you simply approached them as a potential client!
So business networking + lead generation = A great team and a great way to build your business! To find out how to create lead generation opportunities for your business visit www.businessnetworklondon.co.uk

Thornton Holmes
The Business Club North London.

The Business Club recommends a new member!!

2010-02-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

The Business Club recommends you sign up to Ripe Accountants monthly newswire for up to date financial information which will keep you in the know and help you manage your business!

Robert Glazer
Robert Glazer is the firm's managing partner. Robert trained in audit and accounts whilst qualifying as a chartered accountant with top 6 firm BDO in the 1980's, before enjoying a spell in the publishing industry with Random House. He then joined his father, Don, at Glazers Chartered Accountants, to work on a large portfolio of business clients, providing both compliance and advisory services. He was also responsible for introducing a number of management initiatives such as Quality Standard ISO 9001 and Investors in People. Robert became the firm's managing partner when Don retired in 1997 and enhanced his managerial skills by joining the international business consultancy organization, Mindshop. In 2007 he left Glazers to form ripe. When not working, Robert loves being with his family or watching Manchester United. Occasionally he has time for cycling,

New record for filing online tax returnsAccording to HMRC statistics a record number of taxpayers filed their Self Assessment tax returns online this year.Click here for the full story

HMRC offer advice on fraud emailsHMRC are warning taxpayers to be vigilant as there have been several reports of scam emails offering a tax repayment. Taxpayers should not respond to any email promising a tax repayment.Click here for the full story

Managed Payment Plans HMRC has announced that they will launch a new method of paying tax liabilities, known as Managed Payment Plans, in April 2011. Click here for the full story

Student loan repaymentsHMRC have announced a new initiative to reduce student loan over repayments for those ex students who repay their loan through PAYE deductions.Click here for the full story

Tax codes being issuedHMRC have updated their guidance on the issue of multiple or incorrect PAYE tax codes to some employees following the introduction of their new National Insurance and PAYE computer system.Click here for the full story

Vehicle ScrappageThe government has announced that the deadline for the end of the Vehicle Scrappage Scheme has been extended from the proposed February 2010 to March 2010.Click here for the full story

InflationGovernment figures released show that the inflation rate increased to 3.5% in January 2010 from the previous month's figure of 2.9%.Click here for the full story

Ripe chartered accountants
Suite 9, Stirling House
Breasy Place
9 Burroughs Gardens
London
NW4 4AU

Tel: 020 8359 1205
Fax: 020 8359 1209
Mobile: 07834 484 779
Web: http://www.ripefinancial.com/

Planning for success

2010-02-19T01:02:00.000-08:00

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS -
TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR BUSINESS

One of our strategic partners at The Business Club North London is offering a FREE seminar to help business owners revisit and re evaluate what they are doing, where they are going and how they might improve growth and performance through testing and measuring. Many of our member businesses use the help and suport of each other in the club to share experiences, gain referal business and also benefit from valuable educational topics delivered by the high quality speakers we attract. See www.businessnetworklondon.co.uk for details of our next meeting.

In addition to our normal meeting Icon Business Solutions is offering this FREE Seminar for both members and non members of The Business Club :

Friday 26th February 2010
RAMADA ENCORE HOTEL, PARK ROYAL, LONDON WEST, W3 6RT
6.00pm FOR 6.30pm START to 9.00pm

"Sometimes you can lose sight of why you first started up in business. Perhaps the initial excitement has disappeared only to leave you feeling overstressed and underpaid. You may feel trapped working ridiculous hours leaving you no time to take stock and plan for your business and precious little time to do the things you love.
If you feel that way or ever have done in the past here is a seminar to start you on the road to taking back control of your business and getting your life back.

In our FREE Planning for Success seminar we will guide you through:
• The most common mistake business owners make when starting out
• 8 simple things you can do to unchain yourself from the operational areas of your business so you have more freedom to work ON the business
• 7 building blocks of any business and why you as a business owner should avoid when taking a hands-on approach with them
• The 2 areas of your business that offer you the greatest leverage potential
• How to grow your business rapidly without losing control

We promise that you will leave with ideas and strategies that you can start implementing straight away.

Registration is at 6pm and the seminar runs from 6.30pm-9.00pm. Work books and refreshments will be provided. Don't forget this is a FREE event and space is limited so don't delay in reserving your place. To book please reply to this email typing YES PLEASE
I hope you will be able to join us on the 26 February 2010 at the RAMADA ENCORE HOTEL , PARK ROYAL, LONDON WEST, W3 6RT and look forward to seeing you there."

THE NEAREST TUBE STATION IS NORTH ACTON 3 MINUTES WALK. BY CAR VIA A40 BEFORE THE CAR WAREHOUSE JUNCTION TURNING RIGHT COMING FROM HANGER LANE

CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE!!!!

Gaspar DaSilva
Business Advisor
Icon Business Solutions
Phone: 020 8782 2171
E-mail:gaspardasilva@iconbusinesssolutions.com
Web: www.iconbusinesssolutions.com

Think outside the box and WIN WIN!!

2010-02-18T00:51:00.000-08:00

As well as running The Business Club North London I am heavily involved with many other networks and not least BNI with whom I have been a member coming up some 11 years! BNI has been key in building our financial services business 'Orchid Financial Services Ltd' and as a chapter we are constantly trying to improve, refine and develop our strategies for promoting ourselves and all the members.
Well how about this for thinking outside the box?
We have a local hospice charity - Sue Ryder Care who actually cared for a very good friend of mine when he was cruelly taken by cancer at a very young age. Emma Long from Sue Ryder would often stand in for members when they could not attend and she would always promote and talk about the businesses in the Chapter who supported the charity. Sue Ryder is well supported by the local community AND the local press and as a result could always obtain publicity very easily. We decided to organise a charity bike ride around a local resevoir in order to raise funds to pay for their membership of BNI. This was successful and has now resulted in a commitment by the charity to raise the profile of every business within the chapter on a regular basis in their press releases and they gain valuable exposure to business chequebooks!
But that's not all.........
Continuing along the theme of 'thinking outside the box' we have now part funded the membership fees for our local radio station 'Connect FM' who are looking to promote their marketing and advertising services via radio to local businesses. They were brought in by one of our members 'FRM Automotive' a local garage, who have a great deal of success in attracting new business through the radio as well as BNI. In return for discounting the cost of their membership we have been given another huge PR opportunity as they have produced a number of professional advertisments for yes, you guessed it - our BNI Chapter! We are now out on the airwaves on a regular basis with tempting invites to local businesses to come and find out why they need to be a part of our success and recieve more business!
So there we have it - BNI Synergy Peterborough has now sewn up the local press and radio ...... TV here we come!
Remember - Networking is a 'contact' sport! Think outside the box, be creative and make sure your glass is always 'half full' !

Thornton Holmes
Orchid Financial Services Ltd
The Business Club North London
BNI Synergy Peterborough.

What networking organisation..........

2010-02-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

What networking organisation will regularly give you 10-15 NEW faces to meet and network with at every meeting!??

THE BUSINESS CLUB NORTH LONDON

DATE: Wednesday 17th February 2010

VENUE : Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm meet. 7pm start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet (Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

SPEAKER : RICHARD JACKSON

Topic - THE WINNING EDGE

Can you identify with any of the following feelings?

“I’m uncertain how the recession is affecting our business and unsure about how I need to act today”
“I’m not sure if I need to change the way I manage my staff to help us all get through this”
“I can see our sales figures declining already but don’t know what to do to reverse this”
“I know some of our competitions are struggling but not sure how we could capitalise on this”
“Having invested years of my life in our business I feel deep concern and worry about the months ahead”
“I know I need to act but just unsure of how, or who to listen to for sound advice”

Speaker Richard Jackson, an acclaimed business leader and respected advisor to companies across the UK, large and small, has created a short but powerful presentation, based on The Winning Edge, which will help you to focus on the key factors to help your business not only survive the current economic downturn but steal the advantage.

http://www.mancroftinternational.com/

SAY IT LOUD!!!

2010-01-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

Say it loud – the plans are in place and they're ready to make some noise.

Since his last blog, “If you have something to say, Say it loud…” which was about getting financial funding for 'Say it Loud' - the Community Interest Company, one of our members David Berkoff of Berkoff Design, has now developed and started to implement a strategic marketing strategy to attract sponsors.

Aided by the power of networking, I introduced him to Simon Bradley of Solutions Force through The Business Club.

Solutions Force are experts in helping organisations to raise funding and to develop their propositions to attract the right investors and have helped prepare and structure the copy for an information sponsorship document.

Through the Business Club we have also made contact with Simon Wittenberg of V12PR and Emma Rose, 'The Capable Manager' - marketing strategists who have offered their professional help when the time is right.

Who needs a massive Marketing agency when we have a wealth of talent in an array of disciplines at our finger tips? Through the Business Club we have all this business know-how and experience at our disposal.

Berkoff Design have now created the branding for Say it Loud and their two projects, the Creative Arts Project (CAP) and Knowledge is Power Project (KIPP). Using this branding, they are now developing the structure and helping to design and organise the content for the web site.

Although Berkoff Design and Solutions Force have given their time and expertise to help launch 'Say it Loud', there is an urgent need for funding to help deliver the projects and this is their next goal.

The Say it Loud sponsorship document is available on request;

Email David Berkoff: db@berkoffdesign.co.uk

Social Media for Business??

2010-01-25T11:32:00.001-08:00

Social media is here to stay but what is it's value for us as business people? I was unsure of the viable application of twitter and other social media at first but now seeing how technology can tie in bloggs, updates, networking sites and forum's in ONE GO through 'sharing' 'RSS Feeds' and direct links it is clear how much people will be missing out on huge PR and Marketing opportunities if they are not set up for this next technological revolution.

The applications seem to be endless, from advertising affiliate links, brand awareness and direct sales. The diverse ways that this media is being used both on PC and more often than not now, on smartphones, is limitless but it all seems to point to one thing ; increasing the traffic to whatever it is you are trying to sell. Whether to an affiliate link or directly to a website to find out more information, social media's use for business is all about traffic. I believe it is becoming one of the most important marketing tools in the area of brand awareness and it has cleverly blurred the lines between business and social networking sites.

The first meeting in February for The Business Club North London is going to explore and give you answers in exactly how to give your business the edge in the use of social media 'Twitter'

thebusinessclub-North London next club meeting :

DATE: Wednesday 3rd February 2010

VENUE : Hendon Hall Hotel

TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm meet. 7pm start.

Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet (Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

OUR SPEAKER :

Mark Shaw is an award winning ex sales guy that advises and trains businesses, and individuals on how to use Twitter.

Mark has been ranked as high as # 3 in the UK &, #49 in the World for Twitter Elite & has approx 12,000 followers. He has been on radio and published in the media in his capacity as an expert on Twitter.

The Talk

Twitter is really getting a massive head of steam up. There are literally millions of people around the world joining on a monthly basis. But does Twitter have any uses for Business? Is Twitter just a social thing? Can Twitter actually help you to drive more website traffic, and with it more revenue for your business? This 35min talk by Mark Shaw will cover exactly why your business should be on Twitter.

http://www.markshaw.biz

http://www.twitter.com/markshaw

See you there :-) - Remember "Networking is a contact sport!"

Thornton.

Helpful Hints!

2010-01-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

Ever felt lost for words at a networking event?
Not quite sure what to say to start off a conversation?

Here are ten questions that you can mix and match to suit any particular occasion:

How did you get your start in the ‘Widget’ business? – People like to be Movie of the week in someone else’s mind – let them share their story while you actively listen.

What do you actively enjoy most about your profession? – Another positive question that should get you a positive answer.

What separates you and your company from your competition? – The permission to brag question.

What advice would you give to someone just starting in your business? – We all like to feel like a mentor, to feel that our answer matters and that we can value to someone else.

What one thing would you do with your business if you knew you could not fail? – People always take time to ponder before answering this one.

What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession through the years? - Asking people who are a little more mature in years works well in this instance as they have gone through the computer age, the take over of Fax machines, from a time when service really seemed to matter.

What do you see as the coming trends in your business? – “The spectacular question”. People in the media who are asked this type of question are portrayed as knowledgeable types with their finger on the pulse.

Describe the strangest or funniest incident experienced in your business? – You’re volunteering to be the person’s audience, we all have stories that we like to share especially with a ‘new listener’.

What have you found to be the most effective for promoting your business? – This is a more probing question and perhaps should be asked after initial rapport building.

What one sentence would you like people to use in describing the way you do business? You have paid a compliment – you have asked the question quite possibly, people who are closest to them yet have never thought to ask!

The Business Club North London - next club meeting :
DATE: Wednesday 20th January 2010
VENUE : Hendon Hall Hotel
TIME : 6pm for 6.30pm meet. 7pm start.
Business Builder Free to members Incl Buffet (Non Members may attend two meetings before joining at a charge of £10 per meeting)

Getting More Sales in 2010!!!
"2009 has been a tough year, but for many businesses it needn't have been as tough. Make sure you hit 2010 with a plan and put in place proven methods for getting more sales ... practical and measurable ways to get more clients and get your existing clients to buy more from you..."

SPEAKER : Chris Billington Hughes
Chris has been responsible for identifying millions of pounds of extra revenue for Results Corporations clients' and helping business leaders see the true potential of their business. Chris has worked with hundreds of companies in many industry sectors, helping them to implement advanced marketing and business growth strategies.In addition to working directly with businesses, Chris is also sought after as a speaker, presenting to groups of CEO's, managing directors and business owners all over the UK for organisations such as Lloyds TSB, Business Money, The Business Club and many other leading organisations.

End of Year Cheer!!

2009-12-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

The Business Club dedicated the last meeting of 2009 to having "structured" fun! We had a very innovative team-based quiz, devised and run by SolutionsForce. It tested strategic planning, business acumen and networking skills through a series of high speed, hilarious and/or controversial rounds.
One of the only serious questions, for a bonus point was to guess what percentage of the 25 business owners and entrepreneurs in the room had answered either 4 or 5 to the question below:
What kind of a year has your business had?
1. Bad
2. Survived by skin of teeth
3. As expected
4. Surprisingly ok
5. Brilliant
Options were close to a) 60%, b) 75%, or c) 90%. What would you have guessed? Rather than raucous laughter the other rounds generated the answer to this one caused a few jaws to drop. The answer was a very heart and wallet warming c)! On reflection, despite the talk and headlines of doom and gloom, most Business Club members have had a good or even great 2009 - supporting the premise of the power of quality networking!
For those who missed the night... you missed finding out other members' unusual secrets and will never know the business reason that just over 50% of members wouldn't hesitate to take a lifelong vow of chastity for!

A big thank you to Paola Bradley of Solutionsforce for organising the evening - check out their website at www.solutionsforce.com and see how your business could benefit from their expertise!

Book now for your excel intermediate course!

2009-12-18T02:53:00.001-08:00

The Business Club North London

Book now for your Excel 2007 Intermediate course with: Shelly Fishel

Book online via Event Elephant : http://www.eventelephant.com/excel2007intermediate

January 18th from 9:30 to 16:30 taking place in Central London just 2 minutes from Liverpool Street station.

There are 8 places available.

There is an early bird booking price of £180 per person plus VAT if booked by December 31st at the lower VAT rate of 15%.
From January 1st it rises to £210 per person plus VAT – at the higher rate of 17.5%.

Book now and prepare for 2010!!!

Get more sales in 2010!

2009-12-17T04:01:00.000-08:00

The last Business Club Meeting of 2009 was a fantastic fun evening - Paola & Simon Bradley of Solutionsforce are active members of the club who specialise in finding funding for businesses and bringing new ideas to market and development. Paola put together an interactive business game using a gigantic snakes and ladders board and dividing the tables into three teams. We had a number of different tasks and questions that were designed to make us think, network with each other and learn some important lessons in business - one of which I particularly remember...'always read the small print!'
Don't miss our first meeting of 2010 where we have a great speaker to get you off to a flying start! :

Getting More Sales in 2010!!!

2009 has been a tough year, but for many businesses it needn't have been as tough. Make sure you hit 2010 with a plan and put in place proven methods for getting more sales ... practical and measurable ways to get more clients and get your existing clients to buy more from you...

SPEAKER : Chris Billington Hughes

Chris has been responsible for identifying millions of pounds of extra revenue for Results Corporations clients' and helping business leaders see the true potential of their business. Chris has worked with hundreds of companies in many industry sectors, helping them to implement advanced marketing and business growth strategies.In addition to working directly with businesses, Chris is also sought after as a speaker, presenting to groups of CEO's, managing directors and business owners all over the UK for organisations such as Lloyds TSB, Business Money, The Business Club and many other leading organisations.

BNI Stadium - what a great bunch!

2009-12-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

I represented my Business Club at BNI Stadium this morning and met some familiar faces and some great contacts. I went with my colleague Stephen Smith from Clubshop - our online retail shopping Mall (www.clubshop.uk.com to sign up as a FREE member and get cashback on your purchases from major stores!).
I have used BNI for over 10yrs to help nurture and build relationships that have greatly increased turnover and revenue in all my businesses. The strong connections with many of the Directors and members in the North London area (particularly Kesh Mojaria) have resulted in the success and vibrant membership we have created for The Business Club (www.the-businessclub.org/northlondon).

We are now regularly attracting up to 20 guests per meeting on top of the 40+ membership and we just keep going from strength to strength. Any serious networkers will always join at least two different networking groups and I am pleased that so many BNI members find The Business Club an additional way to create lead generation and 'Build Better Business'.

We have a great event on wed 16th December at Hendon Hall, Ashley Lane, North London so click on our website for a FREE guest pass!

Date: WEDNESDAY 16th DECEMBER 2009

Venue: Hendon Hall,
Ashley Lane, Hendon NW4 1HF
Tel: 0208 457 2500

Time: arrive 6.00-6.30pm: for informal networking, buffet, tea and coffee

7.00pm PROMPT START

Cost: FREE OF CHARGE including buffet/tea/coffee
followed by: The Business Club Team Challenge

Hosted by Thornton Holmes of The Business Club and Paola Bradley from Solutionsforce.

Thornton is an accomplished networker with over 20 years experience in matching and putting individuals and companies together and with Paola’s innovative and extensive business experience they will put on a great team event!

A festive and fun activity to challenge and develop your networking skills as well as business and general knowledge. Come and join the fun, network and meet decision makers in a relaxed and informal environment.

Email : lorraine@the-businessclub.org to book your place now!!!

Thornton Holmes
The Business Club North London

Building Better Business...

Solutionsforce & The Business Club report active funding for growth businesses in the UK

2009-12-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

One of The Business Club's active members 'SolutionsForce' reports a significant upturn in the number of businesses looking for funds for growth rather than plugging cash flow problems. Most of the high street banks are waking up to the need for relationship managers who understand owner-managed businesses, and are actively competing to lure those with the best growth potential. In addition, new business angels groups are forming to invest in businesses with robust operating models, well defined markets, valued USPs and strong leadership. Rather than the gloom the year started with, it looks like 2009 will end with champagne corks popping for their clients!
Paola Bradley, Director is also teaming up with me to provide an interactive session at our next meeting:

Business Club Team Challenge.
A festive & fun activity to challenge and develop your networking skills as well as business and general knowledge. Come and join the fun, network and meet decision makers in a relaxed and informal environment.
Call us on 0844 4140730 for a free guest pass!!
Thornton.

The Business Club North London shows how networking works!

2009-12-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Business Club North London says ‘If you have something to say, Say it Loud…’ Networking works!!!
“Say-it-Loud” is a Community Interest Company and soon to be charity, who’s aims are to raise aspirations of young people, nurture their creativity and give them music and art opportunities that they don’t normally have access to.
They will also educate these children about the dangers of gun and knife crime, along with an understanding of how to resolve confrontation in a non-physical way and recognise strategies to make best choices in life.
One of our members, David Berkoff of ‘Berkoff Design’ has put together a strategic marketing plan which requires financial funding for materials of the Say-it-loud projects and marketing of these courses, initially in Tower Hamlets and the City of London area.
He then called me to utilise the resources of the Business Club Network to seek expertise in PR and fund raising and within 2 hours of the blog/twitter being sent we and had 2 interested parties willing to help for free!
It showed David that through the power of business networking, twitter and blogs etc much can be achieved.
If you have something good to say and can help him achieve his goals he would love to hear from you. But note: you don’t have to say it loud because they're not hard of hearing; they’re just hard of cash.
Contact: David Berkoff at db@berkoffdesign.co.uk
Cheers all!
Thornton.