Visitors to the Chapter from a variety of trades and professions attended  and for many it was their first BNI meeting.

We very much enjoyed learning more about their businesses and we hope to see many back again soon –  some as new members of the Chapter

Here is a composite picture with some images from the day (click for bigger pic)

Quentin Bargate

 Today, I want to go the heart of what BNI is all about – networking.  The word ‘networking’ is normally used to describe a connection between Computers – see Wikipedia definition below:

A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information. Where at least one process in one device is able to send/receive data to/from at least one process residing in a remote device, then the two devices are said to be in a network.

This definition, particularly the ‘communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information’ is not much different to the networking that we do!

Below, I have taken extracts from Robert MacPhee, who is the author of Manifesting for Non-Gurus.  He is a founding member of the Transformational Leadership Council and the former Director of Training for Jack Canfield. 

 This article takes us through 4 steps to networking proficiency/ mastery

Ditching your old comfort zone for a new one.

 A comfort zone occurs when our “I am” beliefs match the results we are currently getting.  The premise of Ivan’s post was that if a person sees himself as a good networker, if he is comfortable at networking, he is much more likely to get out and attend events, fully participate, and get the maximum benefit from the experience.

Changing your thinking sounds easy enough, but exactly how do you do it?  How do you make a change that lasts?

This is where many people get stuck – the point where we declare we are a great networker but are shamed by the voice inside that says, “No, you’re not!”

However, to become a master at something which you currently do not consider yourself particularly good at, there are four things you must be willing to do:

1. Try something new
   In order to get to proficient, we must be willing to take the first step.  We must be willing to try something new and different.
   Do you remember your first networking meeting?
   Have you watched a child learn to walk?
   Do you remember what it was like to learn to drive a car?
   The first step is often awkward but a necessary part of the process.
2. Ask for help.
   It is sometimes possible to get to proficient without help, but it is always faster and easier to get there with the help of others.  BNI is a perfect example of this.  It’s an environment where we can always find someone willing and able to mentor us to the next level.
3. Be uncomfortable.
   So many people are unwilling to take the first step or ask for help because it will make them uncomfortable.  When we remember that being uncomfortable is simply part of the process, a necessary stage, we become more willing to get into action.  We get out of our own way.
4. Practice, practice, practice.
   Finally, the only way to get to true proficiency is through repetition.  When we are willing to take action, respond to feedback, and then take more action, we get better at whatever we are doing—eventually reaching a state of proficient.

In the book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell refers to research that indicates it takes 10,000 hours to become a master in your field.  That is a lot of hours!  But here is the good news: If you are willing to follow the four steps above, the first hours you commit will be a quantum leap to your results.  Most people are not willing to do it.  Most people would rather remain stuck in their comfort zone.  So even if you don’t have an extra 10,000 hours, dedicate whatever time you can and race ahead of the pack.
If you start by declaring a new “I am” belief—“I am an effective networker!”—and if you are willing to take these four steps consistently, you will soon become a master networker.  And you will have created a new comfort zone; your “I am a great networker” belief will now match your new results.  From that moment forward you will always be a great networker.  It will become part of who you are!

So the clear message is ‘Get out of your comfort zone!’ …… in the nicest possible way!
 

Many thanks to Jean Ligget, Properties of the World, for all of her hard work. It is the opinion of this humble blog-poster that, if Jean does half the work for her clients as she did to organise this party, then they are very lucky clients indeed.

Photographs courtesy (mostly) of Charles Gervais, Both Hemispheres Photography.

Quentin photographs the photographer with what he says is a phone but looks more like a monolith from 2001 A Space Odyssey.

Simon, Colleen and her bun hold court as King and Queen of the table (all of the other Kings and Queens didn’t seem to object).

Pretty good loot from the crackers (I’m enjoying my new nail clippers).

David shows how much he loves to have his photo taken (John takes the high road, and just ignores the camera).

The gang digs in to their appetisers.

Crayfish and avacado, yum! (beer, yum! cider, yum! wine, yum!)

Chandra was his usual jolly self!

Quentin shows his true colours (another excellent visual metaphor for business).

Daniel corners the market on sprouts.

Colleen announces the quiz (where we had to predict the future)

Quiz + wine = bad predictions of the future.

Nick enjoys some scrummy Xmas pud!

The quiz masters (probably)

Lord of all he surveys, David holds court

Ali, David and Anuschka hold court too (wait, that’s a lot of royalty for one table)

Peter seems to be the only subject amongst all the Kings and Queens. Seems pretty happy about it too!

Ian (and the back of the lovely, and greatly missed, Emma) having a good time.

Did you know, Michael, that on this day in 1971, Mozart died in Vienna? Aged only 35? (and just before Christmas!)

Ian and Carol share a lovely red wine…

John is really holding court, captivating his audience.

The snifters are out, time for the talk to get deep…

More photos of David and Emma, they just couldn’t get enough of the camera! (you should hear how much they like the camera…wait, there is video, who wants to hear how much they love having their photos taken?).

Wasshail!

Someone cruelly turns the camera on the photographer. Oh, the humanity!

Merry Christmas indeed!

Look, party poppers blow their own smoke rings! Makes up for what I now see is, frankly, a rather sparse amount of streamers inside (next year, let’s get one of these!)

Merry Christmas (and Happy Holidays) Everyone!

Charles

What’s happened in the weeks since I last gave the details of a BNI Clerkenwell meeting? Lots!

Debbie Neville (Neville and Rowe) has performed admirably as substitute Chapter Director for the last two meetings, and deserves our thanks for so successfully herding us Clerkenwell cats (which reminds me of my very favourite pre-dot com bubble TV ad).

Debbie and Michelle hold court at the Top Table

We met twice in a row at a potential new venue, which, sadly, didn’t turn out to be the perfect fit we were all hoping for. And so, we remain at The Old Sessions House. The Sports Bar was a great place for photos, I personally would have loved to stay there, if only for the much better light:

The Sports Bar prepares for our arrival

Breakfast is on the way

Full English, good fortification for vigorous networking

We’ve had so many subs and visitors that I’ve lost count (don’t worry, Michelle, our Membership Co-ordinator, knows exactly how many) including the soon to (perhaps!) become a member: the irrepressible Lucy Long (WPA).

Lucy employs an Attention Getting Device

This week’s subs included “Cool Dave” (Ace Services) with his great strap line: “Don’t choose a joker, choose an Ace“, Simon Wilkinson (London Voice Over Studio and The Big Bang Boom), Robert Sacks (The Utility Warehouse Discount Club), and Keith Cunningham (Success in Planning).

Valued Visitor, Robert Sacks, is passionate about his business

This week, Colleen Tillet (Made Simple Group) was officially made a member of our Chapter, following a few years as an always-welcome unofficial member. Welcome Colleen! (I know you are gutted that there are no photos of you, you were sitting beside me this week, too close for my camera…excellent strategy

We’ve had informative and valuable 10 minute presentations from Jean Ligget (Properties of the World), Michelle Fanus (Dynamyk Events), Anuschka Fritz (Moustique Design), and this week we had Andrew Pegg (Midas Corporate Consulting) speaking in difficult circumstances about his business (Ken, we missed you, we had projector/PC problems and needed free tech support!).

Michelle holds our attention

Dynamyk does this, this and this...

Jean makes good use of the big screen

Anuschka in action

Andrew braves a laptop-less presentation, wows the crowd anyways

Recent winners of the John Magee Memorial Cup (neé “Silver Tongue”) have been Daniel Lloyd-Morgan (DLM Garden Design), Lina Christodoulou (Christo Print & Design) for her excellent use of props (her lovely printed materials) and her clear & precise presentation; Carol Couling (SRS Bureau) for “precise referrals requested”; and Chandra Sharma (Tangent Office Resources) for this week’s dynamic, definitive demo of a conveniently canned keyboard cleaning product.

The Coveted Cup awaits the next winner...

Daniel wins!

Lina wins!

Chandra wins!

We have of course been enjoying ourselves at the top of the London BNI League table, and this is of course due to the efforts of everyone around the table here at Clerkenwell BNI. Come join us!

To order, to order!

What it's all about: Business!

But that’s enough about us, how are you doing?

Charles (Both Hemispheres Photography)

David and David, joined at the twip

This is the essence of BNI. The idea that you have 25 or 30 people out there spreading the word about your business. Howard’s point was when that business provides legendary service, people are even keener to talk about you.

Howard also made reference to a number of BNI books including Masters of Networking and Business by referral, both by  Ivan Misner and stressed the importance of self education.

Complimetary drinks and nibbles will be served and you will be able to see (and test) a selection of chairs and some desking. Please let me know if you would like to attend – good opportunity to also continue your networking!

Regards,

Chandra

Just want to remind everyone of my six reasons for attending training courses:

1. You will always learn something new attending any training course. I know that I picked up some great tips on presentation skills generally and specifically as far as BNI is concerned. This is particularly relevant for the sixty second presentation and we can all benefit from this. Remember, we are never too old or too wise to learn something new.
2. Undoubtedly, attending a training course will help you improve your referring skills.
3. Training courses are a great opportunity to network. There are always people present from many other chapters around London and sometimes from further a field. Often, they are in trades and professions that aren’t represented in our chapter. Meeting new people in the familiar BNI environment is good for networking and may lead to additional work.
4. It’s good for the chapter. The chapter is currently number one in London, but it’s not doing very well with regard to attendance at training courses. Attending training courses will help us stay at the top which in turn, makes it easier for us to attract visitors which in turn leads to more business for us all.
5. It’s free. Remember, this is a breakfast meeting for a defined time where you will learn new skills, meet new people and it will cost you nothing. The chapter will pay for everyone’s training courses.
6. Because the chapter wants you too. It is the wish of the current leadership team to encourage and promote training for all our members to improve the performance of the chapter generally.

I hope that summarises my short presentation and look forward to see an increase in people attending training courses.

Best Wishes

The chapter is very healthy, at 30 members, and the visitors and subs we had today were well received. They included:

1. Karl Wayt, Sports Bar and Grill (Farringdon)
2. Andreas Krueger, LockRite (locksmith)
3. Lucy Long, WPA (health insurance)
4. Peter Sherwood, Sherwood Diamonds and Gems (jeweller)

Mandy Hetherton (Insight to Action) ran a very good meeting, despite being let down by her alarm clock. Sounds like a referral-in-waiting for Chandra (Tangent Office Resources)

David Miles (Divadani)) entertained us with an amusing (and slightly tongue-in-cheek, or at least I hope it was!) Network Education slot focussing on “Gender-proofing your 1-1s“.

As usual, the Clerkenwell members gave informative, often amusing, and (mostly) targeted 60-second presentations. Standing out from the crowd was our visitor Lucy Long, whose dynamic demeanour and liberal scattering of money (sadly, only the Monopoly sort) won her the John Magee Cup for best 60 seconds of the meeting (we’re quite liberal here in London’s oldest chapter, and are very happy to recognise when visitors have outdone the members when presenting. It only raises our game). It was nice to see Adele Theron (Naked Divorce) back from her speaking tour Down Under. Also returning after short absences (fully subbed, mind you) were the Dynamic David Duo of David Taylor (2010 Media) and David Miles.

A slight deviation from the standard BNI meeting format saw us gathered into groups to discuss the sort of businesses we’d all like to invite (and add) to the chapter. Among the numerous suggestions were doctors, a solar panel-fitting company, wedding planners, builders and kitchen fitters. Special mention was made of the desire for businesses to compliment Ali Irving of Energise Personal Training, who is holding solitary court as the only business in the Health and Wellness sector in the chapter.

Next week we are holding our meeting at the newly opened Sports Bar & Grill (Farringdon), at which today’s visitor Karl Wayt is the General Manager. The address is:

Sports bar and grill Farringdon
19-25 Cowcross Street
London EC1M 6Dq

Personally, I’m looking forward to it, as I enjoyed a post-BNI 1-1-1 there with Chandra and John Wright (Opus Business Systems). Excellent cappuccino, plus a quite tasty second breakfast/really early lunch (the sacrifice had to be made, in the name of research!) served up by the attentive yet unobtrusive staff, left me with a very good impression.

Until next time!

Charles (Both Hemispheres Photography)