The art of conversation – delivered by those at Exeter Business Network’s August event – inspired by Theodore Zeldin
The Exeter Business Network event on 6th August at Exeter Racecourse was a super success and brought together numerous decision makers from Exeter based businesses – all of whom brought their conversation, enthusiasm and energy to the event yesterday.
The Theodore Zeldin approach to a menu of conversation certainly led to some (and this was on my table!) scary things that people have done and also to what we would be doing if we weren’t doing what we do now. (There is an article here that I trust you will find interesting!) Each table is hosted and each person has 3 minutes to present their business, the benefits it brings to others, share their success stories and give others the opportunity to ask questions – that is the top level of a conversation and the “Zeldin” questions mean that you get the chance to really see the person. On the table host aspect I must add that when the request for help is sent the response do make me smile – and the venue being Exeter Racecourse provided a special set…..
“Yes, of ‘horse’ I will. No need to ‘nag’ or sit on the ‘fence’, it’s a sure ‘bet’ that I’ll say yes.”
“I love the way you “flog a willing horse! ” I shall ,of course, be delighted”
“What a pedigree piece of writing, it certainly has put the bit between my teeth, hopefully I will not bolt my lines when I trot through the table host replies, I shall bridle back my enthusiasm!” Oh fetlocks I have run out! Best I rein this in!”
There was also some great networking quotes fromm people born on 6th August – although they may not have known it!
“One sometimes finds what one is not looking for” Alexander Fleming b 6/8/1881
“just as our eyes need light to see, our minds need ideas to conceive” Nicolas Malebranche b 6/8/1638
A BIG thank you to Roger Moore for a great insight into the potential minefield of intellectual property and how we all need to be aware of what to do (and what not to do) to protect a valuable business asset -for more details on how Roger’s expertise could help you – it’s here
Thank you to Nigel Wilkinson of WNW Digital for the way in which his network has helped him relocate (Space), reconnect (Cobalt Communications) and re-brand (Quickprint) his business!
Nigel at WNW Digital’s new office at Dix’s Field, Exeter Photo from Express and Echo
I must thank Peter Slater from Power Marketing who had asked me if I could get a focus group together for a project that he was working on – I did and what an interesting exercise it was – the thank you is for the donation of £250 that will be donated to the Exeter Business Network Charities…..
The Devon Air Ambulance Trust is the charity which raises the funds to keep 2 emergency Air Ambulances flying. This is no small feat as each and every year we have to raise in the region of £4.5 million to keep both of the helicopters airborne. Click here to donate
Families for Children place children for adoption from throughout the UK, who have experienced loss and upheaval. We find for them stable, loving families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We are special because we have a ‘forever’ policy of support and this means that we offer support to the child and new family for as long as they need us. Click here to donate
WESC Foundation’s aim is the education and care of young people with visual impairment and/or complex needs and their transition into school, college and beyond. By providing a specialist centre for education, training and expertise, WESC Foundation create a better life for people with visual impairment. Click here to donate
The vision of St Loye’s Foundation is that each individual should have the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential, irrespective of natural abilities or setbacks experienced in life. Mission – St Loye’s mission is to be the preferred choice of people with physical, mental health, sensory and other disabilities, or with long-term health conditions, to improve their quality of life and degree of independence. Click here to donate
Didn’t get to the event then engage by
The Business Network SW LinkedIn group with over 1280 members – feel free to engage, discuss and participate.
And penultimately September’s event on the 10th at Exeter Golf and Country Club – super seminar, THE networking lunch…..conversations and connections to enhance your business!
Some quotes ended the event one a networking one from Lucille Ball – “Ability is of little account without opportunity” – and then 2 more (not networking ones) – that certainly made me smile!
Lucille Ball (b 6/8/1911) quoted
“The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age”
And finally Robert Mitchum (b 6/8/1917)
“People think I have an interesting walk; I’m just trying to hold my gut in”
Thank you also for the positive comments on Twitter (#BNSW @seanhumby)
TheEmberClubAug 06, 4:26pm via Twitter Web Client
qChrisWood
3 retweets
seanhumbyAug 06, 3:08pm via Twitter for BlackBerry
BushandCoAug 06, 3:07pm via Twitter for iPhone
shanecannAug 06, 11:14am via TweetDeck
BelindaNewtonHRAug 06, 11:10am via Hootsuite
and those received on email……
Hey Sean
Just wanted to say thank you for putting on a great lunch event to day ……as always!
I had a very enjoyable time – especially the part when we were listening to young Carlos (Shoutboxapp)
What an amazing young man – I reckon he is going places – and probably quite quickly
You did a great job table hosting
I am looking forward to next month’s event already!!
Have yourself a great week
Daryl
Sean
Great networking lunch today, the focus group was very interesting and kind of you to ask….”
To your success.
Steve
Steve Gaskell ActionCOACH
01626 240218 Website:
Dear Sean
I have been to many networking events since my secondment to Exeter and I have to say yesterday was one of the best and I can see why you had so many at it. My morning yesterday did not get off to a good start and I nearly cancelled as I did not feel I would be at my best, but I did not and I am pleased I turned up. My table was interesting, and I did find Roger Moore’s talk very informative.
Kind regards
Lorraine McKitterick
Sales & Marketing Executive
T: 01392 221111
Buckerell Lodge Hotel
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