From a monastery to the home of the Champions!

Despite seven networking events this week I still could not match the mighty Will Kintish who announced on Friday morning he was on his eighth!

Started early this week by attending the celebration of the fantastic Oasis Centre based in Gorton who had their bi-annual dinner at Gorton Monastery. Many thanks to Mark Dyble of the invitation but to hear from Victoria Armstrong the founder of the Oasis Centre how they are changing lives in this area of Manchester. Victoria is a true inspiration and it always very humbling to hear how she and her team work selflessly for the benefit of their community.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday was the usual round of networking for my clients and may thanks to Steve Upham of Altspace who again this year has hosted a Monday evening event for the FSB and we followed on from last month’s nutrition special with Susan Leigh speaking about stress and the affect it has on sleep.

This week saw the launch of Wills, Protection and Beyond’ collaboration with local charities where we will donate £25.00 to the charity for recommending our services to their patrons, the client will also receive a £25.00 discount.

Lots of discussion with accountants this week for Premium Collections and Insolvency Practitioners seem very interested in our services with a couple of appointments already booked in for next week.

Thursday saw us attending the North West Business Expo at the home of the Premiership Champions for a very busy event. Great to catch up with old friends and colleagues but also to talk to numerous new business contacts. Although I missed my usual Thursday BNI meeting at Alchemy a number of the group managed to track me down on the stand.

I also managed to apologise to FSB members Seven Bro7her’s brewery who were talking at the Expo as I forgot to thank them for hosting the visit by Mike Cherry last week!

After a long day there it was straight off to Santander’s business networking at their Stockport branch. Great to meet the owners of Cheadle Glass who are celebrating 50 years in business.

Finishing off at the MBBC meeting on Friday with another lively meeting. Despite the excess of banter a lot of business is always passed around the room and yet another couple of introduction for my clients were very welcome.

On Friday morning I did manage to get my photo with the Manager of the Manchester Tennis and Racquets Club Stella Heap and her photo taken by Martin Parr which is currently being exhibited at the Manchester Art Gallery, certainly worth a visit.

Just a quick thought though, networking I not just a Monday to Friday part of the business. Attending, a wedding party with my wife saw me bumping into the brother of an FSB member who was amazed that I remembered him and the fact that he had walked into their office with his wing mirror in his hand. Just shows when you are self employed you always on duty in one shape or form!