Travel time can be wasted time
2011
Welcome to this week's
Business Banter blog
A quick thanks before we begin to Esquires Coffee House and the team led by Michelle who help us each week including Jade, Megan and Jennifer. We're continuing to work with them to make the events an even better experience, especially in the run up to Social Media Week Glasgow - see below for details.
World War Z comes to the Business Banter
.jpg "Business Banter Zombie roles")
It seemed only right and fitting that Brad Pitt and his film entourage would look to some of the Business Banterers for inspiration for his latest blockbuster movie. To ensure that filming did not blow the budget, Brad insisted that he would be happy to take any of the Banterers as they were in real life to play the role of Zombies. Fortunately for him more than a few were willing to put themselves forward as can be seen from the picture here with Pieter and Alan rehearsing their roles for later that day. Brad is hoping to get a 15 certificate for the film and therefore had to dispense with the services offered by a few others because they were just too scary. Brad was quoted as saying if he ever came to film a re-make of The Land That Time Forgot he would make sure there would be a part for the likes of Frank, William and Adrian.
If you're new to the Business Banter then a warm welcome to a growing community of business people who either regularly, or irregularly, come along to the Business Banter. Last week we welcomed a diverse group of
.jpg "Business Banter Aug 2011")
'newbies' from financial planners to legal eagles, HR consultants to IT sales managers, not to forget a digital developer. Blend them with the regular Banterers and you can see how valuable the Business Banter is to developing a platform for business growth.
The Business Banter is very much a Business to Business networking event where those who come along aren't there for the quick sell, though it has happened occasionally, but more to develop lasting connections with a broad spectrum of businesses. A quick run through the Who's Who will give you some idea of the wide selection of business sectors that come along each week.
This blog is hopefully a summary of some of the things that are going on, who's new to the Business Banter and information about some of the events and activities we're involved with in some way shape or form.
Funny story of the week with apologies to the newbie and the regular who for obvious reasons shall remain nameless.
Sitting in Esquire's on Thursday morning the first to come down the stairs was the 'newbie' and we had a quick chat about what they did, what the Business Banter was all about and what they could expect in the next hour or so. Frank Cozzo then arrives and is introduced and then our other early morning regular comes into the room. The regulars are standing having some Banter and I turn to the newbie and say 'Oh and by the way XXX is also a lap dancer when she's not doing the day job.' Of course we all have a chuckle but by the time I get back to the office I've an email from XXX telling me that the newbie believed the story and wanted to know what training she did and what she thought about her additional career!
Ooops. Sorry. Better engage brain before mouth in future. With apologies to all concerned. Although when I had a wee look on the Facebook pages of XXX I found the picture here!! ONLY KIDDING;-)
What's been happening this week in Think Different Events Ltd then?
Well we're currently working with the Scottish Housing Regulator organising a series of five events for them in Glasgow x 2, Dumfries, Edinburgh and Aberdeen with an expected audience at each between 50 and 150 which will keep us on out toes for the next few months.
The annual Scottish Learning Festival takes place in September and this remains our own and the Scottish Government's education team flagship event. Having started work on it in 2000 when 1,200 people came along to last year when over 7,000 came along the last 12 years has seen the event evolve to the most important and biggest event in the education calendar in Scotland. Will be interesting to see how many come this year with all the public sector cuts. Working with over 200 speakers in 150 or so sessions has its challenges too.
The second Building Banter took place on Friday which, though aimed specifically at the construction sector, attracted a few well kent faces from the Business Banter too. It would be good to hear what they made of it as the format is slightly different from the weekly Business Banter that has been running now for almost a year. As we start to spin out the Business Banter into a more structured and formal series of events any feedback from them would be welcome. You know who you are - it was the day off you had from acting as Zombie extras.
We continue to work on Social Media Week Glasgow - the Business Banter Editions and have gathered together a great selection of speakers and topics from a number of sectors to talk at these events. Hoping to get a published programme out to everyone in the next week. As you can see from the schedule if you follow the link above this is a truly global event and Glasgow can be really proud of what it has put in place for the week, thanks to Daniella and Tim our regular Banterers.
High In Demand is a co-operative company set up with Think Different Events Ltd., Intermezzo, 5th Column Digital Design and BML Consult. Clare and I had our first meeting with Abbotsford House last week looking at the potential to work with them, especially during the period when the house itself is closed for major renovation.
Finally, we've been organising the inaugural event of the Business Golf Association and more details about that are below too.
To celebrate one year of the Business Banter we're inviting all who have came along, and others who keep meaning to come along, to attend our Birthday Bash on Friday 2 September. To help us manage the arrangements for this, especially selecting an appropriate Glasgow City Centre venue, I'd be grateful if you could RSVP here.
And here is your personal invitation to join with us at our Birthday celebration.
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Birthday Bash
Friday 2 September 2011
Corinthian Club Casino
191 Ingram Street
Exclusive use
between
16:00 and 19:00
Please RSVP here
Banterer short profile
Every now and then we'll take a wee peek at some of the Banterers who come along who have a range of skills that are a bit specialised. This week we look at .......
...... becoming more politically aware in today's business world? Well, within the Business Banter community, we have someone who may just be able to assist companies in that direction. Step forward Karen Freel of Perspectiva Consultants.
Perspectiva Consultants is a Government
Relations Consultancy who have been active in Scottish politics for over 20
years. Karen has previously been a City Councillor
and Convenor of a Fire Board in the North East of Scotland. Karen has also worked with elected members at
every level for over this period, including at European level, this also includes
liaison experience with the Scottish Civil Service as well as previously being a
member of the civil service. She has a wealth of
experience built upon with practical implementation having worked
both in the private and public sectors.
Not the kind of expertise or experience you can find through Google alone and the opportunity is at the end of a coffee on a Thursday morning at the Business Banter.
Other Events
Social Media Week
This is a key series of events across Glasgow during the week 19-23 September and glad that Tim and Daniella have such a pivotal role in pulling it all together. The schedule that's available throughout the week is really impressive and can be accessed here.
We are delighted to announce that we now have 5 Business Banters, one each morning, in the approved schedule and are currently in discussions to pull the programme together.
Each event will have 5 speakers giving a micro-presentation of approximately 5 or 6 minutes about their, or their clients, successful use of Social Media, and both Colin Abercrombie and myself are working on some web pages to showcase each speaker, sponsor and supporter of the events. As ever when ready we'll let you know.
Big thanks so far to Liz Taylor, Jacqui Wright, Benedetto Berdone, Frank Cozzo, Martin Little, Bronagh Bell who have helped me identify some of the speakers who will be speaking.
Request for help
After last week's expression for help, we've already received some welcome support from Alison Hutcheson and Stuart Russell who have agreed to provide support on the Video and Photography front.
To help us stage and record these Business Banter Specials for Social Media Week would still welcome some help in the areas below. As ever we'll promote any company or individual who is able to help us with any of the items. I'll also send out individual requests to Banterers I think may be able to help directly.
- Mobile air conditioning system - you might just have one in your office doing nothing.
- Mobile PA system - microphone, speakers and amplifier or similar
- Small stage/step - Looking for a 6 foot x 3 foot x 6 inch raised step for the presenters to stand on during their talk
- 5 appropriate prizes, one for each day. We'll ask for business cards at each event and draw the prize after the last speaker.
The Business Golf Association
Before we go on to talk about the Business Banter newbies last week just a further reminder that the Business Golf Association event is taking place on 25 August and I'd really appreciate any help in getting this event into people's mindset for that date.
We still have space left and with only a few weeks to go would love to have you or your colleagues join us.
Click on the image below to find out more about the event and how to get involved.
The Business Banter this week
This week's forthcoming Business Banters are at the usual times and places.
Edinburgh, Tuesday, Caffe Nero, Lothian Road 0800-1000
Glasgow, Thursday, Esquires, Hope Street 0800-1000
Newbie Corner
This is the area where we introduce the newbies to the Business Banter Community. We've also created pages for the newbies in the Who's Who section of the Business Banter website, so if you want to find out more visit their pages here. If you have a Banter Cup or your company logo beside your name it means I couldn't find a photo of you.
While I have LinkedIn with many of you, I'd be delighted to accept an invitation from any I haven't connected with to date. All you have to do is click on the icon to the left here - I hope!!
Click on the links below to see their individual pages
Martin Little, Kathryn, Allan Brown, Alice Shek, Ken Reid, Claire Nisbet, Alan Smith, Donna Bryson, Stephen Parker, Alan McKee, Julie Stewart
John Gillespie also brought along one of his colleagues but she didn't leave any details. ;-(
Not a newbie by any stretch of the imagination but thought it would be worthwhile updating you on a change of profile for Martin.
Martin Little, Sales Director, lpl telecom ltd
lpl telecom is a Scottish telecoms provider, based in Glasgow. We’ve been in business for the last 10 years, helping people just like you to save on unnecessary phone and data costs and improve communication for their businesses. We like telecoms because we like to communicate. And we believe that all businesses can be more successful if they learn to communicate better. Sound like a simple concept? That’s because it is. We know from experience that all the best businesses thrive on simple, earnest concepts that act as the driving force for their business, and at lpl telecom we’re no different.
Kathryn, Gleamklean
At Gleam Klean we are committed to giving our customers a quality service which is value for money. Our services Include: General Household Cleaning, General Office Cleaning, End of Tenancy Cleaning, Party Cleans, Stair Cleaning, Spring cleaning, Oven Cleaning, Ironing, One off's 
Allan Brown, Founder / Senior Developer at Level Up
With over a decade's experience in the web development industry, we have the skills and knowledge required to produce the very best quality work. We are an open, friendly and approachable team who enjoy interacting with our clients. We want you to be involved directly with the developers creating your website, able to watch your project grow and ensuring that the final deliverable is exactly what you require. Our main products and services include; Website Development, Content Management Systems, Social Media Integration, SEO & Online Marketing, Website Maintenance and Hosting.Alice Shek, Accountant EK Tax Solutions
No picture to work with which is a pity because she is a beautiful young lady, Alice is an accountant for EK Tax Solutions a small firm of accountants and tax advisors seeking to help small start up businesses with their financial affairs. She also formerly worked with one of the other accounting regulars Simon Murrison but don't hold that against her next time you get a chance to have a chat.
Ken Reid, Principal, Kindred Financial Services
We recognise that each of our clients is unique and as such deserves a bespoke service, tailored to their own financial needs and aspirations. We work closely with our clients, building long term relationships based on trust and an in-depth understanding of their finances. This ensures that we provide the advice that is needed, when it is needed. Planning a secure future for yourself, your family or your business is extremely important. It is just as important to regularly review your financial situation to take advantage of any developments in legislation and taxation. If there are changes in your circumstances, such as changing jobs, planning an exit from your business or receiving an inheritance, a review of your financial goals is crucial.Claire Nisbet, Paralegal, Maclay Murray and Spens
Maclay Murray & Spens LLP has been one of the outstanding legal firms in our home jurisdiction for over 100 years. In that time we have consistently recruited the best lawyers and worked for the largest clients on the most complex work in an entire country. That tradition of excellence brings an expectation of the highest standards and quality in everything we do. Each of our offices is an extension of that offering and we bring the same expectation of excellence and commitment to quality to bear through our lawyers in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. We are exceptionally proud of that history and it creates a benchmark for our future performance. Alan Smith, Regional Manager, Beckhoff
Beckhoff implements open automation systems based on PC Control technology. The product range covers Industrial PCs, I/O and Fieldbus Components, Drive Technology and automation software. Products that can be used as separate components or integrated into a complete and seamless control system are available for all industries. The Beckhoff “New Automation Technology” philosophy represents universal and open control and automation solutions that are used worldwide in a wide variety of different applications, ranging from CNC-controlled machine tools to intelligent building automation.
Donna Bryson, Director, Clearwater Brookes Ltd.
Clearwater Brookes is in business for people. Our mission is to provide best practice HR solutions, linking our knowledge to your industry. Regular communication platforms are built into every client relationship to ensure that we are aware of your requirements at all times.
Stephen Parker, Consultant, Haines Watt, Financial Services Limited
An IFA for 17 years, I’m the Senior Consultant for Haines Watts Financial Services/Chartered Accountants in Glasgow. I work with the Accountancy practice to add Independent Financial Advisory guidance to clients, maintain proactive relationships with a range of like-minded professionals as well as retaining my own client base. Our Financial Services business strategically and successfully merged with BestInvest in January 2010. This merger has allowed HWFS to meet the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) requirement before it comes into effect in 2012.We offer, in conjunction with BestInvest, a full range of Investment Management Services and have in excess of £7bn in funds under management for Individuals, Corporates, Charities and Trusts.In the knowledge the Investment Management is being run by BestInvest, this allows our business to spend more time doing what all Financial Planners should - spending more time with our clients.
Alan McKee, Associate Director, McDonald Henderson
Our entrepreneurial approach ensures we strike the right balance for your company, providing comprehensive legal solutions with commercial awareness. After all, you have a business to run. We pride ourselves on making things as straightforward as possible, and speaking in a language that we all understand. There are those who enjoy making life difficult, hiding behind jargon and the way things have “always been.” And then there are those who want to add a personal touch to a professional service, who are clever and commercial, without making life too complicated.
Julie Stewart HR Consultant
A senior HR professional with a broad, generalist background and detailed knowledge of the financial services industry.
Currently working as an HR Consultant for an IT software company.
Musical Interlude
On one of the LinkedIn groups this week, oor Liam asked what is best about Glasgow. Here the Jesus and Mary Chain give their view.
One of Scotland's finest bands. Made the Gallagher brothers look like the Nolan Sisters.
Twits of the week
Forget about FFs or Friendly Fridays as they're called. This is the 'A' list of Twits this week from the Business Banter Community. So thanks for all the mentions using the #TDBB hash tag this week
Mark Wright, Commsworld - @CommsworldMark
Stephen Lynas, Hadden Construction - @HaddenConstruct
Daniel Gerber, Osteopath - @GlasgowOsteo
Martin Little, lpl telecom - @GlasgowTelecoms
Esquires Coffee House - @PeekayPenguin
In the Spotlight
Think Different Business Banter is all about building business relationships and the Spotlight pages provide an opportunity for Banterers to tell us all a little bit more about themselves and what services or products they offer their clients. Providing this information online also gives Banterers an opportunity to update us all on changes to their company's services, special promotions, links to other media stories and the like. Find out more about how you can Get in the Spotlight.
This week the Spotlight falls on myself, Ruth Webber Click on Find out more to read the whole interview. Click on the photos below to see who has been put in the Spotlight so far:
.jpg "Jacky")
Until later this week
TUESDAY - EDINBURGH
THURSDAY - GLASGOW
Take care and keep busy
Jacky
Previous Blog posts can be found here
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