Wine winner's blog - Sharon Byrne (Vital Signs & Graphics) 14/5/2010

Whilst anticipating my recently won prize (Chablis Cuvee Claude Dominique - chilling as we speak) I reflect on yet another successful and enjoyable early morning. Like-minded (bloody minded in some cases) individuals, all MBBC members, met at 6.55am for another lively, sometimes irreverent but ultimately useful networking session. We welcomed a guest in Nicky Charnock (sports therapist) and said a sad goodbye to the lovely & ever-cheerful Rachel  Maher who's moving to a new & exciting job in London. We all wish her well & look forward to hearing about her adventures when we see her again. Temporarily missing is the ever resourceful, networker extraordinaire, Paul Ullet (Frankly Water) : Paul's currently being kept busy servicing a new contract in London (perhaps he'll meet up with Rachel & report back on her progress) but we look forward to welcoming him back into the MBBC fold in a few months - when he's got those big southern softies under control.

In addition to the enlightening tour of the Squash & Racquets club (included in which was a surprising demo from the venerable Graham Heap (UK Geanealogy) on how to make one's own balls!) I came away with 2 valuable referrals and gave 2 possible introductions: to photographer Ian Bruce & Nick Rhind of CT Networks, both of which I hope will develop into good business contacts for them. Which is how come I bagged the booty this week....all referral slips go into our weekly draw and today I came up trumps. Of 21 referrals given this morning, 4 emanated from the ever-active (in networking terms at least)  Mark Simpson of accountants Simpson Burgess Nash....tough luck in the draw this week Mark!

10 minute spotlight: Ola Seriki's 10 minute slot proved she could definitely make a living as a comic if she ever tires of running her fabulous business 'UK Together',  a private members club and event management company. Why haven't we persuaded Ola to organise a 'do' for us?  - I guess we could all benefit from a bit of upmarket pampering and schmoozing with the great and good of our fair city. Come on Ola, show us what you can do with a bunch of old reprobates and a handful of bright young things!   

Has MBBC been a 'wise buy' for me? -  without a doubt. Within a couple of months of joining I received (from Don Linney of Gilbey Electricals) en excellent introduction to a company which provides student accomodation nationwide. This has proved to be a good long-term relationship and I'm ever grateful to Don for the introduction: I continue to strive to find a reciprocal contact for Don. Next week I'm looking forward to a 1;1 meeting with Will Kintish: we're treating ourselves to a spot of chocolate indulgence at Slattery's in Whitefield whilst endeavouring to find out how we can help each others' businesses to grow as we'd like. I aim to continue building individual business relationships with all the members (currently about 40 I think) and am hoping to produce a 'hit list' soon: watch out Mark, you're top of my list since I've already had to take a rain check on our original meeting date!

Anyway, I'd better start thinking about what's going to accompany that by now (7pm) nicely chilled Chablis for dinner tonight. I promise to enjoy it, savouring every last luscious golden droplet, whilst already looking forward to whatever next Friday morning brings!