BNI Olympus Chapter

Our resident architect in BNI Olympus is none other than Nick Hayes of Hayes Architects Ltd, formerly a partner with Cassidy & Ashton. Nick specialises in a range of projects from small domestic work, through extensions, new build and into commercial work. He’s able to draw on many years experience in the business. Schools are one area he loves to get involved in and he received an introduction to a fantastic referral from the group’s commercial photographer.

Martin Toole of Inspired Images had no hesitation in introducing Nick when he was speaking with Broad Oak Primary School about their site and future developments. Martin’s photography skills and experience were put to good use providing images for the feasibility study. Nick wrote “the quality of those images enabled a professional looking bid which helped in securing the project”. He went on “this work could potentially lead to a 14 year involvement with the school”, probably making it one of the longest running referrals we’ve seen.

“This project would not have happened without Martin’s focus and awareness in understanding the potential” commented Nick.

He concluded his testimonial, reminding us all why we get involved with BNI, “this referral is one in a million and I am so pleased that you included me in your thinking”.

A notable moment at this week’s meeting as Martin Newton (centre) a financial advisor with City Investment passes the group’s 6,000th business referral to Maxine Wilde of Omega Vehicle Contracts, car leasing specialists; an introduction for four new vehicles. Watched by (from left) Martin Toole of Inspired Images, Mike Gelder of Redleg IT Support and Russ Treasure of Lambogenie.

This group of local businesses meet regularly to help each other out with introductions to new clients and opportunities – it is very successful business networking, achieved by applying word of mouth marketing. Have a look at the recent post about ‘Thank You For The Business’ to see just how successful.

Think I recall that the average value of a referral is something like £400, multiplying up means the group has introduced around £2.4 million of business – now that’s worth getting up early for.

ps thanks to Michael Sewell our resident portrait and wedding photographer from www.weddingsbymichael.co.uk for the above picture

Having started collecting the white cards to say “Thank you for the business”, we’re very pleased to report a total of £170,387 worth of business after about 6 weeks. That is business invoiced from the introductions made by this group. Do you want a share of that next month? Click here to visit BNI in the Preston area.

Plenty of testimonials this week, just thought I’d pick a few highlights:

From Martin Toole of Inspired Images to Jackie Eastham at Smoothgear “These guys are so far out in front of the rest and pleasant with it, I would not hesitate in recommending them to you all. My car is their showroom.”

From Bob Renshaw of Utilities Warehouse to Duane Raidy at MDR Promotional Garments, “It is refreshing to know that MDR will go out of its way to ensure the customer gets what they want at a time they want all at very competitive prices”

Another to Jackie at Smoothgear, from Martin Newton of City Investment, “This level of honesty in pricing for work would particularly prompt me to recommend them”

Stephen Colbert of NDAC to Norman Gibson of Legacy Estate Planning “It was easy thanks to the simple and precise way you explained to us our options and the fact you did everything for us … I have no hesitation in referring you to family, friends and business associates”

Great 10 minute presentation from Sarah Mottershead (Crystal Eternity Bridalwear) this morning, especially as she’s usually quite nervous about public speaking.

we really got to see her stunning Crystal Bouquets, buttonholes and other wedding accessories in context thanks to our stand in Bride (Debbie Gill, House of Colour) and Groom (Chapter Director, Russ Treasure, Lambogenie.co.uk)

Well done Sarah…