Coffee Time Minutes - 10/12/08

Attendees:
Tarnia Gurney, Dean Brown, Toni Oliver, Steve Killian, Tony Bourke, Kevin Gregory, Melissa Cooper, Christie Flippence, David Norris, Bob Thomson

Some wins for the group:
Tony – Got onto Koshy’s Blog; 1st book to be released in March, 2nd in July 09.
Kevin – ATM coming to the centre – Bendigo Bank, Post Office Boxes to come aswell
Bob – Dungeon Shots

Introduction: 2 new people attended – Welcome – short explanation of what we do and why we meet.

Christie – from Baby Bun
Melissa – Eternal Glow

Discussion this week: Referrals – How to get them? What works?
Tony – 90% of business is referrals. Treads softly, asks but doesn’t push. Never asks new clients. Joined network groups like BNI, but builds alliances with Business Owners – accountants and financial planners
Dean – Real Estate Owners refer people to him, offers a lot of free help to home buyers – extra customer service
Steve – Asks customers that come into the bank, at networking
Ted – the purchaser always has a need, build relationship business & personal touch
David – focus on your clients, and what they need, and refer others to others, which work’s the other way round, lead by example.
Tarnia – friendly not pushy, refer others they do the same, networking, offer extra hand holding with my clients until we have set everything up, then provide 2 reviews per yr as well as birthday cards – personal touches.
Kate – Networking, building relationships, trying to help other, not always the same person, they may refer someone else to you.

Round Table:
Watch the media and how it’s affecting the world, business slow down.
Make sure you keep on top of stuff
Keep marketing even in the down turn
Choose a market and stick to it
Sponsorships – schools, preschools, baby groups, etc
Touch people – send a card, emails, phone call (www.sendooutcards.com/tarnia )
Letterbox drop – 4 times over.
Don’t get disillusioned
Maybe look at giveaways or raffles.

Next Meeting will be the 28th of January 08.
Drinks at Zenith on the 18th of December. Cost is $10 for pizza and 2 drinks. Starts at 4pm till late. RSVP to Kevin or Myself.