It is essential to provoke thought and quite delightful to do it in charming surroundings with a group of like-minded and engaged individuals.

We were bouncing around other ideas for philosophical discussions. “What is happiness?” Any thoughts?

I pride myself on being a duracell bunny with masses of energy, however TD has taken a lot of that away and I am only slowly regaining it. However I do love meeting like duracell bunnies, so having coffee with the fabulous Tanya Rennick today was brilliant. Although we did not speak about half the things we had intended, I left her feeling on a high and super-energised. She is like wheat-grass and spirulina – rolled into one, except not green and incredibly beautiful. And a super inspiration with her networking club – http://www.theoysterclub.co.uk/.

Hotpants are still going and oh yes.. his nibs said that I was looking trimmer. Hooray.  Am now starting Matt Roberts’ two week hard-core diet and exercise routine. If you see a crazy woman licking the bakery window in the village – yes it will be me.  If I look particularly crazed, throw me a doughnut – please.

SHARON’S BLOG IS MANICMOTHER.NET AND A THOROUGHLY GOOD READ!

The Private Dining Room

The Seed Pearl Club is all about Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. The idea and execution of a fabulous and successful breakfast club has been helped along by Everybody. Somebody always makes a great connection or is inspired with new idea to work on. Everybody enjoys meeting Somebody who stands up to deliver their pearls of wisdom via a mini workshop. Everybody learns something new and leaves feeling much better for being there. Anybody who is in business of any sort is welcome to join us. Nobody has to wear a badge or pitch or be obliged to make referrals if they simply cannot. How utterly refreshing.

Anybody could have created The Seed Pearl Club. Somebody just did. Come and meet The Mother of Pearl.

“Christmas is coming and for most of us it means time spent with the family, exchanging presents and relaxing in a warm and friendly environment. Not everyone is so lucky though and it is important to remember those who don’t enjoy such a happy environment at this time of year.

Last week I attended The Black Pearl Club where I heard Camila Batmanghelidjh talk about the amazing work she has spearheaded for vulnerable inner-city children since 1996.

Camilla’s talk was very moving, particularly when she talked about the work they are doing on Christmas Day.

Camilla’s organisation, Kids Company, are hosting a party for 3,500 vulnerable children at The Oval cricket ground in London and supporting a further 3,500 through outreach programmes.

Please take a moment to look at details of the Christmas event and see what support you can offer. Whether you can contribute food or gifts, buy a present for one of the children or share details with others who will support, it will all make a difference.

The details are here.”

Andy’s book, Recommended, is a must for any serious networker.

Meet interesting intelligent fellow networkers. Expand your art, history and literature knowledge in a dynamic and interactive new way.

Have you ever fancied the opportunity to learn something a little bit different but were worried it might be too boring or dry or time consuming? Here is a chance for you to learn about art, history and literature – and call it “part of your job”. All the events include supper and of course – networking – with lots of lovely people!

It’s ideal for both busy professionals and also for those who do not work but would like to mix with other like minded people and enjoy broadening their horizons.

The Cultured Pearl Club meets on the third Thursday of every month

Join us for an entertaining evening of culture, conversation, wine and supper with Professor Barrie Garnham discussing the Pre-Raphaelites

“The hard, un-emontional business networking of the last century is so dead, it just does not offer the right energy for this millenium. Tanya is one front runner lady who has opened the portals to a new way for business contacts to happen, simply by taking some of the business focus out and putting socializing and information exchange into the equation.”

madschri.com

Do get in touch via the website if you are interested in joining a very friendly and welcoming group who are keen to expand their knowledge in a friendly way.

Help Harry Help Others

Harry the Hero

A few months ago I was at the Black Pearl Dinner sitting opposite a man named Brian. Brian wore a bracelet that was made up of red and White beads and looked like it was made by my 4 year old daughter. Intrigued I asked him what the story was with the bracelet and what he told me changed me and changed my life.

It turned out that an 11 year old boy with a brain tumour called Harry Moseley made that bracelet to raise awareness for his charity www.helpharryhelpothers.com which was part of Cancer Research. The charity launch was on the following Thursday and Brian asked if I would like to go to the Kensington Hotel and see Harry speak.

There was a shift in me there and then and I wanted to do something to help this little boy who was wise beyond his years. I was honoured to attend the launch.

Voted Britain’s Kindest Kid in 2009, Harry spoke about his fight with the dreaded cancer and how he wanted to make a difference to the world and find a cure for treating brain tumors in children.

I met his mum, Georgie, his PE teacher, his Head Teacher, Ben Shephard, Gary Liniker and all the cancer research team supporting him and was completely blown away by his entrepreneurial abilities, confidence and humor. The inevitable was happening to him but rather than let it take over his life he channeled his energy with the help of an amazing mum into putting something good back into the world.

His twitter following grew from 1000 to 80000 in 5 months. The England Football team supported him, Brian spoke of football clubs each having their club colours turned into bracelets and being sold through the club shop. There were replenishment issues in that Harry and his family were making all the bracelets and the demand was growing such that he needed more and more people to help him in his tree house. (Brian was hired then sacked!)

The charity launch then made way for the school launch where I was lucky enough to present a painting called ‘I See’ to Harry as a surprise along with two footballers Michael Johnson and Ian Taylor from Aston villa and Birmingham city football teams.

One of the most important days of my life was this day and the feeling I got from investing just a little time in providing someone with a painting, something that comes naturally and easily to me, was amazing.

A short while after I received the most special letter from harry saying thank you. I will treasure this letter and the many memories I have of Harry forever and a day.

I am one of the lucky ones, I met Harry. He did not know it but he has shaped my business, my outlook and future. And I am thankful to have known such a boy.

Let the light shine on for Harry.

www.helpharryhelpothers.com

www.twitter.com/harry_moseley

When discretionary business expenditure is under pressure, the uncertainties of traditional marketing interventions such as advertising, mail shots, cold-calling and exhibitions begin to look less attractive.

Over the last three years, structured business networking has exploded in popularity. Membership of industry associations, chambers of commerce, Institute of Directors or a variety of social and sports clubs all provide networking opportunities. Structured business networking is distinguished from more general networking by the level of intentionality of the participants and the formality of the events they attend.

At the opposite end of the spectrum from BNI is the Black Pearl Club. This is the top end club in a portfolio of networking groups founded by Tanya Rennick under the ‘Oyster Club’ umbrella. An evening with the Black Pearl Club includes champagne and formal dining under the chandeliers of Home House, Portman Square. The emphasis is on fun, good food, good wine and good company. A guest photographer and guest speaker will be part of the evening. Yes, networking is part of the intention, and individuals are introduced and circulated during the evening, but richer relationships can develop which extend beyond, what is for some, the mechanistic, transactional style of a BNI-style agenda.

If you are tired of the agenda driven networking treadmill then the Black Pearl Club is for you.

Do let me know how you find it.

charles.mclachlan@chiefexecutive.com
Business & Finance Editor of
www.kensingtonandchelseatoday.co.uk