Association Meeting

Attending: Johnny Debt, Debbie Baker, Sabine Landells, Tina Bessant, Andy Coleman, Sue Frost

Apologies: Graham Jones, Stuart Fradley and Simon Hook

No it wasn't really and Association meeting, it was the first gathering of like-minded people. However I think the general outcome of the meeting was, that it would be good to start an association.

Suggestions:-

Membership: - Rule # 1. No shafting other members! Other rules we will make up as we go along. Membership will not just be limited to the debt industry........any money related industry can become a member.

Paperwork: - I would like to see this standardised; so that when leads are passed on, we are all using the same Fact Find. Also when sending creditors Income Expenditures they are in a standardised format and association logo, this will also give us more credibility as an organisation/individual/company.

Relationships: - I would like to see the organisation develop relationships with other businesses, that will enhance our core businesses. I would also like to see us develop relationships with the so called "enemy" creditors. I personally have a contact with Intrum Justitia, and I believe Graham also has a contact with MCS. I would like to see us develop a good working relationship with all creditors, so that we can understand their side, and also present client information that will be to all our advantage. If we understand their system and what they want, maybe we will get better result - less creditor pressure - better settlements etc. ?

Professional Solutions: - Give all members the opportunity to market their products to other members. Give members the opportunity to access Individuals such as IP's , OR's Property Specialists, sub prime mortgages, and the list just goes on and on!!

Distribution: - Create a network across the UK for Debt/Money solutions.

Referrals: - Through creating a large network, referrals will naturally be generated. There is also other stuff in the pipeline for referral generation.........Ha, ha, where have we all heard that before. Anyway watch this space.

Meetings: - I would like to see regular meetings!! I would like to see not only members but open invite to guest, and guest speakers (hopefully say my guy from Intrum Justitia). Basically people/businesses with innovative ideas to help us to do better business.
A central meeting location would be ideal - but that is not always ideal is it? So maybe a couple of regular locations to allow members better access?
I would also like to try and arrange interesting meetings at the businesses location, if they have the capacity to do so. As an example I am trying to set up a presentation by a BMV property investor. I think the location for this, maybe at his location in Twickenham. Some members also suggested that they would like to meet with Saleah, so I have CC'd her in this eMail. We will also always try to set time aside to talk about specific difficult cases.

This then brings us onto fees..........

Fees: - I was thinking £20 a month by standing order. I just want to generate enough for a "quiet" business like venue a some fodder. Obviously as we grow we can become more elaborate with what we do.

Suggestions: - Fire away........

New Members: - If you know of someone who would like to become a member, then send this off to them, or get them to contact me.

OK I can go on, but I won't!!!!

Looking forward to seeing you all again very soon.

Have fun,

Johnny Debt