Yesterday I had the privilege of a great presentation by Robert Craven. The original title had been Surviving a Recession, it doesn't matter as the key theme has always got to be "Let's talk about more profit".

Personally I think profit has to measured and proved by the cash in the bank. Many's the company that's gone to the wall by having lots of profit, lots of stock, lots of debtors and negative cash.

Normally of course the banks love this situation, they can provide an overdraft, or they can factor your invoices, they'll even find a subsidiary to finance your stock.

Now they desperately need you to be cashflow positive so that you can deposit the cash with them to bolster their ratios, bolster their balance sheets.

I met some ten people all of whom I'd love to do business with, all positive, all looking forward, all driving, all confident in their businesses:
- limousine company
- telecoms company
- structural engineers
- chewing gum cleaners
- sportswear manufacturers
- motor vehicle servicing
- chocolate supplier
- chiropractic clinic
- tearoom and cafe
- management consultant

Lots of ideas from round the room, everyone thinking hard, everyone looking inwards to check what they could be doing better.

Good to meet people, good to review how we work, good to exchange experiences.

Venue was good - Hilton Hotel, Portsmouth.