Back at my desk after Independents Day 2010 and I thought I’d put a few initial impressions of the day down on paper.

Before anything else I have to say what a wonderful bunch of delegates we had. The enthusiasm, openness to ideas new and old and the friendliness made the whole experience an absolute pleasure for me personally and I hope all who attended.

The event kicked off with Independents Night on Monday evening. Nick & I expected we get 30, maybe 40 takers. In the end we had 85 people and a fantastic evening. Our inaugural after dinner speak, doyenne of the comedy circuit, optometry and famous for front line staff training was the one and only Sarah Morgan. Sarah always delivers and this was no exception. Many thanks Sarah. This is the first time we have hosted an event that included booking rooms and so we both felt a little apprehensive. In the event, other than the odd inevitable glitch that we were able to easily sort, all went better than we could ever have hoped. So much so that I didn’t get to bed until 2.30 and was up again at 6.00. When will I grow up!

The event was such a success that, by attendee demand, we will be repeating it next year. So if you didn’t make it this year put it in your diary now.

The actual day was an interesting for me, it taught me even at my advancing age I can still learn. Andrew McMillan, our keynote, was even better than I’d hoped and certainly spread a bit of the old John Lewis magic around, but all our speakers were great and spoke with such passion and commitment that you couldn’t help but be impressed.

The big theme for the day for me was just how much the speakers and the delegates enjoy what they do. Time and time again I heard phrases like “It’s more than a job it’s a hobby” and I guess that is why there will always be a strong independent sector in the UK, because if you believe in something that much and you believe in yourself it’s got to work.

At the end of the day we should never forget that as well as all the sales gizmo’s, fancy instruments and the ability to be individualistic in style and branding, the most saleable asset in your practice is you!

Nick and I have already started planning next year Independents which will be on the 4th July 2011, with Independents evening being on the 3rd. Our new keynote speaker is booked so make sure you book the time out to come and join in the fun.

Kind regards,

David Goad