At their January meeting, Surrey branch members were delighted to welcome Lee Warren, the renowned magician and director of Invisible Advantage, reports branch chairman Wesley Harrison CFP^CM.

Lee gave an inspiring and interactive talk entitled, 'How to persuade anyone to do anything'. Often referred to as a rival to Derren Brown, Lee's talk showed attendees how listening, body language and simple psychology can help everyone to use these fascinating skills ethically and in business situations.
If nothing else, all those present will remember Lee for the acronym 'HAM PIE' which he claims "sums up everything you need to know about persuasion". If you're wandering what that stands for; its Hearts And Minds, Pictures, Images and Emotion. Lee was well-received and I think everyone there requested a copy of his eBook, which is definitely worth a read.
Our February meeting with the title 'Understanding legacy' must have appeared to be a more serious affair and with only eight attendees from a confirmed twenty, that may have been what a lot of those who stayed away thought.
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However, the entertaining double act of Graeme Price (UBS) and Professor Paul Palmer (Cass Business School) made for a thoroughly entertaining afternoon. Who would have imagined making provision for charitable giving through sound Financial Planning could have been so thought-provoking and interesting? Paul was very charismatic and is one of the leading authorities on charitable giving in the UK if not the world. Anyone involved in charitable giving and philanthropic investing should get in touch with Graeme and Paul.
So, with a five month old son, an extremely busy office and my first STEP Diploma exam looming in May some might suggest I have bitten off more than I can chew with the branch chairmanship. With two meetings down and seven to go, I am feeling the pressure. But I would not change it for the world and what a great opportunity it has been to meet the wider Financial Planning community in and around Surrey.
Like my predecessor Claire Menni, now chair of London, I strongly encourage all readers to forward the meeting invites to their teams to encourage them to come along and to see what they are missing. They will be sure to get a warm welcome, useful CPD and some great tips and ideas thrown in for good measure.

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