Entrepreneurs

Free Business Networking Event 10th March Dublin

By Anne Kiely  |  2010/02/26 17:10 Posted in Business Networking, Entrepreneurs, Ireland Business  |  Comments (0)

FREE Business Owners Network event, Bewley’s, Ballsbridge, Dublin,  Wednesday March 10th @ 6pm

The next event is March 10th in Bewley’s Hotel Ballsbridge at 6pm. The February event had a record 115 business owners present As always, the event is 100% FREE to attend, so please help spread the word!  Please register at; http://events.linkedin.com/FREE-Business-Owners-Network-Event-Wed/pub/246465

Here are some photos of the February event. http://www.davidmcauleyphotography.ie/?Action=_VC&id=6001810&ppwd=bonfeb

If you would like to be a sponsor at the event, please let them know, they have slots available. Help to make March the 10th the biggest event to date.

Five Critical Elements to an Effective Collaboration

By Anne Kiely  |  2010/02/24 18:34 Posted in Business Networking, Entrepreneurs, Public Relations  |  Comments (0)

Thank you to A Michelle Blakely for giving permission for this article to be used here:

5 critical elements to an effective collaboration

Successful businesses are built on collaborations: functional collaborations. No business can survive without establishing and developing powerful relationships with like-minded business owners. Even the most marketable products and services need outside forces and influences to reach their target market and achieve optimum sales results. However, there is a method to developing effective collaborations. You simply cannot connect, partner and venture into business with any business. Whether you are a solopreneur or have a small staff, your ability to effectively create collaborations is crucial to your business success. You need to know who to connect with, what value you each bring to the table, what are the terms and how will you keep the communication lines open.

Here are 5 ways to ensure your collaborations are effective and meaningful:

1. Power partner: Select business owners who have products or services that complement yours and have the client base you are looking for. Their mindset, motivations, visions and business practices should also be compatible with yours. Don’t be afraid to approach someone who is already at your next level. If your product or service is strong enough, it could be an opportunity for you to expand.

2. Determine the value and incentives: know what you can and can’t bring to the table. Know what is expected of you and what you expect of your partner(s). Determine the benefits of the collaboration and are they aligned with your values. Never sacrifice the integrity of your business for a sale.

3. Spell it out in black and white: collaborations really should be in writing. Having your terms and agreement in writing will help eliminate any misunderstandings or miscommunications. Knowing who is responsible for what will set the boundaries of your relationship.

4. Client sharing and management (follow-up): you want to expand your client base while maintaining your identity. Remain separate, but equal. How are referrals handled? What is the process for contacting referrals? Is there a referral fee involved? It’s okay to share client databases; but be sure you have an established follow-up system for handling each other’s clients. Your clients should receive and expect the same quality and level of service from your partner.

5. Communication: be sure to schedule regular meetings to review your collaborative relationships, make necessary adjustments and outline growth strategies. It’s important to remember that in collaborations, your partner’s success depends on your success and vice versa. Having a formal collaborative partnership could make all the difference for your business. No business owner is an island. Savvy business owners and entrepreneurs know when to ask for help and know how to leverage their product or services. 

 A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.

Kerry Businesswoman’s Hot Pepper Jellies going down a treat

By Anne Kiely  |  2010/02/15 17:27 Posted in Entrepreneurs, Ireland Business, Kerry Business, Kerry County Enterprise Board  |  Comments (0)

When Kerry-born Melanie Harty lived in the USA, she dreamed of making and selling her Harty’s hot pepper jellies back in her home town of Tralee.  That dream came true in 2009 and Harty’s Foods was awarded Best Grocery Product at SHOP 2009 and commended in the Best Irish category at the show – the major event in the Irish food and drink retail industry. 

Melanie was already well known in Tralee as owner-manager of The Cookery restaurant for ten years and used her wide experience of the food industry to develop, test and launch her range of four jellies.  They are all made in Ireland from the highest quality natural ingredients and are suitable for vegetarians and coeliacs.  They can be used as a dip, spread, sauce, marinade, seasoning or glaze or to add zing to sandwiches and stir-fries.  Melanie describes them as “spicy, sweet and peppery” and gives added value with her recipe leaflet and serving suggestions for the four varieties: Ginger, Jalapeno, Chargrilled and Hot Pepper.

 Melanie explains:

“While working in Washington D.C. and South Carolina I became passionate about the melting pot of ethnic cuisine synonymous with North American cooking. I was struck by the great taste and versatility of pepper jelly – a condiment that is increasingly popular Stateside and has its roots in the spicy rustic home-cooked food of Texas and its surrounding southern states”.

 Through Kerry County Enterprise Board’s Advance Food Programme, Melanie was able to develop her branding, design and production to bring her products to market.  In January 2010, Melanie was delighted to be one of the panel of speakers at the Young Enterpreneurs Bootcamp in Tralee.

 Since winning the awards, Melanie has been kept busy supplying many gourmet food halls and food retail shops and the products are selling well.  The most popular so far is the Jalapeno Jelly with an extra kick and a lingering finish.  Details of stockists can be obtained by contacting Harty’s Foods at info@hartysfoods.com.

For further information, visit www.hartysfoods.com

Enquiries can also be made to Anne Kiely of Kiely & Associates PR on 085 7163762 or kielyassocs@gmail.com

Haiti Connect – press release

By Anne Kiely  |  2010/02/01 20:03 Posted in Entrepreneurs, Ireland Business  |  Comments (0)

OK, this post is not about Kerry business but this is a project started by a business person in Ireland, so I am including this press release here (prepared and distributed without fees).

IRISH PROJECT WITH WORLDWIDE VOLUNTEERS IS CONNECTING HAITI

 Good channels of communication in Haiti after the January earthquake are a key factor in the massive relief efforts by multiple agencies.  That’s why Haiti Connect is gathering a team of qualified engineers and support staff to build wifi mesh networks in the country.

 Evert Bopp, wifi expert and co-ordinator of this voluntary initiative, explains:

“Wifi equipment is easy to install, configure and use.  Licences are not needed, the equipment is relatively cheap  and there are a lot of wifi-enabled devices already in Haiti.  We aim to have people on the ground for three to six months to build a sustainable network and we will also concentrate on training local people to maintain and extend the network.”

 There has been a huge wave of interest already, fuelled by social media networks Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.  Over 20 volunteers have already been recruited.  The team, initially of 10 people in Haiti, will give access to the networks to any group which needs it, but will give priority to those providing services for civilians and civilian authorities.  Different teams of 10 are likely to switch every two weeks.  The networks will be suitable for voice (VOIP) and data traffic to enable internet access and telephone services. 

 Members of the team will take with them food, shelter, water purification systems, medical kit, generators and fuel and have already been in contact with local telecommunication companies  who have confirmed that there is a need for the networks to be built.  A security advisor will be part of the team to ensure protection of both personnel and equipment.  The call for volunteers continues – for wifi and general communications specialists, network engineers, tower climbers and also team leaders, security staff, a cook and clerical staff.  Financial donations are already coming in, as well as promises of equipment from the requirements listed on the website -http://haiti-connect.org/

Kerry Enterprise Network

By Anne Kiely  |  2009/11/09 17:52 Posted in Business Networking, Entrepreneurs, Kerry Business, Kerry events  |  Comments (1)

Computers to Chocolate – melt-down or success?
 
Colm Healy is a man who likes chocolate…… come to the Kerry County Enterprise Board’s  Network meeting on Monday 16th November and find out why!
 
Colm has been Owner and Managing Director of Skelligs Chocolate Company since October 2004, but his earlier business career focused on providing IT services for SMEs.  He describes his 20 years of business experience as “running various service-orientated businesses through technical and now food manufacturing”.
 
On Monday 16th November, 7 for 7.30 pm at the Killarney Park Hotel, he will tell us about his experiences and the ups and downs of business.
 
Ballinskelligs-based Skelligs Chocolate Company has the distinction of being the most westerly chocolate maker in Europe.  They can produce over 60 varieties of hand-made truffles – each batch takes about 5 days to produce.  In March 2006, the company joined with the Cocoa Bean Company, which makes flavoured chocolate bars. 
 
Colm has recently studied for a Diploma in Business Management at UCC.  He comments:
 
“The recession gave us time to breathe and to look at the research information we had amassed but never had time to look at.  I don’t like recession fatigue – while it’s not easy for any of us, most are getting by.  Our company decided on a positive course of action; if a business is sound it will ultimately survive even when the times are rough.  Our passion for our products has enabled us to win many Great Taste Awards”.
 
Colm’s current plans include expansion into the premium chocolate market in the USA.
 
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING, PLEASE POST A COMMENT HERE.

The Darra Project

By Anne Kiely  |  2009/10/19 09:34 Posted in Entrepreneurs, Kerry Business  |  Comments (0)

If you run a business or are thinking of starting a business in Miltown Malbay or Tarbert and surrounding areas, and you need advice on how your company can make better use of technology to improve competitiveness, then click on the Registration button at the top of the page at http://www.darraproject.com and join in this Shannon Development initiative.

Why register?

Registration gives you access to all of the resources of the DARRA Project website, including the Self Assessment Questionnaire, Case Studies for a range of small businesses like your own, useful ICT, Business and Innovation Planning templates, links to business resources on the web, information about the DARRA Project in the Shannon Region, and most importantly it enables you to participate in the project and benefit from the development of an individual ICT Plan for your business.

Anyone who is already in business or is thinking about starting a new business in Miltown Malbay or Tarbert and surrounding areas is welcome to participate.

To register, simply complete the Registration Form and choose a Username and Password.

IT Tralee courses now available in Killarney

By Anne Kiely  |  2009/10/17 16:08 Posted in Entrepreneurs, Kerry Business, Small Business  |  Comments (0)

The Institute of Technology, Tralee welcomes applications for the following programmes which will run in Killarney from November 2009:
1. Certificate in Entrepreneurship Studies
2. Certificate in Rural Tourism Development
3. Institute of Technology, Tralee Preparatory Programme

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Wednesday, 21st October 2009.

Click on www.ittralee.ie/krlc for more information on the Killarney Regional Learning Centre or contact John Moriarty on 064-6671055,  email John.Moriarty@staff.ittralee.ie.

Arthur Guinness Fund for Social Entrepreneurs

By Anne Kiely  |  2009/10/17 12:31 Posted in Entrepreneurs  |  Comments (0)

Thank you to www.smallbusinesscan.com for alerting us to the existence of the Arthur Guinness Fund for social entrepreneurs:

The Arthur Guinness Fund is now open for applications from social entrepreneurs around Ireland. Established as part of the Guinness 250 celebrations, the Arthur Guinness Fund pays tribute to Arthur Guinness and his philanthropic legacy. The Fund will support projects that deliver lasting social, community and environmental benefits.

Guinness & Co. has partnered with Social Entrepreneurs Ireland to implement this initiative, which will seek to identify, support and empower people who are passionate about making a difference to society and who have projects and initiatives that are innovative, impactful and sustainable.

Successful applicants will benefit from financial support (in the region of 100,000 per project) as well as practical support and advice. In addition, successful applicants will benefit from access to the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Alumni Network. Be sure to spread the word to anyone you know who might have a great idea and is eligible to apply. You may like to consider adding this note to your website or emailing it to your client distribution list.

For more information and to apply to the fund, please visit www2.guinness.com/en-ie/Pages/250-fund-j1.aspx

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2009. If you have any questions please email TheArthurGuinnessFundIrel@diageo.com

Irish Patents Office

By Anne Kiely  |  2009/10/13 15:36 Posted in Entrepreneurs, Ireland Business  |  Comments (0)

There’s some really helpful information on the website of the Irish Patents Office – http://www.patentsoffice.ie

As well as the content about patents, there’s also information on trade marks, copyright and design.  The journals, published fortnightly, are available to download and include lists of applications for patents.  I would love to hear more about the waterproof wrap-around skirt, generating a tourist record in a computerised system, a cosmic pillow, a self-weighing luggage device and many more!  There’s also great logos/trademarks for Conn O’Mara and Dog Training Ireland Limited – fascinating stuff!

Mid-West Regional Business Week

By Anne Kiely  |  2009/09/18 11:31 Posted in Business Networking, Entrepreneurs, Kerry Business, Kerry events, Small Business  |  Comments (0)

Regional Business Week for the counties of Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary North as well as Limerick City runs from Monday 5th October to Friday 9th October.  Events are listed at www.regionalbusinessweek.com or contact kielyassocs@gmail.com for a copy of the programme as a .pdf.

There are events throughout the counties, with the official opening by Ms Mary Coughlan TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, on Monday 5th October at 2 pm at Westpark Business Campus, Shannon, County Clare.  This is followed by Enterprise Expo, chaired by Vincent Browne.

Other highlights include the Clare Women’s Business Network on Tuesday 6th October in Ennis, and Network Limerick on the same date in Limerick City on “Embracing Change, overcoming adversity and starting over again”.   On Thursday 8th October, Sean Gallagher of Dragons’ Den will speak at a regional networking event at the Radisson Hotel in Limerick City (5.30 to 8.30 pm).  On the same date, Tipperary North County Enterprise Board are running a one-day course on Social Media and Conversation Marketing.  A half-day seminar “Leadership for Competitive Edge” at Limerick Institute of Technology on Thursday 8th October will address leadership issues for SME owner-managers. 

The Irish Franchise Association will be holding seminars in various locations.  Kerry County Enterprise Board are offering a Business Idea Clinic in Tralee on Monday 5th October and Killarney on Thursday 8th October as well as a Marketing Workshop on the same dates.  A Green Business workshop in Tralee on Tuesday 6th October will offer advice on improving efficiency through reducing waste.