Shadows at Sunset

SME's are the future of the Irish Economy

2010-11-10T15:46:00.000Z

The future of the Irish Economy is up for a lot of debate. Many of the official policies of "Ireland Inc" as it is so called, focus on tapping into our great population of entrepreneurs and asking them to take all the risk, growing their businesses out of their comfort zone so that they can provide us with more jobs.

Ireland is the second highest country in Europe for business start-ups per capita - second only to our Polish cousins (GEM Report Ireland, 2008). You may have already seen Ronan Lyons yesterday mentioning that Ireland is one of the least difficult places to set up a business - perhaps this has something to do with our entrepreneurial nation. Another valid reason would be the infectious nature of business start-ups - if you know a self employed person, you are more likely to think of setting up a business yourself at some point in your life. At the moment we have a lot of "necessity entrepreneurship" in Ireland - people starting up a business because they have to keep the wolf from the door. At the same time, a lot of people are starting a business because they see a redundancy package as an opportunity. They always wanted to be self-employed, and now they have been given a metaphorical kick in the arse to go and do so. Before now, life (in the Celtic Tiger era) was just too damn comfy/easy to actually go out and Just Do It.

A lot is written and spoken about at government level about the importance of helping Ireland's entrepreneurs grow as big as possible, for obvious reasons. They want more jobs, more exports, more value for the Irish Economy. And it's all they can shout about. Increasing the pressure on our surviving businesses seems to me like a knee-jerk reaction to our current state of affairs rather than a well thought out one. If we take a step back and think about this for a moment, and actually talk to the entrepreneurs themselves we might find ourselves with other options. Perhaps less risky, more cautious, reasonable options.

Did you hear Stephen Pearce on The Last Word with Matt Cooper last Friday? Listen back here - he spoke about the pressures he was under, trying to keep the business afloat back in 2007, 2008. He got away from actually creating pottery - his true passion - but more importantly - his true skill set. Stephen was under financial pressure to pay massive wage bills so was making decisions about what to "create" which were directly linked to his financial needs. He mentioned having to make more of a particular product, not because he wanted to but because he had to. He felt the numbers were driving the business, rather than creativity or craftsmanship - 2 reasons which inspired him to start up in the first place. Stephen's business did extremely well - he came across grateful for the business he received from the fans of his pottery all over Ireland and beyond. Yet at the same time he had to let his staff go and close his workshops 2 years ago, when the financial crisis hit.

What is the lesson here?

Stephen was an entrepreneur but he had his limits. Don't get me wrong, I know it's clear that he doesn't consider himself a businessman first and foremost, he is a potter and craftsman who runs a business, but he is an entrepreneur, and we have to be able to tap into all sorts of entrepreneurial types if we are to get ourselves out of this economic mess. Stephen knows his own limitations now and he is going to start up his business again, grow it to a size he is happy with, and comfortable running. If Stephen stays small, or even "Medium Sized" he will still be creating jobs, adding value to the economy and exporting (he spoke of British chains in Dundrum already signing him up for Christmas). Surely it would be in our best interests as a country to look for more of these, less risky businesses, rather than pumping grant aid and financial assistance into businesses that might or might not work - why put our eggs into just a few small baskets, is what I'm asking?

Stephen's story is a public one, now that he has been on the national airwaves talking about it. I have countless other examples that I simply cannot name for confidentiality reasons, but the underlying theme from all these entrepreneurs is that they do not want to take on the huge responsibility of so many people's wages. They are real people, with real families, they understand the pressures of family life and it breaks their hearts to have to let people go in a downturn - or any time, for that matter. Why should we put that on their shoulders, when they have the maturity and wisdom to know that they are not the best positioned person to lead such huge teams?

I suppose what I'm trying to say here is that Less is More. Surely if we had a substantial increase in the number of businesses with 10-20 employees rather than just one or two big success stories, we would be creating pockets of little economic stability all over the country? Think of the spin offs.

Ireland's entrepreneurs are great in number and in capability. Let's trust their instincts. Let's not force them bigger than they believe they have the capacity to be. It will be more lucrative in the long run.

Fun Irish Festive Business

2010-11-03T15:59:00.000Z

Those fun guys at Funky Christmas Jumpers have just launched their 2010 range of silliness for the season that's coming over the snowcapped hilltop...

Lots of fun over at FunkyChristmasJumpers.com - I got this one last year but you can even get CARDIS this time around!

This time I think I'll go for the elf costume!!! Photo pinched from their own website...coz it's bril...

It's Only Money, SOS

2010-10-12T13:03:00.000+01:00

I was shocked to read another article today in the Irish Independent. It makes for very serious reading, I quote:

"The property industry is already reeling from the suicides of at least 29 developers which the Irish Property Council (IPC), an organisation that has campaigned for reform of Ireland's debt laws, says can be directly linked to the recession." Article here.

Is that not appalling?

My God I feel awful about this. Yes, we the public are upset with the economic situation. Yes, we the public are upset with the way these things were handled by banks and by the government and by property developers: the greed, the profiteering, the one-up man ship, the desire to keep up with the Joneses next door.

But for goodness sake people, it's only money. Let the banks sing for it, they took the gamble. Let developers declare bankruptcy and survive on a lot less per day. Families will still love, friends - most of them - will still play golf. This is a dark time in the economy but it's not worth a life. Yes some people should be imprisoned but we as a nation cannot make life so bad for the culprits that we drive them to suicide. We just cannot.

And so soon after National Suicide Prevention Week. Click here for more info on SOS. Suicide or Survive.

God bless the families of the 29 men who saw no other option.

Small Rant about Banks, Mortgages and The Code

2010-10-08T12:51:00.000+01:00

Did you see this today?   Article from the Irish Independent about how the banks are making a proposal to the Financial Regulator about the existing Mortgage Code. The code is there to protect mortgage owners, and in the bank's opinion, it protects them too much!! I'm so mad right now.

Basically, the banks want to propose a new code, which wouldn't allow mortgage holders to play the system as much as they might at the moment. They suspect that people who can afford to make their repayments are defaulting in order to (a) hold onto their tracker mortgage, and/or (b) not get their house repossessed. Does that make sense to you? Surely if you are worried about getting your house repossessed you cannot afford to make your repayments? I'm confused, lads.

If you sign up for a mortgage, you are taking a gamble. Should you fix? What if the rate goes down and you miss the opportunity to pay less? If it goes up you're singing. I call that a gamble. You're second guessing what could happen in the future.   If you go for a variable, you take a gamble that it might go down an interest rates along with corresponding repayment amount fluctuations will go in your favour. But like any gamble, it might not - it might go up, you might be screwed.

A tracker is no different. You pay over the odds, agree a rate to pay your bank over and above the standard ECB rate, and you track the ECB rate for the duration of your mortgage: happy out. If the ECB goes up, you're in a spot of bother, if it goes down, you're OK. If it stays the same - as it is rumoured to do, until at least the end of 2011 - you're OK. If you can make the repayments and haven't lost your job/received a massive pay cut, that is.

What the banks are proposing, is that the protection that the Mortgage Code affords mortgage holders, be diluted. Right now, if you are in arrears and make a deal with a bank to give a different repayment scheme a go, you are protected (for a year) from the bank approaching you for repossession. The banks are concerned that people are going to take advantage of this rule and continue breaking each new agreement after 51 weeks or so, and continue to protect themselves for a further year.

What the frick is wrong with that??? I ask you!! The banks have taken advantage of every rule they possibly can in order to stay afloat, over the last 2 years especially. They have been doing it in fact for years. Big companies play the system & get away with it, and when a small company tries to do it they get screwed. We own the banks now for fcuk sake, they cannot possibly get away with trying to screw us some more. We are their saviours for Christ's sake!

In my humble opinion, just because the tracker rates are not in their favour right now does not mean they can go and reverse the binding agreement they have with us.  Tough shit lads, you're long overdue a right rollicking.  If the tables were reversed you can bet your butt they wouldn't be off chasing us going "Oh I'm terribly sorry, we seem to be making an unfairly large amount of money off you at the moment, please have some back with our compliments." You bet your sweet ass they wouldn't. Tough shit lads, stop trying to screw the people who are already fcuking bailing you out, from every conceivable angle. Fcuk the lot of you. BANKERS.

How to Find a Distributor

2010-08-24T22:26:00.000+01:00

Heard about a great new service today specifically for food businesses. Finding a good distributor for food businesses is extremely challenging, it all depends on the perishable nature of your food product - what's the shelf life, does it need to be refrigerated - all sorts of things.

Bord Bia have put some fab information online for food producers - information for distributing products all over Ireland and into the UK - great stuff.

Take a look over here.

Thank you Bord Bia for more excellent supports...alsmost as good as the Vantage website!

Pro Bono Work, the pros and cons

2010-08-11T14:40:00.000+01:00

I've been thinking about this one for a while. A good friend of a close family member asked me for some help recently. They are just looking to focus their strategy, consolidate what they've got going for them and increase good quality sales. It's a simple, straightforward local service business, nothing too mad or fancy about it.

Very kindly they offered to pay me for my services but I wouldn't hear of it. When the close family member I know them through was having a tough time a few years ago, this person was there for them. More than some other family members in fact. I would love to be able to help her out now without having to worry her purse strings. I believe that good things should come back to you.

The freebie help was met with an interesting response. I think I can understand why: she probably thinks that if there's nothing in it for me, then I won't put much effort into the project. If I were to have some vested interest, I would drive more power into my efforts, perhaps.

I regret telling her I wouldn't take anything for the work now, not because I'm broke (which I am, GOD I'm so stupid), but because giving the goods away for free is going to devalue the work that I do.

DAMNIT.

You see? This is why I haven't started up full time. I NEVER TAKE MY OWN ADVICE.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Trust Fund

2010-07-27T12:37:00.000+01:00

I just heard about this, although the news is 10 days old...sorry about that!

An exciting opportunity for existing and budding entrepreneurs based in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area of our fair city. From an article in the Indo, it looks like interest free loans are becoming available through a couple of the county's quango's!

A trust fund has been set up by Atlantic Philanthropies, the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board and the Southside Partnership. It will charge no interest (just an admin fee) over 1, 2 or 3 years and the amounts can be small like €500 or medium, like €5,000 - or anything in between. The trust has been set up to specifically aid those who want to start a business but cannot raise capital (working or otherwise) elsewhere. It is especially relevant for those who are unemployed or suffer a disability.

It sounds like you still need a business plan to apply - along with the obligatory application form - but there is no security required on these babies so all it's going to take is your time. What's more there are tons of advisors out there willing to give you a helping hand with the application form and business planning process - I'm sure DLR CEB would be able to point you in the right direction on that when you are making your enquiry.

More information is available through the DLR County Enterprise Board's website, here. Fair play to philanthropists the world over...the enterprise world needs more please!!

Richard Branson's People Factor

2010-07-21T16:32:00.000+01:00

Richard Branson tweeted earlier today about an article available online which outlines what his top five tips are for success in business - specifically for entrepreneurs.

In sum, they are:

Find good people
Realise that the employees are the business
Look for the best in your people - lavish praise, never criticise
Don't take yourself too seriously
Just do it

To read the entire article, pop over to TODAYonline...

Banks and Lending

2010-05-14T14:52:00.000+01:00

It's about time!

Minister for Enterprise going into the banks with his steelie-toed booties on to get them to start getting money moving in the SME sector again.

Go on ye good thing. I hope your boots are strong and heavy.

Quality of New Businesses

2010-05-12T12:27:00.003+01:00

This recession has brought some excellent business ideas out of the rafters. I'm friends with a lot of people who work in the area of small business - advisors, mentors, bankers, credit union staff, people who train and work with entrepreneurs every other day. They are all having similar experiences lately - businesses are coming out of the woodwork, and they're good.

I shouldn't sound so surprised, but let's think about it. Recession hits, many lose their jobs, people panic and think "I'll create myself a job." I was concerned that many would start businesses to keep the wolf from the door, without experience or know-how and end up risking what savings their family had left.

It is inspiring to see so many excellent businesses beginning. People are realising that they have had an idea niggling at the back of their mind for so long but never done anything about it because "they never got around to it." Substitute the words "lazy" and "too comfortable" as you see fit.

Now that we have more time on our hands because we cannot afford as many holidays, gym memberships, nights out and costly activities; now that the we know the wolf is prowling around out there but we have a choice as to whether we invite him in, we are thinking.

Innovation is a big push at government level - anyone who watched last Monday's Aftershock on RTÉ1 will have seen and heard a lot of talk around this, and the knowledge economy, or the smart economy. There's tons of it about. More importantly, start-up's are more cautious. Previously thrown to the wind when credit flowed freely, now entrepreneurs are starting to listen to their guts and 6th senses to make sure they don't risk the redundancy package on something that just won't work.

Cleverer, sharper, less reckless, more efficient and more cost effective start-up businesses are sprouting up all over Ireland. Quesions like "who will buy this? what will they pay for it?" are getting answered before investment takes place - previously there was an attitude of If You Build It They Will Come.

This is partly to do with the fact that investment itself is scarce. Delighted to see that Simply Zesty got €500k investment today, on their 1st birthday no less. That's some present! Imagine the competition for that cash. Fair play to them.

Business Angels have never been busier - or more in demand. When margins are tight, what little profits we generate don't need to shoot off into the bank accounts of venture capitalists. Angels are where the demand is...

Moral of the post... Green shoots of hope springing up all over the place.

Show me the Money - Credit Review

2010-04-23T16:03:00.006+01:00

There has been talk on the ground for some time about how the banks HAVE TO lend to the SME sector to try and survive the recession and all the gloom it brings.

Banks involved in NAMA are going to have to play ball with SME's, and Enterprise Ireland have set up a website full of information about making the system work for you.

The "Credit Review Office" as it is called was launched this month, without too much fanfare I'm sorry to say.

Essentially it's there as a support service for those who have been refused credit by banks involved in NAMA.

Some text from their site:
"The Credit Review Office has been established to conduct this review process and will accept applications from SMEs, sole traders and small and medium-sized farm enterprises that have had their application for credit refused or reduced or have had credit facilities withdrawn, and feel that the bank’s decision is unjustified. The Credit Review Office will, on application from the borrower, carry out an independent and impartial review of the bank’s decision."

Best of luck to anyone who needs this service and anyone who gives it a go. Let us know how it works out.

Making money from Blogging

2010-04-14T12:32:00.003+01:00

Excellent post here at the Beaut.ie blog on how they make money over there. Aisling and Kirstie are always open and honest about revenue generating devices but it seems that in light of their Grand Prix win at this year's blog awards, they needed to stand over their business side of things a little more.

Way to go ladies, you are both an inspiration to other business start-ups and ecommerce sites out there. Congrats!

Ireland Inc

2010-04-13T15:36:00.004+01:00

There was something else bothering me that I wanted to flag here. The attitude of a small number of people who are not pulling together to try and help companies become more efficient so they can compete in global markets.

Think of this - it has happened twice in the last month - 2 different people asking me if I know anyone in two different foreign markets who might be able to help them find a supplier or two of raw materials. Totally different businesses, totally different requirements - similar request - "can you put me in touch with someone" - which is, let's face it, what business is all about.

I personally don't have a problem with helping international business flourish. The stuff they need can't be sourced here; they're having to buy it in from the UK and elsewhere. I'm an advocate of the ThinkIrish campaign, so if they can't get it here then it's ok by me that we look elsewhere.

Makes sense, right? We all do it, it works, no harm no foul.

Apparently not. When I called Enterprise Ireland (have contacts there from previous employment & some recent research I was doing) I was met with very helpful people who all seemed to point me in the right directions. Then I called the International offices for some detail on how to go about this sort of thing. BRICK WALL. They don't feel "comfortable" assisting these guys in any way. Their role is to assist Irish companies in exporting, not the other way around.

Yes, I realise that, thank you, I'm not entirely stupid. All I'm looking for is a name - like the Exporters Association for the 2 different regions I'm researching. Do you happen to know anyone there? I thought we were all about pulling together for the sake of our poor little broke nation? It always helps to have a specific name in these situations, I can use Google myself.

And that's what they suggested I do. Use Google. Tell the people who were asking me for help, to use Google.

Can you believe that?

So I wrote a stinky email to a few people back in EI that I know, telling them about my experiences and lo & behold - a message came back so fast with names and direct lines that that I had to laugh.

They helped me, I passed on that good information, and away we go, Ireland Inc working hard once again to try and survive this quagmire of economic disaster.

Funding

2010-04-13T15:22:00.003+01:00

It's long overdue, this post. Apols for that. Personal stuff getting in the way of blogging I'm afraid.

So! The funding situation in Ireland is getting beyond pants. For those trying to run and/or start up a new business, the avenues to take are closing up and becoming more congested.

What can we do to help?

The banks are very limited in what they can do. 2 contrasting voices from the same bank have told me recently that -
1) They are only taking applications from existing customers who have a kick-ass business plan
and/or
2) They are taking applications from just about anyone but they have to have a kick-ass business plan which is more financial projections than words.

So that's all very helpful isn't it?

Anyone talking to me lately has difficulty with just that - financial projections. They're all very pie-in-the-sky aren't they? They have their place but how accurate can they be in this day & age when each and every market is so volatile at the moment? It's just so hard for people to get funding from anywhere!

And then to take the County Enterprise Boards - who are advertising like Billio at the moment - and discover that yes, they have new grants which are all very exciting but lo - the budgets have been slashed for 2010 and they don't know if they're going to be around in 2011! What good is that to the small business community, who cannot get funding from banks or building societies, have been let go from their jobs and have no rich uncle to act as their angel?

More and more faces are recognisable on Dragon's Den. RTÉ was inundated with applications for this year's programme, why? Because nobody has a choice. The avenues have dried up; the obstacles in the way on the remaining avenues are next to impassable.

This post didn't start out with the futile tone that is has grown into. There have to be options out there for people. There has to be an answer for all of this, more than just hopping on a plane to Canada or Oz, if you are lucky enough to be an expert in a field that they need & want.

The funding pie in Ireland is getting smaller, and the number of slices required is getting higher by the day. Someone close to me said recently - the cream will float to the top and Ireland Inc will be left with some great companies in a few years time.

That's very true, and I look forward to that time, but between now and then - what happens to all the other people who are fire fighting to keep their businesses afloat and families warm and dry?

Serious funding situation

2010-02-27T00:34:00.000Z

I'm brewing a lengthy one for this blog around the topic of funding. It's not going to be groundbreaking, more along the lines of exasperation. I don't know where to start right now so I won't. Until I'm ready.

There are a lot of points to consider. I don't want to rock all the boats in the shipyard but something has to be done about the cash situation for small businesses in Ireland.

Too frequently do we hear of micro enterprise being the forgotten group of commercial entities when it comes to this "government" of ours. Truth be told they're not governing at all. They're not working to keep big business here, they're not working any more diligently to intice more multinational business here. They're all talk about creating jobs and that's just it. It's just talk.

Let me stew on this some more. There must be a solution out there. Has to be.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

David McWilliams

2010-02-24T16:11:00.002Z

He's telling it like it really is, over here on his blog. I haven't always agreed with David and the way he explains things - being a jaron-creator, for example - but his words today are clear and well thought out. I think more people need to read it. Go!

Advice

2010-02-16T11:19:00.002Z

I should start taking my own.

Had the coolest idea for a blogpost at the weekend, and had no pen/notebook with me to jot down my ideas. Which is something I'm always suggesting that people should have with them - especially if they're working on being innovative in their business. You just never know when a good idea will hit!

Maybe I should have Tweeted the reminder to myself and favourited it from Tweetie or something. Sigh.

So here I am, idea-less on a Tuesday. Sorry about that...

Have a Happy Pancake Day anyway :)

WorldVision, Hugh Jackman & Haiti

2010-02-12T14:42:00.003Z

WorldVision is one of my favourite charities. If you haven't had a chance to donate to a Haiti fund yet, perhaps you could consider theirs. They are located all over the world and their Irish offices happily take donations online here. They don't just do Child Sponsorship (yes, they're THAT charity from the ads on telly) - you can just make a single donation, no problem at all.

Farmville as an Enterprise Learning Tool

2010-02-12T11:00:00.002Z

Don't laugh, think about it.

How many thousands of online simulation games are there, lots of which surround the idea of running a business or a city or a lifestyle and staying afloat while you do it?

The thought crossed my mind as I was on Facebook recently; a lot of my friends play Farmville so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It's not too taxing on the brain, gets boring after a while yes but it's still a bit of fun.

Whatever about the money making motivations of the developers, I think the application has its merits. It teaches young would-be entrepreneurs about buying and selling, tending a project to make sure it doesn't wither, working a few areas at once to ensure maximum return as quickly as possible... Game Points are ranked on 2 levels - Experience and Coins. There's cash too, but that's more for the developers as it takes real-life cash to get some Farmville cash. Which is a pain because there's no return on the real investment, so we won't go there.

Different crops have different XP (experience) ratings. They will take different times to grow and cost different amounts of money. The user takes the few coins they have and tries to make them into more coins. Simple, right? Just like in business... Start small and grow.

The player competes with their friends to see what level they can get to - the higher the XP the higher the level. It also shows the user about working together - if you give your friends/neighbours a little something, they will give a little something back which will make your farming life easier and maybe even more efficient - e.g. they might give you some fuel for the tractor you just saved up to buy. Which makes ploughing quicker and more efficient.

This is a very simple game and concept for teaching people what it's like to juggle a few areas at once. It's obviously nowhere near as sophisticated as the bike shops, airline games and other retail outlet simulators I've played in the past but there are definite similarities. I think Farmville has the potential to tap into a kid's entrepreneurial spirit which could be further encouraged by fully developed simulators like Mike's Bikes and the Small Business Game.

From Cobwebs, a Phoenix

2010-01-19T15:51:00.005Z

I can't really believe that it's been so long since I posted some news here. It has been a hectic few months - there is usually a lull around the festive season when it comes to business advice and helping people figure out their business plans, but this year is different.

Even when we were snowed in I had a pile of business plans on the desk for reading and marking and delivering feedback. The great thing about my job is that I can read, think and make phonecalls from just about anywhere.

The great thing I can say about all the people I have helped is that they are focussed, dedicated and like sponges are absorbing all of the advice I can give them, going away and doing something about the hurdles they face. I'm so proud of the businesses that are fighting back and rising out of the flames of this recession. So proud.

Businesses are getting cleverer - those that will survive are having to. Cutting out costs wherever they can, delivering extra services for their clients, remembering to - and enjoying - the strengthening of relationships they have with loyal customers. Remembering to reward that loyalty - back to Fergal Quinn's days of "crowning" the customer. It all sounds so simple.

It can be. Just take a moment to look at your business and put yourself in the shoes of your customer - what would they want? What are they really interested in? Stop thinking about what you can do (in terms of fantastical capabilities) and start thinking about what you can do for them.

It is that simple. Good luck!

Where've I been?

2009-12-01T11:37:00.004Z

Well, working my socks off that's where. But enough of that.

Today, I'm looking over all the #outvesting candidates and trying to find my winners. Had been thinking about five bunches of ten votes then had considered four bunches - one x 20 and three x 10's, then had stopped thinking about that and just opened the spreadsheet with interest.

Lots of debate over on Google groups about what way we should all vote. Merits in all arguments I must say, I'm nervous about a public voting system but also think it's cool, like a little cheerleading squad for the start-up(s) we believe in most.

I am also worried. I know a few businesses there. In person and in Twitter and in Blogworld... So, tough decisions all 'round. Thank goodness I have until Saturday to decide!! Not only which businesses to go for but also which way to vote ;) Would just like to say a huge thank you and well done to John & James for organising it - you guys are pretty marvellous.

In other news... I'm flipping gutted that a certain Ms Kelly has been booted out of the Apprentice. I had been hoping my suspicions were incorrect yesterday but alas... Murmurings on Lucinda's twitter and facebook pages about new business launches and her job at eircom proved that Mr Penny Apples had indeed made the wrong decision (in my humble...) That said, she is making the most of the opportunity (saw her on Ireland am this morning!) and I have every faith that she will be "most likely to succeed" of all the candidates in there. Well gone girl, and best of luck with the new biz!! G'wan the entrepreneurs! Who's taking bets on Lucinda being on the enterprise seminar circuit in no time at all... She's a blogger, too ;)

Testing one for tomorrow

2009-11-13T14:09:00.000Z

Or do I mean today?

Golly, I just don't know what I mean...

So the plan for this evening is some of this:

While listening to some of this:

Should be fun!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Testing, testing. Blog two three

2009-11-13T00:49:00.001Z

Evenin' All,

Don't mind me. Running a quick test to see if this Blogpress thing works well or not.

Now to add a photo...

Since this is my first blogpost direct from my lovely iPhone I thought a picture of its box would be appropriate.

Now let's see if this works...

*clicks "Done" button*

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Outvesting is a go, submit your entry by 21st November

2009-11-05T12:49:00.003Z

Go! Go! Go!

Outvesting is looking for good businesses to invest its first €5,000 in so get going! Submit a form to the organisers by 21st November and let the investors decide who should get the cash injection. There's just a wufoo form you've to fill out...

GOOD LUCK!!!

Now - go go go!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

2009-10-30T11:56:00.004Z

Went to see this last night and enjoyed it. Even burst out laughing on one occasion... Guffaw-like.

The movie was - far out - that's the only way I can describe it. It was very out there, even for Terry Gilliam! You could see influence from Monty Python's Flying Circus all over the place. They worked the Heath Ledger/Colin Farrell/Jude Law/Johnny Depp thing extremely well. I don't want to ruin it for anyone else by going into too much detail. Amazing set design, utterly mental costumes and groovy special effects.

A very strange movie but I'm glad I saw it!

Here's the trailer - enjoy -

Irish Web Awards 2009

2009-10-12T10:24:00.003+01:00

Mr Mulley has done it again - organised an entire awards ceremony to showcase the best websites out there in a whole range of categories.

Saturday night saw 2009's IWA's take place at the Radisson in Golden Lane, in Dublin. I was gutted not to be able to make it as I had volunteered to be one of their non-IT-person judges. I had found the experience both challenging and fun - it's great to be a part of something good ;)

Full List of winners & sponsors available - here!

Congratulations to all of the award winners - and to the nominees, take it from me... The standard was pretty high and it took ages to grade the top sites in any category. Top class websites all over the place...

Culch.ie's take on Barack Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-09T16:32:00.003+01:00

Culch.ie is a groovy website. Some excellently entertaining posts over the months but also some that make you think.

Today had two great ones, both from the same author - Darragh Doyle!

First up to grab my attention was this post on the latest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, El Presidente. Some think it's too soon, I disagree.

Second up from Senor Doyle was an interesting post on blogging and disclosure. Ethics, eh? What a mare! The post was written yesterday but I only saw it today...

May I take this opportunity to stand up and say I'm not sponsored to do any posts on any item here or over at t'other more personal blogaroo. All opinions here are just that - opinion. My own.

So thank you Darragh for bringing a little thought to my day.

*Skips off to high-five the Nobel chaps for some innovative thinking...*

Have a nice weekend!

TV3 Start Your Own Business Competition

2009-10-06T11:21:00.003+01:00

TV3 are running a competition for 5 competitors to battle it out for a start-up prize valued at €50,000, which includes advertising, sales training, IT support services and admin/telephone answering services for a year (or two).

To enter, you have to submit 500 words on your business idea by 22nd October. Strangely, you have to actually write to them - not email, or submit a form... So get your pencils out folks, and get applyin'

Best of luck!!

Further info from the TV3 website...here.

Good news for Small Business

2009-09-29T14:47:00.005+01:00

The National Entrepreneurship Strategy is finally coming on stream. Full press release available on the Dept. of Enterprise website, gist of it here:

- The Tánaiste has announced a broadening of the financial supports available for fledgling businesses, from County Enterprise Boards.
- This does not mean that every start-up can apply for funding from CEB's now. Instead, those who were already eligible will have less stringent measures to adhere to.
- Whatever that means...

This seems to be an excuse for the Tánaiste to try and look good after last week's many blunders. This press release seems to be full of...well, nothing really. It's not opening the floodgates of eligibility and allowing every type of business apply for funding but at least it's a step in the right direction.

More info as I get it...

**EDIT** hearing rumours from CEB chums that now rent and wages can be covered in start up grants spanning an initial three-year period...this could be much better news than the press release suggests...sit tight!

Pledge 50 euro by Outvesting

2009-09-22T14:30:00.005+01:00

Hello all :)

I would like to draw your attention to this here voluntary initiative:

James Corbett blogs here and is currently championing a bloody good idea. Group investing a small amount so there is not a huge amount of risk per investment, but gives a small business an injection of cash that is much needed - a mere €5,000 to help them on their way. James is gathering 100 people together who are each giving €50- to a business...

Now I don't know any of the details yet but not only is it a fun idea but it is a worthy one. Think of it as charity, think of it as gambling, think of it as chambling or gambity for all I care, I've signed up for it and I love the idea of helping out worthy businesses who have a good idea but are struggling to fund getting the idea to market.

Many of the financial supports that are already out there - from small business loans (ahem, hello bankers) to First Step to the County/City Enterprise Boards to the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance are already helping many fledgling business out, cashwise. A few of them require matching funding. Most people have a bit of savings or can raise a little capital from friends, family and fools - but wouldn't an extra €5k really help the cashflow situation?

So many times a business will apply for funding and only ask for the minimum so that they don't take on more than they can pay back. An extra bit of cash is sometimes all they need to patch each source of finance to the next, in a long line of varied supports.

I commend the chaps over here who spurned the discussion, and brought about this little initiative of James' - let's hope it's not a "little" initiative for too long.

PS. I hope it's open to all sorts of businesses. A lot has been done for start-ups already, I'd love to be involved in keeping something afloat with a new business idea in an existing business... A business that is reinventing itself in the new economy...

**EDIT** I now have a blog to link to about this!

UCD Alumni Looking for a Female Entrepreneur who recently started up

2009-09-10T15:39:00.003+01:00

Today from LinkedIn:

LinkedIn Groups
Group: UCD Business Alumni
Subject: Are you a recent female entrepreneur?
UCD Smurfit School in association with a leading Irish magazine, would like to profile some recent female entrepreneurs. If you have set up your business in the last 12/18 months and would like to be profiled please contact businessalumni@ucd.ie.

We will need a short paragraph on you and your business, along with your degree and year of graduation.

The most appropriate businesses will then be selected for inclusion.

>>> Besht of luck ya'll :)

Lots of business ideas, Inventions and New Services

2009-09-04T15:34:00.003+01:00

People get in contact with me every day about a new idea they have had - they want to see if there is a business to by found in their idea.

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but I must be honest. Most fantastical ideas have been thought of by now. For every new invention, there are usually lots of previous attempts. Most of them will have failed, and a few will have found success a lot less lucrative than originally anticipated.

Don't think I'm harsh - if you have a new idea, test it out. Not on your friends and family who may not want to hurt your feelings, but head to the next county, find your ideal target market - age demographic/gender/financial background - and really test it out with people you don't know, people who will be honest with you. Sometimes you need to take that scary step - don't worry, if your idea truly is as brilliant and as you believe it is, having an anonymous focus group reinforce your opinion will only be a good thing.

The way to protect your idea before you unleash a crude prototype on people you don't know, is to registered-post the designs to yourself and lock the unopened envelope away in a safe somewhere. If the time comes, a judge will open the envelope in court and go "ahoy ahoy, this idea certainly seems to be yours, good sir/madam..."

Be warned though, an idea or concept cannot be protected by copyright (disclaimer: I am not qualified in law, I just found all this out over time) - it is easier to copyright a design, painting, photograph, poem, song...

When it comes to protecting your Intellectual Property, there are many options open to you. Copyright, doesn't cost a jot. You don't have to buy the rights to use the copyright symbol (c), you just use it as a reminder to anyone checking out your product, that you are the sole owner of the property and you are aware of your rights.

Patents are expensive. There are not a lot of patent lawyers out there so the few that are, are busy and can charge as such. It is a valuable asset, a patent, so you need to be aware that it takes investment of both time and money to properly protect your idea. The thing about patents, is that they are registered in categories and by country. So, that can mean you could register your product in 5 or 6 categories, in the EU only or Ireland only or just in the UK and Ireland or in the EU and the US but not in Australia - you have so many decisions to make when considering patent protection. The best thing is to take some time out and search through the Patents Office website - they have lots of information there about how you can protect your idea.

If you have a service, which doesn't give you the facility to register a design - what can you do? Well, one option is to develop an excellent brand and register that instead - as a trade mark. You know Coca-Cola, the world's most recognisable brand? It doesn't have patent protection. It has registered the trade mark - have a look at the next can of coke you see, it will have a little (R) beside the brand somewhere. The thing about patenting, is that you are writing down your idea, therefore when the patent runs out - and they do - it will be anybody's gain. Coca-Cola have never registered a patent for their magic ingredient, simply because they never want anyone else to know what it is. So think about patenting before you do it - is it the best route to take? Think about the long-term plans and implications for the decisions you make now. Look at McDonalds - their greatest asset is their brand. Best option? Trademark.

Before you go to the expense of organising all your trademark categories for all the countries in which you see your product/service selling, you can use the (TM) after your brand. Properly protecting something means having registered it, which is why Coca-Cola have the (R) not a (TM) here in little old Ireland.

So that's three main options you have when protecting your intellectual property - copyright, trademark, patent.

There are guidelines available here for protecting your idea in Europe.

References:
Copyright Association
2 Patent Attorney Firms I have had dealings with - in Dublin and in Wicklow
Patent Office, Ireland - Kilkenny, actually, some lovely helpful people down there!
EU Patents Office
World Intellectual Property Organisation - in Geneva, Switzerland
OHIM - for registering trademarks and designs in all 27 member states

Festival of World Cultures 2009

2009-08-28T10:20:00.003+01:00

Hooray, it's that time of year again...

No I'm not talking about the kids going back to school and the traffic getting appalling again, I'm referring to: this... An opportunity to put the traffic and schools to the furthest part of your mind!

I'm in the county this time! Can't wait to head down and sample the delights. I love wandering around Dun Laoghaire at the best of times but once a year it gets really, really good - you just can't beat a carnival atmosphere to make you realise how much fun Dublin can be.

Whether you are looking for alternative gift ideas, to sample new food curiosities, to listen to different music, to party or really just the opportunity to soak up some atmosphere, head down to the Festival of World Cultures in Dun Laoghaire this weekend. Finish off the "official" summer on a high! You know it means the sun will come out next week anyway...

I've changed my Occupation

2009-08-27T17:55:00.004+01:00

...to Small Business Agony Aunt. Because it's true!

Someone encounters a hurdle as they start/run their small business and they come to me. I suggest alternative routes - around, under, break through said hurdle... I have realised it before I just think it's becoming more and more true lately. I'm not just signposting anymore, I'm actually helping. It's nice.

Previous titles have included:
- silver-lining finder
- dragon without a rubel
- angel in disguise (i.e. no funds, just advice,haha)
- volunteer ass-kicker, steel toes as required
- soggy-shoulder owner

Now I just have the occasional white hair and the marginal increase in wrinkles. I am so privaleged to help people, I just hope I do make a small difference to some business lives out there. Apologies if this comes across as naval-gazing.

Happy almost-Friday everyone.

A Word of Advice from...Seth Godin

2009-08-26T14:24:00.005+01:00

I follow the Irish Internet Association on Twitter, who signposted this particular gem this afternoon...

A link to some words of wisdom from business author Seth Godin

Please wake up and Smell the Recession

2009-08-19T14:44:00.007+01:00

I spent three hours working hard with someone this morning who walked out of the meeting with nothing. Therefore I walked out with nothing. What is the point of trying so hard to help someone inject some strategic thinking into their business if they refuse to take any of the suggestions on board?

Pardon my tone of dejection but it has been a while since I met such an ostrich. No offence to any real ostriches out there reading this here blog ;o)

It is a long time since I've seen such an enthusiastic approach to head-burying.

Take a business, over 20 years in operation. When they started up they were pretty much the only operators in their field - well done, blue ocean etc., marvellously opportunistic.

5 years on, the Celtic Tiger arrived and the business grew organically by word of mouth, and has continued to do so since then. (Cue thoughts of "is that it? Could they not have grown some more?" and yes I would agree but I'll get back to today...)

PROBLEM
They have never had to go out and look for business in their life - not once. It has all sort of just landed on their doorstep - OMG what luck.

And what happens now?
They are now not alone in their market. Lots of other - business hungry - people have entered their area of expertise over the last 20 years and what's more, they're good at it.

What ever about the alarming fact that this morning's "business" person did not even know who their closest competitor was (how have they survived!!) - my main worry was providing them with the basic tools they need to survive from here on in. They need to drastically change their strategy and start listening to their customers. At the moment they are manufacturing product and simply waiting for the clients to come along and buy it, without finding out if they want the stuff in the first place!

A bit of research, a bit of listening, a bit of reflexion wouldn't go amiss. This morning was just soul-destroying: at every opportunity the business person turned around and told me all about how they have operated in business up to this point. They are worried and stressed all the time, haven't paid themselves a wage in over 12 months and called me up asking for help. If they had the good sense to ask for help, why wouldn't they listen? I was so confused...

I think I have it now though. I just don't think their heart is in it. Looking for work now is too much effort for them - they have only survived because running a business until last year was easy for them. Rethinking strategies, networking, doing a simple competitor analysis, a SWOT on their own business, looking at trends in their marketplace - all too much like hard work, not at all appealing.

My goodness. It really is a wonder they got this far!

Rant over, apologies one and all...

Which is your favourite Blog?

2009-08-18T10:29:00.002+01:00

Mine's the Lemonaders, they be cool - in my humble hopp-in-onion.

What do I like about them?

They're fun. They're real. They be pals. They write about fun things that are usually normal enough ;o)

T-Cup and Kitty Cat are 27 and 25 respectively, and write about their lives mostly. Their likes, dislikes, travel plans, fashion passions and footwear fetishes.

I do like my rant-y blogs, don't get me wrong, but I can always count on the Red Lemonaders for that bit of upbeat sparkle in my week. Thank you ladies!

Just call me Graham

2009-08-18T10:15:00.004+01:00

Because here I am with a quick reminder...

The SEEDCORN Competition is closing next month. If you have not yet started to prepare your application please take a look soon - I underestimate the time it takes to do a business plan. It's important to make it as good as possible. The last BP I did took 11 revisions before I sent it out to be read by anybody else so imagine how long that took. (Three months).

Seriously, if you're looking for funding, consider Seedcorn - what have you got to lose?

The other one usually around this time of year is the Shell Livewire Awards, although I haven't heard much about them this time around. Whatever about the awards, the Shell Livewire online community is a great resource for budding entrepreneurs - it's a little less stuffy than other online resources, it's for the under-30's. I also like peeking at the site occasionally simply for inspiration! Some ideas are so quirky, I love it :)

Whatever you decide, good luck with any new business ideas you might be having just now... Personally, I'm working on a chocolate truffle recipe ;) hehe

Bizcamp Dublin

2009-08-18T09:55:00.004+01:00

OK I'd been holding off for confirmation of a family "doo" before signing up for this and as it happens, the do is "on" so Bizcamp has been erased from my diary. ~sadface~

At the Guinness Storehouse on Saturday 19th September, a bunch of interesting business folk will gather round for what seems like an injection of inspiration when I look at the lineup. Well over 200 people have signed up for the conference, which is set up with a community vibe - those interested in attending will also be sharing (not making sales pitches, mind!) - and you can find a list of who to expect chattering away, here. By the way...it's totally FREE due to the organisers working hard to secure sponsorship (yes, sponsorship - imagine how hard THAT task has been in the current climate!) - from the likes of Bank of Ireland and Microsoft...

I'm pretty gutted I can't make it. I was unable to attend the last one due to academic reasons and although this reason is more fun, I'm still sorry there's a clash in the diary...

Here's a vid on what to expect which I pinched from the Bizcamp site this morning...

Random

2009-08-08T16:29:00.002+01:00

Can I just say...

That yes I am AWARE that this blog is completly random. Some of it is fun-related and some of it enterprise. Hope you don't mind - I don't.

It's just a bit of fun really.

That is all. I wish you all a happy weekend.

On being Interviewed in the Bath by Terry Wogan. A lá Committments.

2009-08-08T15:58:00.010+01:00

It has arrived at last. Fame. Oh, and Terry Wogan interviewing me in the bath.

Terry: So MJ, you've come to the end of your dissertation, come away from the Thesis Centre in Camden St with a few scars. Tell us about it.
Me: Well Terry, for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to do some research into the manufacturing industry. What with it being in trouble 'n' all, I hoped to help it along by finding some success routes for those that have stayed the course thusfar.
Terry: And what did you find out MJ?
Me: That it was not a good idea. My life has had to go pretty much on hold for the past year, and I'm not sure it was worth it.
Terry: Why so?
Me: Because I'm not sure anyone is actually going to read the damn thing.
Terry: You've lost faith in your findings already, so soon after publication?
Me: Not at all Terry, I've lost faith in other people's interest. My findings are fcuking amazing, I'm a fricking genius.
Terry: Well of course, of course...
Me: I found out that some fellas have the balls to go for it, and others are just ok ticking along.
Terry: Right, well, that's hardly scientific, is it?
Me: It was fricking case study based research Terry, it doesn't have to be scientific, that's the beauty of it. It's all down to interpretation. Gleaning from it whateverthefrick you want. Know what I mean?
Terry: How long did it take you to conduct the research?
Me: Well you know Terry, there had to be a few months of procrastinating in there, no good academic research is worked on consistently. Any PhD-person will tell you that. It needs a bit of...panic, drive, you know what I mean?
Terry: I think I do...
Me: So after p*ssing about for three months, I did a bit of a Literature Review. Picked a few holes in what others had done in the area.
Terry: That sounds good -
Me: Yep, that made me feel great so I p*ssed around for another few months doing sweet FA, then decided to get my finger out and conduct a few interviews.
Terry: Remarkable.
Me: Indeed Terry, indeed. I asked a few questions, prodded a few sore points and tried to get to the bottom of a few questions my research supervisor had mentioned. Transcribed the whole thing and eh, well...
Terry: What?
Me: Honestly? I stared at it for another while. Couldn't figure out how the hell to get from 40-pages of notes to a graph or barchart of any kind.
Terry: So what did you do?
Me: I looked in a few books, asked the supervisor a few questions that caused his eyes to roll heavenward.
Terry: And?
Me: I decided to ignore him completely and went off on a tangeant that got me to my 20-odd-thousand word limit.
Terry: Incredible.
Me: I know, I'm a fricking genius, like I said. An academic marvel, if you will.
Terry: That's one way of looking at it.
Me: I'm looking forward to results day and graduation. Should be a hell of a bender.
Terry: Is there anyone you want to thank now?
Me: Well of course! The makers of coffee, for one... My supervisor for not openly judging me. My friends, family and random strangers on Twitter who have kept me entertained when I was meant to be working. My better half for turning a blind eye when I scoffed ALL the chocolate in the house and then yelled at him for no apparent reason. Often.
Terry: And what is to come of your findings now, now that the class has disbanded. What will happen to your research findings?
Me: I'm fcuked if I know Terry. Have you any chocolate?

National Pride

2009-08-02T21:02:00.004+01:00

Went to see this recently. Shivers, spine, etc.

Evokes a memory or two that is worth awakening, IMHO.

For the first time it occurred to us as a nation that we could actually be sexy... That Irish dancing wasn't twee... That we had such a lot to be proud of. That we had so much potential.

And then we unleashed it! I'd love it if we could get back to that. The pride in our own ability, taken with a pinch of humility that didn't make us too big for our boots.

I hope we can get back to that. To being a great little nation.

Have a look - I hope you enjoy it!

***Edit***
The Irish Times has a lovely montage of the show backstage at the Gaiety Theatre. You can view it here.

Charles Dance as Lord Vetinari!

2009-07-31T09:39:00.009+01:00

How cool will that be?

This is taken from this morning's edition of Discworld Monthly...

Sky1 will be showing Going Postal in Easter 2010. The latest cast
list is as follows:

Richard Coyle - Moist Von Lipwig
David Suchet - Reacher Gilt
Charles Dance - Lord Vetinari
Claire Foy - Adora Belle Dearheart
Andrew Sachs - Tolliver Groat
Tamsin Greig - Miss Cripslock
Steve Pemberton - Rufus Drumknott
John Henshaw - Mr Pony
Madhav Sharma - Horsefry
Jimmy Yuill - Mr Spools
Ian Bonar - Stanley
Paul Barber - Dave
Adrian Schiller - Gryle
Daniel Cerquiera - Trooper
Ingrid Bolso Berdal - Sergeant Angua
Kerry Shale - Mr Pump (voice)
Ben Crompton - Mad Al
Asif Khan - Sane Alex
Alex Parks - Roger
Sheila Shand Ginns - Old Lady

Again more details at pjsmprints.com

*sigh* now we have to wait until Easter...

I heart DW
I heart PTerry
:o)

That will be all for the moment!

*** pic robbed from Wayne

Business Banking in Ireland

2009-07-29T11:50:00.005+01:00

I'm getting some great questions lately and an old one came up quite recently. It was: Which bank should I set up with as I start my new business?

There is no one bank I could heartily recommend over another - mainly because I am not familiar enough with all the running charges in every type of business - retail, B2B, online, international - all businesses need different services from a bank so there is no one answer for everything.

What I can tell you is that where one bank has smaller charges, they will probably charge more in other areas, so it will take a small exercise to get a proper balance on what bank is best for your business specifically.

If you have been working in a similar business to the type you are setting up, have a look through old statements, making a note of every single charge there. If you can't tap into something like that, then really focus on the operational side of your business and think of every possible area you might need to use the services of a bank. For example if you are setting up an online shop then you will need to talk to the bank plus someone like Elavon plus someone like Realex to get everything up and running. Apart from making all three of their systems integrate with your own system. Sigh!

In simple terms, do up a spreadsheet and mark down what your needs will be, then pick up the phone and call the commercial department in three or four banks to see what they charge. Some of them will no doubt tell you that they will charge you zero on various items for the first two years - take down what the costs will be in year three for your comparison.

I suspect you will find they are all on a par by the time you weigh everything up. Ulster Bank and the Bank of Ireland have been fighting hard for Start-Up business in recent years, so they will be quite competitive in the short term - that is why I advise you to check the associated costs in year three! The same goes for the saving element. If a bank is quoting you a great interest rate, check for how long they are willing to offer it, and what are the penalties for dipping into savings if needs be.

The other important factor of course is the relationship you have with your bank. You need to be able to trust your bank manager and not be afraid to call them when something goes wrong. If you have developed a good relationship with AIB for example but would like to move to another bank, make sure they have a personal touch in the bank you are moving to, so that you can call them for advice as quickly as you can call them to flag any upcoming issues such as repayments on loans.

The final thing I'll say to you is - haggle! Banks desperately need to make money at the moment so they won't be giving their services away for free - but then, you wouldn't either, so why should they? At the same time, they are hungry for business so don't be afraid to play one off the other and get them down as far as possible on their charges.

Good luck!

Seedcorn Time for 2009

2009-07-02T12:56:00.004+01:00

Can't believe it's rolled around again but there you go, time flies.

The InterTrade Ireland Seedcorn Competition is open for the summer - application deadline is not until September 25th but if you want to be in the running for some of the €360,000 that is up for grabs you should start working on your application - business plan, cashflows etc. yesterday! If you need help getting the application ready I'd say your local County/City Enterprise Board would be delighted to help... It's always good to let a pair of trustworthy fresh eyes take a glance over a business plan and give you some pointers on where to improve. With this "economic situation" I would imagine the competition will be teeming with entries.

Good luck to everybody entering, may the best businesses shine through!

InterTrade Ireland Info

Application Bits

Prize Details etc

Coffee Break Recommendation

2009-07-02T10:17:00.005+01:00

I read a great (very long!) blog post about one person's experience as an entrepreneur. It's like a mini-bio, of both the business and the man behind it. I wanted to flag it here because it echoes one strong piece of advice that I am hearing from the most successful entrepreneurs that I know, all the time: when you start a business, go and speak to other entrepreneurs face-to-face and learn everything you can from them. Don't stop doing that when you have started and are successfully up & running - keep having those quick coffees face-to-face with the best people in your business - your contacts.

A few really great business people have said that to me over the years and it's true - you will glean more from an hour face-to-face than a day on the phone or even on Twitter!

Have a read of this with a big cup of coffee, it's long but it's worth it - lots of food for thought! Most interestingly, he doesn't hate VC's!! Has some great tips on how to handle them...

I'll stop rambling here now and direct you to the good stuff: SEOmoz's Blogpost, "My Startup Experience" - enjoy!

Em, Jay?

2009-06-30T16:35:00.005+01:00

My tzoodonym is MJ, nothing to do with the MJ everybody's been talking about this past week but a happy coincidence nonetheless. It's really funny (for me) to see "MJ" in the top trending topics on Twitter! Ahem, I don't get out much, sorry!

So just because, I'm putting up a vid of Mr MJ proper. A guilty indulgence. My first ever album was BAD which I bought with my own saved up pocket money when I was 8 years old. It was on cassette. I had a crush on him (oh the shame) and wanted to dance like him until my feet fell off.

Had the privalege of seeing him in the RDS in 1997. I have a blue bracelet to show how close I got. When he hung over the front of the crown on a crane-arm-thingie during Earthsong I was right below his feet. His socks were of course white & sparkely, but what I remember distinctively is that his black shoes were so well worn they looked like the most comfortable footwear in the universe. I remember thinking how much of a perfectionist he must have been - his show was faultless and the wear of his shoes proved how much he had practiced. Even someone who had been dancing for the public since he was 6 years old had to work superhard to be that good.

I've been to concerts before and since, but never was there one like it. Magic.

Nails Inc - I'm an Idiot!

2009-06-08T12:07:00.005+01:00

For someone always going on about value for money, I'm shocked at how silly I was on Saturday.

A week ago I sampled 2 of the new yummies from Nails Inc, namely Savoy Court (mmm, purple) and The Strand (kinky pinky).

So anyway, last Saturday I was in town dashing in & out of shops through the rainfeast, and popped in to get the purple one. Mmm... I grabbed the little box and handed over my little plastic pin-protected pal to the lovely ladies in BT's.

Holy crap, €23 for a little nailpolish?! I went the colour of Drury Lane (above) and just keyed in my pin. Ashamed at the careless spend.

Then I went to a party and told of my shame over a glass of something bubbly and the looks I got where quite a picture.

This is me, who goes on and on about the joys of awear being online etc... Why didn't I just go onto their website?

3 for £20 sounds MUCH better, doesn't it? Idiot, me.

And all this the same week as the results were out in Europe for online shoppers, and guess who's addicted the most? We are!

Fine Gael Manifesto - power to the who now?

2009-06-03T16:06:00.004+01:00

I would like to direct you to point 1.2.8 in the FG manifesto - "Merge all city and county enterprise boards into Local Government"

Quote:
There are 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) located in each Local
Government area. The role of the Boards is to develop indigenous enterprise potential, to stimulate economic activity (via grants and training programmes) local level and to promote micro-enterprises that employ ten or less. Exchequer funding is allocated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. The functions of the city and county enterprise boards are broadly duplicated by other economic development agencies operating within the same sphere. The boards are made up of local Councillors, representatives of state agencies and the social partners. While input from industry and sector experts is highly valued the responsibility for the delivery of service should again be with the elected Councillors. It cost nearly €40 million to administer the City and County Enterprise Boards over the past three years. These savings could be used to help fund the merging of responsibilities and staff into the Local Government structure.

Ahem. So they're going to save money by cutting them out, then put the same money back into local government to run the same operation but hidden within the echelons of the mysterious county councils.

What's the point?

Then of course, with all independent (voluntary) non-political board members gotten rid of, it'll leave the "trusty" councillors to administer grant aid. Regardless of eligibility or ethics, I am sure. We already know that politicians and money DO NOT MIX so why rely on politicians to decide who is eligible for funding and who is not? What the hell do they know about running businesses?

For the record they also plan to get rid of LEADER &/or Partnership groups in the same breath (point 1.2.9) suggesting that their work is duplicated - but they don't clarify by who. Right. Say that to the countless number of businesses that have thrived on the support of the likes of LEADER groups who have thrice the budgets of CEB's.

What the frick are they thinking?

It's not money saving, it's moving the money around under another name. We've already had a huge fcukup doing this with the new name of the "fantastical" HSE when we all know that they're just the regional health boards under a different ridiculous guise.

For the love of the sungods, if you are going to do something radical do something good that makes sense and really saves money without robbing people of the supports they need to start, grow and develop businesses all over the country.

Enterprise Inspiration

2009-05-15T15:01:00.002+01:00

I have pinched this from Le Craic because it's just bril...

Positive. Mental. Attitude.

Love it :)

Happy Friday Ya'll

A little humour/reality, depending on your perspective

2009-05-12T17:23:00.004+01:00

I'm spending time learning about culture at the moment. Hofstede and his frameworks, they're just thrilling you know.

Hofstede's most well known framework contains 4 indices:
1) Individualism - Collectivism
2) Power Distance
3) Uncertainty Avoidance
4) Masculinity - Femininity

What has this got to do with the price of oats, you ask? Not a lot.

The last one might be worth thinking about when you see this though - tis flying round tinterweb at the moment and is mildly amusing. Cue smug lady-smiles...

Caption: "Bill thought he was the President, too."

Classic!

That will be all for now. Toodle-oo.

Wouldn't you love to be Nestlé?

2009-04-22T10:58:00.003+01:00

I read in the Irish Times this morning that Nestle's first quarter sales are only down by 2.1% - not so much down to recession but a late Easter & a strong CHF. In the Reuters report, analysts are quoted saying that the company is "well positioned to ride out the recession compared to its rivals due to its comprehensive range of products and wide geographical presence."

Sigh.

Wouldn't you love to be so successful that you had a finger in every pie, in every price bracket, in every market? A simple lesson for us all there methinks.

I think I'll go make myself another Nespresso to make myself feel better.

Is that a flicker of light I see before me?

2009-04-17T10:39:00.005+01:00

Has anyone else noticed that the moaning and groaning has quietened to a gentle hum, of late?

It's quite nice, isn't it? I much prefer the general feeling of "ah well, let's just get on with it," rather than everyone from the lady at the supermarket to the man behind the radio mic giving out about anything they can think of. At least we'll get on with it avec sonrise and sure why not.

Why not indeed! It's a bad time for banks but it's a great time for loads of other people. For Sale signs have been replaced outside homes with skips and builders' bums. Honest hardworking tradespeople are out-the-door busy. No this is not second hand, I've spoken to many of them myself! They're flipping delighted that people have stopped just throwing away broken items or moving when the house gets too small. Instead, we're all fixing things and extending or redecorating. And when we balls it up we call in the proper chaps and they're only delighted to help.

Woodie's, B&Q, Homebase - they're all raking it in! I would say the owners of Aldi and Lidl are rolling around their boardroom floors with glee. And sure why not, someone may as well give us what we want - value for money - and get something in return. Custom.

There's an article in today's Irish Times about whose sales are up at the moment. Apparently, the cinema takings in Ireland are the hightes ever recorded which is just marvellous... Ticket sales hit €1.7 million in January. Wowzers!

It reminded me of an interview with a good brain I heard last week, which I sadly haven't had time to flag here. Peter Sutherland was on RTE on Thursday 9th April - you may have heard it or heard about it, but you should listen to it, I really recommend it. No need to seek it out, here's the link - as usual you have to sit through the news first but it's worth it. Everybody needs to hear this. It makes so much sense!

Sudds came across as reasonable, logical and calm as he explained the economic reality of where we stand at the moment. We were one of the highest performing economies in the world, let's not forget that. He may have used the word resilient about how we are at the moment - with strong industries in pharma & IT keeping us charging ahead. The best point he made was a comparison with us and other European countries. If our standard of living has reduced, so has everybody else's, so we're still floating on the surface. In fact apparently, other countries' standards of living have decreased more than hours, so there are others in a worse position.

The underlying message was one of "Don't Panic" - we're still well off as a nation and the recent defecits in public accounts will work themselves out. It's economics!

Recent interest in the property sector in the UK is a signifier of positive outlooks for the rest of us. The graph is starting to creep upward, if ever so gently. Like a meek kitten looking up after it has been scolded. House prices are bottoming out. It will soon be time to start pouncing on good value wherever you see it. If you've been looking and wondering, I hope you're ready! Crikey, I'm almost tempted to get a second mortgage and snap up a few bargains. Almost.

Our glasses are all half full. And if I'm not mistaken about the twinkle at the end of the tunnel, they're slowly starting to fill past the halfway mark. Ahoy there...I think I'll have a glass of that please...

To be honest...

2009-04-02T14:20:00.001+01:00

I hate that phrase.

Marching to our own Beat

2009-03-31T15:00:00.004+01:00

It has been such a month.

The raw anger from January and February seems to have dissipated into a whole new attitude around here. Into something like -

- Well there's not a shagging lot of good any of us can do about it what with nobody bloody listening to us anyway so we may as well just get on with it.

And I like it. I have been droning on amongst friends and family (with whom I have spend most of March...yes, I've been MIA from here for a while...) about how marvellous 2 particular days were for Ireland Inc.

Tuesday 17th March. Cue the sunshine. Beered up growd-ups and sugared-up kiddleywinks. Green body paint, glitter, feathers and fluff. Flags. Smiles. Laughter. The most cheerful buzz that I have noticed in Dublin City for many, many months.

Saturday 21st March. Cue the anguish, the nerves, the anticipation, the prayers and the urgency of hope that spread throughout every pub in the country. I haven't prayed that hard in a long, long time.

- pleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGod let this happen for Ireland we really need it everyone's so glum this would be just magic pleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGod -

Cue history, tears, shock, amazement, joy and one of the best days for being Irish which I will cherish always. Mostly because I luckily got to share it with lots of people who I love to pieces and haven't seen enough of lately. I'd been missing them, and now it's all good.

I nearly welled up with hope on Paddy's Day when I saw crowds of smiling faces flooding through the city's streets after the big parade was over. Happy people, full of joy and excitement. A little bit of sunshine mixed in with remembering the good parts of being Irish, all rolled up into one. Magic.

Followed by the day that brought tears to George Hook's eyes and mine, and made him wear a silly hat and not care a jot.

Such pride. Such pride.

And now? Time for what? Determination. We've all had enough of the negativity. Reaction to picturegate is enough to remind us that the backbone of our little isle lies firmly within ourselves. Nobody else. Feck the government, let's just do it. Get ourselves out of the mess, drive forward and get back to what we do best. Most things, as it happens.

March is a good month.

EU Funding

2009-03-02T16:06:00.007Z

It appears that news stories featuring small businesses & the help available from Europe are like the 46A...none for ages and then 2 come along at once.

Not long after I had the pleasure of posting this about the European Commission, I find something else to be cheerful about.

I have just started following Eoin Ryan on Twitter (I posted about that last week too) and found this interesting tit bit - the European Investment Fund's new programme, called Jeremie.

Think not that I am nailing political support to any flagpoles - this I will never do. I'm too flaky. I am, however, delighted that anyone at all is starting the odd initiative that actually might bring some good to the small and micro enterprise sector. Hoo-bleedin-rah I say. It's not like we don't need it!

So - Jeremie - stands for the Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises. No wonder they abbreviated it. I won't ramble about which EU Fund it's coming from (Structural) but the basic gist is that rather than getting a once-off grant, money will be invested, and then can be reinvested in the same business at a later date. The money is not then linked to a specific project, just the financial health of an enterprise.

This makes a lot of sense, since at the moment you have to be incurring a specific cost in your near future when you apply to EI or a CEB. They always ask "well, what do you need the money for?" when truthfully you just need to be keeping your cashflow healthy and could do with a boost.

Now just to clarify - none of the details have been churned out yet. I'm trying very hard to gag the cynic in me that thinks this in reality this will take so long to put in place that the recession will be over by then, or that the hoops and loops people will have to jump through to get the finance in the first place will still be a pain in the -

But! I am tentatively thrilled that something is happening on the funding front. Hopefully it will come to something - at the moment they are only talking about "a range of financial instruments" so when I hear more I will elaborate!

Oh goodie for more good news... On a Monday too! The shock.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Footnote of Great Import:

JEREMIE funds are not issued directly to small businesses (SMEs).SMEs should therefore not apply to EIF or the EC for financial support.In due course, SMEs interested in obtaining finance will be able to identify and contact financial intermediaries in their countries based on information provided in this website, which will be provided as and when the JEREMIE initiative becomes active in Member States and Regions.

Last Wednesday's Irish Times

2009-03-02T10:45:00.003Z

A bit behind - as always - I am surprised and shocked at the Irish Times publishing such an article. Interesting way to work at increasing circulation!

Apparently it's all our fault, ladies! We work, therefore we earn. With 2 incomes, the family's standard of living gets nice 'n' high - too high. We're the ones who love shopping & spending, right? So the glass ceiling which has just shattered is all our fault. Don't believe me? I wouldn't either.

Have a read, here. The article comes with a health warning - have a cuppa beside you and a smile on your face before reading! Newton Emerson (author) is a satirist from Northern Ireland. So I'm going to assume that this article appears tongue in cheek.

Good News for Small Business!

2009-02-27T11:44:00.005Z

You may have spotted this on the news during the week - Brussels are trying to make life easier for people running small businesses. They are hoping to do away with the rule that annual returns have to be made with the Companies Registration Office for every Limited Company operating in Ireland. The new, better, regulations are going to be all over Europe of course, but here's what it means for us...

If you are running a Ltd. Co. and have annual turnover of less than €1,000,000, you will not have to make an annual return to the CRO. At least that is what I understood from RTE...

This process is one of the costs that a company is burdened with, a cost that sometimes makes people decide to run a Sole Trader business rather than an Ltd. from the get go. It can range from €1,000 upwards - a lot of smaller business like to get their trusted accoutant to do it for them, which is where the costs come in. It also takes up quite a bit of time - paperwork of course - so hopefully this ruling will mean that businesses can get back to running efficiently.

Ryanair are doing away with check-in desks to make themselves more effiecient and cost effective - here is what small businesses can do - soon, I hope.

To get the full information, read about the European Commission's proposal on EU Business.

Just to clarify, this "return" is different to the submission of Annaul Accounts to the CRO, which Ltd. Co's don't have to do unless their turnover hits €7,300,000 which is pretty great too... For more information on that one, hit the CRO website.

It's nice to see someone being practical and proactive about reducing small business costs! It's getting easier to start up a Ltd Co...hoorah.

Twit Much?

2009-02-25T16:24:00.016Z

It's funny, but since so many people are talking about Twitter - on the radio, on the tellybox, in newspapers and in the pub - you would think that everyone knew what it was by now.

I've had to explain it lots of times recently. Me, who only started tweeting at the beginning of January. One of my new year's resolutions that has not failed!! (Ahem - please note - I was still only in the first 40k to follow Mr Stephen Fry, just to put things in perspective...)

When George Hook and Rick O'Shea both tweeted directly at me today, I thought I better start sharing so that other people could get all excited for no reason on a random Wednesday afternoon.

So. Twitter. What the hell is this twitter business?

Well, if you take something like a status update from Facebook, and merge it with the concept of blogging, then you have the mashup of fun that is twitter.

It's defined as "micro-blogging" - in other words, you pop your thoughts online for others to see, you just have an SMS amount of character spaces to do it in!

In sum...
+ + =

Anyhoo, there are lots of people on Twitter these days, average people, big people, small people and famous people. Some of the famous ones are fun to follow, and a little inspirational at times.

I really liked John Cleese's Happy New Year message - or "tweet" - it was: may your new year's flatulence be tuneful and fragrantly innoffensive

You can follow him, here: @JohnCleese

What is following?

Well, it's just the name given to...signing up to hear what other people are saying - like seeing your Friends' status updates on Facebook. You click "Follow" on someone's page, and all of a sudden your own homepage will include everything they say/tweet.

The Hookie Monster has two Twitter accounts, this one gets more action though: @ghook
Rick tweets quite a bit during his broadcasts: @rickoshea

For obvious reasons I love keeping up to date with this marvellous man. He doesn't tweet often, but when he does it's always something groovy. @richardbranson

There are tons of others to follow if you find them interesting. Don't worry that you have to follow everyone who follows you, a lot of strange beings start following you just to get you to follow them back - then they proceed to spam-tweet with so much crap....pay no attention. Have a look at their page, if it looks dull, don't bother following! A good clue to their spam-potential is that they are literally following thousands, but only have a few followers themselves.

From a business perspective, Twitter is a great way for your customers to get in touch with you, and for you to let them know what's going on with you. I started following @VodafoneIreland and asked them a few questions - which they replied to. It's just good business... I've changed to o2 but that's not the point ;)

Business is all about staying in touch. You can talk to experts like @damienmulley about how to really do all modes of social media well, but at least with Twitter you can dip your own toe in the murky waters and find out for yourself. DIY = not costing a fortune. And at least you'll know what they are talking about when you do start speaking to the experts about these things...

Happy Twittering!

Could you be your own boss?

2009-02-23T15:14:00.003Z

Enterprise Guru Brian O'Kane has done it again... (cue cheesey lines such as hot off the press and things like finger on the pulse etc. etc...)

Fresh for January he had a new book out, one entitled Could You Be Your Own Boss? which is published by his own house, Oak Tree Press, based in Cork. Brian has written it for people who have never thought of enterprise before. Those for whom self employment was never on the long finger, or niggling at the back of their minds. Now, the recently redundant just might have to turn to themselves for their income.

This little book retails at €7.50 - not bad says you - and he's running workshops around the place to talk about enterprise as an option. It's like a pre-Start Your Own Business course. Well let's face it, a 4-day or 8-night training course is a bit much to sign up for when you're not really sure if it's for you.

I've read the book and it is thankfully written in plain English. None of your jargon here, matey. No I don't have shares in the printing press, I just think it's a groovy little book and it only has about 50 pages so it won't take long to read. Then, if you feel the enterprise flame looking for some air inside you, you can look up more information.

On a much more exciting note, Brian has started blogging! Hoorah for more blogs about Enterprise. Especially the ones written in plain English ;)

Twenty's New Business Idea

2009-02-19T09:36:00.002Z

It's not bad!

Go, have a read. He's a blogger, he's a writer, but he's also too lazy to go and start this new business, so he's putting his idea out there ;)

The Banks

2009-02-17T10:40:00.002Z

This is just a quick post because I'm swamped! Sorry I have been neglecting this blog lately, it's the silliest time to be letting posts lapse, just when the number of people enquiring about starting a business is on the up and up.

I just wanted to express something very, very important.

The Banks Are Not Saying No

I could just strangle the media. Scaremongering to sell papers, because it's a recession, they need to keep their jobs and so they need to keep selling papers/ad-space online. There are a few voices of reason out there but the majority of news bulletins that the masses listen to/read/watch are all very negative, doom and gloom. As a result, many people are not approaching the bank for a simple overdraft facility to get them up and running, or even a small business loan to get a new premises kitted out. Why? Because - well, what's the point? They'll just say no. Try it. Please. It will be worth it. They are still open - especially for businesses.

I have heard from a lot of positive people who are excited to be finally started that business they were always thinking about (recession = little push they needed), that the banks are saying yes, within reason. If you are not asking for a massive business loan, Branch Managers have the authority to approve applications. That means it doesn't have to go to Credit Committee up in The Big Smoke. I'm talking about something less than €30k here. Statistics (I know, I know) say that on average it costs just under €25k to start a business. When you think about ALL the businesses you could start - from window cleaning to high tech software design - a €25k average is pretty great. If you have even a small redundancy package, approach your bank with a clear, concise business plan and see what they say. What's the worst that could happen? If they say no, you're in exactly the same place as you were before you went in, no big swing. If they say yes...

Good odds. I'd give it a whirl.

So who to go to?

It is vital that if you are thinking about starting a new business, you think about the finances. Approach your bank, the one you already have an existing relationship with. Business is ALL about contacts and relationships, so rather than start an uphill battle with a whole new person/institution - give your old reliable a try.

That said, if they high-ball you with interest rates, fees & charges, go elsewhere. Don't be afraid to shop around and go back to you existing bank, letting them know that you will swap your allegiance to suit your new pinched purse strings.

On a serious note...

If they do say no: ask them why. Don't waste your visit. They might have a very good reason for not supporting you to start a business that they are pretty sure will fail. Nobody wants to see any more of that! If they don't want to risk their money - why should you? Are there things they're not telling you? Why not ask? Perhaps - for example - let's say you want to open a certain type of shop on the corner of a certain street in your village or suburb. The bank says no. Don't take it personally!! Please don't walk away taking nothing from the meeting. Ask, why? What do they know that you don't know? The truth might be that there has been a long string of businesses who tried to start a retail unit there, but they kept failing, time after time, no matter what the product/service. Perhaps it has terrible parking, so there is a low footfall. Perhaps they know of three other similar businesses about to start down the road, and they know that the local market cannot sustain another one?

What I'm trying to say in a rambly way...was...keep all your doors open, talk to all your contacts, learn as much as you can from everyone that just might come in useful... And remember - the BANKS ARE NOT CLOSED!!! Go for it.

This was meant to be a quick one...sheesh!

Business Talk

2009-02-02T00:33:00.006Z

So John Murray from RTÉ got in touch with Santa and made him put a copy of his book, "Now that's what I call Jargon," in my Christmas stocking. It adds to the ever increasing pile of books on my nightstand/kitchen table/car's glove compartment/desk/bedroom shelves/kitchen shelves/sitting room shelves... So I finally got around to finishing it yesterday morning.

It has a promising starting, taking the mickey out of a decent selection of public figures - CEO's, County Managers, Councillors - and of course the politicians.

Yes, I would have to say the introduction is pretty funny.

Then there are of course chapters, each one covering a different topic. HR, for example. John rambles on for an age in each one, simply giving tons of examples showing how those featured in broadcasting and print media spend a lot of time saying nothing. Really? My gosh, I hadn't noticed!

I was hoping the book would me give some helpful examples of how I could encourage people to express themselves in business plans without using flipping jargon, but no. It's just basically a hundred page rant with countless examples of PR machine incompetence and political crap like "downward trajectory."

If you are starting your business, please express yourself in plain English. I have met with over 20 new start ups since January 5th (I know, I can't believe it either), many of them with excellent business ideas - some even had plans to go with them already! Lots of activity, lots of hope. *glows excitedly*

One, stood out from the rest - it took more than one reading, a bit of self-doubt on my part, "...am I stupid? I just don't understand..." - because the plan had over 100 pages and by the end of it I still didn't know what the original business idea was. The only phrase from the book that wasn't in the plan was in fact, "downward trajectory" would you believe. The rest were all there.

So the moral of my little tale is that an effective business plan will be written in plain English with no need for subtitles from Ranter Extraordinaire, Mr John Murray.

Don't buy the book folks. Stand in Eason's and squizz through the Introduction. It's quite funny! And makes you think...but that's where the quality ends. Don't waste your Earth Euro.

Best. Ad. On. TV.

2009-01-21T15:57:00.001Z

Saw this at the weekend. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end, and no I don't fancy the chicks in it, I just thought it was fantastic. I admire Branson, I'll admit it. Love the way everything is seen as an opportunity, in a positive light. The world needs more positive people in my opinion. So this is perfect - especially for the week that's in it - remembering something bright and shiney that started in a recession and is still around, still looking fabulous.

On one side of the Atlantic you have hope, on the other you have a plane-load of PMA. Go on, smile & be positive...look for any opportunity that might be lurking under a snowcloud and bloody run with it.

Who are you gunning for?

2009-01-20T14:47:00.003Z

OK so I haven’t read every single one of them…yet…but at first glance here’s who I’ll be crossing my fingers for on Saturday 21st February 2009.

Best Popculture Blog
Raptureponies: http://raptureponies.wordpress.com

Best Blog from a Journalist
Unarocks: http://unarocks.blogspot.com

Best Food/Drink Blog
Italian Foodies: http://italianfoodies.wordpress.com
If only for the lovely photos!

Best Fashion Blog
Lili Forberg: http://missliliphoto.wordpress.com/

Best Arts and Culture Blog
Confessions Of A Film Critic: http://maguiresmovies.blogspot.com
Mostly commentless ;)

Best Political Blog
Tuppenceworth.ie Blog: http://tuppenceworth.ie/blog

Best Group Blog
The Lives Of Others: http://thelivesofothers.wordpress.com
Because some of the posts can be quite haunting.

Best Use of the Irish Language in a Blog
The Spanish Exposition: http://spanishexposition.blogspot.com
Coz Rosie’s great…

Best Technology Blog/Blogger
Digital Darragh: http://digitaldarragh.com
Honestly, I have no right to have an opinion on this; I really am quite clueless

Best Sport & Recreation Blog
Irish Rugby Blog By Peter Bills: http://blogs.independent.ie/peterbills
Ahem. I know nothing about GAA or ze foozeballingz…

Best News/Current Affairs Blog
Bock The Robber: http://bocktherobber.com

Best Specialist Blog
Paul Dervan: Random Thoughts On Marketing: http://pauldervan.com

Best Newcomer
Seriously. How on earth are the judges going to choose…here’s my top 5 in no particular order:
The National Lottie: http://thenationallottie.com
This Is What I Do: http://darraghdoyle.blogspot.com
Red Lemonade: http://redlemonade.blogspot.com
Chancing My Arm: http://chancingmyarm.blogspot.com
Darren Byrne: http://darrenbyrne.com/wordpress

Best Blog of a Business
Weddingdates.ie: http://weddingdates.ie/blog

Best Music Blog
Nialler9: http://nialler9.com

Best Personal Blog
Yeah, I’m not going to be able to pin any names to the flagpole for this one either.

The Spanish Exposition: http://spanishexposition.blogspot.com
This Is What I Do.: http://darraghdoyle.blogspot.com
Infantasia: http://infantasia.blogspot.com
Annie Rhiannon: http://annierhiannon.blogspot.com
Head Rambles: http://headrambles.com
Dante And The Lobster: http://dante-andthelobster.blogspot.com
Raptureponies: http://raptureponies.wordpress.com
The National Lottie: http://thenationallottie.com
Chancing My Arm: http://chancingmyarm.blogspot.com

Best Humour Blog
Twenty Major - Still Smoking In Dublin Bars: http://twentymajor.net
Coz I laugh out loud. Heartily. Regularly.

Best Photo Blog
Annie Rhiannon: http://annierhiannon.blogspot.com

Good luck everybody!
Link to Blog Awards..blog...

Something Fun

2009-01-15T10:19:00.008Z

My Mum sent me this today:

What goes through your mind when someone says "Let's go for a drink"?

I don't usually complain officially, but...

2009-01-13T15:28:00.005Z

As suggested by Damien Mulley...

to complaints@rte.ie
date 13 Jan 2009 15:27
subject New Afternoon Plan on 2fm

Good afternoon,

I would just like to add my voice to the huge number of emails I understand are flooding into you guys in RTE since this article alerted the public, bloggers and Facebook troops to the new afternoon plans on 2fm. I am sure you have heard it all before so I will not waste your time by ranting here, I will just ask you to note the disappointment of many including me, at your decision eliminate the quirky and different nature of Rick O'Shea's show, choosing instead to turn it into an iPod session. It's tough enough for us all in a recession-filled January without sapping a bit of fun out of the afternoons. I respectfully request that you reconsider your decision.

Kind regards,
MJ

Out of Office AutoReply: New Afternoon Plan on 2fm
Thank you for contacting complaints@rte.ie Your e-mail will be responded to as soon as possible.
RTÉ Corporate Communications
Go raibh maith agat as ucht do theagmhála chuig complaints@rte.ie Cuirfear freagra ort a thúisce agus is féidir linn.

***Update***
Response:
Thank you for your e-mail.

Your comments in relation to the Rick O'Shea Show will be included in our Audience Log of calls and e-mails, which is circulated for information to senior management in RTÉ Radio and is reviewed at the weekly meeting of the Editorial Board.

We appreciate you taking the time to make your views known to us.

With best regards,
RTÉ Information Officer

Thought for the weekend

2009-01-09T15:07:00.007Z

I read something yesterday that I thought quite apt.

"Advice is like snow - the more softly it falls, the better it takes hold."

I might take note of that myself this year when doling it out.

~~~

PS did anyone notice that we'll be calling him Sir Terry now?

New Year and a New Beat

2009-01-08T10:37:00.003Z

There's a scurry of activity on the entrepreneurial front so far this year, and us only a week in. I'm delighted to see it. Lots of people working away on business plans; I was getting emails over the Christmas asking me for cashflow projection templates and information on available grant aid from various sources. Lots of people gearing up for the new year, planning their attacks on the recession! I love it.

As predicted, not many of the businesses are ground-breaking and mad. This is not the time for risk taking. OK, some people are thinking about starting luxury businesses which I have to question, and gently ask a few tough questions about proving a demand for the service/product before they invest 90% of their redundancy package in a frills-filled start-up. I'm not a damp squib, I'm a realist. I wouldn't be able to sleep if I say idly by and didn't make a few realistic suggestions here and there.

However the majority of people dropping by and asking questions are planning to start normal businesses, assured that the recession will create a bubble of opportunity for high quality value for money service offerings. And I couldn't agree more. I've said it before - this period of time will bring out a desire for quality, stuff that will last and give the best value for money. So it turns out that Frugal Ireland has been hiding behind Tiger Affluence all along - who knew?! The crappy half-arsed low-quality rip-off merchants will fall away, out of the marketplace and the quality businesses will remain. Hurrah.

Over the entire course of the Christmas period I only met one retailer who was rude, and didn't have the phrase "customer service" in his dictionary. He was a dic in fact. But his business partner made up for it by being utterly lovely and helpful. So that's just one person who took a sale for granted. The rest of the country has been realising that the customer is back to being king - and values their revenue enormously. Hurrah for the consumer.

So if you are thinking about starting a business and wondering what to get just right - remember the simple things. Service at a decent price, with a smile. That's it.

Simplicity I tell you. All the best ideas are so simple and straightforward. The trick is not to overcomplicate things. Good luck!

Happy New Year Everybody

2009-01-06T14:59:00.004Z

Just a quick note to wish everyone all the best for 2009. I look forward to blogging a lot more this year! 2008 was great in so many ways...it's been lovely to read lots of blogposts this past week looking at the upside of the last year! Damien, Lottie, Rick, just to mention a few.

Also thank you to Darragh for mentioning this here little blog on his recent followers post. You're my first follower Darragh!

I was going to change the background for this blog - fresh start for new year etc. But instead I have started a whole new blog instead ;) Come visit, if you are so inclined...

Happy Noo Beer ya'll

Moral Dilemma

2008-12-18T16:35:00.001Z

If you find out that someone is in breach of employment law - making staff work for 2 weeks without a day off for example - what can/should you do about it?

If you only have the word of said staff to go on, and you know that they are too afraid to "push their luck" because they are non-nationals in fear of losing their job in this economy? You hear that they have said to their employer that they are too tired to work 12, 14, 15 days in a row without a break and they would like to work only 6 days in row, then one day off - and the eyebrows are raised, the question is asked how much they value their job...

They are a victim of their own tiny wage with a family to support.

What would you do?

Hello to far away places and visitors!

2008-12-12T14:27:00.005Z

Greetings all,

I'd forgotten I had a Google Analytics account and just checked in to see who's reading and who's not. How interesting to find that a whole 16% of visitors are popping in from across the big pond over yonder. Hello American readers! Thank you for calling, please come again... It's quite interesting to see that only about half of readers are from Ireland, I wouldn't have guessed that if I'd been quizzed... Almost 20% coming from non-UK/US/RoI - how cool is that. Hello Malaysia...

PS. I've just started one of those "followers" thingies if anyone would care to click :o) It's right there, to the right just below the links to Irish Blogs Dot Eye Eee

What not to give!

2008-12-11T22:21:00.009Z

Good tips here on what not to give to co-workers at the Kris Kringle exchange on 23rd/24th December in your place of employ!

Photo owned by volantra (cc)

I would like to point out that my first ever boss (male) in my first ever "proper" job (I was 22) broke rule no. 1...

...which is:

"Adult" Items: Items that could be considered sexual in nature are inappropriate (and may even be illegal) in the workplace. Anything “adult” in nature should never be given in the workplace setting – even to the closest of co-workers. This not only includes the obvious like pornography and adult “toys,” but also includes artwork, books, and any image or rendering that depicts nudity or that may suggest a sexual act.

It was a chocolate willy.

I didn't know where to look!

He was a very nice guy, one of those sound bosses that was 100% approachable and always very fair.

And then he produced - that!

It's strange, I'm not a prude at all, I just felt it was SO inappropriate - I was all of 5 months in the place. Maybe it was because I was shy (ha!) or something... I will admit, it came with another small token - 2 festive votives, very nice.

Photo owned by wilttipöö (cc)

Oh my goodness oh my goodness!

2008-12-11T19:49:00.003Z

I <3 Rick

Jean-Claude Supremo was talking about something funny on 2fm today. I was at work (he gets me through the dull afternoons ye know) and started talking about a particularly funny YouTube. It's Carol Vorderman's last day on Countdown tomorrow so in her honour, they aired this on the national airwaves! Brilliant!

Thank you Rick for putting it up on the blog so I didn't have to put THOSE search terms into Google ;)

Woohoo!

A|wear's Website

2008-12-11T10:19:00.006Z

I've just come across Awear's website & online shop for the first time - and it's great! One of the most important things for me in online shopping is images - I need to see what I'm getting. Granted, a lot of online shops do that but I really want to see it in detail, so full marks to the developers Venda & the lads at Awear for deciding on the right specifications.

Apart from that, the selection is a decent size, their returns policy seems very fair and as always, their prices are very reasonable. It's a recession, you know.

The other thing I quite like about this site, is the communication element. Consumers hate being left in the dark, hate being unsure on where they stand, hate having the wool pulled over their eyes. There is a full page explaining the VAT situation, both here and in the UK. It's just a nice touch.

So now for the droolfest:

Sidebars

2008-12-10T15:35:00.003Z

Hello December...

So I've been trying to put the countdown timer from leakynews.com onto the side menu thingie - it's for the new film which was meant to be out by now but has been pushed out to next summer (grr...) - and it just appears as a white box with a link to Leaky and no countdown timer! It worked the last time I had it up for the 2008 launch, so I am all confuddled. Anyone know what's wrong?

Here's the code-stuff (can you guess I'm not IT skilled...)

Get this and other HP countdowns at LeakyNews.com

Now why oh why is it not working, here or on the side menu bar...?

Just in case you didn't see it...

2008-11-28T22:08:00.003Z

This was on the cover of the Irish Times today. Pure Class.

How on Earth...?

2008-11-28T14:30:00.000Z

Haha, someone Googled "chamber maids" and found this blog. How on...?

I just thought of something!

2008-11-28T10:11:00.004Z

*gasp*

What if...

Zig & Zag made a reappearance on The Toy Show because of their recent DVD release... Wouldn't that be CLASS!

Oooohh, reasons to stay in tonight... Zig and/or Zag. Or just because I'm a complete saddo - either way - I'm probably going to be asleep 30 mins in... This full-time working + part-time studdin' is really taking it out of me!

Ah, so NOW I tell you why there have been such irregular posts of late ;) Isn't it nice when a small mystery is solved...

Something Fun!

2008-11-27T14:51:00.006Z

I just heard about a new online business that was only launched this month! The grapevine at National Women's Enterprise Day held yesterday in Mullingar was ripe (sorry) with excellent information, but as I am a shoe/bag-addict when it comes to shopping (I have NO willpower, I admit it!) it just rises to the top of the information pile like cream. Yes OK, lots of great speakers yadda yadda yadda but LOOK at all the pretty things you can get on this website... http://www.ibagsit.com/ - it's just bril. They don't have all that many products yet but it's a darn pretty start. Good luck to the lady who's starting it all off! A serial entrepreneur ;)

I'm totally addicted to handbags. My wardrobe shelf is filled to bursting with every kind of bag. All colours, sizes, sparkles/plain, work/party, sport/travel, you name it I have the perfect bag for it. I just don't have a CLUE how to sort & organise them. I tried the whole big-bag organisation system where you re-create the Russian Doll concept using littlest bags right up to biggest. But you just forget what you have, and never use them, then go out shopping and see another one that just calls to you... It's probably calling from the top of the wardrobe saying "don't replace me, USE ME you Muppet!" but all I hear is "buy me, buy me..." From the €4 Penny's bags right up to the genuine Valentino's (drooooooool) that you sacrifice many lunches for, I have this fetish I just can't seem to shake...

Scrabble Fun!

2008-11-18T13:56:00.003Z

It's back! Sort of...

The thrills, spills and addiction of Scrabble on Facebook have returned. Legally ;) So goodbye sleep, hello unhealthy competition and much rivalry among crazy friends (woohoo! Can't wait...)

But Holy Cow Batman, take a look at this:

SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark.All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the United States by Hasbro, Inc.,in Canada by Hasbro Canada, Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons, Ltd., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc.SCRABBLE® and associated trademarks and trade dress are used under license from Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.The Mattel name and logo are trademarks of Mattel, Inc. and used with permission. Mattel and J.W. Spear & Sons are not affiliated with Hasbro or Hasbro Canada.

It's from the bottom of the screen when you log in... Covering all possible asses in all possible countries. I wish they (Mattel, Hasbro) had seen the positive side of what Rajat & Jayant Agarwalla did for Scrabble on the whole. It made people like me go out and buy the game so that I could feed my Scrabulous addiction when not online, and invite friends over to drink wine and play in person! In fact, a strategic alliance between all the vinyards in the world, the Agarwalla Bros. and Mattel & Hasbro would have been an excellent move! Harhar.

Seriously though, sometimes a copyright infringement can be a good thing, to awaken interest in an old and dying product and drag it back from mature market, to a growing one. I do NOT condone plagiarism! I just wish businesses could visualise the opportunities before they get all legal and nasty...

At the end of the day, Scrabble is back on Facebook! Hurrah!

Bondage

2008-11-05T14:23:00.004Z

So, saw Bond.

It was never going to live up to the unexpected fabulousness of Casino Royale but it was still a bit of fun for a couple of hours.

Points of note (WILL contain spoilers):
1) The return of the naked dancing girls during the opening credits - hurrah.
2) "That" song turns out to be quite good in context!
3) I was rather shocked he didn't sleep with both of the whimmin :-O
4) Lots of blood and gore.
5) WHAT is the point of having all those smashing car-smashing scenes when the camera is zipping from one angle to another so quickly that you get a little lost trying to watch (yes I was sitting at the back with the best view, not up close - I felt for those up in the front rows - must have been like dodgy tennis or something)
6) WHO builds a hotel in the middle of the desert?? Really?
7) I likes popcorn
8) I worships at the church of Dame Judi
9) Can someone please explain what side Felix was on?
10) I loved the hat-tips to the older stuff. Strawberry, for one (did you miss it?! Miss Field's first name...) And the obvious link to Goldfinger, that was class. Poor girl, but class cinematographic hat tip. Love it ;)
11) The watch is back to being a Rolex rather than Omega! I have drooled all over the Omega posters in the past... Tried to rob one once. Didn't work.
12) OK the plot was full of the most tenuous links back to the original tale from Casino Royale. There was little resolution, we lost Mr White for good - no real clarity on Quantum, just Dominic Green's empire (that wasn't a cover for Quantum was it?? I thought he was just one part of it.)
13) The last scene set in Russia seemed to be just tagged on with only a small link to the rest of the plot. Weak closure twist for Bond in relation to Vesper too.
14) I think I got a lot more out of this film than some of my friends. Mainly because like the mahoosive nerd I am, I watched Casino Royale a few hours before I went to the cinema. I for example knew who the hell was in the trunk of the car and what part he had to play in the whole thing.
15) As usual, to end on a high note...the locations were just gorgeous and made me want to go straight home and book a holiday to somewhere beautiful! I particularly loved Mathis' villa in Italy. DROOL!

Thinking Pink

2008-10-02T12:53:00.004+01:00

This blog is going pink for the month of October, because it's Breast Cancer Awareness month.

If you see someone with a pink box flogging tacky merchandise, give them a smile! And if you have a few spare euro in your pocket, do pop it in the box if you can. If not, just that smile will do!

A Hat Tip

2008-09-30T13:06:00.003+01:00

The most clicked-on of my bookmarks is wrapping things up - how sad! I found out from Rick, but everyone's blogging about it today...

Not much more to be said, really. So long, Twenty. And thanks for all the fishy laughs.

C-word Champion

What the Banks really really want

2008-09-10T10:06:00.012+01:00

Firstly apologies for the lack of juicy blog posts of late, life has been pretty hectic!

But I return bearing gifts... I have been spending a lot of time talking with bank representatives and other lenders, so I picked some brains and found out exactly what they're looking for, when someone approaches them for a small business loan.

They are echoing general consensus I'm afraid - it's all down to the planning. And I quote one person from one of the Big Two banks, "it's the most critical part" of any application.

Two things are graded when you go near a bank for a small business loan:
1) The composition of your business plan
2) Your commitment to the project in cash/savings/time/other investment (e.g. angel source)

The key to an excellent business plan according to the banks is writing it yourself! Everyone I have spoken to cannot emphasise this highly enough. The number of people coming into them for small business loans with a business plan under their arm is increasing. The percentage of this group who cannot defend anything in said plan because they have not even memorised the contents, is also on the rise. This is a common mistake! If you don't understand your own cashflow projections or the demand in your local/national/international market, then they are unlikely to support you with finance. These are just not times of risk, banks & building societies will not take any unnecessary risk at all.

You not only have to be able to defend your plan and discuss all areas within it, but you have to make sure that you and it are realistic. For example if you want to start a business in any sort of luxury product or service, you have to be extra convincing, since lots of people are pulling in the belts just now. It was in the paper only the other day that the number of returns coming into Revenue are on the increase - people are looking for spare cash everywhere - Med1 returns, Rent relief - they're all flooding into the revenue commissioners.

So just to give you the definitive list from a bank on what they consider the core of a business plan:
- History of the firm (you/your business to date)
- Overview of the business (you, your market)
- Threats (within your industry)
- Company Structure (assigning responsibilities to the management team)
- Overview of your Competitors
- Any investment highlights (angels, family donations, your own savings)
- A list of upcoming business opportunities
- Financial Overview (cashflow projections are OK for pre-start up businesses but accurate historical financial accounts are imperative for existing businesses - there is no point in approaching a bank or building society otherwise)

Hope that keeps you going for a while, I'm going into another hectic few weeks...

PS I've blogged once or twice on business planning and market research before... here and here. More can be found down in Labels. Good luck!

A nudge

2008-09-03T09:34:00.003+01:00

One of Damien's Fluffs this morning is pretty great, so thought I'd add a signpost here in case anyone missed it... Gigaom gives some excellent tips on getting your name out there - Guerilla Marketing is not always bad! Have a go... I always admire the more realistic advisors out there, and this post seems to be full of the practical - like asking for a discount at exhibitions, and sometimes getting it, simply because you're honest - a start-up with less funds than others - ask for help! Simple, great advice.

Your Votes!

2008-08-29T10:14:00.000+01:00

Well, the poll was running for the whole summer and here are the results...

The question was to identify what you thought to be the most important thing at start-up for a new business.

Outright winner was most definitely PLANNING which came in at a whopping 73%, seconded by SALES at a winchy 13%.

The votes were certainly not cast in their thousands - I have a small, quality readership - but it is great to see what others believe in.

Well done planning ;o)

Le Weekend

2008-08-25T09:59:00.003+01:00

Hello, good morning, Happy Monday one and all...

Just to say :'( I didn't make it to the festival in Dun Laoghaire this weekend *gutted* due to a recurring injury making its presence felt! (ouch)

But! Darragh went, worked, and had a great time, so if you want to read all about it and see some fabby pictures, please go here... Enjoy!

Now I mean it - have a happy Monday!

Disaster!!!!

2008-08-22T20:33:00.001+01:00

They've pulled the Fabulous Scrabble Application from Facebook...

Ye Gods! Ye Shower of Scunners!

Some Friday Thoughts

2008-08-22T14:26:00.009+01:00

I still have to do that meme thing with flickr that Darren and Lottie have been on about...well it looks like a fun bandwagon, I might just hop on...when I've had a look at flickr that is.

This weekend we've got the wonderful Festival of World Cultures happening in Dun Laoghaire - it's always great fun, so go along and support lots of Irish micro enterprises, in addition to all the great international tastes to be sampled! I love markets - the regular one (Sundays) in the People's Park dangerously near Teddy's is a great one, so is the market up in Marley Park (Saturdays) - I highly recommend both! Lots of small businesses that I have worked with are at both of these markets, so I am always delighted to see them there, listening to real feedback from customers and conducting a littel R&D with samples of new products. It's inspiring and a delight to see.

Another one on this weekend - this time for the trade - is The Autumn Home & Gift Fair at the RDS. It starts on Sunday and goes on into the week. More micro enterprises will be there, in need of support! There are some really exciting new businesses popping up all over the place. I am so delighted that they are not taking this "slowdown" lying down but are going out there and grabbing all available business by the horns. Go on yee good things!

Also, just thought I'd say... I'm tuned into 2fm today and the DJ's are just spot on this avo...

...some examples...
I Kissed a Girl
That's Not my Name
The Man Who Can't Be Moved
Warwick Avenue
Black & Gold
Gettin' Jiggy with it
Dido's brand spanking noo toon
A bit of 5ive (hehehe!)
(plus, they've only played that horrific new BZ track once so far...yuk yuk yuk)

Lots of summer soundtracks there! Yay...

I just love it when the DJ's get it right :o)

Post Script!
I'm changing my "blogdrumrollplease" to "bookmarks" after Rosie's post! hehe

Wreckin' Me Buzz

2008-08-20T12:52:00.006+01:00

Hello. I have a rant today. It's an unusual one, because mainly when people rant it is because they are depressed. Well this is the opposite. I'm ranting because I'm not depressed. I want everyone to stop bringing me down and sapping all my happy buzz, just because it's flipping raining.

If you ride a motorcycle and keep arriving to work and home again soaked to the skin - ok, you're allowed to let the rain get you a bit blue (not literally I hope!) for a few mins per day.

Similarly, those who walk to work - bless you, I hope you have nice warm socks waiting for you at your destination.

For the rest of us who take public transport and drive sheltered vehicles, please STOP using the weather as an excuse to be a moaning old bag. Equally, unless your house is being taken off you by your lending institution, I don't want to hear any more complaints about the downturn.

I have met people whose homes have been flooded by the recent rain. And what is happening? They are rolling up their sleeves and getting on with it. Saying things like "It could be worse," and, "I'm luckier than some, you know."

Fair play to them. They're not curling up in a damn corner, muttering to themselves.

I have also met people who have no choice but to sell their property at the moment, the worst time to be selling in any Irish climate in the last 10 years. People who did not greedily buy up somewhere great in the hope that they would cash in on the Celtic Tiger a few years down the line. These are people who bought somewhere nice, modest and affordable as soon as they could. And now they have to sell up and go back to renting. Thankfully the number of people I know in this situation is still low, but they still have a damn smile on their face. Their outlook is something along the lines of, "Wasn't I lucky to be able to afford it in the first place?"

It just makes you want to reach out and hug them. I do, quite frequently.

Solidarity would be a lovely (alternative!) side effect to rain and pennypinching, rather than bitterness and grumpiness. When bad things happen in other countries, everybody clubs together to get through it. Teamwork! It's inspiring and to be quite frank, humbles me. Look at countries with real disasters - serious floods, earthquakes, even what happened in London on the Tube not so long ago - everyone discovered an inner strength that did not allow them to bring themselves down. We all know someone who was living in London in July 2005, we all spent a few frantic hours waiting to hear that they were ok. During my own relief I looked on in wonder at how the devastation brought the city and country together.

A few damp days, the climate changing and the economy slowing is making everybody miserable. Perhaps I shouldn't be comparing Irish mild flooding to those in SE Asia but I hope anyone reading can see that I am merely trying to put our own little dark cloud into some perspective. There is still so much to be thankful and happy for. Please put a smile back on Ireland's face!

And if you must continue to moan, please stop finding me - the chirpy one at the back - and taking all my smiles for yourself. That's just mean. I'll tell you how to do it yourself:
- Write down 5 things that made you smile in the last fortnight
- Write down another 5 things that you are looking forward to between now and Christmas
- Go away and think about those 5 things and start getting excited about preparing for them
- Call someone who is going to share one of these things and get excited about it with them
- Arrange to meet for said preparation, or just to talk about it in person over your favourite coffee/tipple of choice
- Now start sharing those smiles will you please? They're meant to be contagious...

HAPPY
happy
JOY
joy

For Terry Pratchett Fans

2008-08-19T12:57:00.004+01:00

Thank you to...Transworld for creating the website...

Only a few days left to vote in my little poll by the way... I'm such a nerd that I'm delighted PLANNING is in the lead. There's hope yet, hehe!

On the back of the last post...

2008-08-16T19:05:00.002+01:00

Someone gave me a nudge in another direction after I mentioned a few general funding options the other day.

Two other competitions that people can consider are the Shell Livewire Awards and the InterTrade Ireland (Equity Network) Seedcorn Capital Competition.

The deadline for Shell Livewire was - yesterday! Hence the lack of mention last week...too late etc.etc. You also have to be under 30 to enter! The Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards is a great platform for new businesses to launch from. There may be an issue with bad press from certain groups from Mayo...something to do with landowners, oil pipelines and imprisonment. All voices warranted, I'm up for new business start-ups ;)

But the deadline for Seedcorn is not until September, so for those of your with High Potential Start-Ups, please look here for more info. Past winners have been from all sorts of industries - bioresearch, IT, food, medical, communications... Lots of opportunities there for regional prize funds as well as the overalls, so if you have a HPSU, give it a shot!

So you need Funding...

2008-08-13T12:55:00.007+01:00

That old nugget.

What do you do if you need funds, where can you begin.

Well there are a variety of options available and it does of course depend on what type of business you are in. Risky high-cost start ups are catered for by business angels, banks and of course venture capital firms. Yes they are called vulture capitalists for a reason, but the way they see it - they're taking a huge risk investing in a new type of business so they need some sort of security blanket, and will take up a chew of your business ownership for their trouble.

For the more day-to-day businesses the first stop should always be your own bank or credit union. You have been giving them your business for years, so see what they can do for you. It's all about shopping around and remembering the most important thing - you are in charge. This is your business, they owe you nothing - if they give you a business loan, they are making money on it so although you can thank them for their assistance, there is no need to name your first born after them. Banks are in it for the money - never forget that.

They also hate risk. They are not insurance companies, they are completely risk averse, so the more you can reassure them that there is little risk to giving you a start up loan, the better a position you will be in, in the long run.

Contacts are key to business, we all know that. So apply that to your funding situation. That is why I mentioned going back to your own bank. I have a bank manager I can ring and chat to about my personal finances (or lack thereof!), at my local branch. That is what they are there for. If you are thinking about starting a business down the line and considering your funding options, start chatting with your bank manager now. They are as hungry for business as the rest of the world.

If the bank says no, there could be a million reasons why. So don't lose faith. Like in a sporting situation - have a look at the post-match analysis and figure out why. Ask them straight out, they might just tell you! It might be that your credit history is poor with them. Or that you have no collateral. Or that they believe the market you are trying to break into is flooded already (they may have an inside track on this, their current customers selling the same things as you, at the same location, may be in financial difficulty - a great way to find out the most important info on your new market, could be in your loan-refusal-feedback-chat!).

If that bank does say no, approach the credit union. Find your local one, here. The staff in the branches I have visited are very supportive of indigenous industry! Local business is good for business. Cheesey but true!

Business Angels are people who invest in your business without grabbing all the shares. Almost exactly what it says on the tin really. If you can find one, good on you! There are some around... There was a Business Angel network running for a while but the last I heard it was running out of juice. More recently I have heard of people finding their own angels. Back to those all important contacts! It could be family friends, friends of friends you meet at parties or conferences (or party conferences, shudder!) - it could be anyone at all. Someone whose eyes start to twinkle when you talk about your new business idea. If they have any sort of passion for your business, they might just lend you those all important funds!

First Step is a great organisation, although their coffers are always stretched. They will help you get a small loan, when all the others have shown you the door. First Step are what you call, the lenders of last resort.

I heard the County Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland on Today FM a couple of weeks ago talking about starting a business, but they were more talking about doing Start Your Own Business courses (incidentally, they run all over the country, right through the year so you can find one near you if you really want to impress the bank manager). What they did mention - briefly - was their funding situation. If you are manufacturing something different, or if you are trading internationally, then they can talk to you about money. If you're not - they can't. It seemed pretty clear - if you want to get into retail for example, they won't be able to help fund you.

The one thing everybody will need, is a business plan I'm afraid! That's where maybe the CEB's could help. Some of them run business planning workshops - not all, so you'll have to check with yours. I've blogged about it before, here, so check back for a basic starting point. Email me if you need more detail... I wasn't planning on running any business planning workshops myself but for the price of a pint... ;) Who am I kidding. A hot port please, if this weather keeps up...

A Monkey? No WAY!

2008-08-07T09:44:00.001+01:00

Yes there was indeed a little monkey character sitting on the verge on the N11 this morning, who chose to take advantage of the stopped-with-hazard-lights cars and meander about the road itself, taking bananas from enchanted strangers but not pausing long enough to be fooled into a box for safe keeping. People had actually abandoned their cars and were running up to see the little creature with childlike glee on their faces. I must say, it was quite a change from seeing narky motorists giving out, tailgating and cursing at bad songs on the radio before 9am... It's funny how something that is perceived as vermin in other countries has made so many people smile and laugh this morning, and it's not even 10 o'clock yet! Go the monkey. It's a similar size to a baboon but not quite as vermin-y. Much cuter, like the monkey Marcel that Ross had in Friends all those years ago... I hope his/her owner heard the radiofolk giggling about it and the AA folk warning people about it, so they can go back and save him from all the kind strangers, or I fear the little guy might explode with all the free food he was getting! Humans sacrificing their lunches...there is still kindness in the world :)

I'm so bad at updating...

2008-08-06T12:42:00.001+01:00

Reasons:

1) I've been spending too much time updating my blogroll and finding lots of interesting people out there with either similar interest or interests so opposite to me that I am intrigued
2) Working is pain in the orse and I've had to bring stuff home, leaving little time for nice long posts on interesting things
3) I feel a little intimidated by the mammoth posts from people on my blogroll, who really just put me to shame with the amount of work they put into them
4) Spending lots and lots of time giving the face-to-face advice means I'm a bit drained of inspiration when I do in fact sit down to post!

Hence the lack of meat on this blog's bones of late. Apologies one and all.

Very Exciting News!

2008-07-30T09:31:00.005+01:00

With thanks to Leaky for the headsup, here is the official teaser trailer for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Young Tom Riddle looks mighty creepy, well done the casting director!

Roll on November 2008!

He's quoting Henry V

2008-07-21T10:38:00.002+01:00

I hope you're all listening to Rick this morning and every morning for the next month:

http://rickoshea.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/once-more-unto-the-breach/

Rick O'Shea's afternoon show has moved home while G.Ryan is on hols - yay I get to listen for once! Been missing the banter since he moved to the afternoon show from the drivetime slot, LOL. Go here, and click "Listen Live" http://www.rte.ie/2fm/

Enjoy!

But I've No Time To Learn How!

2008-07-17T15:32:00.009+01:00

Time Management - not a thrilling or exciting topic, but something that helps SO much when running your own business. It is vital, in fact. One of those big qualities in a great entrepreneur is CONTROL, and the first thing you have to control is your own time. You know all those old cheesy "Time = Money" quips? They weren't made up for fun!

Some more top tips for an easier life, running your own (hectic!) business:

1. Get a good diary - preferably a week to 2-pages. This one really works, even for me! You slot everything into the little lines on each page, and when there is too much on the page, odds are you need to shuffle things around and start to manage your task list a bit better. You have no idea how useful that little nugget is.

2. Task Lists - this one follows directly on from the last point, and leads us to the next one perfectly. There are lots of opinions out there on how to make your task list easier. One example I heard is: write down all the stuff you have to do this week and number them backwards, starting with the one you hate - that way, the only way is up! This tip reminded me of my mum getting me to eat my cabbage first, then I could enjoy the spuds and gravy when I was small. (But curses, I was always full by the time I'd eaten all the yukky stuff! Funny, I quite like cabbage now...) Personally, when it comes to task lists I prefer the priority approach. That way I get less ulcers ;) get the "holy crap this is important" stuff out of the way first!

3. Prioritise - this is what I work with best. Figure out which items on your to-do list are the most vital, and do them first. Leave the weeny things til Friday afternoon when everything else is done and you are cruising to the weekend. The stuff in between just needs to be sorted in order of importance and urgency. There is a handy graph that gets dragged out at every Time Management seminar, and I'm putting it here, with a hat-tip & thanks to Time Management Dot Com:

Essentially, everything on your list can be popped on to this graph, and you undertake each task in order, 1 - 4. If something is both urgent & important, it goes into quadrant #1 and you do it first. If it is urgent but not important, it goes into the next block. Things that are important but not urgent come next, and finally - if it is neither urgent nor important, it'll get done when it gets done! The grid is a handy illustration but you don't get it out every day. You just get used to realising what's important/urgent to you.

4. You have to become quite firm with people - more than firm - and just make sure you remember why you're going to all this effort in the first place. You are trying to run a successful business, and by that I mean you HAVE to put your own needs fairly close to the top of the list. For example if you are a sole trader, make sure you keep one afternoon per week completely free for doing your bookkeeping, VAT returns, invoicing, payments, etc. This is vital to keeping your business financially healthy, but you would be SO surprised at how many people end up doing this at midnight on a Sunday! It's important - do it when you're fresh. That way, you won't make mistakes! Or you'll make less of them, at least.

5. Last tip - plan to be interrupted. Seriously! Leave about 15-20% of your day open, every day. This is like a cushion, so that when some mad customer rings with a crazy "urgent" query, you have the time to deal with it, without sacrificing the control of your day...and business.

Something (Practical) for the Weekend

2008-07-11T16:30:00.008+01:00

If you know anyone who is planning on starting a business at some stage, but still in full time employment, writing bits of their business plan here and there, and pondering how best to set up, give them a couple of practical tips.

Odds are, they will not think of the little housekeeping things that take an extraordinary amount of time to design up, when they are starting off. All efforts will go into figuring out the service offering, going out and selling it! Admirable! Sure why not, isn't that what we're all here for...

Then we come to the making money part. What do you need? A few things actually, so it might be an idea to get them sorted before you start. If you have a customer or two, you will want to spend most of your time either taking care of them, or finding more of them. Not wasting time doing these things...

1) Get your tax registration sorted - a TR1 form for Sole Traders and Partnerships, a TR2 for Limited Co's - anything more taxing (pardon the pun) and you should call in the accountants/bookkeepers. Seriously. They're better at it, it will save you money in the long run to use professionals to do these things; it'll cost you your own man hours if you're no good at it. Harsh but true! Tax registration forms available from the Revenue Commissioners. There are sections on these forms for VAT by the way, but until you begin trading, don't register! Well you can, but it's a pain in the arse dealing with the paperwork before you have to, right?

2) Obviously in tandem with the TR forms - you need to register your business name(s). If you are planning on having more than one arm to your business (example - you walk dogs, but you also mind children - different business names required! You might also do people's books for them if you're good at numbers - a third business name - all trading under Joe/Janet Bloggs, Sole Trader...) RBN Forms are so called because they stand for...Registration of Business Name. They are all found at the Companies Registration Office, which also has lots of important information that you need to read!

3) Now that all the reasonably important stately stuff is out of the way, the next part is far more interesting. Figuring out your brand and your logo. If you are just trading under your own name that's fine, you should still find an interesting way of having your name in print. This will be vital for the next few items on this list! Mess around with your name in different fonts - it's that simple. Pick a colour that ties in with your service provision or product, and your identity - the one you want to project. This is really important! You will eventually become a champion of your own brand. Start watching how other people do it. I bet you can't look in any single direction in Coca-Cola's offices without seeing that trademarked brand everywhere...

4) Now that you have your logo or brand all designed up, you should start putting it on document templates. The first of these should be your headed paper. Even if it is just in the header or footer of a standard Word document, with your registered business address beside it in a nice shade of purple/grey/whatever brand colour you have chosen. Pick a nice, clear, legible font that you like and adopt that as your template font for everything. It's all part of developing your business identity.

5) Next on the list of vitals - your invoices! Get that brand/logo out again and put it on an Exel spreadsheet, or any type of spreadsheet. Use that font you liked so much, in the colour that's clear and readable. Don't forget your tax & CRO registration numbers, registered business address, trading names, etc... If you like, look at invoices from other people in your industry and see what are the all-important things they have included. Don't forget the invoice numbers - you have to start a ledger that is going to match up with your system for cash flow management. Lastly on this point - make sure your spreadsheet is printable - easy to forget!

6) Another important template to have at the ready is a quotation template. I know it is tricky, but at least have the bare bones ready. Google some templates if you like, there are loads out there. The important sections to have in a template - once you have plastered your mini-logo onto every header/footer of course - are: Introduction (a bit on your business), outline of the proposal (what you are being asked to quote for), list of items being quoted, their unit costs, any notes you have to include on special or bespoke items on your list, the tax (VAT) associated with various items on your list,(if there is any), your payment terms (50/50 or 25/50/25 or 40/30/20/10 or whatever you want it to be, within reason!), and finally the conditions of your quotation (how long is it valid for, etc.). The other important thing of course is your name & contact details at the end of the document, so they know who to ring & haggle with!

7) Since you have got the invoice done, get a receipt ready too. I think it is great to not only get a receipt but also a small note of thanks for the payment. It makes people smile, it really does. Making business a little more personable is always a total winner.

8) Other more miscellaneous items you can prepare in advance are things like internal memos, compliment slips, that sort of thing. They are not crucial but they are important at times!

9) Your business cards! Please get a proper print company to do these up. You can get them done inexpensively without being cheap, if you know what I mean. You want people to think of quality when they think of your business - so do not hand them a post-it with your number on it...please...

10) I've saved the best for last, because it is usually the thing that people think about last! But it is so important... Documenting. Filing. Set up a system - a system of folders on your server or hard drive or Internet storage space - so that you are ready, with a file structure in place, when you start up your business and start going through the motions. Having a structured filing system right from the start is going to be SO much easier in the long run. Please believe me when I say this, I really do know what I'm talking about... The same goes for the paper files. Follow the same structures if at all possible.

I hope you find this list of top ten preparation tips useful. I hate headaches, so any way to avoid them is good! If you think I've forgotten anything, let me know...

I will of course be blogging on the lovely CRM possibilities soon too...remind me...