“I really thought it was a very helpful meeting. We all need to look at promoting our businesses at the moment and the web etc has potential for us all. Very well chaired- liked the format of the question and answers. Many thanks” - Carol Ni Chormaic - Patrick Duffy Solicitors

17 members attended the May Network Meeting

A panel of 4 members with expertise in information technology, web development and internet and social media marketing answered a range of questions.

IT Panel – Left to Right

Leon Quinn - Reverb Studios & AboutLeitrim.ie

Paul McGarry - McGarry IT

Eamon McGrenaghan - WebSuccess365

Fergal Donlon - Glicnet

The meeting was chaired by network facilitator Johnny Beirne.

The next meeting will be on June 5th at 6.30pm  - details to be announced.

Technology can save you money,
your chance to ask the experts

Panel

	Tuesday May 1st The Bush Hotel 6.30pm
Eamon McGrenaghan WebSuccess365		Fergal Donlon Glicnet
Eamon Mc Grenaghan has built his expertise as a knowledgeable and experienced Search Engine Optimization strategist, Search marketing consultant and Website Designer over the last 7 years For 18 years Eamon supplied independent IT consultancy services to the Financial Services industry and in 2001 Eamon returned to Ireland from the Czech Republic leaving others to run the consultancy practice he himself co-founded some 10 years previously.		Fergal Donlon works as Technical Director of Glicnet, a web design and development company. What started as a one man division has blossomed into a full service web development organisation. Specialising in Web Applications, Glicnet combines artistic skill with indepth web programming experience. By focusing on small to medium enterprises the company continues to be able to keep overheads at a minimum while still providing a highly professional service.
Leon Quinn Reverb Studios & AboutLeitrim.ie	Johnny Beirne johnnybeirne.com	Paul McGarry McGarry IT
Leon Quinn setup Reverb Studios Design in 2005 with the goal of providing affordable website design and related services locally. In the last 7 years he has built up a large client list both locally and worldwide and increased the service list to include Graphic Design, Photo Editing & Restoration, Video and Audio Editing. Leon is also an IT mentor with Leitrim Enterprise.	Johnny shows companies how to effectively use the internet to increase profits. Recently, he helped one client treble their online sales. Johnny has also trained over 200 companies in Internet & Social Media Marketing and facilitates both the Leitrim and the Roscommon Business Networks.	Paul is an IT Consultant with 30 years experience in delivering IT Solutions for various types of enterprise. Clients include Bank of Ireland, PJ Carroll & Co, The Care Trust (Charity), Irish Organic Farmers & Growers Association and Boeing Aircraft.Paul specialises in finding solutions for business problems which save costs and simplify the business process.

14 Network Members attended the April Business Network Meeting.

Therese Hackett from  Ciúnas delivered a thought provoking and informative presentation on Stress Management.

If you are not sleeping well, irritable, lacking ideas and motivation, constantly tired, get headaches or upset stomach, then it’s probably true to say, you’re suffering from stress.

Creativity, Focus, Determination and Dedication are the tools of success and stress will destroy these.

At this network meeting, Therese Hackett from Ciúnas will discuss; how to identify stress, it’s impact on health and productivity and what can you do to reduce it.

Therese Hackett -  Ciúnas

Therese Hackett established Ciúnas in March 2000 and has a proven track record of helping people identify their individual stress management strategies so that they can create the life they desire.

REMEMBER – You are the greatest asset in your organisation BUT do you invest in your wellbeing?

MEETING DETAILS: Tuesday April 3rd in The Bush Hotel at 6.30pm

For regular updates and discussion follow us on:

41 members attended the March Business Network Meeting

Susan Bourke from Product Launch Method delivered a very informative presentation about how she started 4 online businesses selling e-books that she wrote.

Specific topics that were discussed included blogging, squeeze pages and auto-responder software Aweber.

The April Network Meeting will take place on Tuesday 3rd at 6.30pm. Full details will be posted here.

The March Business Network Meeting will take place on Tuesday 6th at 6.30pm in The Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon.

Keynote Presentation: “How to get your business online”

Keynote Speaker: Sue Bourke – Product Launch Method

Sue has sucessfully launched her online business from scratch and will share how she did it.

Tea/Coffee and sandwiches will be served.

Pat Carroll from Touch Communications addressing Network Members at The February Network Meeting

12 Members attended the meeting where Pat discussed the crucial part that business networking plays in sustaining and growing a business.

The next meeting will take place on March 6th at 6.30pm. More details to follow.

The theme for the meeting is “Networking to Grow Your Business” with Pat Carroll from Touch Communications.

Pat Carroll

BIO

After more than 25 years working in the traditional sales and marketing world,Pat made the transition in early 2010 into the exciting new area of social media. He worked for over a year as Business Development Manager with Irish social network, ’RendezVous353’.  In this capacity, he established and grew the network of Irish people globally, over this period to over 10,000 members.
During this time, he orchestrated the PR and event management of the network’s official launches in the U.S. and U.K. (in New York & London, respectively).  Though international travel and working with Irish networks, ’on the ground’ was a part of this; most of the growth took place ‘virally’ –online.  He utilized the social media tools of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter extensively, to achieve the goal of connecting with the vast global Irish Diaspora.(See Global Irish Networkspage)

Recent Article in the Irish Times

Touch Communications

Set up last February, this new company aims to provide a mix between social media, digital marketing and public-relations services in the Irish market. Founder Pat Carroll had previously worked with company RendezVous353, which built up a network of Irish persons globally. Carroll noticed a gap in the market in integrating social media into marketing strategies and Touch Communications was born.

Funding for the business has come from a mixture of government start-up funds and personal savings. “With the current economic climate a lot of people are about reinvention so it is a great time to reinvent yourself,” says Carroll. “It is very liberating to work for yourself after many years of working for other organisations. It is going very well, even though the company is only 10 months old.

“I’m doing a lot of work in London and New York and this year I hope to build on international connections and link up great Irish companies with international markets.”

Jakki Brannigan from Bagadeal.ie

Damian Brennan from Natural Health Company

Meeting Agenda

6.30 – Welcome – Member Introduction

6.40 – 3 x Member Presentations – details to follow.

7.20 – Open forum discussion

7.30 – Close – Tea/Coffee/Sandwiches/Networking

PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS.

Kevin Peyton of Electric Mill gave an informative presentation on Apps to Grow Your Business.

There was also a discussion about the upcoming Leitrim Business Expo.

The next network meeting will take place on Tuesday November 1st at 6.30pm in The Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo

The October Network Meeting will take place during Innovation, Creativity & Enterprise (ICE) Week on Tuesday October 4th at 6.30pm in The Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo.

Keynote Presentation is Apps to Grow Your Business by Kevin Peyton of Electric Mill.

Everybody wants to grow their business – and now more than ever – services and apps are available online that can help you do this.

This session will give an overview of services that any business can make use of to streamline and improve core activities such as  communication, productivity, finance and marketing. Where possible examples will be given of how these services are being used by real businesses and practical implementation advice and tips will be shared and discussed.

About Kevin

Kevin Peyton is the owner of Electric Mill – a web development company based in Sligo. He has been working in the technology sector for twenty years with experience in the software, healthcare and SME sectors.

Electric Mill offer web development and online strategy services for business. This includes the use of open source platforms such as WordPress as well as advice and guidance on how technology can be used by  business and organisations.

Kevin is also one of the founders of the Open Coffee networking events in Sligo and an organiser of the North West Connects event in 2009.

The purpose of the expo is to highlight and promote to consumers and business owners alike,  the extensive range and quality of businesses in Leitrim. Admission is free.

Business owners will have the opportunity to display and promote their products/services and perhaps offer some discounts on the day. Cost per business stand is €30.

FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

UPDATE – BOOKED OUT – All 38 stands are now booked. See full list here.

Business Network members will be given first refusal as it was within the network that the Expo idea first originated.

You must book by 5PM FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER.

We are not taking ticket payment online and that is why FREE is beside the ticket on the website. The cost to exhibit is €30.

Please send a cheque made payable to Leitrim County Enterprise Board to Leitrim County Enterprise Board, Dublin Road Business Park, Carrick on Shannon.

Please mark payment “Leitrim Business Expo”.

You can also leave payment at the County Enterprise Board Reception. Again, Please mark payment “Leitrim Business Expo”.

YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO ASSIST WITH MARKETING THIS EVENT BY ASKING CUSTOMERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ATTEND.

27 people attended the September Network Meeting including 10 new members.

Anita Hanley delivered an interesting presentation on professional image.

The Business Expo was also discussed and will take place on October 20th in The Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. More details to follow shortly.

Agenda:

1. Member Introductions

2. Keynote Presentation “The Four Minute Sell” with Image Coach Anita Hanley. Anita will deliver a 40 minute presentation covering ‘Make yourself More Marketable’ – ‘Create a Powerful Presence’ – ‘Build your own Personal Brand ‘

“Sloppy dress or clothing, with potentially offensive images or words, gets in the way of the message, and can have a potentially negative impact on your business. Your visual image comprises 93% of the message you convey to others. What you say is only a small percentage of what others perceive you to be.”

3. Update from Leitrim County Enterprise Board

4. Tea/Coffee/Sandwiches & Networking

Leitrim County Enterprise Board are hosting a Breakfast Workshop on Friday August 19th

Topic: Social Media for Business Owners – Have your questions answered.

Facilitator: Johnny Beirne

Date: Friday 19th August.

Time: 8am to 10am.

Location: The Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon.

Cost: €10 payable on the morning. Light breakfast included.

Number of places available: 35 (these workshops have booked out in the past).

To book your place please click here. Your ticket will be emailed to you when you register.

Topics will include but not limited to:

1. Facebook

2. Twitter

3. LinkedIn

4. Blogging

5. YouTube and online video platforms

To make the most of this event you should consider your questions in advance.

19 members attended the July Business Network Meeting.

3 members deliver excellent presentations on their business, useful tips and got feedback and suggestions from other members.

3 Members that presented on Tuesday were Mike Afford – Mike Afford Media, Katherine Williams – MyKidsTime.ie and Brent Adsley – Leitrim Life Magazine

There will be no network meeting in August but there are some tickets left for CruiseCamp

Meeting Agenda

6.30 – Welcome – Member Introduction

6.40 – 3 x Member Presentations

Katherine Williams – MyKidsTime.ie

Brent Adsley – Leitrim Life Magazine

Mike Afford – Mike Afford Media

7.20 – Open forum discussion

7.30 – Close – Tea/Coffee/Sandwiches/Networking

PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS.

CruiseCamp 2009

CruiseCamp is a fun and informal business networking event with a difference. Setting sail on the fabulous Moonriver Pleasure Cruiser at 7pm from the bridge in Carrick on Shannon you will meet business owners from around Ireland while cruising on the river Shannon.

Hot food will be served during the cruise and there is a full bar on board. Please bring approx 70 business cards.
Ticket Price = €20*

The word FREE is beside each ticket because we cannot accept Credit Card Payments at this time.

CruiseCamp 2009

CruiseCamp 2009

CruiseCamp 2009

Eamon McGrenaghan from websuccess365.com delivered a comprehensive on Google Ad Words and how they can be used to increase sales.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday July 5th at 6.30pm in The Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo.

More details to follow.

The June Network Meeting will take place on Tuesday June 7th at 6.30pm in The Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo.

Meeting Agenda

6.30 – Welcome – Member Introduction

6.40 – Google Ads that get you business with Eamon McGrenaghan from websuccess365.com

7.20 – Open forum discussion

7.30 – Close – Tea/Coffee/Sandwiches/Networking

PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS.

Internationally acclaimed speaker on leadership, sales, creativity and personal excellence.

Venue: The Bush Hotel

Date: Tuesday May 17th.

Time: 6pm.

This workshop is open to people who are working for themselves in County Leitrim, whether you are a member of Leitrim Business Network or not please feel free to attend this event and pass on this email to anyone whom you think may be interested in attending.

Please confirm your attendance by return email to nicola@leitrimenterprise.ie as we need to confirm numbers with the Hotel.

We look forward to seeing you there.

12 network members attended the May Network Meeting.

3 groups of 4 brainstormed ideas that might help improve each others business.

The next meeting will take place on June 7th at 6.30pm in The Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo.

Meeting Agenda

6.30 – Welcome – Member Introduction

6.40 – Idea Generation Groups

7.20 – Open forum discussion

7.30 – Close – Tea/Coffee/Sandwiches/Networking

PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS.

22 Members attended the April Business Network Meeting.

Keynote Presentation – Stand Up and Fight For Your Business – Pearce Flannery, Pragmatica

Pearse gave a great ‘no nonsense’ presentation covering tips and techniques on how to improve your business.

Some key points were taken from Pearce’s Book – Grabbing the Oyster

Some points that stood out for me included:

• [BOOK] The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallway
• Begin with the end in mind
• Attitude is everything
• Surround yourself with positive people – avoid negative people
• Success leaves clues
• Go for a brisk walk (get a dog)
• Use positive words – try to avoid saying ‘not too bad’ when asked how you are.
• Measure – how else will you know how you are doing?
• Quality of thoughts leads to quality of life
• Write down your goals otherwise they are aspirational
• [Book] Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy
• Plans involve change
• Change your habits
• [BOOK] Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
• Set your own bar

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday May 2nd at 6.30pm in The Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo. More details to follow.

The Leitrim Business Network was established to exploit the power of business networking. To join for FREE visit www.leitrimbusinessnetwork.com/join

Connect on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LeitrimBusiness and Twitter at http://twitter.com/LeitrimBizNet

Leitrim Business Network Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month at 6.30pm.

The Leitrim Business Network is supported by Leitrim County Enterprise Board – www.leitrimenterprise.ie