The Power of Your #Network

Copyright Link

So January is behind us, and things feel a little less bleak [though the weather could do with a memo on that]. How has the first month of the year passed off for you?

There has been one distinct theme for mine - networking.  Now, this is something I do pretty regularly anyway - but January 2014 has been altogether different.  Firstly, I took up two new roles: one in my capacity serving on the National Executive of Network Ireland, and the other as Co-Facilitator of SWIBN.

Secondly, I was asked to join the panel of speakers for January's #DubNet - a really dynamic group - which like Network, operates on a voluntary basis.  The event was over-subscribed [no pressure] and proved to be a really fantastic experience.

On my way to Dublin for the event, I was asked to pen a piece for Irish Tatler... on the influential powers of social media and, yes, you guessed it... networking.

Hmmm.

What's so important about any of these facts, I hear you ask? Simply, that the common denominator connecting them, is also networking.

When I was asked to speak at #DubNet, I wondered what I'd talk about - I'm usually invited to contribute to panels on the basis of work-related themes or views, and this was completely different.  I gathered that the best thing I could offer, was my own personal experience of being in business, running a business and working for other businesses.

What could I say were the most important lessons I'd learned? To do something you love, and play to your strengths; to stretch yourself and inhabit a place of personal growth [yes, you've guessed it, the comfort zone doesn't apply]; and most importantly, to remember that you are the sum of those you surround yourself with. So choose wisely, and create a network which supports, develops and galvanises you.

Right, back to networking.  My invitation to speak at #DubNet happened because I am an avid fan of Twitter, a social network; working with SWIBN came about through a valued colleague, Oonagh Monahan, whom I met through networking; and I joined Network to build a network.  Tatler? Also networking.

Oh, and SWIBN's first speaker for 2014 was another valued colleague, Sandra Hart of BNI, an expert on networking.

If you have become bamboozled by the over-appearance of the words 'network' and 'networking' in this post, you've missed the point.

What, in fact, you should be considering right now - is the power of YOUR network.

What Will 2014 Bring You?

TweakYourBiz

As promised... Here's my most recent dose of inspiration for the year ahead, kindly featured by TweakYourBiz.

Bon appetit! 

Happy New Year!

Image Copyright

Happy New Year! As we all know, a new year is a time for lots of blog posts about opportunity, change and growth... so I've written one which I'll share with you later this month! However, in the meantime, here are two from the archive.

The Time Is Now: Flex Your Ambition Muscle 

Three-Step Business New Year Resolution

Christmas Wishes!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Prosperous 2014!

Click here to read my Christmas Newsletter.

Best wishes,

Olwen

Irish Tatler | The key to export potential?

Copyright Link

Q: I hear so much about exporting for business growth… how do I know if my business has any potential overseas? Is it a big risk to me to try out?

Export is definitely a ‘hot topic’ in Ireland at the moment – not least of all because SMEs with potential for overseas expansion can contribute massively to our economic recovery.  However, it can be a somewhat tricky journey to navigate – and it’s not a decision you should make without conducting some solid due diligence!  My advice would be this: don’t go on a ‘whim’ – export markets are not going to be the same as the markets / segments or customers you will have experienced to date.  In many cases [as the famous HSBC advertising campaign hints to] – you need to get a handle on the culture and norms of how business is done in the country you wish to export to.  Do follow the opportunity you perceive exists - either through market intelligence or a bit of anecdotal insight - and test it out.  The ‘information superhighway’ [aka internet!] offers an ample platform to do some initial digging regarding competition, market nuances and customer demand – you can also access a wealth of information via the resource libraries provided by our enterprise agencies.  Speaking of which - when all signs point towards a solid potential market-place, seek out the assistance of Enterprise Ireland or InterTrade Ireland’s export divisions which offer great support ‘on the ground’, as well as honest opinion, insight and advice on the real weight of your export plan, and how to bring it forward.

Irish Tatler | The Difference Between Mission & Vision?

Image Copyright Link

I always get confused when I hear people talking about mission and vision ‘statements’ for business planning / strategy – any idea how I differentiate the two?!

One of the main axes of success in business is clarity of purpose – it drives how we communicate both internally, to our staff and stakeholders – and externally, to our clients, influencers and suppliers.  I’m a very vocal advocate for businesses [of all sizes] really understanding their values, vision and mission in ‘life’ – because without this clarity, it’s very hard to fully understand and in turn, communicate the right messages to our key people.

A major stumbling block, is in understanding the difference between ‘mission’ and ‘vision’ – they are both unique, and not to be confused with one another! In order to ensure your business is ‘on message’ internally and externally, you really do need to have a coherent, cohesive mission and vision – so here are some tips on how to go about doing so.

Keep it simple: don’t over-complicate things, just ask yourself – what are we here to do? What are our key objectives, our purpose and defining key deliverables?  Understanding this will help define your mission.   The next step is in understanding the values by which you wish to achieve your mission – this is your vision.  It is cultural, and clearly sets out the organisations’ “stall”, so-to-speak, when it comes to expectations, future plans, as well as the manner in which the company plans to achieve them.  The most important factor for both? They need to be honest, focused and motivational for all concerned.  Good luck!

Green Shoots | Are they a reality or a figment of our imagination?

Copyright Link

'Green shoots' is a term now gaining as much ground [pardon the pun] as its predecessors, 'recession' and 'downturn'.  Many of us are thankful for its appearance.  However, what can we say of the realities of the actual existence of these nimble, sprouting shoots? Are they really 'out there' or are we imagining them?

The quiet revolution of these 'shoots' is simple: they are appearing, somewhat surprisingly, despite the economy - not because of it.  The proof? It's not exactly tangible, but it is there - it's a palpable feeling that things, gradually, are improving.  Fear for the future has waned somewhat for some [sadly, not all] business-people as orders or clients, prospects or potential opportunities ostensibly appear to be improving.  While undoubtedly, there are bigger issues for consideration as social welfare cuts and IR issues continue, as well as emigration, and ongoing budget adjustments - it is fair to say that, within the SME sector, people are beginning to sense optimism in the air.

So, what of this optimism? It is just that - and is being helped along by a sense of community that has begun to abound of late within certain sectors - as well as a good news story, here and there, like a slow drip of positivity.  Good news stories, and bad, are something we're well used to - and they are discussed weekly on the Small Business Show.   As someone who regularly interviews SMEs for the focus section of the programme, as well as listening and commenting on the aforementioned stories - I asked our Producer, Kehlan Kirwan for his thoughts on Ireland's "future" economy:

"There is a justified sense of frustration in Ireland when it comes to running a business.  Red tape, commercial rates and an economy with more questions than answers. So it’s a bad time to start a business, or be in business right?

Well, actually it’s an incredible time to be in business in Ireland right now. The old way of running a business or doing business is gone. It takes new ideas and new methods to create success. For example – looking for finance for a business has changed. The banks will continue to be the mainstay for business finance for the foreseeable future but different models have emerged as contenders. Crowd funding, Venture Capital and Pension funds have all emerged as serious contenders to the banking model.

There has also been a boom for technology and new business models. Both have ensured that Irish businesses are now looking globally to advance their brand. The gaining of new customers and recognition in foreign markets is now seen as must. Your brand is now global, not just in Ireland.

While the climate is still harsh domestically there is still scope for gains. The psychology of the consumer in all areas has changed. The experience has now become one of main the reasons for the handing over of monies. While small retail units find it hard to compete on price with large chains, they can offer better customer service and follow up service.

Green shoots are appearing, now they need fertile soil to flourish."

So, #SMEcommunity - what are your thoughts? Do you feel green shoots are really breaking ground, or is economic activity still stagnant? Comments welcome!