Better Written Proposals = More Business! March #SWIBNTuesday Alert!

Ever wondered about the 'art' of writing a good business proposal? What does the buyer expect to see? How might you best make your proposal stand out from the crowd?

Have you seen a public tender and wondered what exactly was being asked for?

Fear not, this March's #SWIBNTuesday we'll be looking at those exact issues with Orla Leydon of Office & Training Solutions.  Orla is an extremely experienced trainer, with extensive knowledge across a range of sectors - and a specialism in procurement.

Orla will provide key tips on producing proposals or tenders, managing your time better and maximising your chances of successful proposal writing.

In advance of this months' session, Orla has asked that members take a few short minutes to complete a survey which will provide her with insights on individual member needs so that she can best tailor the session - you can complete the survey here -> http://tinyurl.com/SWIBNMarch

As always, please RSVP by registering on our Eventbrite page!

SWIBN Hits the Radio Waves with Ocean Media!

Ever wanted to know what happens in the world of media? Like to see how a studio works or what happens in a newsroom? How adverts are produced? 

Join us for our February #SWIBNTuesday hosted by our very own Claire Ronan, of Ocean FM - bringing us through the world of Ocean Media, including their extraodinary range of media facilities. 

On the 23rd of February, we'll meet some of Ocean's team, including their marketing experts - and hear Claire's own story about developing a career in media. 

Five lucky folks will also get an opportunity to do an interview - so don't miss out on this great learning experience! 

Our February #SWIBNTuesday will run, as normal from 7-9 p.m. but please note the location for this month is Ocean FM, Northwest Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo.

As always, please ensure you RSVP by registering on this page.

We're back... and straight down to business #brainstorming for January!

January is a time for New Year's Resolutions - setting out new plans and objectives for the year ahead, and readying ourselves for new possibilities.  This year, SWIBN is starting off on a theme which matters to our members - being better business owners - by learning new skills and dusting off any pesky issues we're experiencing in business.  

With a room full of experts, what better way to kickstart a new year?

This month, we'll focus specifically on your business queries - and you can submit areas or questions you might have via our anonymous "postbox".   January's #SWIBNTuesday will workshop those business queries that leave you stumped - through our table workshop format.  

As this is something you've told us you like, we'll also commit to running mini-sessions during our networking sessions at other #SWIBNTuesday events.

Don't forget to book your spot - hop over to our Eventbrite reservation page here.

We're focusing on all things #web-by for November's #SWIBNTuesday!

How many of us bemoan how well our websites are functioning? Whether they're functioning at all or doing the job we expect them to? With the vast majority of companies found online and a large percentage of consumers searching for services and products via search engines, it's crucial that our websites are well-constructed and easy to find.

This month, we're returning to the subject of the online universe, following a great session earlier this year with members Aoife Porter (Bua Marketing), Marie Brouder (Brouder Design) and Sue Bourke (Digital Cascade Ireland).

Considering the wealth of expertise within our membership, we know just the lady to ask - and for November's #SWIBNTuesday, we'll be hearing from Carolin Collins of inTandem Web Design.  Qualified with an MBS in Management Information Systems as well as a B.Sc. in Management (and dabbling in Ceramics and Sculpture) and with 12 years of work experience in training, management consulting (Accenture and PwC) and IT management, in 2008 she realised it was time for a change and decided to retrain in order to set up her own business! Web Design allows Carolin to combine her business, technical and creative skills into one package and she hasn’t looked back since! In recent years, Carolin has added training and mentoring services to her offering, facilitating programmes on behalf of a number of Local Enterprise Offices as well as Leitrim Development Company, Roscommon LEADER, New Frontiers and WestBIC. Technically, she specialises in MODX CMS, Prestashop ecommerce software as well as Wordpress.

Carolin’s SWIBN presentation will focus on Website Optimisation both from a technical as well as design point-of-view. She will base the session on her Website Review Clinic framework which she has been carrying out for various LEO’s over the past 5 years. The session will provide you with plenty of hands-on tips about how you can improve the performance of your website without spending any money where at all possible. It will follow on from Aoife Porter’s insightful presentation about Keywords and show you how and where to implement these throughout your site as well as many other, simple optimisation tricks. Carolin will also spend some time elaborating on Marie Brouder’s very useful presentation on image copyright.

Don't miss out on Carolin's invaluable expertise, book your spot now!

Making time to be #mindful... #SWIBNTuesday October focus

We can all be accused of not making time to do things that are good for us... going to the gym, creating some "me" time to read, meditate or simply treat ourselves to something restorative.

The benefits of mindfulness are well-proven and increasingly, form the basis of much debate and discussion when it comes to stress management, wellness and general health.  This month, SWIBN is taking a more holistic look at our working lives by applying mindful practices to the everyday stressors we all deal with.

Mindfulness is beneficial as it enables us to get in touch with their thoughts feelings behaviours and body sensations.  We can take the time to "come back", get perspective and make the decision that’s best.

Our guest speaker is Nollag Cullinan, Nollag holds an MSc in Occupational Health Degree in nursing studies (2000), she is a qualified Psychotherapist and Cognitive Behavioural therapist, and has completed a Diploma in Sivannanda Yoga & Mindfulness. Nollag also works as a CBT practitioner, delivering stress management training in multinational organisations, Abbott, Laya Healthcare, PGI, RCI, Morgan Stanley and Medtronic.

To book your spot for this months' #SWIBNTuesday, just head over here.

September #SWIBNTuesday | Confidence On Camera... Project Your Power on Any-Sized Screen

This September, SWIBNers will hear from Lottie Hearn, the Confidence on Camera Coach!

 It seems like cameras are everywhere for business marketing these days…

• But what style of business video is really for you?  
• How can you create simple, effective video without breaking the bank?
• And how can you best present ‘you’ to those cameras to get the results you want?

Video has become the fastest growing promotional tool in our age of short attention spans and fast-paced living. 

Smartphone streaming, webcams and video open up a business boosting world of possibilities where viewers can buy in to our ideas, products and services by connecting to pre-recorded and live events online across the globe. Whether you are the expert at what you do, the face of your team or interview presenter – you need to overcome your fears of being on-camera to discover your on screen 3 C’s, 3 V’s and M³…

Taking top tips (and live coaching we hope!) from just her just launched book “Confidence on Camera – how to project your Power on any size screen”

Lottie Hearn will help us Press Play on our on-screen persona and learn to enjoy presenting any time that camera is in our business face!

-------------------------------------------------

ABOUT LOTTIE:

Lottie Hearn is The Confidence on Camera Coach who loves helping you be the best you can be on any camera, for online video, virtual meetings, live video streaming or TV.

With over 25 years’ experience as a performer, presenter, creative producer, trainer and professional speaker, presenters Lottie has trained and can be seen on TV, online and on video across the globe.

She is currently the 2015-16 President of the Professional Speaking Association Ireland Branch – http://www.thepsa.co.uk/regions/ireland-region  keynoting at their UK annual conference this October.

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Booking is open now, so don't forget to grab your place! 

Entrepreneur and Enterprise Initiatives and Events update

Hello,

We hope that the Summer months have treated you well! 

To assist you in identifying Entrepreneur and Enterprise Initiatives and Events that are scheduled for the rest of 2015, Enterprise Ireland has helpfully put together the following list  which might be of interest!

Entrepreneur and Enterprise Initiatives Open Currently

  

1.       Community Enterprise Initiatives (2015 – 2017) Fund re-opens until 6pm on Friday 4^th September.www.enterprise-ireland.com/communityenterpriseinitiative . If you have a query, please contact Gillian Slattery – gillian.slattery@enterprise-ireland.com

2.       Deadline for submissions to ‘Call for Expressions of Ideas for Regional Enterprise Initiatives’ – 12 noon Friday 11 September www.enterprise-ireland.com/regionalenterpriseinitiative

3.       New Programme – ACORNS: Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups - designed specifically for early stage female entrepreneurs living outside the administrative boundaries of the main 5 cities in Ireland . Application deadline is Friday 11^th September. www.acorns.ie - information about this one was sent out by Olwen to everyone last week.

4.       Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards 2015 open for applications until Friday 25^th September

www.businessachieversaward.com

Upcoming Entrepreneur and Enterprise Initiatives and Events

25 Aug                  Competitive Feasibility Fund Agri Business opens, closes 8^th September – Details here

25 Aug                  OMiG Blended Marketing, Blended Learning, Blended Networking Seminar, Galway. Details here

26 Aug                  Competitive Start Fund for International Entrepreneurs opens, closes 9 Sep – Details here

27 Aug                  ‘The Power of the Pitch’ workshop for regional startups at Bank of Ireland’s Workbench , Mainguard St., Galway. No cost to participate. Contact the bank directly for details.

Aug – Nov           Skillnets Training in Galway. Details here

Aug – Dec            GRETB Training Centre Courses. Details here 

Aug – Dec            MSLETB Training Centres Courses. Details here

Sep – Dec            Business relevant Training organised by the Local Enterprise Offices – Details here for Galway, Mayoand Roscommon

Sep – Nov           Medical Technologies Training by the Irish Medical Devices Association. Details here

Sep                        Competitive Feasibility Fund for the West Region - Details to be announced in September

Sep                        Food Academy Development Programme 2015, LEO Galway – Details here

9 Sep                     Innovation Vouchers opens, closes 23 Sep www.innovationvouchers.ie

14 Sep                   ACCELERATE – Management Development Programme for Small Business Owners, Abbey Hotel, Roscommon – Details here

16 Sep                   Manufacturing & Agricultural Competitive Start Fund opens, closes 30 Sep - Details here

16 Sep                   ICT and Industrial Sectors Competitive Start Fund opens, closes 30 Sep – Details here

16 Sep                   InterTradeIreland Funding for Growth Advisory Clinic (private 1-1s), Grant Thornton Offices, Galway – Details here

18 Sep                   Galway Chamber Venture West, International VC Conference, Bailey Allen Hall,NUI Galway  www.venturewest.ie

22-24 Sep            National Ploughing Championships, Rathiniska, Co Laois. Special Innovation Area at www.npa.ie will be of interest to people looking for ideas

25 Sep                   Network Ireland Annual Conference & Awards, Knockranny House Hotel, Westport – Details here

28-2 Oct               Mayo Ideas Week – Programme will be available here soon. Follow #MayoIdeasWeek.

29 Sep                  Spirit of Entrepreneurship event, GMIT Castlebar  www.spiriteventwest.com

Oct                         3^rd Level Student Entrepreneur Awards will open for applicationswww.studententrepreneurawards.ie

1 Oct                      Enterprise Start event, Mayo  www.enterprise-ireland.com/enterprisestart

6-7 Oct                  MedTech Ireland, Radisson, Galway www.medteceurope.com/ireland

5-10 Oct               Startup Gathering Week. The focus will be on Galway on Friday 9^th October. Contact Galway Co-ordinator john.breslin@nuigalway.ie  if you would like to get involved.  www.startupireland.ie/startupgathering 

14-15 Oct             Trade & Investment Mission in Ireland – Details here

20 Oct                   Finance 4 Growth Workshop: Export Finance – Limiting the Risk of International Trade. Details here

21-22 Oct             National Women’s Enterprise Day, Galway Bay Hotel,Salthill   www.nwed.ie

29 Oct                   Med in Ireland – Showcase for Irish Medical Technologies companies, National Convention Centre, Dublin www.medinireland.ie

30 Oct                   déanta – Irish Design, from Concept to Manufacture to Market Conference, Letterfrack, Co. Galway www.gmitletterfrackconference.ie

6 Nov                    Information Technology Association Galway (ITAG) Awards, Hotel Meyrick, Galway. Details here

11 Nov                  Female Competitive Start Fund opens, closes 25 Nov – Further details will be available here

18-19 Nov            Meet West, Hodson Bay Hotel, Roscommon  www.meetwest.ie

Useful Resources

Startup Weblinks – Guide for early stage entrepreneurs in the West – www.enterprise-ireland.com/startupweblinks

Galway MedTec Map  http://technologyvoice.com/2015/08/10/galway-medtech-map-irelands-medical-device-cluster

MedTec Map of Ireland – Download here

#BOIworkbench Galway, just recently opened, is a free co-working space for startups. Contact annie.claffey@boi.comfor more information.

It's a summery social #SWIBNTuesday this month...

July means it's time for our annual summer #SWIBNTuesday social... this year, we're off to the super-talented Frances Muldoon's studio in Rosses Point, Frances will showcase her business, and fellow member, Berenice Beukes will also cater the evening with her mouthwatering food!

Please ensure you book by RSVPing by Friday 24th as we'll need numbers for catering :) 

There'll be a small charge for food, which we'll advise before the evening - and it's a strictly BYOB event!

Looking forward to seeing you all then... 

May is all about #digital at SWIBN...

This month at SWIBN, we're talking about all things digital - from photography and driving online sales, to smarter ways of working your social media output.

We're really delighted to be showcasing the abundant digital talent we have in Sligo, and indeed, within our membership - our three speakers are none other than: Sue Bourke [Digital Cascade], Marie Brouder [Brouder Design] and Aoife Porter [Bua Marketing].  All three professionals bring a wealth of knowledge across a whole range of digital topics... so don't miss out!


Booking is now open over at our Eventbrite page - and as always, #SWIBNTuesdays take place on the last Tuesday of the month, in the GlassHouse Hotel, 7-9 p.m.

Getting to know your networking neighbours...

Networking is what we're all about at SWIBN - getting to know your colleagues, building relationships, learning from one another and sharing business opportunities.

We're so good at it, we thought it was about time we invited our colleagues from Sligo and further afield along to our April event!

This month, we're inviting networks from Sligo and around Connacht, to join us for a fun, dynamic evening of networking.  Members are very welcome to invite colleagues so feel free to send details of the event onwards.

As always, April's event will take place on the last Tuesday of the month - 28th April, from 7-9 p.m. at the GlassHouse Hotel, Sligo.  RSVPs are required via Eventbrite so don't forget to ensure you or your guest books their spot!

We look forward to seeing you on the night - don't forget to bring lots of business cards!

Looking for #legal expertise? Don't miss March's #SWIBN event...

SWIBN's March event will focus on legal issues for small business - and we want to hear from YOU!
In-house expert, Michelle McLoughlin will cover legal topics most asked-about by SMEs - but is keen to hear from members if they have any specific queries.  So don't be shy, email your query to OlwenSWIBN@sligoenterprise.ie or OonaghSWIBN@sligoenterprise.ie and we'll ensure Michelle has the answers you need.

Michelle McLoughlin, owner of Michelle McLoughlin & Co., has over 14 years experience in business law, corporate and company law, employment law and taxation.  Michelle was a solicitor in law firms in Dublin for ten years prior to setting up this firm, the last three years as a corporate law and taxation partner.

Michelle is also a SWIBN member and we're delighted she's sharing her legal expertise with us this month! You can book now by heading over here...

Get Media Savvy with Claire Ronan!

We're absolutely delighted to be welcoming fellow SWIBN member, broadcaster Claire Ronan, as our February guest speaker.  As a broadcaster on both radio and television, locally and nationally, Claire has extensive experience and knowledge to share with us - not to mention her own amazing story! 

Claire currently broadcasts with both Ocean FM and Irish TV, as well as RTE and other media outlets.  Having made a guest appearance at our June meeting last year, Claire certainly showed us that we could learn a lot from her immense expertise! 

We all know how important it is for us to get what we want to say across clearly in the media... whether that means radio, television or print, your message matters! Claire is going to share some really useful insights on how to maximise your engagement with media - by employing some key tips - as well as workshopping an interview or two...

Don't miss this marvellous opportunity to learn how to be media savvy - register now!

Mega Networking Start to SWIBN's 2015 Calendar!

Welcome back, SWIBNers, we hope you had a super Christmas break - a very Happy New Year to you too!

Thanks to all of you who took the time to fill out our member survey, it's great to have your feedback and ideas.  One of the points that comes through regularly is lots of networking! So bearing that in mind, we're kick-starting 2015 with a mega networking event.

Focused on getting you to know your SWIBN colleagues better, understanding who you might be able to do business with and learning some new skills while you're at it - January's event will be a fun, dynamic evening.

All you need to do is RSVP by clicking on this link - and don't forget to bring plenty of business cards!

We hope to see you then...

Save the Date... it's Party Time!

We've had style, problem-solving and productivity this Autumn / Winter at SWIBN... and now, to bring a suitably sparkling conclusion to 2014's calendar, we're heading to the Gallery at the Model for our December event.  Join SWIBN for a snapshot tour of the gallery, highlighting the current exhibitions, followed by networking games, mulled wines and canapé!  In keeping with the festivities at this time of year, we'll also do Kris Kindle, so bring a gift [value of no more than €5] for a fellow SWIBNER! To book, just head over to our Eventbrite booking page... 

SWIBN were on TV!

As part of our year long celebration of 10 Years of SWIBN (and with thanks again to the Local Enterprise Office in Sligo for our funding), we featured on Sligo Matters on Irish TV which aired on Tuesday November 3rd. Watch it here!

Huge thanks to Claire Ronan and congratulations to the five SWIBN members who featured!!

(1) Susan Bourke Monahan - Digital Cascade Ireland www.digitalcascadeireland.com
How To Use Inbound Marketing In YOUR Business
Discover How Inbound Marketing Really Works And How It Fits Into Your Overall Marketing Strategies

(2) Sharon Eastwood - Woodrow Sustainable Solutions http://www.woodrow.ie
Woodrow is an environmental consultancy working in the areas of ECOLOGY, SUSTAINABILITY and CAPACITY BUILDING. Our professional services extend to consultancy, training, facilitation and project management. We are specialists in Ecological Surveying including bats, birds, habitats and invertebrates and have considerable expertise in assessment of infrastructure projects such as wind farms. 

(3) Odilon Hunt - AVA Systems http://www.ava.ie - long time supporter of SWIBN.AVA Systems Ltd is a professional Audio Visual and Acoustics Engineering Services Company.  Our flexible attitude, high-level skill set and devout commitment to client satisfaction enables us to apply eighteen years of experience to your advantage every time. AVA’s clients include hotels, education, public and private organizations, multinational companies, entertainment venues, professional bodies and individuals. 

(4) Suzanne Maye - Property Clearance http://www.propertyclearance.ie - new startup in 2014
Property Clearance | All types of property clearance including house clearance removal and clearing of rooms apartments houses and offices in Sligo Ireland.
We offer a unique property clearance waste removal and cleaning service to home-owners, business owners, probate solicitors, councils and estate agents throughout Sligo Leitrim and the North West of Ireland.

(5) Eileen Forrestal - Get Up & Go Diary and Events http://getupandgodiary.com
Welcome to Get Up and Go Publications. Does life sometimes get you down? Do you ever feel stressed and overwhelmed? Do you find yourself worrying about the future, confused, anxious or despondent?  Do you sometimes feel stopped, unsure of what to do ...

Chaos to Control!

The penultimate SWIBN event for 2014 will take place on November 25th ( @7pm in the Glasshouse Hotel as usual). Register here.

Ever felt you were spending more time 'juggling hats' than actually getting stuff done?! 

Like to know how to put practical productivity steps in place to maximise your working day?

November's speaker is Ciara Conlon, The Productivity Coach, author of 'Chaos to Control'. 

Ciara helps busy professionals save time and get productive. Coming from Total Chaos, Ciara has developed strategies to help her find time to work, write, rest and play, all before breakfast.

She believes that with Productivity and Positivity there is little we can’t achieve.

Ciara has a degree in Economics and Politics from UCD, several IT diplomas, diplomas in Personal and Executive Coaching and Organisational Psychology. She is currently undertaking a Msc in Business. Ciara has almost twenty years’ experience in adult learning and development, with her experience ranging from coaching disadvantaged teenagers to the Banking Sector.

Ciara makes regular appearances on TV and radio. She is a columnist for The Journal.ie and www.lifehack.org. Her blog www.theproductivityblog.com encourages her readers to get organised, take action and adopt positive habits laying the path for greater happiness and success.

Summer Holliers are Over... Time to Blow Away those Business Cobwebs!

We're back with a brainstorming BANG after the summer holidays, ladies! 

After a wonderful, picturesque Sea Trail with Auriel, and a stunning supper at Eithna's, we really hope your August was a relaxed and sunny month.  It's been a busy summer for Sligo - not least of all with the Fleadh and plenty of other activities taking place.

We've also celebrated our tenth birthday, a big milestone for the network - and one which allowed us to showcase our super members! Ten years has certainly seen plenty of change, and we're very proud of all those who've been part of, and remain engaged with SWIBN.

Thanks so much to the Sligo Champion for their super feature, to all those of you who chose to take part in the feature - don't forget we also had lots of coverage online! SWIBN is also featured in the October Irish Tatler.

So, now to our September event, and we believe it's very timely! The summertime provides a great opportunity to wind down, relax and take some much-needed time off.  Coming back from holiday-time can be a bit of a 'land' and we often find ourselves a little at-sea, reprioritising and juggling various new responsibilities.  This month, SWIBN is going to focus on solving your business problems in an informal way - brainstorming - with a difference!

SWIBN has over thirty areas of expertise within its network, and [sorry ladies!] well-over a hundred years of experience...

What's the ask? We'd like each one of you to think about a day-to-day challenge you face in business, one that's a real bug-bear, and send it to us via email... or just give it to us on the night.  Each question will then be brainstormed and real-time solutions provided!

As always please book on to confirm you'll attend - click here to do so!

Make the Media Work for You!

Well, ladies, we hope you've stuck to your social media resolutions from last month! Clodagh will be checking, so be prepared!

This month, we're delighted to be welcoming Orlaith Carmody, renowned media expert, business consultant and trainer.  Orlaith is MD of MediaTraining.ie and a board member of organisations such as RTÉ, AbleVision and HRM Recruit.

Orlaith will be demystifying what makes the media tick - and for those of you interested in getting your message out there - some tips on maximising your media impact.

Remember, as always, to RSVP - we're looking forward to seeing you on the 24th!

Networking and Marketing Yourself Smarter!

Hello ladies,

We've certainly had a bumper crop of tips on how to network and market ourselves more effectively - with Caitlin O'Connor last month - not to mention our January speaker, Sandra Hart!

So, this month, and in keeping with the theme of marketing yourself smarter - we are delighted to welcome Clodagh Higgins as our guest speaker.

Clodagh will talk about "How to market your business online in less than 4 hours per month" - sounds good to me!

Clodagh is going to share how we market for our clients; create videos, create blog posts, update Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - most importantly, Clodagh will give everyone some practical tips they can implement straight away in their lives and businesses.

As always, don't forget to RSVP via Eventbrite - looking forward to seeing you on the 27th!

Time to Power Up those Business Prospects!

Thanks to all our wonderful soap-boxers for their great presentations in March! We're all agreed that the diverse businesses and offerings made for a really enjoyable evening.

So, now to April! We're delighted to be continuing our focus on creating new opportunities through networking, with networking and marketing expert, Caitlin O'Connor of Accelerating Performance.  Caitlin is widely acknowledged as one of the leading experts in networking, lead generation and marketing. She has a passion for empowering people to take control and action through learning. Her programmes and mentoring sessions are exhilarating and energy charged while being results orientated. Accelerating Performance was founded in 2005 to stimulate growth through forward thinking focusing on commercial development and marketing.

Caitlin is also an Ambassador with Dublin Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of IIBN. In 2010 she published a learning resource on networking which is CPD accredited called “Engage Lead Generation through Networking”. Caitlin is a regular contributor to radio and is retained by a number of MBA programmes.

Don't forget to RSVP promptly ladies!