Upstarts.ie Podcast

On the show this afternoon we are joined by Declan Cunningham and David Ryan from Flynn O'Driscoll a business law firm focused on achieving practical business solutions for its clients. They talk about their varied work with start-ups as well as the importance for them of being part of the whole journey for a small business offering not only legal support but also advice. They talk about some of the pitfalls they've seen in start-ups including giving away equity too early.

Highlights and speeches from the UpStarts 'Get Business Fit' event in the Digital Hub on Tuesday 14th January 2014. Speakers include: Lord Mayor Of Dublin Oisin Quinn Senator Feargal Quinn Dayna Caceres from Disctinctions Consulting Eibhlin Curley from Dublin City Enterprise Board Paul Dunne, CEO of Digital Skills Academy

Dayna Caceres from Distinctions Consulting and Marika MacCarvill from Digital Skills Academy join us in studio to talk about their participation and support for the UpStarts 'Get Business Fit' event taking place on Tuesday January 14th. Conor Sweeney from Intertrade Ireland comes on the phone to talk about their cross border work with small businesses in Ireland and their Seedcorn competition. Dorothy Creavan from Element Wave Software, a previous winner phones in to tell us a little about her experience with Seedcorn. Finally, Samantha Kelly from Twitting Goddess tells us about networking and getting your message out on social media.

On our last show in 2013 we have Racheal Daly and Amanda Butler from the amazing Bizarro Cupcakes showing how their home baking business has gone from strength to strength in the last 3 months through partnerships and collaboration. They even bring UpStarts cupcakes into the studio for us to enjoy. We also have David Wicks from Merlin's Enchanted Balloons talking about his transition from festivals and street shows to the world of corportate and business balloon decoration. And of course Dayna from Distinctions comes in to wrap up the year with some great advice for our guests.

In studio this afternoon we have Joerg from Dublin Events Guide, talking about his events guide that started as a hobby to inform his friends about what's on in Dublin to over 40,000 followers on Facebook and a huge mailing list. He talks about balancing and juggling with other work and interest in his life as well as his hopes to build relationships for support and advertising while keeping the whole business free. He also tells us about some of his favorite events coming up to Christmas.

Fabio from Funky Christmas Jumpers comes into the studio today to talk about their unusual and very seasonal business. He talks about the challenges of running a business so reliant on Christmas sales, their pop up shops, and the successes they've see in the media and the public eye.

Dayna Caceres from Distinctions Consulting comes back on the show this week for our monthly Business Advice Clinic. Dayna answers questions and provides advice to our listeners on challenges in business they have sent to UpStarts, and provides expert tips on dealing with the issues and day to day trials of running a business and being and entrepreneur. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@upstarts.ie or you can submit a question for Dayna at www.upstarts.ie

Rose from One Parent Holidays joins us by phone to talk about their success in the UpStarts Key To The City Competition, as well as the need for one parent holidays in Ireland. Brian J Showers comes in studio to talk about being an independent publisher in Ireland and his passion for Irish Gothic, supernatural and fantastic literature. And Marika from the Digital Skills Academy tells us about their Get WebActivated event this month for small businesses to boost their online presence.

Shen Wong from Shen Wong Jewellery comes onto the show as the 4th Place winner from the UpStarts Key To The City Competition. She talks about giving up a job in marketing to go it alone, and the knowledge this gave her as well as the challenges of starting out with bills to pay. She tells us about the support she received from family and friends as well as the opportunities for collaboration ahead.

On the show this week, the top three winners of the UpStarts Key To The City competition join us to talk about their businesses and their wins. Clodagh from Cula Bula Parties Laura & Ian from Dreamtime Bouncy Castles Timi & JR from Picture This Dublin. We talk about how they used social media to win the competition and what their plans are next.

On the show today, Neil Curran, founder of Improv Fest Ireland comes on the show to tell us about the different forms of improv. He dispels the myths that it is only a comedy business. He talks about the uses for businesses, confidence, team building and public speaking. We also announce the winners of the UpStarts Key To The City competition and talk about the winners event and UpStarts networking in January.

Dayna Caceres from Distinctions Consulting comes back on the show this week for our monthly Business Advice Clinic. Dayna answers questions and provides advice to our listeners on challenges in business they have sent to UpStarts, and provides expert tips on dealing with the issues and day to day trials of running a business and being and entrepreneur. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@upstarts.ie or you can submit a question for Dayna at www.upstarts.ie

On the show this week Mark Whelan from DubStarts comes in to tell us about the start-up jobs event they host. 3000 people are expected to attend the DubStats event on the 29th of October with more than 50 start ups hiring at The Powerscourt Centre and Pygmalion. Hear about the event as well as the types of roles and businesses that will be there.

Laura from Lashes by Laura and Vanity Make up comes in to tell us about her business and how she uses word of mouth and social media to get her message across and increase her client base. Social Media marketers Glenn and Jason give tips on making the most of your social media communications and interactions for your business. We give updates on the UpStarts Key To The City competition.

On the show this week we talk about slightly different innovations and businesses that target smaller groups or special interests, as well as businesses aimed at the Irish language. Clodagh NicGabhann from Cúla Búla Parties comes onto the show to tell us about her love for the Irish language and her business of doing childrens parties solely or partially through Irish. Susan Behan talks about her work and business as a Celtic Spiritual Healer and Reader. We also give updates on our Key To The City Competition.

Dayna Caceres from Distinctions Consulting comes back on the show this week for our monthly Business Advice Clinic. Dayna answers questions and provides advice to our listeners on challenges in business they have sent to UpStarts, and provides expert tips on dealing with the issues and day to day trials of running a business and being and entrepreneur. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@upstarts.ie or you can submit a question for Dayna at www.upstarts.ie

On this weeks show we talk to Claire from Professional Development Limited about the training courses they provide in project management, customer care, sales and more to both individuals as well as in house to large companies who want to up skill their existing workforce. She talks about the importance for training companies to keep on top of new developments and requirements in the market. We are also joined by Dan and James from innovative start up Visilit who have developed a piece of software to enable stage shows to be designed and plotted virtually before the need to do it in the venue. They talk about their successes in a short space of time, and their experience of listening to the customer needs.

On this afternoons show we have Jean O'Gorman from Fóroige talking about their Youth Entrepreneurship Programme NFTE (Network For Training Entrepreneurship) as well as their Entrepreneurship Awards. Vanessa Mulhull, and alumni from the programme talks about her experiences in Fóroige and her start-up business 'Pixipots' We talk about the importance of youth enterprise for young people and businesses.

This week faculty and graduates from the Digital Skills Academy come on the show to talk about the DSA Web Elevate and Web Innovate programmes for people who want to up-skill in digital media. Marika from the DSA tells us about the guidelines for entry and the benefits of the courses. Sarah Philp explains the support and ties with the industry and how this helps the graduates get the best roles. Clare, John and Kevin, all Digital Skills Academy graduates talk about their experiences before the DSA, their want and need to up-skill and the new doors, opportunities and roles available to them, as well as their own projects and successes. www.upstarts.ie

Dayna Caceres from Distinctions Consulting comes back on the show this week for our monthly Business Advice Clinic. Dayna answers questions and provides advice to our listeners on challenges in business they have sent to UpStarts, and provides expert tips on dealing with the issues and day to day trials of running a business and being and entrepreneur. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@upstarts.ie or you can submit a question for Dayna at www.upstarts.ie