Upstarts.ie Podcast

On the show this week we have Stephen Doyle from Business Communication Solutions. He talks to us about his journey as an entrepreneur, changing from the pub security and management business into the communications sector. He discusses also the importance of communications for small business and the need to get good advice when investing in mobile and broadband technology.

On this weeks show we discuss franchises as a business option and the opportunities available for entrepreneurs who are interested in working with an established brand. Peter Dennis from HB Dennis Motors joins us to talk about his experience with franchises and working with Ssanyong Motors who are returning to the Irish market. Eoin Mulvihill from Biz By Media returns to talk about the possibilities and the rewards of joining a franchise.

On UpStarts this afternoon, Daren O'Neill from Dundrum Credit Union talks about the history and changing face of credit unions in Ireland, how they are keeping up with technology and why they are a good bet during Ireland's financial crisis. He tells us that credit unions want to actively help their members and don't discourage or discriminate against people who are self employed who are looking for personal finance options. He also talk about their new Enterprise Fortnight which will showcase local businesses in the branches of Dundrum Credit Union.

On the show this week Senator Mary White talks about her experiences as an entrepreneur, how she co-founded the highly successful Lir Chocolates during the recession in the 80's and her work with women entrepreneurs in Ireland. She, along with her office manager Laurence McCormack, discuss the Women Entrepreneurs in Ireland policy paper she has put forward and the steps Ireland needs to take to remove some of the barriers faced by women in business.

Dayna Caceres from Distinctions Consulting comes back on the show this week to kick off our new monthly Business Advice Clinic. On the last Friday of every month, Dayna will answer questions and provide advice to our listeners on challenges in business they have sent to UpStarts, and provide 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

Today on the show we are onsite with Sean Blanchfield, chief executive of venture lab Scale Front. Sean was a founder of software company DemonWare which was Acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2007. He also runs Techpreneurs, the social group for technology entrepreneurs based in Dublin. Sean will be talking about his experiences as a serial entrepreneur, the opportunities he's had through several start up businesses and the importance of trying many ideas to find the right fit and success. You can follow Sean on twitter at @seanblanchfield and online at seanblanchfield.com

On the show this afternoon, Dan Gaughan from Athletic Fitness talks to us about the importance of keeping not only your business fit and active, but also yourself. He discusses his new Executive Fitness program which is designed for busy entrepreneurs and business owners to maintain their fitness while dealing with their busy lives and schedules. He suggests alternatives for snacking and exercise for people on the go with as little as 10 minutes per day to keep healthy, and the importance for your business of looking after yourself.

On the show today we talk about the importance of networking for all types of business, and how collaboration is so important in today's climate. Keith Lawlor from Dun Laoghaire & Rathdown Chamber of Commerce tells us about the networking opportunities available for business in his area from coffee mornings, 1 to 1's and exposure to corporate businesses. We finish our top ten tips for starting a business and give a round up of that's on over the next few days.

On the show this week we talk about business and social innovation for people over the age of 50. Rodd Bond from the NetWell centre talks to us about the challenges and opportunities for NGO's, businesses and individuals who provide services, infrastructure and products for older people. He tells us about the Social Innovation in Aging European Award which recognizes individuals, organisations and partnerships developing and implementing social innovations in the field of active and healthy again. We give some of our top tips for starting a business.

In this Episode Suzanne Carpenter from An Lár TV talks to us about the new online TV channel which has around 120 countries each month viewing Irish content both in English and Irish. She discusses the progress in the last few years in online broadcasting, and how to get your content up to be viewed. Edwina Neilan tells us about her new radio show which will profile regular people in Dublin with extraordinary interests and stories.

On the show today we talk about the move from retailing to e-tailing and online stores. Addrianna Doyle from Barry Doyle Design Jewellers comes into the studio to talk about their husband and wife team dedicated to hand making high quality jewellery. She talks about their business over the last 14 years where they have hand made all their jewellery in their shop/studio which is located in the Georges Street Arcade in Dublin city centre. And she discusses their move into the online space to grow their business. Fiona Hyland from Inventorium.org talks about the ClickTailing programme funded by the EU which facilitates retailers moving online by collaboration between designers, developers, stylists, photographers, logistics providers, online marketing and payment processors.

On the show today we talk about a career in computer games. In studio we have Jason and Shane from app and game company Pump Station Studios talking about their journey, successes and their upcoming mobile game 'Zombert'. We visit Pulse College and interview some of the students on the Fás and Momentum funded Game Development course.

On the show this week we have singer songwriter Kiera Dignam, daughter of Aslan's Christy Dignam who talks about growing up with a famous father, breaking away and trying to make it on her own in the music business. Jonathan Creasy talks about moving from the US to Ireland to found New Dublin press which aims to bring vital creative work to receptive audiences in order to sustain that work's progression.

On the show today we have young Dublin rapper Mikey Lennon and well known song writer and music trainer Mick Garry. Both will talk about their journeys as musicians, their influences, and the challenges they face in the music business today. We discuss the importance of perseverance in the face of difficulties, and the other opportunities available for musicians other than performance.

On the show today we have Damien Mulhall and Eoin Mulvihill from biz by media. They talk about their own career journeys and their drive to do something for themselves, and we discuss their business BizByMedia, a digital media agency specifically built to solve the unique problems that businesses are experiencing in the 2013-2018 technological environment.

Today we are going to explore entrepreneurship when it is applied to charity and fundraising. Groups and individuals out there who are working hard to raise money for worthy causes have always faced challenge, but since the economic downturn, this challenge has increased. Many people who gave to charity before, can no longer afford to, yet the need is still there to raise these crucial funds. On the show today hear how people and organizations are managing to be successful during these times, what people can do if they are involved in fundraising and what supports are out there. In studio, we are joined by Fiona Foley from Siel Bleu and Aoife Clarke from the Order of Malta to tell us about their goals with regard to the charitable organizations they are involved in. As well as Alan Coyne from iDonate.

On the show this afternoon Dayna Caceres, business coach from distinction talks about start-ups who wish to create winning business growth strategies, and the best way to turn a hobby into a business. Artist Hulda Friðriksdóttir (Huldyful) shares her experiences of moving from a passion and a past time, to becoming a business.

Joining us in the studio are Serena Bryans from the Student Enterprise Programme and Justin Sinnott from Spring Board. We will also be talking to Anton from DKIT about the successes they have had from the Spring Board training programmes, and on the phone from the UK, Marketing expert Paul Smith talks about his SOSTAC planning model.

Hello and welcome to UpStarts. Over the next weeks we will be looking at what’s new and innovative in Dublin city. Focusing on entrepreneurs and new initiatives as well as giving advice and expert tips on how to get your new venture rolling. Social media is a big buzz word at the moment and the reality Is that today it is essential to have a social media presence for your business. Our guest in studio today is blogger Darragh Doyle, Community Manager of WorldIrish.com. Entertainment and events blogger in Ireland and 'sharer of things to make your day better'.