Idea generation for startups & freelancers @ Connector Brainstorm
November 29th, 2010data-via=”" >
On Thursday evening we had the first Connector Brainstorm event at the Science Gallery and here are some photos from Kyle Tunney and more here on Facebook.
The idea behind Connector brainstorm is to create a space for small ideas to collide and create BIG ideas. So we have created a mashup of classic Connector networking mixed with brainstorming! Each table has a moderator who guides the conversation and keeps the notes on paper or on our mind mapping software.
We have some generic topics for discussion but there are opportunities for startups to have their business brainstormed by 8 people for 30 minutes.
The launch of Connector Brainstorm event provided a fascinating insight into the world of Irish politics, economic and society. A diverse mix of people gathered in the Science Gallery in Trinity College to ask important questions politicians won’t never think to ask themselves.
Conor Lynch, organiser of the Connector Brainstorm said; “Einstein once said ‘We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.’ Age old policies need new age thinking and with this in mind our team of experts came up with some radical suggestions on how the future of Irish politics and economy should be ran.â€
Saving Ireland Inc.
One of the first ideas to come to fruition was a way to deal with the thousands of empty properties across the country. There are an estimated 74 ‘Ghost estates’ in Ireland, due to the oversupply of housing during the boom. These Ghost estates are now on the verge of being demolished.
Instead of knocking the estates down the group proposed devising a lottery system whereby a lucky winner in the midst of our economic crisis could go on to win a property on one of these derelict estates. The rest of the lotteries proceeds could be put to good use by employing the skill sets of unemployed people on social welfare which will regenerate and finish development on these estates for the people that really need them.
A team of business strategists proposed a radical suggestion which might be considered futuristic to say the least. This approach applies the principles of computer gaming structures to the welfare and taxation system adding value back into society so that public moral is renewed to spend again. As users work hard to progress through the various levels of the game, engaging and gaining rewards they’ve spent time to earn, the same can be applied to real life.
Therefore, it was suggested that people on social welfare could use the skill sets they have to pay-it-forward, clocking up twenty hours per week adding value to a person or a business and this new currency could add credits to each individual through the welfare and taxation system.
Another contributor said; “Another suggestion which was one of topical debate discussed Ireland’s technologically starved politicians. Most of Ireland’s politicians are between the ages of forty to sixty, but a lot of people in our society are between the ages of fifteen to thirty. As we face an uncertain future it’s imperative that our government is up-to-speed on emerging markets rich in technology. At the next election we need a more balanced age profile in Irish politics in order to speak the language of the Irish population and other successful economies.â€
In a quirky suggestion the majority also agreed that TD’S should be prohibited from drinking so that they’re heads are clear for tackling the biggest issues Ireland has had to face in political history.
Connector Startups
The Connector Brainstorm event also gave some of Ireland’s most exciting start-ups the opportunity to gain new ideas for their businesses including GoCar.ie, AM Works, Twitter TV, Smart Leads, Pet Photography, Happy Gardening Co. and EggFuel.ie where they were able to share and propose ideas to the different groups and get valuable feedback.Â
“The Connector brainstorm event was extremely beneficial to the businesses that were there. They all left with new ideas for their businesses from some of the top experts in a range of fields. For businesses to grow and succeed in the current economic climate they have to recognise that they need to think outside the box and gain input from a range of areas and this event will help anyone who is looking to get a new perspective on their business,†Lynch went on to say.
For more information on upcoming Connector Brainstorm and networking events then log on to connector.ie
