Archive for the web sites category
Connector at ‘Getting Business Online’ training
by Connector on May 30th, 2011
At the Google HQ for train the trainer workshop for ‘Getting Business Online’ training with lots of people from the county enterprise boards! See some FREE web site templates below and click here to get started with a free domain name, web hosting and training - well done to sponsors Google, Blacknight and An Post and thanks to Google’s Michelle Beirne for her short video message!
Idea generation for startups & freelancers @ Connector Brainstorm
by Connector on November 29th, 2010
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.”
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.”
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.
“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
Hotel Website Marketing Conference @ the Crowne Plaza Hotel
by adam on September 21st, 2010
Conor recently spoke at the Hotel Website Marketing Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin on getting started on Social Media. Below are the slides for your viewing pleasure.
Connector Clinic Social Media Consultations
by Dave Dungan on May 17th, 2010
As part of the Irish Internet Association’s ‘Digitize the Nation’ campaign, Conor will be giving free consultations on Friday 21st of May between 2 and 6pm. Friday is the designated Social Media Day and conor is the current Chair of the iia Social Media Working Group.
We will be helping our guests to diagnose digital marketing problems and prescribe solutions based on the Connector 10C’s strategy. Regardless of the size of your business we will decide a tailor made action plan to suit your need based on your business and budget. Please email training [at] connector.ie to make your appointment.
Review of iia Audio Video Culture Event
by Nicola OReilly on April 27th, 2010
On the 22nd April 2010 the IIAs Social Media Working Group held an event entitled Audio Video Culture: Behind the scenes of audio & video content online. Conor the current Chair of Social Media Working Group at the IIA was the chariman for this event.
Speakers from RTE, RaboDirect, Channelship, Mason Hayes and Curran, CEUD NDA, Google Ireland and YouTube all spoke at the event and helped to make it a great success. Pictured is Sebastian Missoffe from YouTube in action from Conor at the top table!
There was very positive feedback with most feeling they learned a great deal about audio and video content online.
New Connector Training Video
by Dave Dungan on April 21st, 2010
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve added a new Connector Training Video to the training page of our website. The video introduces Connector Training in digital & social media.
Produced by Progressive Productions, the short video features some nice effects and innovative use of graphics, text and footage, not to mention an appearance by Conor Lynch himself who narrates with class and style!
Connections @ JOE.ie
by Connector on April 21st, 2010
Connector was invited down to the great launch of JOE.ie today in the Morgan Hotel penthouse suite. I got to make a bunch of new connections from JOE.ie, the parent company, Impact Media, FHS and the Brand Army girls. Some of the stars of the web site out in force were Jerry Flannery (See Video), Gerald Keane, Ciaran Whelan, Ray Foley and the Hardy Bucks!
Connector is delighted to be one of the featured startups on the site’s business section, check it out there >>
Connect with Weedle
by connector on April 14th, 2010
After being involved in Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start Up programme, Weedle seemed to have a very promising future. Then to top that, it also received funding, announced via Brian Cowen totalling US $4 Million to expand the Weedle social platform in the U.S and other global regions.
Weedle was founded by Iain McDonald, who successfully sold his previous company Perlico to Vodafone in 2007, and Michael Gallagher previously CIO of Perlico, Weedle is set to grow from the 16 handpicked employees who began developing Weedle last August.
Also among these is Brendan Hughes, Director of Community, with whom I had the pleasure of talking to a few weeks ago. Brendan has previously worked as e-Commerce Manager at FBD and as e-Business Manager at Vhi Healthcare. When he stepped down as Chair of Social Media Working Group at Irish Internet Association in 2009, it was Connector’s Conor Lynch stepped up to take Brendan’s place. Small world!
Six degrees of separation
There’s a theory that states that “if a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, then everyone is at most six steps away from any other person on Earth.” This is known as the Six Degrees of Separation theory. Whether you actually believe this theory or not, it is an interesting concept and one that is “core to what Weedle is about.” according to Brendan.
Weedle works on powerful connections and the idea that you can recommend someone and word of mouth recommendations are the strongest persuasions. It was through word of mouth from Brendan that the launch plans were conceived.
Weedle Launch
Weedle had a soft launch, preferring to launch and showcase the product the night before the official launch to a select few connected online experts including that guy Conor Lynch yet again!
The social networking site officially went live on Thursday and it was already named in 5 blog posts and on Friday the site had hit the Irish Times. In the first 24 hours Weedle had as many people signed up as they had anticipated in the first month and had a surprising flurry of activity from as far away as Holland.
The more people who sign up for Weedle the more powerful the social network will become and for Weedle to realize its vision it needs to become global.
Best of luck!
Obviously Connector is a big fan of connections, Conor is excited about using this new platform. Thanks to Brendan for his time and best of luck to all the Weedle team!
Nicola O’Reilly
Connect with The Board
by Conor on April 9th, 2010
Since I am now working at Connector full time since February, I have been looking at ways to get the support & advice I need from mentors and peers. Invited originally by my mate Iarfhlaith Kelly, I have now been at 2 meetings of The Board and it is worth checking out for any business owners out there. Here’s how they describe it in their own words, see what you think -
The Board is an exclusive support structure for your business delivered in the form of monthly board meetings. These meeting are chaired by a trained facilitator who controls the meeting, ensuring that everyone gets a fair share of the allocated time.
This is an exclusive club. So it’s not for everyone. We want entrepreneurs, innovators, natural sales people, people with boat loads of experience. We want the very best people, so the advice they give is of the very best quality. If this sounds like you, then The Board needs you.
To find out more, visit The Board and apply for an information pack or you can visit us on Facebook.
Learn how to promote your business @ iia Online Video & Podcasting Event
by Conor on April 4th, 2010
The Irish Internet Association (iia) is running an event in Dublin for those interested in learning more about how to promote their business using Online Video & Podcasting. The event features a fantastic lineup of expert speakers from RTE, YouTube, Rabodirect, Mason Hayes & Curran and Channelship.
The event is organised by the iia Social Media Working Group (SMWG) and as the current Chair of the SMWG, I will be there on the day helping out and available to answer any questions you might have. The SMWG is a group of social media professionals who will also be on hand to ensure this is an excellent event for you to learn more about digital content. We will also have some cool prizes to giveaway and an opportunity to network during the event and maybe afterwards too.
Event Details
Event Date : 22 Apr 2010
Time : 1.30pm – 5pm
Location : Clarion Hotel IFSC, Dublin
Price per person : €75.00
iia Members price per person : €45.00
Speakers and Agenda
Speakers will include a mix of case studies and strategic advice and include:
13:00 – Registrations
13.30 – Welcome & Introductions – Conor Lynch, Connector.ie
13:40 – Lucy Campbell, Marketing Manager, RTE Player
14:10 – Aoife Mahon & Gina McCrudden, RaboDirect
14:40 – Online Video on a Budget – Fred Caballero, Channelship
15:10 – BREAK
15:40 – Digital Content and the law: Points to consider – Peter O’Neill, Mason Hayes+Curran
16:10 – Sebastien Missoffe, YouTube
16:40 – Panel Q&A
17:00 – Close
IIA members should log into the site to avail of the member price. For more info on bookings of tickets please click here>>
