Iarfhlaith Kelly - Code agus Craic

As part of the Tuesday Push series, Damien has picked Derek Organ’s time tracking application for this weeks community effort.

A Different View

Rather then just tell you what 1Time is (lots of people have already done that) I’d like to take a slightly different approach and show you why an application like 1Time and other’s like it are the future of software.

1Time is great because it’s:

1. Web Based - The Internet is becoming the de facto way to deliver software to customers. It can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
2. Multi Tenant - Hosted software that’s centrally managed makes it easier to update and fix bugs because there’s only one running instance of the source code.
3. Multi User - The software supports different access levels so managers, workers and clients can all use it to see information suitable for them.
4. Multi Interface - A web based application needn’t be restricted to the web browser. RSS updates, email alerts, and an API help data to be accessed in new ways across multiple devices.
5. Usage Based - You only pay for what you use and you can cancel any time. It’s a low risk billing model perfect for businesses of any size.
6. Exportable - Paradoxically, allowing your customers to leave actually encourages them to sign up. Nobody likes to get locked in to a particular piece of software, so providing this option makes your software more appealing.

There are lots more reasons why 1Time and other SaaS based software have the edge over their desktop bound counterparts. Maybe you could think of a few more?

The best of luck to Derek and his team. Find out more on the 1Time website.

So I’m moving my business to the Docklands having been accepted into the PDC HotHouse. It’s a 12 month incubation programme designed for entrepreneurs and business owners of high tech, high potential startups. I’m absolutely delighted about this development and I think it’ll give me a great opportunity to meet new people, bring my business forward and learn some new skills along the way.

Moving Forward

The programme accepts 16 new companies every 6 months and is now in it’s 8th year. It provides:

• Free office space in the Docklands Innovation Park.
• A student training grant of €550 per month.
• Business mentoring.
• Networking opportunities.
• Training workshops, two days a month.
• Access to PDC’s extensive alumni network.

I’ve been told that as part of the programme we will be guided through the process of applying for Enterprise Ireland’s CORD grant, which can provide the equivalent to half your previous years salary up to a value of €38,000. It also provides support for preparing and delivering a sound business plan fit for seeking further financial or investment aid. The programme has recently been accredited by the Dublin Institute of Technology and successful graduates will receive a post-graduate diploma in New Business Development.

Exciting Times

I recently wrote a post about completing the excellent BRITE Programme and had a little moan about how I’d miss the great networking opportunities that it provided. Well, I think the HotHouse might just fill that gap.

The programme is due to start on April 21st. Many thanks to Jarek from Grip Communications for encouraging me to apply to this programme. Cheers bud.

For the last 18 months I’ve been a participant in a government funded programme which was setup to help small technology based businesses, mostly in the Dublin area. It provided heavily subsidised training, mentoring and networking opportunities. Yesterday, in the Digital Hub, we had our final graduating event.

Over the course of the many training sessions and networking events, which included topics like Business Planning and Negotiation and Conflict Management I was lucky enough to meet some really great people and learned a huge amount about running a business. I also managed to become ILM certified in the process.

Sound Business Advice

For me, starting out in business on my own was driven by a love of what I do, but nowadays being passionate or expert in a particular field isn’t enough. You have to know how to run a business as well. You have to be able to do all the other boring tax and admin stuff too. The BRITE programme has given me an enormous amount of help in this area.

In addition to the extensive training courses provided mostly by Optimum, it also provided 20 hours of one to one private business mentoring, which included consultancy with an IP specialist solicitor. I used my meetings with my mentor to discuss my business plan, some legal documentation, and also as a time to think strategically about where I’m going with my business.

YGOWYPI (You Get Out What You Put In)

Like anything I suppose, the more you give of yourself into something, the more you get out of it. It’s true in relationships, it’s true in business and it’s also true in learning. I came to the BRITE programme with an open mind and a willingness to learn and I took great value out of the different training courses I went to.

There was great tips on tax, public speaking, creating a business plan and long term strategy (to name but a few), but these things are only really useful if they are put into action. I think I’ve managed to put a good portion of what I learned into practice, but there is still a huge amount that I need to go back and look at.

The Real Social Network

Nothing compares to meeting people face-to-face and really getting to know them. During my time on the BRITE programme I’ve made great contacts, some new friends, and I’ve even gotten some new business out of it. The programme included three overnight networking events hosted in the Hodson Bay Hotel, the Marriott Johnstown House and the Dunboyne Castle Hotel. These helped enormously in getting to know the other participants. People always tend to relax a little after a few free rounds at the bar!

Moving On

Now that the programme has ended (for me at least, I think it’s set to run again next year) I’m looking for ways to continue what I started on the BRITE programme, to keep meeting new people within the technology sector in Ireland and to continue learning new ways to run my business.

I’m looking at a few different programmes right now, some are more involved than others, but all provide new ways to meet people, learn new business skills and help get your business out in front of the right people.

As soon as I’ve found my next networking programme, I’ll post it up here. In the mean time, I guess I’ll have to go back to paying for my own lunches.