Michael Fitzgerald tells us about his New Business OnePageCRM….

Company: OnePageCRM
Website: www.onepagecrm.com
Founders: Michael FitzGerald
Age: 39
Based: Galway
Staff Number: 5
Date started: March 2010

Tell us what your business does?

We have developed the first of a range of productivity products for small business and sales teams. Our flagship application, OnePageCRM, is an easy to use sales action-based application that helps small business generate revenue and focus on sales activity. We have developed a unique system whereby users are encouraged to make sales decisions upfront rather than deferring them to a later date. The result for business owners is that they are not only able to generate and move sales through to completion smoothly and quickly, but with this reassurance they have more clarity when they have to manage other elements of their business.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

From the lack of a suitable product on the market! I knew I needed a CRM for my increasingly busy client services company, so I lined up about four products to test, leaving the one I thought I’d use to last. But I was flabbergasted at how poor they were for the sales function of a small business– so I searched for others and still no joy.
I’m a GTD person (productivity method Getting Things Done), and thought I should apply that concept to sales and OnePage was born.
I hate inefficient processes. More than any part of your business, sales needs clarity and upfront decision making. It is important to keep the focus on the next action to move a sale forward towards completion.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Not always “run it”, but to have one, yes. I had dreams of being “the inventor in the backroom” but still owning the company. Now I’m used to working with people and getting out there.

What planning did you do before you started up?

To be honest, not an awful lot! I’m a product person so I want to build a good product. Then build a better one. My main ‘plan’ was to make sure my product was both unique and solved a problem in the market. I’d hate to have a “me too” product.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

Personally, I don’t like or use the term entrepreneur. I love business and businesses. To see a shop owner opening up the shutters at 8:00am, sweeping around the entrance and fixing the shelves is like watching the beginning of a show! I’ll always chat to them and ask how things going.
Of the better known ones, I admire Michael O’Leary, but he’s a one-off. Dermot Desmond is one of Ireland’s finest, he is very astute.

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

There are many challenges but funding is one of the biggest. Finding the right people to work with you to bring your product to market is another. You need that trio in your start-up team – product, tech and commercial. Luckily I have a great team now.
Lots of your challenges though, are inside. You’ll get knocked back and put down, but you have to believe that “if you don’t give up, you’ll be impossible to beat”. So it’s your choice, don’t give up.

How have you promoted your business?

To date it’s been through social media, PR and encouraging word of mouth. The big drive has yet to be put into place. We’ve spent a year developing the product with early adopters and finding our product/market fit.
There is a lot planned for the coming weeks including the redevelopment of our website and the introduction of reselling programs.

Are you optimistic about the remainder 2011?

I’m feeling confident from the point of view that our product is geared for international markets. We have users from all over the world and the response has been great. We have not lost a single subscriber and we intend to keep it that way!
We have a new product in development that is geared towards sales teams which we will be launching into Beta late this year as well as some developments in our current product that will meet the needs of a wider market.
Also, since we use OnePageCRM ourselves to boost sales, we have good reason to be optimistic!

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

After getting some industry experience behind you, just do it! The biggest risk is not taking one.
It should be in an area where you have some passion, but also keep in mind that one day you may need to scale it. As they say, think about building pipelines instead of carrying buckets. From a personal point of view; get up early and plan your day – pick the toughest task and tackle that one first.

www.onepagecrm.com

Pat Byrne Introduces his new accountancy practice…

Company: DCM Accountants
Website: www.dcmaccountants.ie
Founders: Pat Byrne
Age: 32
Staff Number: 2
Date Started: June 2011

Tell us what your business does?

DCM Accountants aim is to focus on the supply of accounting, taxation and associated services to small businesses and taxpayers.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

“I worked for two accountancy practices over the past seven years and the one thing that really stood out was the lack of communication with the clients. All too often the clients are not viewed as businesses; they are seen as a fee. At DCM we would like to get more involved with the clients business. We plan to run a number of different workshops including understanding accounting, social media for business and credit control for small businesses. Our belief is that if our clients succeed so will we.”

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

It is definitely something I have thought about for a number of years. It is a lot of hard work but the pay out could be great.

What planning did you do before you started up?

I had done quite a bit a research about what is currently on offer; prices, customer service etc. I also looked at how accountancy practices market themselves. Planning for the cashflow of the business for the first 12 months was very important.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

John Teeling – Cooley Distillery
James Farrell – Professional Development Ltd

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

A big challenge in setting up this practice was getting a loan from the bank. This was a long process but eventually with a lot of persistence and a well prepared business plan the finance was made available.

How have you promoted your business?

I have been doing a lot of networking. In the accountancy profession the vast majority of new clients come on foot of word of mouth. I don’t believe the cold calling will work.

Are you optimistic about the remainder 2011?

I would be very optimistic about 2011. I think with a lot of hard graft our business can overcome the difficult economic environment we are in.

What advice would you give a budding entrepreneurs?

Just get out and do it; stop thinking about it.

Best of Luck Pat we hope it goes really well for you – Startups.ie

We hear from entrepreneur Caelen King on his aspirations for 2011, starting your own business and the best tips in his mind. . Read more about it here in our Stories Section. . .

• Tell us what your business does?

WhatClinic.com helps patients get treated at private health clinics. By providing price information, contact details, treatment lists and patient reviews for tens of thousands of clinics all over the world we make it easy for patients to find a clinic that suits their particular treatment needs and we make it is easy as possible for them to contact the clinic and start the treatment process. We cover everything from dentists in Manchester to fertility clinics in Spain to cosmetic surgery clinics in South Africa. The service is entirely free to patients.

We operate a “freemium” model for clinics, with the majority of clinics paying us nothing to be listed on the site. The clinics that are interested in growing their business pay a subscription which entitles them to a fixed number of enquiries from patients.

• Where did the idea for your business come from?

Years ago I had a small climbing accident in Thailand and I had no idea where to go to get treated, how much it would cost, or how good (or bad) the clinic would be. A similar thing happened later on when I was back in Ireland and I realised that the problem of finding a clinic was universal.

Understandably people often ask family or friends for a local recommendation, but what about people who move to a new neighbourhood, or a new city, or a new country? Or people travelling? Or people looking for a treatment they don’t want to discuss with others? I figured there must be a need for a service that could provide information about availability, pricing, and quality for private health clinics.

• Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Yes. While I enjoyed the career I had prior to starting WhatClinic.com, I always aimed to go out on my own eventually. I was determined to build the skills I needed to run my own business while I worked in other companies, and learned a lot from their successes and their failures over the years.

• What planning did you do before you started up?

I did market research by travelling to visit clinic owners in various parts of the world to make sure that they would be interested in paying for the service I was planning to build. In the beginning the company was focused on patients travelling from one country to another for treatment, so-called medical tourism. I did up a 40 page business plan and I secured funding before I started the company.

• Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

It will probably sound funny, but my answer is none. I didn’t start this business to emulate anyone else’s success, or to impress anyone. I did it as a challenge to myself.

• How have you promoted your business?

As an online business we have focused nearly all our marketing efforts into the online arena.

To attract patients at the start, before our website ranked organically, we paid for nearly all of our traffic using Google AdWords. At the same time we were doing this we invested a lot of time into Search Engine Optimisation, and eventually we were able to roll back our expenditure on AdWords as the organic traffic grew. Internally we continue to tweak our site to improve our on-page SEO and we engage in link building, guest blogging, Twitter and so on externally. We provide survey results and market trends to the press which can’t be found anywhere else. I speak at start up events as often as I can manage.

To market to the clinics themselves we use a combination of email campaigns, direct telesales, and sending them enquiries to pique their interest. The clinics that realise the value of the enquiries we send them often approach us before we even start selling to them. Word of mouth with industries and locations also drives business. Most clinics pay attention to what their competitors are doing, so signing up one clinic in a particular location often leads to many more trying out the service.

• Are you optimistic about 2011?

Yes, very much so. We continue to expand rapidly and open up new markets. The company is now self funding which gives us great freedom to explore new sales opportunities. We plan to accelerate that growth with additional capital investment.

• What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

There are a couple of simple pieces of advice that apply to anyone looking to run a start up:

Fail early, fail often, and fail cheaply.

It’s not about the technology. It’s a little about the team. It’s all about the market.

Tell us what your business does?

Hummingbird Studio offers graphic design solutions which communicates client messages with high visual impact. We can offer solutions to a huge variety of products such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, exhibitions, product packaging, corporate identity and corporate communications. We work from a brief agreed with the client, we create ideas and concepts choosing the appropriate media and style. With over 10 years of experience in design and desktop publishing industry our capabilities are all-encompassing and insightful.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

The idea started two years ago when, looking for freelance projects from other local companies I realised that there are no companies in Ireland able to offer a complete package to its customers. A complete work process from concept, design, web, print and delivery to the shop door. I wanted to offer clients something different, all our designs are unique and inspirational we have the technical skills, such as special training in multimedia, information technology graphics, computer graphics design. Before I started this business every time I looked at a design I always thought about how I could improve them to make them better that is why I started this company.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Yes, I have always wanted to run my own business from a early age and I always knew that it would happen one day. I am so creative, I get inspiration from just walking down a street, or driving my car ideas come to me all the time and that is why my business is growing all the time, I keep a notebook for all my ideas so I am working all the time:-) I am so passionate about my work and I take pride in everything I do, it really shows through when I send on a final draft to a client as they never ask for changes to be made.

What planning did you do before you started up?

I did a start your own business course first and I studied Market Research for one year, after that i did an excellent business plan. I made sure before I even registered my business name that I had all the boxes ticked. I also sought professional advice.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

I admire Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis, Deborah Meaden, and Peter Jones from the Dragons Den, I also make sure I watch The Apprentice.
Irish – www.creativeinc.ie
Worldwide – EyeBall agency NY – http://www.eyeballnyc.com/

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

I would say, Not many just yet thankfully as I did a lot of planning before I got started, my business is growing from strength to strength because of all the hard work i put into it. I am learning all the time I am constantly teaching myself new skills to keep up with new technology.

How have you promoted your business?

Online on Google AD sense, local forums, local newspapers. Will focus more on social networking this year.
I get a lot of clients through clients as they are very happy with my work, it is great when a client is as happy about my work as I am. I have advertised Online on Google Ad sense, local forums, local newspapers, and also by contacting old & new business clients by telephone and email keeping them up to date with any new services

Are you optimistic about the remainder 2011?

Yes, very optimistic. In 2012 I think more entrepreneurs will start to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I am very positive about the future, I think you have to be, the only way forward is to believe.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Never loose hope, if you believe in your product and services and with proper planning your company will be a great success. “The early bird catches the worm” I do believe anything is possible if you put your heart and sole into it. If you put lots of hard work in it will pay off in the long run.

http://www.hmbs.ie/

Introducing www.mytutor.ie a new service for finding classes, courses and tutuors in Ireland…

Company:

Acute Media Ltd t/a myTutor
FBC
Singleton House
Laurence Street
Drogheda Co Louth
email: info@mytutor.ie

Website: http://mytutor.ie

Founders: Artur & Agnes Klimkowski

Age: 33

Date started: 19/05/2011

Tell us what your business does?

myTutor.ie is a smart and easy way to find local, and qualified tutors/teachers nationwide. myTutor offers a variety of classes and courses, and allows students to contact and find their tutors/teachers very quickly.

In other words it is a marketplace for tutors/teachers and students in Ireland.

It is also a new online community for those seeking to learn new things and also for those professional and talented tutors who seek to teach. We have created myTutor to simply encourage people to learn something new, and allow anyone interested in picking up a new skill to do so quickly.

By finding classes you love, and by finding great tutors/teachers, myTutor hopes to evolve and soon introduce many other features for students and tutors/teachers.

myTutor is a place where everyone will soon be able to find classes in academic and test preparation, business training, music, technology, Internet, languages and health and fitness.

By finding your local tutor, users of myTutor service, will simply save time and support local business.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

The idea started when we were fed up with looking for tutors and advertisements for classes. We noticed a gap in the market and the need for one online community for classes in Ireland.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Yes, it has always been on my mind to run my own business

What planning did you do before you started up?

Market research was the biggest part of the project, this proved that market needed such service. Business planning, including competitive analysis and possible grant support also played crucial part.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

Timothy Ferriss

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was to launch our site on time as planned, which involved constant attention to the development of the site and ability to attract a high audience. Both were overcomed by a determination and hard work.

How have you promoted your business?

So far the business was promoted using social media platforms: Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook. We are also preparing for other campaigns including other forms of media use and advertising methods.

Are you optimistic about the remainder 2011?

Yes very optimistic, we started just 4 weeks ago, and the interest increases on daily basis. We also hope for busier September season, when classes are more popular than during summer months.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Try to back up your idea with solid market research and have your business planning prepared, also know your business model, than stick to it and think big!

www.mytutor.ie

Robert McGonnell introdues his new recruitment business www.jobkey.ie

Company: Jobkey Ltd
Website: www.jobkey.ie
Founders: Robert McGonnell
Age: 28
Based: Unit 1/ Block C, M4 Business Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Date started: 01/04/2011

Tell us what your business does?

I’m aware that applying for a new job can be a very exciting and sometimes stressful time. My website Jobkey.ie strives to aid candidates and employers through the recruitment process by offering a service which differs from conventional and often ineffective recruitment methods through the use of reliable and secure technology. Jobkey.ie offers candidate’s the opportunity to upload a 60 second Video Profile to accompany their CV application. Think Youtube for recruitment! This fresh approach to recruitment provides prospective employers & recruiters with an immediate online first impression of the candidate.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

It came from my experience working in recruitment and as a jobseeker myself. I identified that there was a big opportunity to streamline the approach to recruitment/ online recruitment advertising and reduce the amount of time, money and effort invested by all parties in the recruitment process.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Honestly? No. It would have had its appeal in the past but it wasn’t until a recent 1 Year working Visa spent in Australia that I decided that I wanted to work for myself. When I was in Australia I found the Australian people were really enterprising and had an eye for an opportunity. This got the cogs turning in my head and I was adamant that when I came home from Australia that I wanted to make Jobkey.ie a mainstream recruitment website in Ireland.

What planning did you do before you started up?

I had my laptop with me in Australia so I actually went back over my college material from the Michael Smurfit Business School, sometimes I regret not having spent that time on Bondi Beach but hopefully it will pay off in the near future. When I came back to Ireland I drew up a feasibility plan and business plan. This took a couple of draughts as it was my first time doing a business plan but the endeavour eventually paid off. I also went to the ‘County Kildare Leader Partnership’ which ran a short course on the basic essentials of running a business (accounts, cashflow, tax, marketing etc) for first time business start-ups. I also began researching website design companies; Jobkey.ie was eventually built around Parodia job board software by a company called Cactusoft in the UK.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

I know Ryanair gets a lot of stick but you have to admire the way they constantly re-approach and deconstruct the airline business model.
I’m a big fan of the Dragon’s Den, admittedly I know it puts a glamorous spin on business but it’s great television all the same. I recently read Duncan Bannatyne’s autobiography and found that inspiring, he started off with an ice-cream van and he’s now a multimillionaire with nothing more than an eye for an opportunity, honest graft and a sprinkle of lunatic risk taking!

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

Employers & recruiters are sometimes reluctant to try a new recruitment advertising method. Once I get 5 minutes to talk them through the merits of Jobkey.ie they agree it’s a great idea with huge potential.
Jobkey.ie is a relatively low cost business start-up so I’m determined to fully fund it myself and not become dependent on bank loans. As a result I have to choose where I allocate expenditure very carefully.

How have you promoted your business?

Newspaper editorials and advertising, Radio segments, Direct mail, flyer distribution, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jobkeyireland , LinkedIn.

Have you received any support from Banks/ Government Agencies etc.?

No. Only through the Kildare Leader Partnership.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Definitely do a well thought out and researched Business Plan. If you don’t have experience in a particular area e.g. accounts, marketing… ASK FOR HELP! People recognise that new business start-ups are key to getting Ireland firing on all cylinders again so are, for the most part; more than willing to give up some time and help out.

www.jobkey.ie

Thanks Robert – Best of Luck!

Introducing – The Beer Club, Ireland’s online Specialty, Craft & International beer store.

Company: The Beer Club
Website: www.thebeerclub.ie
Founders: Stephen Dillon
Age: 35
Based: Dublin
Staff Number: 10
Date started: April 2011

Tell us what your business does?

The beer club was founded in response to the growing demand and interest in Craft, Specialty & World Beers in Ireland. Our aim is to make practically every beer in Ireland available to anyone in Ireland, not just the lucky few with great independent off licences on their doorstep.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

I have two off licences one in Santry Dublin 9 and one in Kimmage Dublin 12. I noticed the growing demand for good craft and international beers in both shops. More and more people were asking me to get them one beer or another i.e I used to live in Australia/ Germany/ USA etc, can you get me Coopers Pale Ale/ Anchor IPA etc etc. I figured that these conversations were probably taking place all around the country and that there was a need for this service.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Oh Yeah!

What planning did you do before you started up?

I contacted all my suppliers to see what they thought of the idea, they were very enthusiastic about it and offered lots of help, promotional material, glasses etc.

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

The main challenge was listing all the beers, I have about 200 on the site now with probably the same again to come.

How have you promoted your business?

Through shameless self promotion on the Startups.ie website , I am launching a PR campaign in the coming weeks and have set up a blog www.hopstarsblog.com to promote the site and keep club members informed of new beers and tasting events taking place at beer club HQ. I am in the process of building a purpose built tasting room in Beer Club HQ Kimmage, we will be able to seat about 40 members for beer talks, tastings and club events.

What has your growth been like?

Just Launched but lots of interest and initial orders have been placed by thirsty beer lovers around the country!

What’s the impact on your home life been like?

Home Life? Please explain what that is…

www.thebeerclub.ie

Claus Balling tells us about his new business paid2drive…

Tell us what your business does?

www.paid2drive.ie is a “cash give away program”, that is designed to benefit the Irish community and help promote Irish business.

We reward our members with up to €400 in cash and vouchers for driving with advertising on their vehicles and by referring the company they work for as an advertiser. It’s that simple!

For our business partners we offer 100% customer guarantee and a very cost-effective marketing solution to companies of all sizes and in all regions in Ireland. Vehicle advertising works and is the most cost-effective advertising form there is.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

The financially difficult times we are in triggered the idea. I saw an opportunity to help families and car owners in financial difficulties, by designing a 100% free “cash give-away program” that has no obligations to it.
In relation to this, companies can now choose a brand new, very cost-effective advertising solution that guarantees customers from every campaign.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Yes, every since I can remember I have wanted to run my own business. The freedom to be your own boss and be passionate about the work you do has always appealed to me.

What planning did you do before you started up?

6 months of planning and preparation, market research, building the website and back office, networking and seeking suppliers. All the legalities and administration infrastructure that is required.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

I admire all entrepreneurs simply because they followed their dreams.

How have you promoted your business?

We have used vehicle advertising, free advertising websites, flyers and business cards, our website www.paid2drive.ie and networking.

Are you optimistic about 2011?

Yes I am very optimistic about 2011and the future going forward. I strongly believe our concept fills a huge gap in the Irish society and appeals to both members and companies in these financially difficult times we are in.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Do your research, make a business plan, ask potential customers for advice/tips/opinions, take courses to improve your skills, make sure you have the finances for it, take your time.. GO FOR IT!

Company: GrindsDirect

Based: Dublin

Staff Number: 1

Date started: 6th february 2011

Tell us what your business does?

Grindsdirect offers a free service which puts students in contact with potential tutors offering grinds. The main objective is to help tutors all around Ireland promote their tutoring skills and students of all levels get grinds in their town.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

The idea came to me while a friend of mine was looking for a way to advertise herself in order to be able to give more musics and English lessons and not being able to do so without putting a poster up in shops.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

No.

What planning did you do before you started up?

I Just thought how beneficial it would be for other people out there looking to advertise themselves and also students out there looking for grinds. So I just went up and made the site.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

Well to be honest you , because you are the first I have met and also the first one that told me never to let an idea for too long in my head, build it while its still fresh in your mind and do not be afraid of someone stealing your ideas.

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

At the beginning tutors where able to choose only one subjects but then I got a few request from tutors asking me to make it possible to pick multiple subjects and also to make the search function easier. These options were implemented a few days after. The system is still improving and I am still getting a few request on fields that I could add to the site and tutors profiles in order to make it different from any other site.

How have you promoted your business?

Google, facebook,Twitter, adverts.ie and gumtree.

Are you optimistic about 2011?

Very optimistic.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

If you have an idea, don’t be afraid to get out there and make it happen.

Sophie Gleeson tells us about her business – Muse Events!

Company: Muse Events
Website: www.museevents.ie
Founders: Sophie Gleeson
Age: 24
Based: 5 Schoolhouse Lane E, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Staff Number: 1 full time plus part-time promotional personnel
Date started: May 2010

Tell us what your business does?

Muse Events is a unique event management and promotional company based in Dublin city centre. For us here at Muse the essence of any event is that it should reflect the culture, soul and personality of the organisation. Our service is based around these principles and our ultimate goal is to surprise and delight each and every guest at each and every event. Muse Events can provide you with an effective promotional marketing team that you can count on. We take pride in creating an impressive yet practical brand activation campaign outlined to the specific needs of your product.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

I worked in the event industry for a number of years and always wanted to set up my own company. I believed that a recession was a perfect opportunity for a new business to grow. There is more of a competitive market now as people are looking around for the best possible price and service which gives the smaller business a fighting chance!

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Yes I knew that working for myself and running a business was always my main goal. Event management is my passion; I love creating and designing new and unique concepts that reflect the culture, soul and personality of the organisation or individual which I am representing. My ultimate goal is to surprise and delight each and every guest at each and every event. Owning my own business gives me the freedom to create these designs for my clients.

What planning did you do before you started up?

I started by drafting a business plan, researching competitors, getting advice from other entrepreneurs and calculating the cost involved in setting up a business and renting office space and all in all making sure that it was worth the risk.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

My dad is a successful entrepreneur so he would probably be who I admire the most. To be honest I really believe that it is a difficult decision to open up a business and not have the constant security of a weekly or monthly pay check so I respect and admire anyone who gives it a go.

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

The hardest part of establishing a company is building your brand name and maintaining a cash flow. I have overcome these challenge through hard work and long hours!

How have you promoted your business?

I have my own website www.museevents.ie and i have a Facebook page.
I sent brochures, emails and phone calls to potential clients, I have had articles in Confetti Bridal magazine and Steller magazine and many events occur through word of mouth.

Are you optimistic about 2011?

Absolutely it can only get better….

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Make sure you research thoroughly the area that you are thinking of embarking on and know who your competitors are. Talk to as many people as you can and get as much advice as possible from people who have successful businesses. Be confident that you have ample experience and that is the right time for you to take on a new adventure. Setting up a business can be tiring and stressful but at the same time extremely exciting and self fulfilling so make sure to enjoy every minute!