Last Thursday the 3rd of February was the Dublin Chamber of Commerce AGM dinner. It was my time attending the event and I was impressed by the level of organisation and professionalism. There were over 400 people in attendance. From small businesses to large enterprises. The Guest Speaker on the night was Christoph Mueller, CEO of Aer Lingus. Christoph was a true professional speaker, taking only 20 minutes of his 45 minute slot. He covered a wide range of topics from business, technology, politics, Aer Lingus to living in Ireland. Christoph spoke highly of Aer Lingus and said that its staff were its greatest asset. This he said held true for Ireland as well, we were not a country rich in oil, gas, gold or other natural resource. We were a country rich in its people. We must invest in our people in order to bring Ireland out of the current economic situation.
Over all I found the event interesting and fun. I made several new business contacts and would recommend the Dublin Chamber AGM to any Chamber member who does not normally attend. If you are not a member of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and are a business providing services in the Dublin area then I would highly recommend it. We have found it an invaluable resource for events, networking, education and support. I am doing business in London next week and the Chamber have put me in contact with the London Chamber of Commerce to help us with our contacts in the UK. The Chamber have a network of over 400 organisations around Europe, a resource that should not be left untapped for any international business based in Dublin.
As a small business there is nothing more important than keeping your cash-flow moving and that means understanding and having a good credit control system. When I started out in business there were three things I wish someone had made me do.
1. Get a proper accounts package
2. Do a business workshop or course
3. Join a business network
At Damson Technologies we use Freshbooks the online invoicing system. We have been using it since 2008 and it has done wonders for our business and cash-flow. It has given us access to the information we need when we need it. In one click I can see exactly how much I am owed and how long it has been outstanding. As the software is web based I can check this information from any internet enabled computer or smartphone.
A few years ago we did a growing your own business course run by the county enterprise board and I am always on the look out for new workshops or courses that can build my own knowledge of sales, marketing, accounts or business. I am hoping to attend the Keep Your Credit Control Under Control Workshop which is being held on the Thursday 3rd March 2011 in Johnstown Business Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Whenever I see events like these on I feel it is a good opportunity to both learn something new that can help my company and network with business owners.
Finally, I am a member of BNI (Business Network International) and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. I joined the BNI over 2 years ago and as well as receiving tens of thousands of euro worth of business for Damson I have also found it a wealth of knowledge and support for our business. We joined the Dublin Chamber of Commerce this year and have already seen the benefits. The combination of these two organisations is a powerful network for any business when used correctly.
So in summary stay organised, keep educated and get networked!
