I was so sorry to hear of the recent death of Tricia Murphy a well known and loved trainer in the field of networking and a former President of Network Dublin.

I first met Tricia around 5 years ago and her warm smile and positive attitude lit up any room she was in. She also did a huge amount to encourage people to network in the 'real world' as part of their business development long before 'networking' became 'fashionable'.

Through her small business TIG Alliance she also hosted a very popular programme called the Simply Networking Salon - an eclectic evening where you didn't know who you might meet! And Tricia generously funded these herself.

And when asked what TIG stood for she simply answered "Well it's Tricia Is Great" - not in an arrogant way but with the confidence that seems to elude many small business owners.

Over the last 2 years  she suffered with cancer - but even then she turned her bad news into something to help others - she shaved her head of her beloved hair and raised over €12,000 for charity.

Her work inspired others, and I wonder how many new business contacts were initially made possible by her teaching or active facilitation.

She has certainly left her footprint on the world.

Did you have the opportunity to meet Tricia? What impact did her work or knowing her have on you?

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur in Ireland who would value assistance in launching your business in the next 90 days?

Then you will be interested in the new First Step initiative funded through the Labour Market Activation Fund as a great opportunity for people who wish to set up their own business to access finance, mentoring, coaching and ongoing support.

I was contacted yesterday by Joanne Hession of QEDtraining.ie who are one of the networks of providers of this programme for First Step. They are actively looking to recruit the 20 participants for their programme by Friday 9 July so that they can support businesses in launching ideally in September (currently they have 15 places open). 

20 potential start-ups will be able to access the support of specialist trainers, coaches, mentors and a panel of experts who will work with them to assess their strengths and weaknesses and provide them with practical, tailored and one-to-one assistance to get them up and started in business. 

The programme of coaching/mentoring/support will last approximately 15-20 weeks and during this time there will be an entire suite of workshops, networking events and coaching sessions, tailored to each individual participant.  Joanne tells me it will be intensive, utterly practical and very hands on.

Importantly, access to start up loans will be provided through First Step -  and there will be a rigorous selection process is in place as the programme has limited places.

For further information or to apply for participation on the network contact Joanne on 0872882688 (joanne@QEDtraining.ie) or Steve on 085 1175452 (steve@QEDtraining.ie)

Participant profile:  The ideal candidate must satisfy 3 criteria.  They must be unemployed for the past 3months (in receipt of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance), and they must require funding support and have a business idea that they are driven and hungry enough to set up in 2010 (with a business plan started or completed). 

First Step: First-Step was set up in 1991 as a not for profit organisation by Norma Smurfit and a group of like minded individuals. The objective of First-Step is to provide microfinance loans (i.e. loans less than €25,000) to start up or expanding small and medium enterprises for job creation or protection.  Loans are targeted at people who have difficulty securing finance from traditional banking sources. To date First-Step has assisted 1,500 projects. It is estimated these projects have created in excess of 3,000 employment opportunities.

Date: Friday 18th June
Time: 11.00am  - 5.00pm
Venue: Clontarf Castle, Clontarf, Dublin 3
Speakers: Marian Finucane; Dr. Ivan Misner; Rob Brown, Brian Moore
Fee: Members - €25.00, Non-Members - €75.00

Here is one social networking event I won't be missing this year - frankly to hear one person and one person alone speak. and yes it is in person not online!

The event is being hosted by Network Dublin and the speaker I am particularly interested in hearing is Ivan Misner of BNI.

He  is the Founder and Chairman of BNI, the world's largest business networking and referral organisation which was founded in 1985 and started in Ireland 10 years ago. The organisation has over 70 chapters in Ireland and approximately 5,500 chapters worldwide and last year alone, BNI generated over 5.5 million referrals resulting in over €1.65 billion euros worth of business for its members.

It's in my diary - will you be there?

Are you looking for support in finding a new role? I have just been sent a copy of this new book by Eoghan McDermott of the Careers Clinic to review (I also contributed and my guidance is featured in the book - see chapter 3).
 
Chapters include tips for interviews, communication skills and networking.
 
After I've read it I'll post a review either on Biz Growth News or in my podcast.
 
If you want to check it out now the ISBN is 978-1-85607-982-2.