Lord Puttnam encourages Cork entrepreneurs to think outside the box

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Renowned film producer and entrepreneur Lord David Puttnam will deliver the keynote address at a conference called “Reinventing Oneself in these Challenging Times” in Kinsale on Friday the 20th February 2009. Aimed primarily at small business owners, entrepreneurs and those with a budding business idea, this half-day conference will explore the topic of reinvention, and how smaller, more nimble enterprises are uniquely poised to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

The conference, which takes place at the Kinsale Yacht Club between 10am and 2pm, is being hosted by Cork based Small Office Home Office networking group SOHO Solo, and is open to members and non-members alike. Lord Puttnam will be joined by a diverse array of speakers covering topics like transitioning one business into another, the importance of making and retaining connections and identifying your businesses strengths. It will also feature a selection of real case studies looking at how thinking outside the box has helped real small businesses to thrive and grow.

It may seem counter-intuitive to consider starting or growing your business when times are tough, but Eileen Moloney of the Cork Business Innovation Centre (Cork BIC) maintains that there’s no better time. “The best time to start or try to grow a business is in a recession as all the rules and existing relationships are being challenged and open to change,” said Eileen. “By thinking differently and harnessing possible opportunities you can get up a head-start when everybody else is defocused and looking the other way. This is the time for reinvention!”

John Prendergast, CEO of Aonach Consulting and one of the speakers at the event, agrees. “We are in the midst of a period of rapid global change. This change effects us all. Fear of change is the overriding emotion currently expressed in the media, however change can be a force for good – can we turn this change to our advantage – Yes We Can!

“The current economic turmoil is forcing a re-evaluation of everything from fundamental commercial principles to lifestyle choices. Companies all over the world are re-evaluating their supply chains, their routes to market and their suppliers. There is a huge opportunity for us to re-invent ourselves in this climate, whether by choice or through necessity,” he said. “Technology has brought a global marketplace to our doorstep and the opportunities for trading remotely from rural communities has never been better.”

It looks set to be an inspiring and information-packed event — one that small business owners and solo entrepreneurs are looking forward to. “We’re all very excited about the conference,” said freelance writer Calvin Jones, a SOHO Solo member and co-ordinator of the group’s West Cork chapter. “It will be great to hear what Lord Puttnam has to say, and I’m particularly looking forward to the case studies: hearing how real Irish micro enterprises are innovating, diversifying and thriving despite the hardships we all face.”

Registration for the conference is €20 for SOHO Solo members and €45 for non-members. For more details, and to register contact SOHO Solo on 021 230 7016 or e-mail jberton@corkbic.com.

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• SOHO Solo Small Business Conference (sohosolowestcork.com)

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