Passionate businesspeople brave bad weather to plan for 2010

Despite the bad road conditions, there was another excellent turn-out of over 25 people at yesterday’s Mayo Open Coffee Club (MOCC) meeting in GMIT, Castlebar.

MOCC is beginning to find its feet, and, towards the end of the meeting, a good discussion took place about the future direction of the network. There was a strong consensus that it is proving a valuable and worthwhile network, and we look forward to even bigger gatherings in the months ahead.

Network member Robert Grealis – one of the organisers – delivered a practical and thought-provoking talk on goal-setting. Robert, former Chief Executive of Ireland West Airport, is now a business advisor and mentor with The Discovery Partnership.

The slides he used to illustrate his talk will be made available here on the MOCC website.

Some nuggets that emerged included:

• In these tough times, where things are changing so quickly, it is still important to plan your day, your week, your month, and your year. A plan offers an overview of where your business is going, and helps to focus the people involved;
• ‘Be passionate’ about your business, said Robert. He was preaching to the converted – those who come to the MOCC meetings make the effort because they are determined to succeed;
• Ask customers if there’s anything else they’d like –further opportunity to sell to customers may present themselves simply by asking;
• Brainstorm – with your staff, with your friends, with people you trust;
• Ask yourself “right now, am I making the best possible use of my time” – time management is crucial. Time is one of our biggest resources and must be used wisely. Be careful about the ‘side roads’ you go down;
• Hard work remains the key – persevere – but don’t be afraid to believe in the occasional miracle too.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 3rd, at 11am in the GMIT. All you have to do is turn up and take part. The more the merrier.

A word of thanks to O’Brien’s, who once again sponsored the refreshments; GMIT, who hosted the event; and guest speaker Robert Grealis.