Teencamp is just around the corner.

This was the first post to make it into my feed this year. It’s a goodun.

Nice post on online/banner ads.

Five Things you should know about being a Media Whore.

Big thanks to all who come here to read my new blog. I hope 2009 will bring you lots of luck. Smile even when life has you by the balls.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post! Do it!
[ UPDATE - Also quick reminder about the Jack and Jill Foundation ]

Have a business that users need, NOT a business that needs users.

It makes perfect sense and may have saved me a lot of money.

One of my ideas was a pared down version of pigsback.com
Users answer simple sponsored questions and get entered into draws for prizes.
There were some more complex things going on also but it’s a classic needs users business model. I had purchased the domain name and even have the twitter account! Littlequiz (.com) is firmly parked for now. I may revamp the idea look into it in the future.

I have one or two new ideas to be looking into for now. I have just recently had my UCC contract extended so I have some extra time to be thinking.

If there’s anyone out there with some ideas, feel free to contact me to discuss, but do try to remember the line “A business that users need!”

That’s just rude. So is this!

Hard landscaping & small spaces from Peter.

Five Things you should know about wine from Curious Wines.

Went to see Fred on Saturday at the Pav. Bunch of messers! I hope 2009 is a big year for them.

FRED – Damn You Hollywood

Grandad: Is he The Beatles?
Uncle: No Dad. He’s Elvis. That’s a song called Heartbreak Hotel.
Grandad: He’d be great to stop cows from coming out of a gap.

Legend.

Sabrina Dent
John Handelaar
Will Knott
Ciara Crossan
Gordon Murray
Walter Higgins
Joe Scanlon
Damien Mulley
Enda Crowley
Randy Jordan
Margaret Jordan
Pat Phelan
Aedan Ryan
Catherine Wilson
Marion O’Sullivan
Matt Kane
Michael Kane

Unfortunately Conor and Anthony had to pull out as they were not feeling well. Speedy recovery to you both.

Big thanks also to The Market Lane really nice service and great food.

Next thanks goes to Dell and Puddleducks for two prizes which were raffled out.
Congrats to Will for winning the Mini notebook and to Randy winning the puddleducks voucher.

It was a great night out. Gordon has a cool post about it and an even cooler post about some business ideas he took from the night. LOL.

Special thanks to Catherine for supplying me with some fags when I was starting to get tipsy and to Damien for ensuring I wake this morning by setting my alarm for 5am the bollox!

If you have some stories/pics from the night throw them up somewhere for us to look at.
Looking forward to next year already!

The Idea

Problem solving business
The “Wouldn’t it be good if …….” idea.
Wouldn’t it be good if there was an automated BUT CHEAP process in place that 100% ensured I go to the gym every second day. (I’m already expecting plenty smartass emails on this “idea”. IT’S JUST AN EXAMPLE!)

Copycat Idea
Copying an existing model, improve it and put my own spin on it.
The huge benefit of going in this direction is that it can be very easy to see what mistakes are being made others. There have been many recently blogged cases of poor customer service at restaurants. There may be a market (even in these tough times) for a nice restaurant with standard food and a good customer service. People DEAL with PLEASANT people. I have seen the dragons often make comments like “I’m not a huge fan of the IDEA, but I really like the PERSON” and they end up doing business. The copy cat idea is the one that makes most appeal to me right now. I WILL NOT BE OPENING A RESTAURANT.

The genuine innovation
This is where I go for long walks waiting for that EUREKA moment to pop into my brain. Myself and Fred once came up with the fantastic idea of a pill that a man could take in the morn that would include breakfast and a shave. Thankfully we decided not to invest too much money into chemistry sets.

I’ll be thinking away. If there’s anyone out there with a fantastic idea but no one to turn to, give me a shout.

Specifically The Barriers that prevent us from starting that business:

I don’t have the time
Lose the TV. If you really want to start a business you will find the time.

I don’t have any money
Sell your stuff on eBay. Start with the TV!
Also keep start up costs to a minimum (Fail fast – Fail small)

I can’t afford a drop in salary
Start saving now: Move as much of your monthly salary away from current account into a savings account. Reduce your outgoings: Get rid of Sky sports. Rent out a room. Go without: Skip a few seasons of fashion. Give up/reduce cigs and drinking.

I can’t risk throwing away my career
Is your current job really THAT secure? Try to keep the door open to return if things go pear-shaped.

My partner doesn’t support me
They may have a valid point but do try the “If I don’t try it now I’ll always regret it”. Otherwise if you really believe in your idea lose ‘em.

I don’t have the experience
Who does have all the experience at the early stage? You have to START somewhere.

I don’t have the qualifications
How many “I left school when I was 14..15..16.. etc” millionaires are out there. (Hint: LOTS)

*I have mentioned Dragons Den before. Watching programs like DD and The Apprentice is a great way of helping avoid many pitfalls out there.