June Meeting Review

Priority Management International - Coping with the Pressure Really On!

Our last formal monthly meeting before the summer break was a great success with 40 members turning out on a fine sunny evening to focus on networking and listening to William Bruen from Priority Management International tell us how to avoid interruptions to our productivity by using useful tools such as Microsoft Outlook to manage our tasks better.

Our soapbox speakers on the night were Gillian Brennan from WSI Internet Marketing Consultancy and Michelle Johnson from A.S.A. Marketing. Both members took a few minutes to describe their businesses and what they can offer.

Our Network Cork President, Mary O'Riordan, gave a very important message at the end of the meeting to remind us all to log on to the members page once per week over the summer and try to pass business to another member either directly or by referring a family member / friend. It is up to all of us to get things moving again by supporting each other!

Finally, just a reminder to everyone that we do not have any formal Network Cork meetings in July and August but we will meet up for informal breakfast networking sessions during these months. These will be held from 8am in Nash 19 on Prince's Street and dates will follow here shortly.

Our next formal monthly meeting will be in September, the exact date will be confirmed in the coming weeks and everyone will be notified by email.

Enjoy the summer and keep up the networking!!

Social Event!!

Green Saffron Curry Night @ Ballymaloe Cookery School

Friday 19th June                                       

Our June outing will be a great night of learning about spices and curry from the fabulous Green Saffron team who will give a cookery demonstration at Ballymaloe Cookery School. There will be plenty of food and drink on the night for all to enjoy! Tickets are €60 and include a bus to and from Ballymaloe. Tickets are on sale now from Rebecca Birchall (rebecca@keanes.ie) and they will also be available to buy at the June meeting.

www.greensaffron.com

Challenges for Women in Ireland in these difficult

Economic Times, Conference & Networking Event @ Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

Thursday 11th June @ 7pm

Commissioner Margot Wallström, Vice President of the European Commission invites you to join her at a conference and networking event chaired by Olivia O'Leary. She will be accompanied by a panel of representatives from women’s groups and business, to discuss some of the main concerns facing women in the current economic climate.

There is no charge to attend this event but attendees must register, as places are limited. The conference will be followed by complimentary drinks and an opportunity to network.

Please call 01 6341107 or email noirin.ni-earcain@ext.ec.europa.eu to reserve places.

May Business Lunch and Business Awards - Review

Our annual business lunch took place last Friday 8th May at Jacob's on the Mall. The afternoon started just before lunchtime with a networking wine reception giving all of our members and visitors a chance to meet. Our speaker Patricia Callan of the SFA spoke about the challenges currently facing SMEs in Ireland and what we can all do in our own businesses to survive in these difficult times. Following an outstanding lunch the winners of the Business Awards were announced and they are:

Business Woman of the Year (New Business)
Orla O'Connell - Sakura Floral Design

Business Woman of the Year (Employee)
Rebecca Birchall - Keane's Jewellers

Business Woman of the Year (Self-Employed)
Winner - Chris Winning - Corporate Care Relocation

Highly Commended - Catherine Mahon-Buckley, CADA Performing Arts

We congratulate all of the winners and we thank the judges and prize sponsors for their generosity. There has been great feedback from members and visitors from the business lunch and we look forward to an even bigger event next year!

April Meeting - Review

Celia Holman-Lee: From Supermodel to Super Businesswoman via the Best Dressed Woman of the Year!

Celia Holman-Lee's candid account of how she started and progressed in business was thoroughly enjoyed by all of our members and visitors in attendance on the night. Her outlook on the recession was to give more value to clients instead of simply cutting prices. She brought along one of her stunning models on the night to show everyone some classic style looks that will last and simple ways to modernise the classic look without breaking the bank. She also reminded us all that our posture is one of our greatest assets in looking good, so keep the shoulders back ladies!

Network - What we do

Network Ireland provides a forum where women in business, the professions and the Arts can exchange business ideas and increase their business contacts. It encourages women to achieve more satisfying careers and promotes women as worthy contributors to the Irish economy. It liaises with national and international organisations and creates links with Government and State bodies.