A Transatlantic Collaboration for Irish SMEs

June 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Social networking is undoubtedly a powerful tool, facilitating individuals and businesses to connect, share contacts and build relationships, irrespective of geographical location.  One such example has been the Twitter grouping, carried by the #SMEcommunity hashtag – which has now grown to several thousand followers, at home and abroad.  Given the continual economic focus on enterprise development and self-employment, it’s noteworthy just how important networking is for those investigating new opportunities in a bid to grow their business.

It is timely then, to hear the story of Olwen Dawe [Irish Business Intelligence], and Elli St. George-Godfrey [the Three Keys Coach] transatlantic collaboration.  Both businesswomen work in the enterprise development industry, Dawe as an SME Business Partner and enterprise Project Manager, and St. George-Godfrey as an Entrepreneurial Coach.  Having become acquainted via Twitter, the colleagues developed a rapport and began sharing tips and insights, culminating in the decision to ‘pair up’ and develop a new value offering for their respective clients.

“There was an obvious synergy for both of us – Elli works with the individuals at the centre of developing enterprises – while I provide strategy and direction to the organisation itself.  It made perfect sense for us to work together” says Olwen.  Providing solutions on both sides of the SME ‘fence’ – business strategy and leadership – guarantees success for the duos’ clients, comments Elli “Collaborating with Olwen brings greater support for the SME leader to become more comfortable with providing direction while managing the emotional aspects and demands of moving the organisation to a more sophisticated level. The result is that the organisation as a whole becomes stronger and more sustainable.”
Joking about the nuances of cross-cultural working, Olwen comments that “there have been some moments ‘lost in translation’, but that’s usually my terminology, rather than Elli’s! We are similar in our thinking style, and despite operating remotely, we’ve established a very open camaraderie, as well as clear and agreed standards and ethics – it just worked from the outset!”

To kick-start their new working relationship, Olwen and Elli have recently held a free webinar entitled “The Living Business Plan” which is available for replay, as well as a four-week webinar series entitled “Boost Your Business & Maximise Your Message” commencing on the 11th of July, and costing a budget-friendly €125 for the entire series.  Focusing on practical advice and implementation plans, the webinars will produce positive and impactful results for those taking part. Bookings can be made via http://www.abilitysuccessgrowth.com and any queries can be directed to either Olwen herself@olwendawe.com  or Elli, elli@abilitysuccessgrowth.com.