Innovation Network

Tired of trying to come up with ideas and solve problems on your own?
An Innovation Network is comprised of a group of people, eg: business owners / managers, who meet regularly to learn innovation techniques and act as a 'Think Tank' to solve each other's creative challenges. Meetings are facilitated on a monthly basis.

"I took part in the BIN course over the 12 months of 2008. I found this course to be extremely thought provoking and inspiring. By taking part during the year and implementing the ideas and knowledge I gathered I can honestly say that our productivity through our whole business here has improved. I have learned to open up discussions and meetings to involve the participants more and get them to think of ideas themselves. It was extremely worth while and Mary's delivery of tools and methods was excellent and motivating."

Martin Stapleton, Stapleton Engineering

"Having participated in a Business Innovation Network run by Mary Whelan I have found that the changes made to my business have been rewarding to me and my company. The programme  enabled me to step back and to think outside the box. I believe this would not have been possible were it not for the creativity tools that were provided by Mary. Mary's facilitation skills were both fresh and applicable. "

Kevin Mahon, Team Dynamics Kilkenny

“As facilitator of the Kilkenny CEB sponsored Business Innovation Network, working with a very diverse group of company sizes and business areas, Mary was the driving force in the group and has proven to be an excellent facilitator on a number of levels – organized, thought provoking, creative and in tune with the needs of the group.  In the current climate, at a time when innovation is more important than ever we are confident in our ability to approach problem solving with enthusiasm either individually or as a group.  I expect the benefits of this Network to continue as the Network is now functioning independently to solve problems within the group and also to spread the benefits to the wider community.”

Joe O'Shea, Prochem

"For just over the past year I have been part of the Business Innovation Network which was led and guided by Mary Whelan.  It has been a fantastic experience for me, interacting with other business people in a new creative way.  We learned new ways to approach problems, new ways to mine for fresh ideas, new ways to consult together. Techniques learned have been used, to good effect, at The Good Earth. The group continues to work together for our common benefit."

Alan Keane, The Good Earth, Kilkenny

"Joining the 'Creativity Network' has been a very positive experience for me. I had the chance to network with other small business owners and to utilise our collective creative thinking skills to overcome business challenges. Mary Whelan  provided us with the tools,  motivation and support to develop a whole brain thinking approach to business. Mary offered one to one Business Coaching on the programme, which helped me to clairfy goals for my business. Mary facilitated us to tackle business issues together and she managed to make it a fun learning enviroment.  I would highly recommend it. Thanks Mary."

Lucy Roberts, Confidence Coaching

"As a freelancer in Web and Digital Communications it is important to make a 'real-world' connection with other business people in the local area. Mary's facilitation of the Business Innovation Network compelled a group of business owners to follow a stimulating programme for a whole year. The benefits of which were so worthwhile that many of us are continuing to meet monthly although the programme has finished. Mary has equipped the group with the tools to deal with all aspects of business and personal situations through simple techniques and approaches. Her enthusiastic and inventive facilitation has shown us how a little creativity can go a long way in achieving your goals (big & small)"

Paul Brennan, Ormonde Design & Future Proof Kilkenny

"I have had the pleasure of meeting and enjoying Mary’s creative and innovative approach to business challenges twice. I first met Mary on a pilot programme in Waterford called Female Entrepreneurs Ireland and Wales and again last year when I, along with a group of business people from the south east, met every month in Kilkenny to expand our creative skills! Throughout the 12 months Mary always kept us focussed on facing business challenges/problems with a different approach to our traditional one and reminded us to think outside the box. Surely a necessary requirement for our current times."

Imelda O Hanlon Star Recruit

"I found the BIN programme very good, and I hope to put as many of the techniques into practice in my own business as I can. In this difficult time we will need as much creativity & innovation as we can come up with to get through this recession."

Joe Brennan, Brennan Fencing