The virtual world and the real business world merged today when over150 people from local small and medium sized businesses gathered in Letterkenny for a Boost with Facebook event.
Facebook experts and like-minded business owners were in town for the event to give one to one training and advice on how to use Facebook’s tools to grow their business. Entrepreneurs participated in breakout sessions and talks which provided training on how to build effective online advertising strategies, create engaging ads for mobile and find new customers on Instagram.
Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook. Photo Clive Wasson]
As highlighted in a recent Seanad Report on Small and Medium Sized Businesses in Ireland (published in May 2019), the SME sector is vibrant and diverse, accounting for 99% of active enterprises and 65% of all employment in Ireland – in excess of 1 million people nationwide and over 75,000 in the North West alone. This shows the huge importance of SMEs to regional economies. The same report notes, however, that SMEs have not yet fully embraced digital technologies with just 30% of SMBs selling products and services online.
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business Lisa Boyle, I Do WoW Weddings, and Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Caitlin Foley, Magee1866. Photo Clive Wasson
At the event Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group at Facebook highlighted the benefits of adopting digital technologies like Facebook and Instagram into businesses: “There are 46 million people around the world connected to a business in Ireland on Facebook. Through Facebook, small businesses now have access to affordable marketing tools to grow their business and strengthen their communities. Through events like this, we want to help businesses unlock the potential of the global market and understand how tools like international Lookalike Audiences and multi-city targeting can enable them to connect with new customers, grow awareness of their brand, drive new sales and see their business flourish.”
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny Local Enterprise Office Staff Eileen Kelly, Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook, Grace Korbel and Joanne Kilmartin. Photo Clive Wasson
Demonstrating how Donegal businesses can be successful online, panelists from Magee 1866 and I Do WoW Weddings shared their experiences and practical advice on how they have leveraged Facebook and its tools to grow their businesses on a local, national and international stage.
Lisa Boyle, Business Owner at I Do WoW Weddings, told attendees how integral Facebook has been to the success of her business, “Facebook has provided me with a platform to reach new customers and to showcase my work. I set up the company in Donegal over 2 years ago, initially as a side venture. However, the business grew so quickly I left my role as a solicitor to focus on the business full time. I have always had a passion for creativity and was often told I had a talent for decorating. 90% of my client base is Facebook sourced and managed. With over 7,400 followers on Facebook and Instagram, my followers engage with me on a daily basis, by commenting, liking, sharing posts and leaving positive reviews. If it wasn’t for Facebook my business wouldn’t have grown the way it has.”
Llocal business owner Boyd Robinson, Robinson Estate Agents, Michael Mac Ginty, MeanIt and Patrica Hill, Stateside Restaurant. Photo Clive Wasson]
For businesses looking to attend future Boost with Facebook events, the next event is on the 6th of December at the Nuremore Hotel & Country Club in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. Registration for this event is open now – go to Facebook Ireland page for more information.
See all the photos from the event here:
Seamus McNulty, FPS Tech, Luke Hoffman, Champion Travel and Luke McGrory, Guest Diary.com Photo Clive Wasson
Brian Higgins, ABC School Supplies, Toni Forrester, CEO Letterkenny Chamber, Mark Bundschu, ABC Schools Supplies and Patrica Hill, Stateside Restaurant. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Louis Boyce, Begin Coding, Anna Campbell, Bogman Beanie and Michael MacGinty Mean IT. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business Patrica Greene,, The Web Club and Sahron Hearty, Lough Derg.Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owners. Photo Clive Wasson]
Local business owner Lisa Boyle, I Do WoW Weddings, and Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Caitlin Foley, Magee1866. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are Toni Forrester, CEO Letterkenny Chamber, Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Christine McGonigle, Women In Business Network. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Catherine Bond and Anne Marie McGee, Simming World.Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Michael MacGinty, MeanIt and Boyd Robinson, Robinson Estate Agents Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Amanda Clarke, Travel Donegal and Donon Harvey, Cathedrial Quarter. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business Lisa Boyle, I Do WoW Weddings, and Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Caitlin Foley, Magee1866. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner John McPhilimey and Stephen McPhilmey, JMP Furniture. Photo Clive Wasson]
