Press release from Meath County Chamber
18.02.22
Meath Business Owners Network meet on Zoom
This Friday the 18th of February, the Meath Business Owners network met over Zoom for the first time in 2022. Participants were glad to reconnect after the Christmas and New Year’s break and reflect on the changes that have come about since their last virtual meeting. The meeting was once again chaired by Raymond Gibbons of BMS accountancy. The Meath Business Owners Network is a partnership between County Meath Chamber and Meath Local Enterprise Office.
Raymond started the call by letting people know that County Meath Chamber was the perfect place for businesses to connect with each other- not just virtually on the monthly MBON call but by using the new 'Meath Chamber Connects' link on the website. Leave your details and any details on who you would like to connect with, and Meath Chamber will do the rest!
This month’s call featured Linda Breathnach of Therapy and Training. Based in Navan, Linda is a Psychotherapist, Lecturer, Trainer and Supervisor Across Professions. The theme of the call was “Building resilience for your business- top tips to develop self-awareness and prevent burnout. A subject that all business owners can relate to, especially in a post Covid world.
Raymond asked Linda the question- “What are the challenges that businesses face nowadays when it comes to building mental resilience”. Linda started by saying that she had a lot of issues with this when she started her own business. “I got very nervous at the thought of networking with other people. It didn’t fit with me, and I found the entire idea incredibly daunting. Meath Chamber facilitated a meeting at the time on networking and that helped immensely. Someone mentioned congruence, being true to yourself, your ethos and your vision.”
Another challenge that business owners face is burnout. There are many signs of burnout and Linda shared a slide to help participants identify them. These included physical and emotional exhaustion, chronic fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness or poor concentration, anxiety, depression, anger, loss of enjoyment and many more. Linda said that the number one sign that you are suffering from burnout is losing the passion for your work and feeling frustrated. “How we treat ourselves after we notice the first signs of burnout determines whether things escalate or not”
How do we manage burn out? Linda spoke about the importance of self-compassion, being self-aware and knowing your limitations. She also shared 10 top tips for stress management. Linda finished her presentation with a great piece of advice- “Treat yourself as you would a friend”.
Participants then got the chance to join 2 breakout rooms to discuss what worked well for them in regards self-care over the past two years and to discuss everyone’s business goals in 2022.
Paula McCaul, CEO of Meath County Chamber, gave new Chamber Member business shout outs to Dam Good Digital agency in Trim, Barry O’Hehir consultancy, and Jigsaw. Paula congratulated Marsh Mackey who have made it to the final of the National recruitment awards in the Shelbourne Hotel next Friday. Marsh Mackey have been nominated as best small recruitment agency in Ireland. Best of luck to them all.
Lorna Cooney, head of enterprise at Meath Local enterprise office reminded all participants of Enterprise week from the 7th to the 11th of March. Events include digital marketing clinics, internationalising your business, financial forecasting and so much more. Log onto localenterprise.ie/meath for more information.
Paula finished up the call with announcing the spot prize winner that was kindly sponsored by Parcel Concierge. Paula reminded everyone that the launch of the Meath employment expo is happening on the 1st of March and the event itself is happening from 9-5pm on the 29th of March in Knightsbrook Hotel.
The next MBON is set for the earlier date of the 11th of March.To register, please keep an eye on the County Meath Chamber social media pages or www.countymeathchamber.ie. Pre-registration is necessary. To sign up to accept the Mí Meath Mastercard, claim your free listing on the Meath Business Directory or to become a member just email info@countymeathchamber.ie