I suppose all I was trying to say in this post, was that everyone of us has some level of input into the solution. If regular entrepreneurs can’t be motivated commit to discuss, dissect or connect with other business people then we have a much bigger puzzle to solve.

We shouldn’t wait for the Dept of Foreign Affairs to formally enact recommendations. I’m sure the attendees all have their own ideas about the problem and given that they are motivated business people, are probably starting to route their own resources and work on their initiatives.

Your idea of convening the Forum was useful for a number of reasons but mostly because of visibility.

Not to be a cynic, it looks like the Government are trying to do something with business people. Well, the press was there. Discussions like these happen all the time behind closed doors (I’m sure). But gathering so many business people in one spot and in front of the press gave international eyes a lights show to say that Ireland is serious and committed about building business connections and kickstarting our entrepreneurial drive.

I want this Forum to make a difference. I really do. But more than that, I want Irish business to grow a bigger set of entrepreneurial balls. We shouldn’t have to sit and wait for a Forum to happen. If this doesn’t become part of our DNA, then we have bigger problems ahead.

David Mc Williams here. I would like to ask your advice. As you know we hosted the forum at Farmleigh last weekend. I see ur a bit sceptical above, but not to worry.

How would you create a vibrant network from this initial forum? I believe if we allow a network to flourish generating ideas and opportunities, we might build very strongly on this meeting, but i not sure how to do it!

I hope you have the time to consider this.

Thanks and regards, David

Excellent in thought and in execution. Sums up our historical baggage very well. Outside a few shining examples (GAA) we’ve been very poor at community in this country. I think in the past that suited certain sectors. Has to change. One tweet, one blog, one product and one person at a time.

The relentless self-serving greed has to stop. Businesses must realise that by helping each other in whatever way, we all benefit. Otherwise Ireland will remain an innovation backwater that no amount of conferences or Government intervention will ever fix.