Dublin City Enterprise News Talks To ... Gobnait Collins, Kendlebell Kimmage
We continue our series of interviews with Dublin City Enterprise Board Network Members, with Gobnait Collins who tells us how she has succeeded with a franchise opportunity.
Gobnait Collins who is from Cork (and proud of it!) has always worked in the area of Finance. Four years ago, her husband Gerry Delaney spotted an opportunity for them to invest in a Telephone answering and Virtual office franchise business called Kendlebell. They are now 3 years in business in their office in Kimmage and Gobnait has enjoyed the challenges and success of running a business.
How did you decide to start your own business? It was in fact my husband Gerry who discovered the Kendlebell franchise opportunity and the more we researched it, the more we realised it was a viable business venture and one which matched our skill set. The franchise business model was a factor in our decision to take the plunge as it enabled us to get established quickly and offers us continuing support as the business develops.
What was the reaction of your Family and Friends?
Both our families and friends were very encouraging and thought the concept of the service for business owners was a great one.
What was the greatest stumbling block?
Both of us come from Finance backgrounds so we have had to work quite hard at developing and improving our Sales & Marketing skills.
How did you overcome this?
Last year we applied to Dublin City Enterprise Board and we were lucky to be assigned a Marketing Mentor. With the help of our mentor Carol Cousins, we have developed a Sales & Marketing strategy. The application process was very quick and easy and the sessions were built around our specific company needs.
How did you decide to contact DCEB and what supports have they given you?
I have been a member of the Dublin City Enterprise Women’s network for the last 3 years and have found this to be very useful from a networking point of view as well as the relevance of the speakers. I have also attended a number of the courses which are heavily subsidised by DCEB and found these most beneficial.
What was the most significant area of support you received?
The Sales and Marketing Mentor was of particular benefit as that facility allowed us quick access to an expert in the field of Sales and Marketing and enabled us to have a one to one consultation focusing on our specific requirements for our business. The women’s network has also been a good opportunity to make great business contacts and of course friendships have also developed from this.
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
The opportunity to develop skills which I would never have done while I remained working in the Finance roles I had previously held. Also, I am now working shorter hours than when I was an employee, time which I happily spend with my daughter.
What is the worst thing about being your own boss?
The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages but because of the recession we have had to become more inventive, more cost conscious and more determined to make sure the business survives and thrives.
Does the reality of running a business differ from what you were expecting, before you started?
I have always worked in an office environment and so I was comfortable with our decision in terms of our service offering. My apprehension in relation to our lack of Sales/Marketing experience has been overcome since we have drawn up a plan and now the challenge is to remain focused on achieving our goals.
What - if anything would you change about the way you set up your business?
Looking back now, we should have concentrated more on developing business from our website. This is a huge growth area and one which we find is an increasing source of inquiries for our business.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Outsourced telephone answering and Virtual office solutions are services which are becoming increasing popular in Ireland as companies seek to reduce their costs, and ensure that each call to their company is answered professionally. Our services are very relevant in this climate and we see no reason for this to change in the near or medium future. We are optimistic about the future of our business and are committed to providing a top quality service to our clients.
Gobnait can be contacted at :gcollins@kbelloncall.ie
Telephone:1800-848-666
Website: www.kbelloncall.ie