International Bootstrapping Association Kick-off in Dublin

By Sandy Blanquera of Social Boomerang

“Bootstrappers are working diligently to grow their businesses without going into debt. These hard working people are creative, persistent and resourceful in trying to reach their goals. The IBA is dedicated to helping bootstrappers improve their businesses by connecting them answers, resources and people who have succeeded in overcoming challenges,” commented Kevin Gadd, one of the founders of the International Bootstrapping Association (IBA) at the kick-off Dublin event.

The first Dublin-based meeting was held September 10, at 7:00 a.m. and hosted 23 people seeking to learn more ways to propel the success of their business without spending lots of cash. The Dublin Entrepreneurial Center (The DEC) hosted the IBA’s newly-added Dublin chapter. The organization has seen continued growth in their Columbus Central chapter held the second Wednesday of each month at TechColumbus from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and decided to add a morning option in the Dublin location to better meet bootstrapper’s needs.

This facilitated peer-group setting offers up the opportunity to discuss any challenge of running a business. In the small group portion of the meeting, people experienced in dealing with the highlighted challenge provide first-hand examples of ways they worked through, failed or successfully solved the problem.

Each IBA meeting has a different focus, allowing business owners to work through twelve core business disciplines. The kick-off meeting focused on Vendors and Professional Services.

First-time attendees and members alike came together to share their Aha moments of the day, including:

• Utilizing a bartering network to get things done such as International Monetary Systems
• Checking out the Columbus Metropolitan’s Main Library where you can get expert market analysis
• Reviewing MANTA which allows you to search for detailed company information, create and store lists and “pipeline” reports, find sales prospects and partners and post a company profile.
• Branding yourself as an expert so people will seek out your advice
• Utilizing interns to do the work and taking advantage of programs like Third Frontier
• Columbus State or CCAD for projects
• Quickbooks online is free. It’s a great way to start some accounting.

Next month’s meeting on October 8^th from 7:00-9:00 a.m. at the DEC will focus on the Burden of Command. The topic will have members exploring areas like the loneliness of being in the top spot, the weight of others relying on you, wrestling with self-doubt, and success-oriented guilt.

The IBA is a membership organization that focuses on 12 core disciplines. You may sign up for a three month, no-commitment membership for $78 or you can sign up for a full year’s membership for $252. To become a member of the IBA, go here http://www.bootstrappingassociation.org/join.html

The next meeting is Thursday, October 8^th from 7:00-9:00 a.m. at the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center.