From bust to boom?

In a time of such widespread doom and gloom, it turns out that Ireland has the highest birth rate in Europe. I've not done the research but apparently this is nothing new, and quite common in such austere times. It doesn't alter the reality for many new families, though, that now is a tough time to raise children. I mean this both financially and spiritually. The money issue (or lack of it) is pretty obvious, but equally there are social problems to deal with; the uncertainty of Ireland's future, the absence of values and the breakdown in our once absolute faith in the Church.

Personally, I don't think money is the real problem. I know that's easy to say when you're not encumbered with massive debts and worse, but my observations lead me to believe that with more support for each other, firstly within our families and secondly in the wider context of our communities, what we need collectively can be achieved collectively.

It's easy to say, but harder to put into action. If this has given you some food for thought, have a read of this article in today's Irish Times by Sheila Wayman http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2010/0913/1224278755563.html

I would interested to hear your thoughts...

O.D.E to A.D.D

Are we suffering from ADD or is it simply ODE (Overwhelmed, Distracted, Entertained?)

I like to be well informed and consider myself reasonably knowledgeable, yet I have a stack of books i’ve yet to read! I tend to focus on daily media, i think because it is quicker to get through and reassures me that I am “in the know”. I know that's a bit of a contradiction, but life does feel like a rush most of the time. With all the information available to us 24 hours a day, and the myriad ways to access it, it seems like a constant struggle to stay focused on the issues that are important to us individually, without getting distracted by the overwhelming volume of information hurtling towards us from every angle.

This is one of the main reasons why Smarty was established. We aim to provide a simple service that is easy to use whilst providing choice and a cost effective solution to whatever problem or requirement you have. If you are looking for a plumber, electrician or any tradesman or supplier, Smarty will solve your problem quickly and make life that litle bit easier for you! Smarty is FREE to use and saves you so much time - feel free to visit us at http://www.smarty.ie/

Returns stabilising in commercial property market

CB Richard Ellis Group recently launched its mid-year investment market publication for 2010, which revealed that there has been an improvement in transactional activity in the Irish investment market in the first six months of 2010. A total of €105 million was invested compared to €41.6 million invested in the same period last year and with €92 million invested in the whole year in 2009. A number of these properties were purchased by overseas buyers who heretofore did not invest in the Irish market. The report also showed that total returns from commercial property have now declined 57% from peak-to-trough but are finally showing signs of stabilisation. Although total returns from the Irish commercial property sector declined by a further 1% in the first half of 2010 and rental values remain under some pressure, this deterioration represents a significant improvement on the massive declines experienced in this market since 2008.


There is also strong demand from a range of domestic and overseas buyers for quality property investment properties producing strong income. However, there is a dearth of prime properties being offered for sale and NAMA have not yet brought any investment product to the market. The report also showed that Irish investors have been net sellers of real estate in the UK in the first half of 2010 as they attempt to recoup some or all of their equity and take advantage of the recovery in UK property values.

Marie Hunt, Executive Director at CB Richard Ellis, Ireland who compiled the report said, “The Irish commercial property market is slowly starting to emerge from the biggest downturn it has ever experienced. At more than 57% from peak-to-trough, the decline in Irish commercial total returns in the most recent cycle was more severe than ever experienced in any other previous cycle, primarily as it was caused by an unforeseen liquidity crisis and the withdrawal of foreign credit to Irish banks. However, we have to remember that it is a cycle and based on what we are now seeing on the ground in the Irish commercial property market, it is a cycle we are slowly starting to emerge from”.

Are Parents Spending Enough Time with Their Kids These Days?

More and more people feel concerned about being too busy to spend time with their children. Certainly, many people worry that society is coming up short on this front. As Ellen Galinsky of the Families and Work Institute recently told The New York Times, “I’ve never found a group of parents who believe they are spending enough time with their kids.”


Of course, to ask whether parents spend enough time with their kids implies that there is a correct number of hours one should devote to this job.

Whilst we could always do more, maybe its important to focus on quality rather than quantity - so perhaps 2 hours on the Wii isn't necessarily as good as 1 hour doing something constructive?

Between the decline of housework and the rise of intense parenting, the interactive hours have crept up, pretty much across the board. Even if you’re working full-time, you’re probably spending more time interacting with your kids than your grandmother did.

That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s enough time. Many of us could turn off the TV and do more. But if we fret that modern parents aren’t spending enough time with their kids, it’s important to note that our forbears were, by this standard, hideous. And most of us don’t think they were. So maybe we’re doing okay too.

Don't forget the humble mobile!

The internet has brought about an unprecedented change in the way in which people conduct business all over the world.


One of the most important advantages of using technology is that time constraints are eliminated. If the time taken between advertising a job and its eventual completion is reduced, all customers are bound to be satisfied, particularly if all parties reduced their costs and hassle in the process.

Although most people and businesses use computers and many use smartphones, not everyone has internet access at all times. However, they do have a mobile phone at all times. Using the internet and SMS messaging, Smarty can provide information to companies at remote locations in real time, creating more business opportunities.

So, whilst more and more people start using the Internet for business and personal reasons, companies that do not adapt accordingly are bound to fall behind. Today customers expect goods and services to be available round the clock, seven days a week, without having to step out of their homes.

At Smarty we use cutting edge technology combined with more traditional methods to ensure everyone gets the best in terms of service and savings. If you are in business and irrespective of whether you are a business-to-business or business-to-consumer company, joining Smarty can only improve your bottom line! Get in touch TODAY to maximize your profits.
http://www.smarty.ie/

Tel. (01) 8451077

How would you find a plumber?

Or an electrician, builder...whatever? I usually ask around, but failing that i try google. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it ALWAYS takes ages to surf the web, find names and numbers, call them up, leave messages, wait for callbacks...yawn!

What if there was a quicker and easier way, removing all the hassle, cost and time wasted trying to find help?

Smarty will find what you need and get them to contact you, for FREE! You then deal with the contractor or supplier directly.

It's simple and unbeatable for everyone! Tell us about the problems you face and let us help you.

http://www.smarty.ie/

What does "trust" mean to you?

I admit it, I'm probably not the most trusting of people. By that i mean i tend to try and do things myself rather than get someone else to do it. Not that i would do the best job, i just find it hard to delegate tasks! The real question is...am i the only one?

Where do you stand on this?

Smarty is my therapy, I have realised that the only way to help myself is to let others help me! So, next time I need help with something at home or at work, Smarty will shoulder most of the responsibility, freeing me up to enjoy myself and get less stressed out!

Smarty is about giving people more time and choice to solve their problems, hopefully, it will do the same for you. Let us know what you think.

testing imminent!

We are so close to Smarty going live, it's very exciting. The more we dig into this, the more we realise that everybody will have an interest in what we are trying to do.

Smarty is there for everyone who has a job that needs doing at home or at work. We provide a FREE service that will only take a couple of minutes of your time, then 3 -5 suitable tradesmen or service suppliers will get in touch with you to discuss your needs.

It's easy to use, FREE and gives you a choice of expertise and prices. Even better, it reduces hassle because Smarty does all the searching for you!

It's simple and unbeatable for everyone!

The week ahead

For me, setting up a new business has been like riding the rollercoaster. By that i mean long meandering passages of time waiting for flashes of extreme exhilaration! Building the website has been a long process but very informative. It really is a whole new world to me. we are only a few weeks away from going live and I want to start speaking to people and hear what they have to say. I think we are on to something, but it will only work if people feel it will do something for them, make their life easier, help them or give better value from what they already do now. If you are reading this, drop me a line, tell me what could make your life a bit easier.

Together we can solve any problem!

Where do you go when you need help? Who do you ask when you need advice? What makes a good recommendation?

If you can't do it yourself, how do you get things fixed at home or at work?

Enough already about cowboy builders and rogue traders - what do you want as a consumer?

Are you fed up with searching around and getting nowhere? Which is more important - better value for money or more choice?

I would love to hear from anyone who has a comment. Together we can solve any problem!

This is it!

This is my first blog. Not really sure what the future holds, but as long as we listen to people, read interesting articles and make it our business to know what people need, then we should be on the right track...