The Media Box Blog

Media Box Training

2011-03-25T16:54:00.001Z

We will be launching our Media Box Training Calendar in the coming fortnight. We will be hosting training in the following areas:

Social Media for Business

Public Relations

Marketing for Business

If anyone is interested you can get in touch with us via our Facebook page or email joanne@mediabox.ie

Media Box, Welcoming the Upturn!

100 Voices In Business - Celebrating 100 Years Of International Women's Day - Joanne Sweeney-Burke

2011-03-08T20:49:00.001Z

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

100 Voices In Business - Celebrating 100 Years Of International Women's Day

View more presentations from Krishna De.

25-Year Old LYIT Students Wins Donegal's Dragon Factor

2011-03-06T00:03:00.000Z

"Cargo Defenders" Concept Wins 10,000 Euro Prize Package
At just 25-years of age and in one of Ireland's worse recessions, Aidan Robb wants to start a business. The 2nd year Business Studies student at Letterkenny Institute of Techonology has always harboured ambitions and passions to run his own business. But now it seems those dreams will now become a reality. Aidan is the winner of the inaugural "Dragon Factor" competition spear-headed by Craoibhin Community and Enterprise Group in Termon, Co. Donegal.

Seven local entrepreneurs went head to head in the grand finale last Friday night (4th March 2011) for a prize package worth 10,000 euro. A panel of seven local business people adjudicated on proceedings but the ultimate decision lay with the Dragon Factor audience which was made up of 200 people.

Aidan impressed Dragons with his business acument, product knowledge and ultimately his innovative idea which aims to educe crime theft in the haulage industry. "Cargo Defenders" is an alert system aimed at reducing the incidents of theft of cargo transported by side-loaded truck trailres. Aidan says "that cargo theft is a major problem in the EU. According to an EU parliament report in 2007 estimated losses of 8.2 billion euro occurred across the European continent."

Aidan walked away with 2,000 of start up capital; a Laptop and Printer; Digital Marketin & PR Consultancy from Media Box; a Website and first year's maintenance sponsored by Town.ie; Stationery Suite sponsored by Sharp Design; financial and legal services sponsored by Oifig Thart; a place on the "Start Your Own Business" course sponsored by Donegal County Enterprise Board; Business Signage from CBM Signs and a filing cabinet sponsored by Garry Office Supplies.

The Dragon Factor, brainchild of the voluntary committee at Craoibhin Centre, was inspired by the success of RTE's Dragon's Den. The Committee launched the search for Donegal's newest and brightest entrepreneur in September and were delighted with the feedback. Chairperson Michael McBride says, "we are thrilled for Aidan and already his business idea is generating lots of interest and we are delighted to have been able to provide a platform for him to start his own business. Our involvement is part of our commitment to our local community and our passion for our county. We look forward to watching Aidan's progress."

The event MC was Joanne Sweeney-Burke of Media Box who managed all Branding, Design, PR & Social Media activities for Dragon Factor.

8th Count Donegal North East: General Election 2011

2011-02-27T00:48:00.001Z

Donegal North East 8th Count

Harte (LAB) + 485 6,131
McConalogue (FF) +734 8,245
McHugh (FG) +3,318 12,049

Joe McHugh Elected

McHugh has a surplus of 2,569

Difference between Jimmy Harte and Charlie McConalogue is 2,114.
Next count will end the counts in Donegal NE

7th Count Results Donegal North East

2011-02-26T23:42:00.001Z

7th COUNT DONEGAL N.E. - John Ryan, FG ELIMINATED - no-one new ELECTED
*NOTE* This count deals with the transfer of eliminated IND Dessie
Shiels' 2605 votes.
CONSTITUENCY
Donegal North East - 3 seats - 1 filled
ELECTORATE
59,084
TOTAL VOTES CAST
38,324
SPOILED VOTES
406
TOTAL VALID POLL
37,918
QUOTA
9480
COUNT 7
CANDIDATES
Jimmy Harte, LAB 4535 + 266 = 4801 + 845 = 5646
Charlie McConalogue, FF 7064 + 191 = 7255 + 256 = 7511
Joe McHugh, FG 7662 + 485 = 8147 + 584 = 8731
John Ryan, FG 4950 + 26 = 4976 + 105 = 5081 ELIMINATED

815 non transferable (1469 total)

PREVIOUS RESULTS
6th Count - ELIMINATED Dessie Shiels, IND 2299 + 306 = 2605
5th Count - ELIMINATED Ian McGarvey, IND
4th Count - ELIMINATED Dara Blaney, IND
3rd Count - ELECTED PADRAIG MACLOCHLAINN, SF
2nd Count - ELIMINATED Betty Holmes, IND
1st Count - ELIMINATED Ryan Stewart, IND + ELIMINATED Humphrey Murphy, GP

Interview with Ind Dessie Shiels

2011-02-26T23:22:00.000Z

Independent Candidate Dessie Shiels speaks to Media Box FM about his campaign and about his political future.

6th Count Results Doneal North East: General Election 2011

2011-02-26T22:50:00.001Z

6th COUNT DONEGAL N.E. - XX ELIMINATED - XX ELECTED
*NOTE* This count deals with the transfer of eliminated IND Ian
McGarvey's 1653 votes.
CONSTITUENCY
Donegal North East - 3 seats - 1 filled
ELECTORATE
59,084
TOTAL VOTES CAST
38,324
SPOILED VOTES
406
TOTAL VALID POLL
37,918
QUOTA
9480
COUNT 6
CANDIDATES
Jimmy Harte, Lab 4535 + 266 = 4801
Charlie McConalogue, FF 7064 + 191 = 7255
Joe McHugh, FG 7662 + 485 = 8147
John Ryan, FG 4950 + 26 = 4976
Dessie Shiels, IND 2299 + 306 = 2605 ELIMINATED

379 non transferable (654 total)

PREVIOUS RESULTS
5th Count - ELIMINATED Ian McGarvey, IND 1287+9 = 1296+103 = 1399+10 =
1409+244 = 1653
4th Count - ELIMINATED Dara Blaney, IND
3rd Count - ELECTED PADRAIG MACLOCHLAINN, SF
2nd Count - ELIMINATED Betty Holmes, IND
1st Count - ELIMINATED Ryan Stewart, IND + ELIMINATED Humphrey Murphy, Greens

Final Results from Donegal SW in General Election 2011

2011-02-26T22:46:00.000Z

Here are the final results from Donegal South West. Three TD's to attend the 31st Dail are: Pearse Doherty, Dinny McGinley & Thomas Pringle.

Oldest Candidate in General Election 2011 from Donegal North East

2011-02-26T21:53:00.000Z

The oldest candidate running in General Election 2011 is 80-year old Cllr. Ian McGarvey, a member of Donegal County Council.

Here he talks to Media Box about why he is still so passionate about politics. He speaks to us before he is eliminated from the race.

Fifth Count Results Donegal North East General Election 2011

2011-02-26T21:48:00.000Z

Here are the results of count 5 from Donegal North East

5th COUNT DONEGAL N.E. - 1 ELIMINATED - no-one elected
CONSTITUENCY
Donegal North East - 3 seats - 1 filled
ELECTORATE
59,084
TOTAL VOTES CAST
38,324
SPOILED VOTES
406
TOTAL VALID POLL
37,918
QUOTA
9480
COUNT 5
CANDIDATES
Jimmy Harte, Lab 4090 + 72 = 4162 + 139 = 4301 + 18 = 4319 + 216 = 4535
Charlie McConalogue, FF 6613 + 48 = 6661 + 134 = 6795 + 21 = 6816 + 248 = 7064
Ian McGarvey, Ind 1287 + 9 = 1296 + 103 = 1399 + 10 = 1409 + 244 =
1653 ELIMINATED
Joe McHugh, FG 7330 + 38 = 7368 + 145 = 7513 + 11 = 7524 + 138 = 7662
John Ryan, FG 4657 + 53 = 4710 + 161 = 4871 + 13 = 4884 + 66 = 4950
Dessie Shiels, IND 1876 + 27 = 1903 + 160 = 2063 + 22 = 2085 + 214 = 2299

201 non transferable (275 total)

PREVIOUS RESULTS
4th Count - ELIMINATED Dara Blaney, Ind, 1228 + 21 = 1249 + 68 = 1317
+ 10 = 1327
3rd Count - ELECTED PADRAIG MACLOCHLAINN, SF - 9585 VOTES (105
SURPLUS, then distributed)
2nd Count - ELIMINATED Betty Holmes, IND
1st Count - ELIMINATED Ryan Stewart, IND + ELIMINATED Humphrey Murphy, Greens

Fourth Count Donegal North East General Election 2011

2011-02-26T21:30:00.001Z

Here are the results of the fourth count from Donegal North East.

4th COUNT DONEGAL N.E. - 1 ELIMINATED - no-one new elected
**NOTE** This count to distribute 105 surplus votes from Padraig
MacLochlainn who reached the quota and was elected last count (the
third count).
CONSTITUENCY
Donegal North East - 3 seats - 1 filled
ELECTORATE
59,084
TOTAL VOTES CAST
38,324
SPOILED VOTES
406
TOTAL VALID POLL
37,918
QUOTA
9480
COUNT 4
CANDIDATES
Dara Blaney, Ind 1228 + 21 = 1249 + 68 = 1317 + 10 = 1327 ELIMINATED
Jimmy Harte, Lab 4090 + 72 = 4162 + 139 = 4301 + 18 = 4319
Charlie McConalogue, FF 6613 + 48 = 6661 + 134 = 6795 + 21 = 6816
Ian McGarvey, Ind 1287 + 9 = 1296 + 103 = 1399 + 10 = 1409
Joe McHugh, FG 7330 + 38 = 7368 + 145 = 7513 + 11 = 7524
John Ryan, FG 4657 + 53 = 4710 + 161 = 4871 + 13 = 4884
Dessie Shiels, IND 1876 + 27 = 1903 + 160 = 2063 + 22 = 2085

0 non transferable (74 total)

PREVIOUS RESULTS
3rd Count - ELECTED PADRAIG MACLOCHLAINN, SF - 9585 VOTES (105 SURPLUS)
2nd Count - ELIMINATED Betty Holmes, IND
1st Count - ELIMINATED Ryan Stewart, IND + ELIMINATED Humphrey Murphy, Greens

Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn Interview

2011-02-26T20:39:00.001Z

Now Deputy, Padraig MacLochlainn was elected to the 31st Dail in the 3rd count in Donegal North East. Here he speaks exclusively to Media Box FM about what the people of the constituency can hope for from him.

Here are the results of the third count from Donegal North East.

3rd COUNT DONEGAL N.E. - ELECTED PADRAIG MACLOCHLAINN, SF
CONSTITUENCY
Donegal North East - 3 seats
ELECTORATE
59,084
TOTAL VOTES CAST
38,324
SPOILED VOTES
406
TOTAL VALID POLL
37,918
QUOTA
9480
COUNT 3
CANDIDATES
Dara Blaney, Ind 1228 + 21 = 1249 + 68 = 1317
Jimmy Harte, Lab 4090 + 72 = 4162 + 139 = 4301
Padraig MacLochlainn, SF 9278 + 72 = 9320 + 235 = 9585 (surplus 105)
Charlie McConalogue, FF 6613 + 48 = 6661 + 134 = 6795
Ian McGarvey, Ind 1287 + 9 = 1296 + 103 = 1399
Joe McHugh, FG 7330 + 38 = 7368 + 145 = 7513
John Ryan, FG 4657 + 53 = 4710 + 161 = 4871
Dessie Shiels, IND 1876 + 27 = 1903 + 160 = 2063

52 non transferable (74 total)
ELECTED PADRAIG MACLOCHLAINN, SF - 105 SURPLUS
ELIMINATED

PREVIOUS RESULTS
1st Count
Ryan Stewart, IND ELIMINATED
Humphrey Murphy, Greens ELIMINATED

2nd Count
Betty Holmes, IND (1197 votes) ELIMINATED

General Election 2011: 2nd Count Donegal North East

2011-02-26T19:24:00.000Z

2nd COUNT DONEGAL N.E.
CONSTITUENCY: Donegal North East - 3 seats
ELECTORATE
59,084
TOTAL VOTES CAST
38,324
SPOILED VOTES
406
TOTAL VALID POLL
37,918
QUOTA
9480

COUNT 2

CANDIDATES
Dara Blaney, Ind 1228 + 21 = 1249
Jimmy Harte, Lab 4090 + 72 = 4162
Betty Holmes, Ind 1150 + 47 = 1197
Padraig MacLochlainn, SF 9278 + 72 = 9320
Charlie McConalogue, FF 6613 + 48 = 6661
Ian McGarvey, Ind 1287 + 9 = 1296
Joe McHugh, FG 7330 + 38 = 7368
John Ryan, FG 4657 + 53 = 4710
Dessie Shiels, IND 1876 + 27 = 1903

22 non-transferable
no-one elected
ELIMINATED Betty Holmes 1197 votes

PREVIOUS RESULTS
1st Count - no-one was elected, Ryan Stewart, IND (203 votes) and
Humphrey Murphy, Greens (206 votes) ELIMINATED

Donegal North East First Count Results

2011-02-26T18:37:00.000Z

1st COUNT: DONEGAL N.E.

CONSTITUENCY
Donegal North East - 3 seats
ELECTORATE
59,084
TOTAL VOTES CAST
38,324
SPOILED VOTES
406
TOTAL VALID POLL
37,918
QUOTA
9480

COUNT 1

CANDIDATES
Dara Blaney, Ind 1228
Jimmy Harte, Lab 4090
Betty Holmes, Ind 1150
Padraig MacLochlainn, SF 9278
Charlie McConalogue, FF 6613
Ian McGarvey, Ind 1287
Joe McHugh, FG 7330
John Ryan, FG 4657
Dessie Shiels, IND 1876

PREVIOUS RESULTS
1st Count - no-one was elected, Ryan Stewart, IND (203 votes) and
Humphrey Murphy, Greens (206 votes) ELIMINATED

First Official Count at Donegal North East Centre

2011-02-26T18:21:00.000Z

Here is the original footage from the first count of Donegal North East for General Election 2011 delivered by Returning Officer Geraldine O'Connor.

Final Tally Figures for Donegal North East Info-Graphic

2011-02-26T17:49:00.000Z

Here are the final tally figures for Donegal North East in General Election 2011.

2011-02-26T16:32:00.000Z

Interview with John McAteer of the Tirconaill Tribune on the final tally figures in Donegal North East.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CITkzalhAnI

Commentary on the Final Tally Figures

2011-02-26T14:29:00.000Z

Joanne Sweeney-Burke comments on the final tally figures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXubHk35TBY

Election 2011 Donegal North East: Final Tally

2011-02-26T13:36:00.000Z

General Election 2011: Donegal North East Tally Figures

The Final Tally Figures from Donegal North East are out.

Total Valid Vote: 37,820

Quota: 9456

Dara Blaney (Ind) 1214

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 4126

Betty Holmes (Ind) 1133

Padraig MacLochlainn (SF) 9163

Charlie McConalogue (FF) 6562

Ian McGarvey (Ind) 1288

Joe McHugh (FG) 7324

Humphrey Murphy (Green) 195

John Ryan (FG) 4726

Dessie Shiels (Ind) 1869

Ryan Stewart (Ind) 220

Media Box Encourages Election Candidates to Up the Ante on Election Week

2011-02-21T21:31:00.000Z

So today Joanne from Media Box analysed the online footprint of Donegal's 20 General Election candidates today on the Shaun Doherty Show on Highland Radio.

This weekly slot reviews the various activities of all candidates on facebook, twitter, blogs, websites and you tube.

Today Joanne noted that a significant number of posts, tweets and blogs went live following her slot on Highland Radio. And she decided to give out awards to the best, the worst and the best tryers! Here are the results...

Most engaging candidate to take note of this slot is Cllr. Thomas Pringle who has taken to Twitter like a duck to water.
All candidates are now embracing social media except Tanaiste Mary Coughlan and Cllr. Ian McGarvey. Now Ian is a man who likes his voice heard so come on Ian get into Social Media! There is no excuse!
Best Profile pic by Stephen McCahill, Independent, Canvassing and in deep debate with a local voter.
Ann Sweeney has her twitter account connected to her facebook page which means that she tweets and it appears on her facebook page. No real interaction on facebook in terms of engagement and conversations with Friends.
Most New Friends on Facebook this week: Stephen McCahill (Ind) + 657 followed closely by John Duffy (Green) +564 – both in Donegal South West
New Twitter Accounts this week: Cllr. Thomas Pringle: Following 308, 68 followers, 48 tweets, 4 listed.
Lost Opportunity Vote goes to: Deputy Joe McHugh (has a high profile but not maximising it online – posts are impersonal and generic FG links)
JoeMcHugh & CharlieMcConalogue have twitter accounts but haven’t tweeted!
Best overall social media presence & integrated strategy goes to: Cllr. Jimmy Harte – Good facebook presence and engagement, active twitter account, engaging blog and facebook ad campaign.
Best Blog: Joint Awards go to Cllr. Jimmy Harte & Ryan Stewart
Most popular in Donegal NE: Padraig MacLochlainn – does this reflect the SF and Social media following?
Most popular in Donegal SW: Pearse Doherty - does this reflect the SF and Social media following?
Most influential: Deputy Pearse Doherty – he is listed on 67 lists on Twitter – he has 2,084 followers and has almost maxed out his facebook page. However his engagement could be better – he has the audience.
Least influential (with an social media presence) Deputy Dinny McGinley – I think his facebook and twitter are being managed by somebody else so given that, he won’t be influential by the lack of his own voice.
Best online coverage of local election and commentary goes to The Floating Voter – a blog by Liam Porter. Funny, engaging and covers all local media coverage.
Photo of the Week: Jimmy Harte with Brendan O’Carroll supporting his campaign
Best Posts: Thomas Pringle posts his “next day itinerary” on his facebook page. He also has the “The Daily Pringle Jingle” to get you in the mood. And most interestingly he has adopted a satirical approach by posting a video with the music from 1980s “Minder”. It shows all the Donegal SW candidates except himself but it is kinda funny.
Here’s the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgbzkrmWCo4&feature=feedu

Media Box Analyses Donegal Candidates Online Election

2011-02-17T22:16:00.001Z

Joanne Sweeney-Burke from Media Box has been asked to monitor and comment on the online and social media strategies employed by the 2011 General Election Candidates in Donegal North East and Donegal South West.

Each Monday from now until the Election Joanne will deliver her results and feedback on Highland Radio at 12noon during the Shaun Doherty Show.

So here are the results of our first week of online and social media monitoring of the Donegal North East candidates which was undertaken during week commencing 7th February. The second week's results will be reported on Highland on Monday at 12noon and uploaded on facebook, twitter, Media Box Blog and our website afterwards.

So your comments are very welcome from you the electorate and also from the candidates and their representatives. If you have any interesting views or want to correct any of our information then please contact us.

Please note the results here were taken during a specific timeframe and the views expressed are those of the author - Joanne Sweeney-Burke.

Election Time

2011-01-30T23:03:00.000Z

The 2011 Election is nigh and in preparation I am gathering the best blogs and reviews to help us follow this electric campaign!

So here goes....

Red Light Inferno Get a New Look

2011-01-30T21:15:00.000Z

Up and coming Irish Band Red Light Inferno have a new look. Dazzled by the Media Box creative couture the guys approached us to re-vamp the band's brand. And so we did and more! We re-designed their website, developed a PR plan, re-designed their logo, designed their publicity material and generally have them looking and feeling better than ever.

Check out: www.redlightinferno.com

Win a FREE Consultation with Damien Mulley

2010-09-30T09:07:00.000+01:00

All attending our Social Media Workshop with Damien Mulley are now in with a chance of winning a FREE email/telephone consultation with Damien! For those of you who haven't yet booked a place - it could be you! Download a booking form today for the Media Box website: www.mediabox.ie

The Official Launch of the Social Media Workshop

2010-09-22T20:47:00.000+01:00

At the official launch of the Social Media Workshop this week were Joanne from Media Box and Mary Neilis from Glenveagh National Park! The location is idyllic - we can't wait to bring you all there!

Read more about the Social Media Workshop here.

Media Box Hosts Social Media Workshop with Ireland’s Leading Blogger

2010-09-22T13:30:00.000+01:00

Ireland’s most prolific blogger and social media ambassador, Damien Mulley will host his first workshop in Donegal next month in conjunction with Media Box.

The event takes place at the magnificent Glenveagh National Park on Thursday 7th of October from 9.30am – 2.30pm with a tour of the castle in the afternoon for those interested in taking in the smells, sights and treasures of one of our county’s best attractions.

The workshop is designed to educate both organisations and individuals on how to use social media more effectively helping them overcome marketing and networking challenges they face whether in business or as an individual.

This one day practical workshop will raise your awareness of the new online landscape of social media and online social networks and help you develop new key practical, actionable skills to monitor and address-reputational issues and increase your passion and enthusiasm for the digital social media opportunity.

The course is not only aimed at social media novices but also experienced communicators who want to build upon their existing communications skills with new social media skills, to achieve better results from public relations campaigns.

Damian Mulley owns a communications agency based in Cork. He is one of experts in the field of communications and more importantly world of social media, teaching organisations & individuals how to communicate with others and their environment effectively.

He will be, for those in business, going through the build up of a social campaign from the bottoms up starting with setting out your strategy, to implementing it and everything in between. He will also explain the power of social media and showing ‘novices’ how to use it to their advantage such as networking for new job and enhancing their profile online.

Joanne Burke-Sweeney will be presenting case studies of organisations successfully using social media platforms.

If you're from a organisation, a social media enthusiast or novice wanting to find out more about social media we want to hear from you! To register a place at the workshop, download the booking form from www.mediabox.ie and e-mail your completed form to: joanne@mediabox.ie

Read the latest media release here.

Welcoming Olivia to the Creative Couture* Gang

2010-09-21T20:45:00.000+01:00

Media Box Workshop @ Letterkenny Chamber 28th July

2010-07-11T18:39:00.000+01:00

Sharing in the Success of a
Small Company with a Big Story!

Joanne from Media Box will deliver a lunchtime workshop
sharing her trade secrets with you on how to Get Your Business Noticed.

With Media Box celebrating new account wins weekly and no sign
of the downturn over at the media agency,
Joanne will share her optimism with Letterkenny Chamber members on
28th July from 1:00pm - 2:00pm at at the offices of
Letterkenny Chamber, Grand Central Complex, Canal Road, Letterkenny.

Remember, you don't need a tycoon's marketing budget
to get your business noticed. Just look at us!

NUI Galway Alumni 10 Year Reunion - A Blast from the Past

2010-06-23T23:59:00.000+01:00

Pictured above is Joanne, our Managing Director, with good friend Sinead McClafferty at their NUI Galway 10 year reunion.

Farewell to the Special Olympics Athletes

2010-06-09T13:21:00.000+01:00

Farewell to the Special Olympics athletes from Donegal, Derry & Tyrone who left for the Ireland Games this morning in Limerick. We held a special reception for them last night in Letterkenny Shopping Centre. Thanks to all involved!

Joanne Attends 21st Colmcille Winter School

2010-03-01T00:10:00.000Z

I attended the 21st Colmcille Winter School yesterday to chair the session entitled "Irish Enterprise." The keynote speaker was Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland who, it has to be said, gave an upbeat presentation. I have continuously asserted that the cornerstone of the Irish economy are SMEs and micro-businesses. So I was delighted to hear Frank say, "going forward our graduates and our children will be more likely to be self-employed or work in an organisation with 10 or less employees."

Frank is indeed correct and I am huge advocate of small business having worked with them for four years during my time in the Chamber of Commerce movement in Donegal and with Chambers Ireland. Indeed here at Media Box we work primarily with SMEs who are operating with small marketing budgets. Our innovation and ability to devise clever strategies on shoe-string budgets set us apart from major city agencies who are used to work with massive budgets.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Colmcile Winter School in Gartan, Co. Donegal can email martinjegan@eircom.net