Sam Ward, aged 22, has set up a new micro-brewery in Hyde, England. Sam was familiar with beer and its many styles and came up with the idea with his dad and a close friend. After some market research and a loan, Sam and his partners launched the Tweed Brewing Company. The brewery looks ready for success, with a marketing campaign intended to capitalize on American and British markets.

One major distinguishable trait of Ward’s business is through his use of social media. The Manchester Evening News website states the fact that “The first 20 barrels all selling out purely through word of mouth on Twitter and Facebook”. The use of social media reflects Sam’s attentiveness to younger market segments. By creating tasty beer, Ward is sure to cause a stir within the craft brew world.

Dr. Paddy Finn has captured the attention of the Entrepreneurial community with his success at reaching the final round of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (Limerick Post). His company, Electricity Exchange, does exactly as one would guess, handles the exchange of power. Electricity Exchange has established a electrical generation system through buying back-up generators and then supplementing the existing power grid. Clients are easily and quickly able to receive backup power if necessary.

Dr. Finn has caught my attention due to his unique market position and his innovative approach to technology and its implementation. He has recognized a unique energy need for consumers. Power consumption fluctuates for many consumers. Recognizing the costliness of backup generators, Electricity Exchange has stepped in. Power can now be increased or decreased discretionally. Electricity Exchange also harnesses adaptive technology. Dr. Finn gives an example in a quote, “We have developed an advanced metering and control system which allows us to turn on generators remotely and to respond quickly when EirGrid needs us to provide power to the grid’’ (Limerick Post). Through the continued leverage of technology and market position, Dr. Finn and Electricity Exchange are sure to grow as a power distributor.

http://www.electricityexchange.ie/#overview

In 2010, Devon Galloway and Michael Litt started a video management and analytics company. The Canadian entrepreneurs have recently won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in Toronto. After four years of operating, the company now employs 60 employees and even has video production software.

When I think of analytics I think of Google Analytics. Google analytics is free software that one can use for analyzing online data, like page visits and traffic. I find it fascinating that a new startup is able to become so important in providing marketing and analytical services in what appears to be a congested market.  Vidyard seems to focus on innovation, and important concept for marketing technologies. Their recent release of new video production show how Vidyard embraces technology and a willingness to adapt. Vidyard also distinguishes themselves with providing training for some of the their services. With a focus on customer benefits, Vidyard is sure to stay on the cutting edge of marketing and analytics.

Vidyard – Video Tools for Virtual Sales and Marketing Teams

http://www.therecord.com/news-story/4952519-vidyard-founders-win-young-entrepreneurs-award/

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/vidyard-to-offer-non-profits-access-to-video-marketing-platform-1952370.htm

Some may know him as Ryan from the popular television show, The Office, but the actor B.J. Novak, has decided to branch out. In addition to being an actor, comedian, and screen-writer, he is also an author. Within this authorship, I see some entrepreneurial spirit. Published just 5 days ago, The Book Without Pictures, is a children’s book with a novel idea. This title is quite literal, as the book contains no pictures. A reader would find a slew of silly words that are displayed vibrantly in an assortment of colors, fonts and sizes.

This idea struck me as simple, yet entrepreneurial and ingenious. Publishing a book definitely requires some entrepreneurial and persistence, however much easier it may be made by acting fame. This type of book also takes a pivot at looking at children’s books. Instead of using pictures “just because”, Novak has instead looked at how children’s books are for entertainment. He certainly has captured kid’s attention, with understanding how many children love to lave at silly words.