HE is not a man exactly renowned for any sense of modesty.

However, Ireland's most notorious celebrity solicitor Gerald Kean is advising just such an approach to succeed in business.

Kean has begun writing an internet column offering advice for budding entrepreneurs telling them that "over confidence and/or arrogance is not advised" in the harsh environment of post-Celtic Tiger Ireland. The solicitor to the stars, who is currently engaged to model Lisa Murphy, has been offering his pearls of wisdom on the new men's website joe.ie.

"At the very outset in any business," he said, "it is important to be confident of success. This does not mean arrogance. A positive outlook and a perception of success is a good base upon which either to start and/or build any business.

"People like to be associated with individuals who are confident in their ability to deliver a product and to achieve. Be aware that over confidence and/or arrogance is not advised."

The solicitor said that there were advantages to the current recession with rents and salaries lower and everything available at a cheaper price and said that Irish companies had lost their way during the boom years.

He said: "I can only speak from experience. My firm has built up a substantial accident claims practice over the years by simply concentrating and adhering to basic principles."

Kean, who was convicted of drink-driving in April 2009, also admitted to being a technophobe and said an old-fashioned "handshake" was far better than any web poke could be.

"I have never been a fan of Bebo, Facebook nor even the internet," he explained. "In fact, I don't even have a laptop! It might seem embarrassing to some but I have no difficulty in saying that I can't even do a Google search on the internet.

"Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. A good handshake and a pleasant attitude with clients is, in my opinion, the main reason for building up a successful business."