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Simon Jermy

Profile
Simon Jermy
Location
North West
Region
North West
URL
http://beta.theconch.com/
Network
The Conch

I am Managing Director of The Conch, a community-powered guide for adventurous people. I am passionate about adventure in all its forms. Founded in 2006 with support from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), The Conch aims to bring together everyone involved in the adventure travel journey; locals and travellers, businesses and advertisers, to share stories and advice in their own words and their own voices.

Launching in April 2008, Club Conch provides affordable adventure activities for entrepreneurs and busy professionals across England’s North West. We arrange single day events wherever possible, making them easy to fit into the busiest schedule. For more information visit http://blog.theconch.com

Q&A

  • What are your top tips for being an effective networker?

    Networking isn’t a dirty word. When I was first starting out I hated the idea of networking, going to to events, hiding in a corner and escaping with a single business card at the end. Then I started to realise that networking is an extension of what any social person does naturally, chatting, asking questions and meeting new people. Create a record of who you’ve met, where you met them and what you talked about. This could be an excel spreadsheet or a more specialised CRM tool (I use Highrise by 37 signals). You never know who might be able to help you further down the line. Keep in touch with a short email every 6 months and let them know what you’re up to.

    The best networking advice I ever received: ‘Remember, if you’re constantly taking without giving anything back, you’re a stalker. Nobody likes a stalker.’

  • What is your advice to a young entrepreneur?

    When it comes to business advice, everyone’s an expert. Family, friends, dates and random people on trains have all grilled me over my business plan. When (often contradictory) advice is coming at you from every direction, you can become paralysed. Ultimately, you are the expert on your business. Choose the people you trust the most to challenge and advise you. To the others, by all means listen, but don’t let them shake you from your plans.

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