ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TRAVEL
The Women in Travel and Entrepreneurship seminar was seen as one of the most successful gatherings since the organisations inception in 2014. Having entrepreneurship as a key focus clearly hit the nerves with attendees, females and men alike. This is not surprising as entrepreneurship has been the focus of much action, pushed by governments, supported by column inches and indeed ‘encouraged’ by a rather stagnant economy and, on the positive side, more widespread access to technology. Even more so, access to funding appeared to be of
interest to many. But what with gender and funds? In fact, there were two female founders and two male funders on the panel. This partly represents the state of things, in that investors are more often than not males (and not just within travel) – according to research out there. However, the female entrepreneurs had both gained access to funding
in the past and one of them is currently going through a second round. As the male investors were quick to add, if the project is interesting and has substance, your background and gender bear absolutely no relevance. The
debate highlighted some important points: l Confi dence is key – you cannot expect others to invest in your business if you do not believe in yourself as, especially
at the beginning, much of the business rests on you! l Investors need to understand the numbers and most of all be reassured that there is substance behind them. An all-singing-all-dancing fi nancial plan you cannot back up or
justify simply means nothing! l Story telling is a critical part of your persuasion strategy. Investors want to hear your story and feel the passion. So, do what you love and you cannot go wrong (almost)! As in most things, preparation is everything and you need to bring people with you. It is a lot easier to convince somebody who has already spoken to you, might have even said no to you at fi rst, but knows you are serious, dedicated and committed. Go back to them, seek more feedback, and fi nd a different angle. You may then get your breakthrough! The inspiration continued throughout the afternoon with mentoring and networking. Thirty people had applied to be mentees but possibly 60 or more found themselves sitting around tables asking questions, seeking practical advice and getting up, close and personal with the mentors. As one of the mentors commented later on, it‘s both
extremely rewarding and amazing to watch the level of energy and enthusiasm being displayed by up and coming entrepreneurs of all ages, gender and backgrounds. This session was organised by Alessandra Alonso, Women in Travel.
WTM London Review 2017 59
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137
