Jeremy Shepherd is a leader, innovator, and a disruptor. From an early age, he struck out on his own to satisfy his fierce independence, need for adventure, and a more satisfying way of life.In a sector dominated by generations-old family businesses, Jeremy endeavored to become a first generation, self-taught pearl importer, dealer, and Internet seller.Over the past 20 years, he has traveled to pearl-producing areas all over the world, creating relationships with pearl producers, exporters, and people dedicated to supporting the pearl industry.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:45] Intro[01:23] Discovering a business idea that’s fit to your job[03:31] Learning the highs and lows of the pearl industry[04:18] Creating effective platforms from the get-go[05:21] Utilizing resources to move things forward[06:27] Maintaining things at satisfying levels[07:56] Doing auctions to reach more people[08:55] Putting up a website in the year 2000[11:47] Shifting from auctions to Ecommerce[12:20] Keeping up with the technology and the times[13:29] PR articles gives businesses exposure[14:44] Creating educational websites for target audiences[16:22] Fixing issues quickly to not hinder incoming sales[17:21] Clearing things up with credit card processors[18:08] Episode sponsors[21:34] Remaining fully involved in your business[23:37] How business is built on relationships[24:49] Bringing immeasurably valuable pearls to customers[26:02] It all comes down to the way pearls are sourced[27:21] Integrating different marketing efforts to succeed[28:01] Adjusting business operations due to the pandemic[30:11] Using virtual platforms to connect with customers[31:44] Enhancing online meetings to mimic f2f experience[32:39] The biggest business secret: Help A Reporter[34:14] Practice your elevator pitch to make it to the list[35:00] Backlinks are the backbone of SEO[35:33] Where to reach Pearl ParadiseResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOne of the largest pearl brands in the world pearlparadise.com/Follow Jeremy Shepherd linkedin.com/in/jeremypshepherd/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTake your retail business to the next level today shopify.com/honestSign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial periodSchedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert sendlane.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!