Quentin Depoorter, a member of the Class of 2016, completed his four years of higher education at the INSEEC BBA in Lyon. During his studies he developed many technical skills in finance, economics and business.n management, marketing and digital but also the taste for entrepreneurship. Barely 1 year after his internship at the end of his studiesHe is already a self-employed entrepreneur, at the head of QD Community, his company specialized in e-reputation and social network management.
YOU ARE THE CREATOR OF QD COMMUNITY, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE CONCEPT?
QD Community is a self-employed company specialized in social network management, website administration and digital communication consulting. Since the corporate market is relatively large, I decided to focus on merchants and small businesses. Indeed, often taken by the management of their company, they tend to neglect certain communication solutions, and particularly that of digital. However, in recent years and the explosion of new technologies, the use of social networks for professional use has a considerable impact on the development of brands. It is in this logic that I offer my services, trying to professionalize as much as possible the social media of my clients, while maintaining the identity and philosophy of their brand. My activity thus integrates two functions, on the one hand a commercial function which consists in prospecting new customers, and on the other hand a communication function which consists in developing the visibility, the loyalty, and the e-reputation of my customers.
WHAT WAS THE TRIGGER THAT GAVE BIRTH TO YOUR PROJECT?
Creative and rigorous, I have always been passionate about communication. After completing my end-of-studies internship as a communications manager at the Girondins de Bordeaux, I wanted to challenge myself and embark on the self-entrepreneurial adventure. As a graduate with a degree in “Innovation & Intrapreneurship”, and certain of the importance of social networks today, the timing was right for the implementation of such a project. Even if I can’t be sure of the outcome of my activity, I can be proud of this initiative.
HOW IS YOUR COMPANY EVOLVING? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS?
After several weeks of setting up, administrative adjustments and graphic creations, my auto-business was recently born. My project is off to a good start as my first prospects have become customers. In the medium term, my objective is to develop my activity in the Rhône-Alpes region. Moreover, I wish to associate with other self-businesses in my field in order to hear my area of prospection. I have a lot of ambition for this project as I believe in the influence of modern communication channels.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR COURSE AT THE INSEEC BBA? HOW DID THIS TRAINING HELP YOU TO MAKE YOUR PROJECT A REALITY?
I joined the INSEEC BBA in 2012 right after I graduated from high school. I chose to attend a business school and in particular the INSEEC BBA for the diversity of its curriculum. Indeed, I was able to acquire various skills in marketing/communication as well as in finance. My various internships have allowed me to gain in responsibility and pragmatism, but also to professionalize my CV. The essential element of my career path was the specialization of my bac+4 “Innovation & Intrapreneurship”. This major gave me the last tools I needed to create my own business.
WAS STARTING A BUSINESS A GOAL FOR YOU WHEN YOU ENTERED THE BBA?
Not really. In reality, I had no real professional project when I entered the school. The latter was refined throughout my studies, and became clearer at the end of my final internship. Subconsciously, I think I’ve always dreamed of being my own boss. The BBA gives us the keys to success, it is up to us to make good use of them.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE IN THE PROCESS OF STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
The first step is to validate the curriculum. Then you have to sit down, think things through and be brave. You must not rush, do things in order, and above all, believe in yourself and your projects.