Simon

150 have dabbled | 32 reviews

Not Active in the last 12 months

Top rated icon TOP RATED TEACHER
Medium square simon granner   chicago   geneva   third coast group   thrivent financial
4.84 | 32 reviews

Simon

150 have dabbled | 32 reviews

Not Active in the last 12 months

Big square simon granner   chicago   geneva   third coast group   thrivent financial
4.84 | 32 reviews

Not Active in the last 12 months

Top rated icon Top Rated

Simon Granner

On March 18th, 2016 my wife Natalie gave birth to our first child. Before Addilyn was born I honestly went through life without a clear picture of what “success” looked like chasing things like money and business accolades without a true north. Now my vision is so crystal clear that my mission on this earth is to constantly improve into the best version of myself so that through my daily activities, I can be a husband my wife is proud of, a father my children look up to and a friend people can count on. I started my career working for my uncle in the back office of his financial planning practice. Shortly after I got licensed in the business, I was fired by my uncle (it’s a funny story). I took a sales job as a very early pre-ipo employee of a small start-up called GrubHub, where I flew around the country launching new markets before GrubHub even had a CRM. During the year I was there, GrubHub raised $50 million in funding, bought 3 companies (AllMenus.com, CampusFoods.com and Fango.com) and increased employee headcount from less than 50 to over 600. Driven by my desire to figure out my employee stock option package I decided to give the business of financial planning a try from a practice ownership stand point. One day after my 1 year anniversary at GrubHub (to ensure the stock options), I submitted my twos notice, I started my financial planning practice and got myself involved in a number of online marketing activities to promote my practice. It all started with a blog at SimonGranner.com, followed shortly by an audio and video podcast where I interviewed successful entrepreneurs around the world. If you google "Simon Granner Show" you will probably find a few archived episodes. After my interview series, I focused my online efforts on building an email list around financial stories and topics related to what I labeled "high-performing entrepreneurs". I think I really just wanted to find my "tribe" if you will. I wanted to be myself and let my strengths overpower my weaknesses. Towards the middle of 2018 I decided to merge my solo financial planning practice with my father, who is now my business partner. We have a growing practice called Opus Financial Group of Thrivent Financial. We have 4 full time advisers, a dedicated analyst and 2 staff members and growing. We love what we do each day. My content production efforts have shifted to video content production on Linkedin for the last 12 months and that was been successful from an audience building perspective and more importantly in terms of creating and sustaining deeper personal and business relationship. On a personal level, I lived downtown Chicago with my wife until we bought a home and moved out to Geneva, IL where we live with our two children, Addilyn (3) and Parker (1). Thanks for reading and I hope I have the opportunity to help you launch your blog, mission, movement and see what wild entrepreneurial path it springboards for you. :)

ABOUT THIS TEACHER

On March 18th, 2016 my wife Natalie gave birth to our first child. Before Addilyn was born I honestly went through life without a clear picture of what “success” looked like chasing things like money and business accolades without a true north. Now my vision is so crystal clear that my mission on this earth is to constantly improve into the best version of myself so that through my daily activities, I can be a husband my wife is proud of, a father my children look up to and a friend people can count on. I started my career working for my uncle in the back office of his financial planning practice. Shortly after I got licensed in the business, I was fired by my uncle (it’s a funny story). I took a sales job as a very early pre-ipo employee of a small start-up called GrubHub, where I flew around the country launching new markets before GrubHub even had a CRM. During the year I was there, GrubHub raised $50 million in funding, bought 3 companies (AllMenus.com, CampusFoods.com and Fango.com) and increased employee headcount from less than 50 to over 600. Driven by my desire to figure out my employee stock option package I decided to give the business of financial planning a try from a practice ownership stand point. One day after my 1 year anniversary at GrubHub (to ensure the stock options), I submitted my twos notice, I started my financial planning practice and got myself involved in a number of online marketing activities to promote my practice. It all started with a blog at SimonGranner.com, followed shortly by an audio and video podcast where I interviewed successful entrepreneurs around the world. If you google "Simon Granner Show" you will probably find a few archived episodes. After my interview series, I focused my online efforts on building an email list around financial stories and topics related to what I labeled "high-performing entrepreneurs". I think I really just wanted to find my "tribe" if you will. I wanted to be myself and let my strengths overpower my weaknesses. Towards the middle of 2018 I decided to merge my solo financial planning practice with my father, who is now my business partner. We have a growing practice called Opus Financial Group of Thrivent Financial. We have 4 full time advisers, a dedicated analyst and 2 staff members and growing. We love what we do each day. My content production efforts have shifted to video content production on Linkedin for the last 12 months and that was been successful from an audience building perspective and more importantly in terms of creating and sustaining deeper personal and business relationship. On a personal level, I lived downtown Chicago with my wife until we bought a home and moved out to Geneva, IL where we live with our two children, Addilyn (3) and Parker (1). Thanks for reading and I hope I have the opportunity to help you launch your blog, mission, movement and see what wild entrepreneurial path it springboards for you. :)

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

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    Susan R.
    Reviewed on 09/13/17

    Simon, in a word, is energy! He consistently, and effortlessly, it seems, provides as much valuable and important blog knowledge into his class as possible.

    From observing all students progress, to see no one is left behind, to offering his personal life experiences with blogs, Simon's enthusiasm made me want to have my blog set up and find out what good things will happen.

    He is accessible after the class which was important to me. I want to be able to ask the questions that come up in a day or two, and beyond since he knows my setup and such. This is possible through the Facebook follow up.

    Excellent class! I'm looking forward to taking his next class. Thanks so very much, Simon.

    Simon, in a word, is energy! He consistently, and effortlessly, it seems, provides as much valuable and important blog knowledge into his class as possible.

    From observing all students progress, to see no one is left behind, to offering his personal life experiences with blogs, Simon's enthusiasm made me want to have my blog set up and find out what good things will happen.

    He is accessible after the class which was important to me. I want to be able to ask the questions that come up in a day or two, and beyond since he knows my setup and such. This is possible through the Facebook follow up.

    Excellent class! I'm looking forward to taking his next class. Thanks so very much, Simon.

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    Anushree S.
    Reviewed on 04/05/17

    This is a fantastic class and Simon is a great instructor. He clarified all doubts and provided all relevant information on Blogging and also provided hands on training with the whole process of setting it up. Highly recommend this class for anyone even remotely interested in blogging😊

    This is a fantastic class and Simon is a great instructor. He clarified all doubts and provided all relevant information on Blogging and also provided hands on training with the whole process of setting it up. Highly recommend this class for anyone even remotely interested in blogging😊

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    Christine R.
    Reviewed on 12/11/16

    This experience was absolutely fantastic, and I'm beyond grateful for all of the help and time that Simon invested so that I could get my blog going (finally!)!! :) Simon could not have been better in guiding the way with the process, or more patient or kind while doing so. Speaking as someone who has stalled many, many times while trying to get through the blog setup stage, I honestly can't imagine a better way to get things moving forward more promptly, or more easily... and it was truly even fun (lots, actually!)! :) Thank you sooooooo much, Simon!!

    This experience was absolutely fantastic, and I'm beyond grateful for all of the help and time that Simon invested so that I could get my blog going (finally!)!! :) Simon could not have been better in guiding the way with the process, or more patient or kind while doing so. Speaking as someone who has stalled many, many times while trying to get through the blog setup stage, I honestly can't imagine a better way to get things moving forward more promptly, or more easily... and it was truly even fun (lots, actually!)! :) Thank you sooooooo much, Simon!!

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    Jemma C.
    Reviewed on 09/11/16

    If you've been wanting to start a blog, but have been slacking on getting started then this is the class for you! Simon keeps his class size small enough to provide individualized attention as needed and makes sure that you have your blog up and going! He's very patient and knowledgeable! Great teacher. I look forward to taking other courses he has to offer!

    If you've been wanting to start a blog, but have been slacking on getting started then this is the class for you! Simon keeps his class size small enough to provide individualized attention as needed and makes sure that you have your blog up and going! He's very patient and knowledgeable! Great teacher. I look forward to taking other courses he has to offer!

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    Sarah P.
    Reviewed on 08/15/16

    Extremely hands on class. In my experience there were only 3 students so Simon did a great job of personalizing information for each one of us and made sure we really understood the content. He makes all the info very easy to understand and is there for you after the class with additional follow up. I would definitely recommend the class to anyone who is wanting to get the basic blue print of creating their own web presence.

    Extremely hands on class. In my experience there were only 3 students so Simon did a great job of personalizing information for each one of us and made sure we really understood the content. He makes all the info very easy to understand and is there for you after the class with additional follow up. I would definitely recommend the class to anyone who is wanting to get the basic blue print of creating their own web presence.

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    Cornelia B.
    Reviewed on 08/11/16

    Most useful class I've taken! Teacher was clear and hands on!

    Most useful class I've taken! Teacher was clear and hands on!

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    Kathleen B.
    Reviewed on 06/11/16

    This is an excellent class to take to understand the basics of getting a podcast going. All ages, all skill levels can take away knowledge that will give them resources, hidden tricks and money saving ways of getting your first podcast up and running. The instructor was very knowledgeable and made the class feel comfortable right away and enlightened by the end of the class.

    This is an excellent class to take to understand the basics of getting a podcast going. All ages, all skill levels can take away knowledge that will give them resources, hidden tricks and money saving ways of getting your first podcast up and running. The instructor was very knowledgeable and made the class feel comfortable right away and enlightened by the end of the class.

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    Jemal S.
    Reviewed on 06/10/16

    Very thorough overview of all the parts of launching your first podcast from overview to marketing to the tech needed to make it a reality. Simon shared his experience and allowed lots of time for questions and discussion.

    Very thorough overview of all the parts of launching your first podcast from overview to marketing to the tech needed to make it a reality. Simon shared his experience and allowed lots of time for questions and discussion.

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    Dee D.
    Reviewed on 06/10/16

    I enjoyed the class.It was informative,full of "tips"and "how to" stuff.The location was hard to get to&parking was expensive.Instructor was enthusiastic and knowledgeable

    I enjoyed the class.It was informative,full of "tips"and "how to" stuff.The location was hard to get to&parking was expensive.Instructor was enthusiastic and knowledgeable

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    Kristi B.
    Reviewed on 06/02/16

    If you have been thinking about building a blog and don't know where to start this class is a must! Simon is an excellent instructor and you will be up and running in no time! Simon even took the time to follow up which shows real dedication to helping others succeed. FIVE STARS!!

    If you have been thinking about building a blog and don't know where to start this class is a must! Simon is an excellent instructor and you will be up and running in no time! Simon even took the time to follow up which shows real dedication to helping others succeed. FIVE STARS!!

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    Caitlin V.
    Reviewed on 05/05/16

    This class was amazing!!!! Simon is a great teacher and really patient with those who are not good at computers. By the time I left, I had my very own website and an understanding of how to operate a blog. He is extremely knowledgable on this topic and makes learning fun. I would HIGHLY recommend this course and his other two: "Monetize Your Blog in 3 Months" and "Entrepreneur Outing: Paddleboard".

    Caitlin

    This class was amazing!!!! Simon is a great teacher and really patient with those who are not good at computers. By the time I left, I had my very own website and an understanding of how to operate a blog. He is extremely knowledgable on this topic and makes learning fun. I would HIGHLY recommend this course and his other two: "Monetize Your Blog in 3 Months" and "Entrepreneur Outing: Paddleboard".

    Caitlin

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    Sarah S.
    Reviewed on 04/25/16

    This was a great class! Highly recommend.

    This was a great class! Highly recommend.

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    Laura B.
    Reviewed on 04/08/16

    Simon has a great, giving attitude and a wealth of information. He made the process much less intimidating than it could have been. I was having technical issues and he made sure I wasn't left behind in the process of working them out. Great class!

    Simon has a great, giving attitude and a wealth of information. He made the process much less intimidating than it could have been. I was having technical issues and he made sure I wasn't left behind in the process of working them out. Great class!

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    Carrie M.
    Reviewed on 11/24/15

    Simon is a very energetic guy who has learned through doing it himself, he doesn't profess to know everything, but he is willing to test things out and figure out what works for business marketing, lead generation, promotion...etc. When you take this class, you will walk away with a firm foundation of how to properly brand your blog, identify your audience, and build a solid email list organically. The thing that makes Simon the right person to teach this class is that he is a natural born connecter who really enjoys the modern art of conversion on a selling level as well as a marketing level. I highly recommend this class for anyone who has already established a blog but needs an energy infusion, a path to focus on now that you've started, and some great ideas on how to really convert your readers or gain new readers.

    Simon is a very energetic guy who has learned through doing it himself, he doesn't profess to know everything, but he is willing to test things out and figure out what works for business marketing, lead generation, promotion...etc. When you take this class, you will walk away with a firm foundation of how to properly brand your blog, identify your audience, and build a solid email list organically. The thing that makes Simon the right person to teach this class is that he is a natural born connecter who really enjoys the modern art of conversion on a selling level as well as a marketing level. I highly recommend this class for anyone who has already established a blog but needs an energy infusion, a path to focus on now that you've started, and some great ideas on how to really convert your readers or gain new readers.

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    Joshua A.
    Reviewed on 11/18/15

    Simon is high energy in a field that can seem boring at first glance. You can tell what his passion is right away and wanting to teach people follows in the same vein. I recommend the class if you want to find a create outlet for telling your story, which in turn creates a long-term strategy for entrepreneurs.

    Simon is high energy in a field that can seem boring at first glance. You can tell what his passion is right away and wanting to teach people follows in the same vein. I recommend the class if you want to find a create outlet for telling your story, which in turn creates a long-term strategy for entrepreneurs.

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    Kimberly H.
    Reviewed on 11/08/15

    Great opportunity to get a blog set up without all the nonsense usually involved.

    Great opportunity to get a blog set up without all the nonsense usually involved.

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    John M.
    Reviewed on 11/05/15

    Simon was a great teacher and fun to work with! If anyone has tried to build a blog from scratch and is not tech savvy like myself, then this is a great class. Blog building is challenging at first, but if you can be patient and get through the hoops of the different websites, then it becomes very easy. I highly recommend this class to anyone that is trying to promote themselves or their small business!

    Simon was a great teacher and fun to work with! If anyone has tried to build a blog from scratch and is not tech savvy like myself, then this is a great class. Blog building is challenging at first, but if you can be patient and get through the hoops of the different websites, then it becomes very easy. I highly recommend this class to anyone that is trying to promote themselves or their small business!

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    Tracy D.
    Reviewed on 11/05/15

    What an incredible class. For anyone who has ever attempted a blog but quit due to the tedious or confusing process of going from idea to execution - this class if for you! Amazing teacher with tremendous patience and subject matter knowledge. Can't wait to take more of your classes!

    What an incredible class. For anyone who has ever attempted a blog but quit due to the tedious or confusing process of going from idea to execution - this class if for you! Amazing teacher with tremendous patience and subject matter knowledge. Can't wait to take more of your classes!

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    Abigail A.
    Reviewed on 10/08/15

    Simon is personable and helpful. You definitely leave with a blog and he is happy to receive emailed questions after the course. He makes creating a blog seem manageable.

    Simon is personable and helpful. You definitely leave with a blog and he is happy to receive emailed questions after the course. He makes creating a blog seem manageable.

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    Katelyn W.
    Reviewed on 09/09/15

    Simon was an excellent teacher that got right to the point. i would have loved having a bit more time to get more familiar. I'd definitely go back to one of his classes on blogging. He was really patient with the tech stuff, which was also a HUFE help to me.

    Simon was an excellent teacher that got right to the point. i would have loved having a bit more time to get more familiar. I'd definitely go back to one of his classes on blogging. He was really patient with the tech stuff, which was also a HUFE help to me.

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    Jennifer R.
    Reviewed on 08/07/15

    Simon's class was great! His teaching style was fast paced but not so fast that we couldn't keep up and he was able to keep us all focused and on point while remaining witty and easy going. He was very knowledgeable, patient, helpful and even spent time going around to each of us in the class to make sure we were on the right track. He gets extra points for being super nice: my computer decided to be difficult and wouldn't allow me to get on the internet, so Simon helped me build my blog on HIS computer so that I could actually leave with a blog instead of going home empty handed : ) I highly recommend his class!

    Simon's class was great! His teaching style was fast paced but not so fast that we couldn't keep up and he was able to keep us all focused and on point while remaining witty and easy going. He was very knowledgeable, patient, helpful and even spent time going around to each of us in the class to make sure we were on the right track. He gets extra points for being super nice: my computer decided to be difficult and wouldn't allow me to get on the internet, so Simon helped me build my blog on HIS computer so that I could actually leave with a blog instead of going home empty handed : ) I highly recommend his class!

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    Shelly S.
    Reviewed on 07/02/15

    Good class and I definitely walked away having the initial stages of blog set up. The blog development etc. is up to you. I think you'll get the most out of the class if you come into it with a good plan for what you want your blog to represent/say.

    Good class and I definitely walked away having the initial stages of blog set up. The blog development etc. is up to you. I think you'll get the most out of the class if you come into it with a good plan for what you want your blog to represent/say.

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    Debra P.
    Reviewed on 06/10/15

    FANTASTIC! Great, great, great class..... Learned a ton and Simon was Extremely patient. I have started to implement some that I learned and am excited to continue with other ideas that I was taught! I give a 10 star**** for anyone, in ANY industry wanting to market for a long term goal....Highly recommend.... Sincerely, Deb.... Shoot coordinator for Papadakis Photography

    FANTASTIC! Great, great, great class..... Learned a ton and Simon was Extremely patient. I have started to implement some that I learned and am excited to continue with other ideas that I was taught! I give a 10 star**** for anyone, in ANY industry wanting to market for a long term goal....Highly recommend.... Sincerely, Deb.... Shoot coordinator for Papadakis Photography

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    Elizabeth V.
    Reviewed on 06/08/15

    If you ever wanted to start a podcast but overwhelmed with where to begin, this is the class to take!! Easy to understand & implement. Would highly recommend.

    If you ever wanted to start a podcast but overwhelmed with where to begin, this is the class to take!! Easy to understand & implement. Would highly recommend.

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    Ginger H.
    Reviewed on 05/20/15

    Really excellent class with individualized, hands-on attention and education. Well worth the cost. After you take this class, you will be motivated and prepared to launch a podcast!

    Really excellent class with individualized, hands-on attention and education. Well worth the cost. After you take this class, you will be motivated and prepared to launch a podcast!

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    Steph L.
    Reviewed on 04/19/15

    Great teacher! He made everything so easy to understand. Loved how hands on the class was and when small glitches occurred, we were able to fix them in real Tim.

    Great teacher! He made everything so easy to understand. Loved how hands on the class was and when small glitches occurred, we were able to fix them in real Tim.

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    Meah K.
    Reviewed on 04/12/15

    I had a great experience during this class. My goal was to build the foundation of my blog (having zero experience) and Simon did just that. As a group he took us step by step through the process of obtaining a domain, host, and ultimately a blog! Simon was patient and gave clear directions. I highly recommend this class and look forward to level 2!

    I had a great experience during this class. My goal was to build the foundation of my blog (having zero experience) and Simon did just that. As a group he took us step by step through the process of obtaining a domain, host, and ultimately a blog! Simon was patient and gave clear directions. I highly recommend this class and look forward to level 2!

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    Nelly H.
    Reviewed on 03/31/15

    Very good introductory class to podcasting. The instructor was very detailed, took time to explain both the technical requirements and strategy for creating and marketing podcasts, and took time to answer questions. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in learning about podcasting.

    Very good introductory class to podcasting. The instructor was very detailed, took time to explain both the technical requirements and strategy for creating and marketing podcasts, and took time to answer questions. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in learning about podcasting.

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    Chuck F.
    Reviewed on 11/07/14

    This was a great class! Simon went very in depth and I feel very prepared to start a Podcast

    This was a great class! Simon went very in depth and I feel very prepared to start a Podcast

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    Danny C.
    Reviewed on 08/16/14

    A highly professional discussion with such a robust platform such as Twitter deserves an hour of your time: I highly recommend this course for small business owners and those seeking enhanced clarity into the Twitter-space.
    Dan C

    A highly professional discussion with such a robust platform such as Twitter deserves an hour of your time: I highly recommend this course for small business owners and those seeking enhanced clarity into the Twitter-space.
    Dan C

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    Heather Y.
    Reviewed on 08/01/14

    The session was extremely informational and catered to each attendee's specific concerns. Simon gave actionable tips I was able to apply immediately after the session.

    The session was extremely informational and catered to each attendee's specific concerns. Simon gave actionable tips I was able to apply immediately after the session.

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    Hannah C.
    Reviewed on 04/23/16

    This class is priced too high for the value Dabblers leave with. Simon focused the majority of the time describing how to gain email subscribers. The class is geared towards those wanting to learn how to start blogs in the finance field. For those looking to explore lifestyle, teaching, fashion or cooking blogs I would not recommend this class.

    This class is priced too high for the value Dabblers leave with. Simon focused the majority of the time describing how to gain email subscribers. The class is geared towards those wanting to learn how to start blogs in the finance field. For those looking to explore lifestyle, teaching, fashion or cooking blogs I would not recommend this class.

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