KRISTI HEICKE - Founder, Girlfriends

07/2/10 | Kristi Heicke | 3 Comments

Kristi Heicke, Founder, Girlfriends

Staring glassy eyed across a conference table as another executive blathering on and on about yet another must-have product or service, I nearly lost it. It was the last straw—death by meeting. I realized at that moment that there MUST be more to my life than corporate politics and bottom lines. I got out and never looked back.

Today, I’m living my dream of mentoring and inspiring young girls as they navigate their way through adolescence and transition into adulthood. Here’s my advice for those of you who want to start your own nonprofit or business, based on what I learned starting mine:

1. Do what you love. It has been said that if you find something you love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. It’s true. If you followed a career path solely because of the money it promised, you already know this. Though money can solve a lot of problems, it can’t buy happiness. Fortunately, there are ways to turn what you love into a living so that you can be both happy and financially secure. I did some honest soul searching and identified my true passion—developing the next generation of women leaders—then figured out a creative way to make it my career.
2. Educate yourself. It’s a jungle out there! You can have all the heart and soul it takes to start your own business, but if you don’t know the ropes, you’ll be eaten alive. Take advantage of others’ experiences. Read books, blogs, and tweets. Talk to people. Ask questions. Find out about your competition, who they are, and what needs they are NOT fulfilling. This is your niche. Success comes to those who stand out and rise above. How will you turn heads?
3. Stick with it. Everyone enters a new business brimming with positive energy, but it’s the ones who stick with it even when doors shut, money dries up, and even the strongest supporters start to waver who succeed. I don’t know any entrepreneur who has NOT faced these challenges. Expect them. Persevere. Remind yourself about WHY you started down this road in the first place. A strong sense of purpose is the best motivator.
4. Exude confidence. I have received countless opportunities and much-needed financial support as a direct result of my over-the-top confidence. It is my single greatest characteristic, and people always respond to it. Whether you’re seeking a grant from a major corporation or simply pitching your idea to a potential partner, confidence is contagious. Of course, in addition to your pure passion, this confidence must be based on sound research and a solid work ethic. Supporters can spot a phony a mile away.
5. Find a mentor. No amount of experience can replace the value of a good mentor. Connect with someone with a skill set you admire who is willing to guide you through the process. Schedule a phone conversation once week, and a face-to-face once a month. Choose someone who can be your cheerleader when you need a boost of confidence as well as an honest and constructive critic when you face tough decisions. A faithful and supportive mentor may end up your most valuable asset.

Kristi Heicke, speaker and author, founded Girlfriends, an after-school program for tweenage girls in Long Beach, California, in 2006. The organization mentors and guides adolescents, helping them build long-lasting relationships and form goals that will carry them throughout their lifetimes. Today, more than 700 Girlfriends have benefited from the weekly meetings, the organization gains widespread attention and accolades.