About me
“So, do you do bi-to-bi or bi-to-si?”
The man in the marketing agency looked at me skeptically over his black glasses. My head was spinning.
What does he mean? What is he saying? Is that German?
My first business meeting shortly before the company was founded didn't go smoothly at all. I could barely answer the agency's questions about branding and returned to my hotel room in Düsseldorf, somewhat shaken, with my business plan under my arm.
It was 2001 and I had been commissioned to set up a GmbH in the sports and toys sector in Germany on behalf of a Swedish investment company.
I had just completed my Master's degree in business administration at Stockholm University and an exchange year at a university in Switzerland. But to be honest, I didn't know much about the real world of business. Luckily, I didn't realize how little I actually knew - otherwise I probably wouldn't have dared to do it in the first place.
So I approached the matter with an optimistic, youthful (I was ONLY 28 years old – haha!) and open attitude and accepted the challenge.
The start-up phase was not easy: 16 trips to the authorities and seven months later the GmbH was finally up and running. At the same time, I started marketing and implementing the business idea.
The company grew over the years and I gained a lot of valuable experience: I hired staff, developed marketing campaigns, flew to China and bought goods by the container, and built a company that eventually supplied 7.000 retailers across Europe.
It was fun - especially because I stood behind the products and was completely convinced of them. The customers noticed that too. And what could be better than selling products that motivate children to get some exercise in the fresh air?
In 2014, however, I felt the desire for change. After more than twelve years of managing a company, it was time to try something new. After careful consideration, parts of the company were sold and I was able to reorient myself.
In the same year I began training to become a Systemic Business Coach (SBC). After my certification, I became self-employed as a life coach with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
The logical step later was to move into business coaching – specifically for women. This change of niche was confusing at first, but ultimately it was exactly the right thing to do.
Why do I focus on women?
Because after twelve years as an entrepreneur, I want to help other women so that they have an easier life than I had back then. So that they don't feel so alone - with all the thoughts, decisions and challenges where you often don't know how to proceed at the beginning - that was all in the days before ChatGPT & Co.
So that they have someone who listens, encourages and supports them when self-doubt arises and the question “Will I really be able to do it?” arises.
And so that women who have a dream and a vision don't have to start from scratch, but can benefit from my now over 25 years of experience and knowledge.
I support you with topics such as positioning, target group analysis, trade fairs, websites, branding, events, logistics, online marketing, employee management, sales and negotiations, supplier relations, customer acquisition and everything that goes with building a company.
I also focus on women because they have enormous potential that they often underestimate or hide – for fear of being judged or condemned.
Dear independent woman, let your light shine.
Show your charisma to all the people who can learn from your knowledge and experience.
Show it to the people who can lead a better life through your success.
And above all: let the fire burn within you to unfold your true potential and power.
Because that is exactly why YOU are here.
No matter whether B2B or B2C – or wherever you find your calling.
With love,
Heléne
