Kristen Chimack Provides Real-World Coaching for Success

Hi, Kristen! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Hi, I'm Kristen. After a 30-year stint in corporate America, culminating in a whirlwind four years leading the public relations department at a Fortune 40 organization, I decided it was time to hang up my corporate hat and chase my true passions. In July last year, I bid farewell to the 9-to-5 grind and launched my own venture, Down-to-Earth Insights, focused on helping people, traveling the world, and crafting unforgettable experiences. Since taking the plunge, I’ve been busy coaching leaders and professionals, crafting an online course to boost students’ LinkedIn prowess, and, for a dash of excitement, I started a franchise with HelmsBriscoe. With my decade of experience planning events for a Fortune 40 company, I now guide clients in scouting the perfect spots for their meetings and events, managing everything from venue hunting to contract negotiations — and I do it all at no cost to them! It’s been a joyously rewarding ride, and I adore helping business owners bring their event dreams to life. If you’re curious about how I can sprinkle some magic into your next event or just want to swap stories and ideas, let’s connect and make some waves together!

Who are your customers?

For HelmsBriscoe Meeting Placement Services: I cater to a wide range of clients needing group meeting spaces and accommodations for more than 10 hotel rooms. My clients include corporations, associations, non-profits, and small business owners. Additionally, I serve individuals and groups by organizing larger personal events such as weddings, family reunions, and traveling sports teams. For Coaching Services: My coaching clientele primarily consists of up-and-coming female leaders who are in transition. This includes those moving to new roles, new companies, or advancing to a new level of leadership. My services are tailored to support these women as they navigate significant changes in their professional lives, helping them to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their evolving roles. I also work with college students and professionals, helping them build their LinkedIn presence.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before embarking on my entrepreneurial journey with Down-To-Earth Insights, I dedicated 31 years to State Farm Insurance, a Fortune 40 company, where I progressed from a part-time payment clerk to the Assistant Vice President of Public Relations. My tenure at State Farm was characterized by a series of transformative roles that spanned multiple disciplines — including Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Agency - Sales, Learning & Development, Strategy, Process Design, Underwriting, Convention, Meetings and Travel, Communications, and Public Relations. Despite being part of one organization, my career was diverse and dynamic, often resembling multiple careers within the same company. I was recognized for my curiosity, authenticity, and profound love for change, which fueled my ability to adapt and learn quickly — traits that greatly contributed to my success in various leadership roles. This rich and varied background has been instrumental in shaping the services I now offer, allowing me to provide insightful guidance and support to up-and-coming leaders and expertly manage large-scale events through my franchise with HelmsBriscoe.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

After spending over three decades in corporate America, I reached a point where I deeply yearned to pursue my true passions —helping others and traveling. This desire to make a tangible difference on a more personal level and to embrace the freedom of exploring new places was the driving force behind my decision to start my own business. By founding Down-To-Earth Insights and partnering with HelmsBriscoe, I have been able to channel my extensive corporate experience into coaching emerging female leaders and facilitating global event planning. This transition has allowed me to create something new and fulfilling, combining my professional expertise with my personal interests in a way that enriches both my life and the lives of those I work with.

We're so glad you followed your passion! Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No, not really. My journey towards entrepreneurship wasn't a clear path from the start. For many years, I was deeply embedded in the structure and challenges of corporate life, where I enjoyed a fulfilling and diverse career. The idea of running my own business didn't crystallize until later in my career. It emerged from a growing desire to leverage my skills and passions in new and impactful ways, particularly in helping others and indulging my love for travel. This shift in perspective led me to step out of the corporate framework and into the entrepreneurial world, where I could more directly fulfill my ambitions and make a personal impact on others.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first launched my business, my marketing strategy focused on leveraging LinkedIn organically and enhancing word-of-mouth through active participation in conferences and guest appearances on podcasts. This approach aimed to build credibility and extend my professional network. By sharing insightful content and engaging in discussions on LinkedIn, I targeted my core audience of up-and-coming female leaders and event planning professionals, establishing myself as a thought leader. Attending conferences and guesting on podcasts provided platforms to showcase my expertise directly to potential clients, facilitating personal connections and generating referrals. This strategy effectively helped establish and grow my brand in a competitive marketplace.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge I've encountered since launching my business has been driving consistent revenue. This ongoing issue has taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of refining my messaging and the necessity of adaptability in business strategies. I've learned that it’s crucial to clearly communicate the unique benefits and value of my services, ensuring they resonate with my target audience. Additionally, I've embraced the mindset of experimentation — recognizing that if a particular approach isn't yielding the desired results, it’s essential to be open to change and try new tactics. This flexibility has not only helped in overcoming obstacles but also in finding more effective ways to engage clients and sustain business growth.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

The accomplishment I'm most proud of in my business to date is witnessing the significant growth in my clients and seeing them achieve their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to observe how the personalized coaching and targeted support I provide have empowered these up-and-coming female leaders to navigate their career transitions successfully. The progress they make, from gaining confidence in new roles to excelling in leadership positions, reaffirms the impact of my work. It's a testament to the effectiveness of the coaching process and a true reflection of why I ventured into this business — to make a meaningful difference in people's professional lives. This success not only motivates me to continue refining my approach but also fills me with pride knowing that I am contributing positively to their careers and personal growth. In addition to coaching, another accomplishment I'm extremely proud of my collaboration with HelmsBriscoe to help clients find amazing venues for their events. This part of my business allows me to create lasting memories for attendees by ensuring that each event is hosted in a perfect setting. Whether it's a corporate meeting, a family reunion, or a wedding, my role in facilitating the venue selection process significantly impacts the success and enjoyment of these events. It's rewarding to see how the right venue can transform an event, enhancing the experience for all involved and leaving a lasting impression. This success in event planning complements my coaching services, allowing me to offer a holistic approach to professional and personal development.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Looking ahead, there are exciting developments on the horizon for Down-To-Earth Insights. My primary focus will be to continue expanding the event and meeting planning side of the business. I aim to secure partnerships with several large associations and corporations, enhancing our portfolio with more retreats and summits, particularly those organized by coaches who are cultivating dynamic spaces for growth and development. From a coaching perspective, I am thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my course and online community, #NextGen. This initiative is designed to assist students and professionals in building and optimizing their LinkedIn presence, offering them the tools and strategies needed to stand out in the competitive job market. By fostering a vibrant community and providing actionable guidance, #NextGen will empower the next generation of leaders, business owners, and innovators.

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip revolves around efficient email management: "Touch each email only one time." The strategy is straightforward but impactful—Do, Delete, Delegate. Do: If an email requires a response or action that can be completed within 10-15 minutes, address it immediately. This quick handling prevents tasks from piling up and keeps your inbox manageable. Delete: If the email is no longer relevant or necessary after you've read it, delete it right away. This helps keep your inbox clutter-free, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Delegate: For emails requiring actions that take longer than 10-15 minutes, delegate them to a team member or schedule a specific time on your calendar to handle them later. This ensures that each task receives the attention it requires without disrupting your workflow.

Such efficient tips! On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

To avoid burnout, I've implemented a few crucial practices into my daily and weekly routines. First, I make it a point to schedule and actually take a lunch break away from my work environment every single day. This helps me to disconnect, recharge, and return to my tasks with renewed energy and focus. Additionally, I prioritize scheduling time with my loved ones — my husband, family, nieces, nephews, and friends — every week. I treat this time as sacred, ensuring it's fully protected from the encroachments of work. Alongside these practices, I also treat myself to a massage every other week. This not only helps relieve physical tension but also serves as a mental reset, allowing me to maintain my overall well-being. By consciously creating these boundaries and dedicating time for rest, relationships, and self-care, I safeguard my well-being and sustain my long-term productivity without succumbing to burnout.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

My approach to work-life integration is structured yet flexible. I prioritize scheduling everything, using time blocks to manage my day efficiently. I treat time for personal activities with the same importance as work commitments. This method ensures a balanced schedule, allowing me to fulfill professional responsibilities while also making space for relaxation and personal relationships. This approach prevents burnout and enhances overall productivity, keeping each day productive and fulfilling.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my entrepreneurial journey is the simple power of just starting. Early on, I was concerned about having a perfect website and meticulously planning every detail before launching. However, what I've learned is that it's not crucial to have everything polished from the get-go. What you begin as and what your business evolves into, even just six months later, can be vastly different. The initial steps, offerings, and even your business focus are likely to adjust and change as you grow and learn more about the market and your clients' needs. The key is to start — take action, learn, and adapt on the go. This understanding would have eased a lot of initial pressure and accelerated my progress by focusing more on action and less on perfection.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

TickTick — Helps me stay organized!

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Zapier — you can automate almost anything!

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