10 Questions With… Green Kids Rock!
I met Wendy Wercion about a year ago. I really can’t remember how we originally met, but from our first meeting on Wendy’s passion and commitment were unmistakable.
I meet with lots of entrepreneurs. Many of them fade away after that initial meeting. A small percentage of them become coaching clients. Some of those go on to actually found their business. It was apparent from that first meeting that there was no doubt that Wendy would eventually found her company.
Wendy and I continued to meet off and on, and I introduced her to a couple of regional funding sources that were good fits for some initial seed money. Meanwhile, she continued to work on her business plan, network, and refine her message. When some funding finally came through earlier this year, Wendy quit her job and set up her home office for Green Kids Rock. I had breakfast with Wendy a week or two ago and she couldn’t be happier.
So given Wendy’s passion, her commitment, and her infectious optimism I couldn’t think of a better entrepreneur for this inaugural “10 Questions With…”, a new, regular feature here at DCO.
Green Kids Rock is a subscription-based online game and website created to inspire kids to take action to restore our planet. The game replicates real world ecological challenges, with players embarking on meaningful “virtual” missions via a created avatar. Green Kids Rock is intended to be experienced by kids and grown-ups alike, empowering them to go beyond conserving and recycling in their efforts to be green. Green Kids Rock will donate proceeds to environmental non profits and will champion kids so they may be heard from our legislators.
So, on with the interview…
DCO: Tell us about your company. What was the genesis of your business?
I was watching my son play a popular online game. The format, entertainment and engagement qualities were superior, but I felt that the game promoted materialism, even if unintentionally. It was then I thought, wow, why couldn’t a similar format be used to champion the most important cause of our lives?
DCO: Describe the moment when you knew you were an entrepreneur? What defined that moment and how did it feel?
It was actually two moments in one day. I knew when I circled the day I was quitting my job on my calendar. Later that same day I bought Chinese for dinner and my fortune cookie read, “May your dreams be greater than your fears.” It was a good day, and I jumped. I used to always ask other entrepreneurs what compelled them to jump-now I know. It’s hard to define to others. It’s like explaining what it’s like to be a parent to someone who’s thinking about doing it. In both cases, it’s the best thing you’ll ever do, but you have to experience it for yourself.
DCO: What marketplace issue are you solving and for whom?
I have several customers and the issues vary. The primary customer is children 6-11 who need a vehicle to help them voice their concerns-it’s their planet once we’re gone and yet they have very little power to affect change. My other two customer groups are green enthusiasts and parents who seek out educational toys and entertainment for their kids.
DCO: How do you define success?
It’s waking up and being excited about starting work at 730am and going hard until 3pm when I pick my son up at school, and having the flexibility to start back up when he goes to bed. It’s about doing something that expresses my personality and my passion…and something I’m proud to share with my son. This is an example I never had with my parents. I’m sorry I waited this long. As far as the money goes, I’m not worried about it just now. I feel I can’t fail with the passion and focus I have for this project..
DCO: At what point do you consider yourself successful?
I do have a revenue number in mind, but it’s more than that. I will be successful when my business is self-sustaining, making a measurable impact on the world, and allowing me a lifestyle that puts my family first.
DCO: What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?
…a little naiveté, a clear vision and a task-master work ethic.
DCO: What are three pieces of advice you would give to others considering becoming an entrepreneur?
Jump in with two feet, meaning, quit your day job. Do what’s necessary to prepare financially. It was really the turning point for me. I just couldn’t get off the ground living two lives, and not at the expense of my family. Maybe this is doable for single people. My decision to leave my corporate life has empowered me to accomplish a lot in very little time.
Networking is critical. Learn from the mistakes of others–great connections save money and a lot of heartache. Be open to change. There are lots of brilliant, generous people willing to show you a better way to execute your plan. Don’t miss an opportunity.
DCO: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
In work and the corporate world, my superiors always said there was no such thing as a dumb question or a dumb idea, except they didn’t really mean it. And often times, they were wrong. I love being empowered to explore all my zany ideas and being the one to decide if they are in fact stupid.
DCO: If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
What are some good strategies for collaborating and outsourcing work when you are a company of one? (Thanks Wendy, I’ll add this to the list).
DCO: What’s the biggest mess you’ve dealt with this year?
A trademark opposition…I tried to do everything myself on the cheap and got in over my head. I’m working through it, but I’ve learned it pays to talk to several attorneys…several anybodies regardless of the service you require. I spoke to three attorneys and received three conflicting recommendations; I spoke to two more and finally got the advice that worked for my situation and budget. If your gut tells you someone isn’t a good fit, no amount of discounting will make that work. With a little persistence, you can likely locate the quality of work you need at a discount or with barter.
DCO: What stops you from giving up when you get frustrated?
My son’s tuition bill…and the realization that the alternative is to go back to a career that is no longer meaningful to me.
Thank you for taking the time to spend some time with us Wendy. We’ll look forward to an update on Green Kids Rock progress in the future.
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