Networking for Female Entrepreneurs: Build Your Tribe & Thrive

Ditch the Discomfort: Create Networking That Actually Works for YOU

Let’s be honest, loves. How many times have you dragged yourself to a stuffy networking event, clutching a lukewarm glass of something vaguely resembling wine, feeling utterly out of place? You know, the kind where everyone’s swapping business cards like playing cards, & the conversation revolves around golf handicaps & stock options… while you’re trying to subtly Google “what *is* a stock option?” under the table on your phone (whilst simultaneously trying to stop your toddler daughter from using your handbag as a swing… because,

mumlife, right?). If you’re a Foundation Builder, just beginning to build your empire, this is especially for you.

If that sounds painfully familiar, you’re not alone. So many of the ambitious women I work with, especially mothers juggling multiple commitments, find those traditional networking events just don’t resonate. They feel forced, inauthentic, & frankly, a bit of a waste of precious time. You’re there, you’ve made the effort (escaping the house with both eyebrows on is a win in itself, some days!), but you leave feeling more drained than energized, with a stack of business cards from people you have absolutely zero connection with. Studies show that up to 70% of professionals find traditional networking events ineffective for generating genuine leads [Citation Needed]. I swear, it’s like that neglected garden analogy – you put in all that initial effort (the travel, the awkward small talk, the forced smiles), but without consistent nurturing (genuine connection, shared values), nothing flourishes.

I get it. I’ve been there. In fact, I vividly remember one networking event early in my entrepreneurial journey (even before Nisbett & George) where I completely froze when someone asked me about my business idea. I’d envisioned myself confidently pitching my vision, but instead, I mumbled something incoherent about “fashion” and “empowerment” and practically ran for the nearest exit. Even recently, at a local business expo, I found myself awkwardly clutching a half-eaten mini quiche, desperately trying to make conversation with someone who clearly just wanted to talk about his cryptocurrency investments (newsflash: not my area of expertise!). In my early days, post-university, I co-founded a fashion venture with a friend (after a real “now or never” moment during the E-Factor competition in my final year – talk about pressure!). One particularly memorable event involved a chaotic train delay, a last-minute dash across London in heels I could barely walk in, only to arrive at a venue filled with people who seemed to speak a different language – literally & figuratively (turns out, knowing the intricacies of French seam construction doesn’t impress venture capitalists!). We’d attend these industry events, hoping to make connections, but so often, it felt like shouting into the void. The conversations, the focus, even the *vibe* just didn’t align with what we were trying to build. It was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole (a very expensive, time-consuming, & ultimately frustrating round hole at that!). It was during that early venture, Nisbett and George, that I realized something crucial: sometimes, the best connections aren’t found; they’re *created*.

Stop Chasing Connections, Start Building Your Tribe

Here’s the paradigm shift: What if, instead of trying to force yourself into spaces that don’t fit, you created your *own*? What if, instead of feeling like an outsider looking in, you became the architect of your ideal network, filled with women who truly “get” you & your vision?

It’s time to ditch the discomfort & take ownership of building the supportive, empowering network *you* crave. This isn’t about rejecting *all* traditional networking (sometimes, there’s value to be found). It’s about being strategic, recognizing when a situation isn’t serving you, & having the courage to create something better. It’s about focusing your energy on building authentic connections with women who share your values, your passions, & your business focus, women who get the “beautiful chaos” of balancing business with family (and perhaps a miniature pinscher or two who thinks she’s a mountain goat).

Think about: Your core interests? Conversations that genuinely energize you? The kind of women you want to connect with—not just professionally, but as a *person*?

Perhaps you’re passionate about sustainable business practices, or you’re fascinated by the latest AI tools for marketing (which, by the way, is something I’m super passionate about too – it’s a game-changer for busy entrepreneurs, like using Jasper to automate my social media!). Maybe you’re simply looking for a tribe of like-minded mums who *get* the unique juggle of building a business whilst navigating the daily whirlwind of school runs, tantrums, & the occasional glitter explosion (because, let’s face it, glitter happens… even when you haven’t actually used any in the last six months!).

From Discomfort to Empowerment: Taking Action

Here’s the good news: Creating your own networking opportunities isn’t as daunting as it might sound. It can be as simple as:

* **Starting a virtual coffee chat group:** Gather a few like-minded women for a weekly online chat. This is an excellent low-pressure way to connect, share insights, & offer support. Remember, as Sabri Suby would say, ‘enter the conversation already taking place in your customer’s mind’. What are they struggling with? What are their aspirations? Create a space that addresses these. For example, when I first started building Femmeprenista, I felt incredibly isolated. I craved connection with other women who understood the unique challenges of building an online business while raising young children. So, I started a small virtual coffee chat group with just four other entrepreneurs. We met weekly on Zoom, initially just to share our wins and struggles, vent about the daily juggle, and offer each other encouragement. What started as a casual support group evolved into a powerful mastermind, where we brainstormed ideas, shared resources, and even collaborated on projects. The sense of community and shared understanding was invaluable, especially during those early, often-lonely days of building my business.

* Choose a platform: Zoom, Google Meet, or even a casual WhatsApp group.

* Set a regular time: Consistency is key for building momentum.

* Define a loose agenda: Maybe it’s a topic for discussion, or a simple check-in.

* Keep it small & intimate: Aim for 4-6 participants initially.

* **Hosting a small, focused in-person gathering:** Maybe it’s a brunch at your favorite cafe, or an evening meet-up at a local co-working space (once the kids are tucked in!). Keep the numbers small & the focus clear. Think quality over quantity.

* **Creating a Facebook group around shared interests:** This is a fantastic way to build a community around a specific niche or passion. My own free global community, Femme:Connect, is a great example of this! [Link to: Femme:Connect Community Page] It’s a space for ambitious female entrepreneurs at all stages to connect, collaborate, & support each other. We even host regular monthly online events to deepen the connection & provide valuable training.

* **Collaborating on a joint project or event:** Partnering with another entrepreneur whose work complements yours can create powerful synergy & expand your reach to a wider audience.

* **Simply reaching out to someone you admire & inviting them for a virtual coffee:** This takes courage, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple, genuine connection.

Remember, building a strong network is a journey, not a destination. It’s about cultivating genuine relationships, one conversation at a time. It’s about finding *your* tribe, the women who energize you, inspire you, & support you on your entrepreneurial journey. This is the true power of networking – building connections that truly nourish your soul & fuel your business growth.

So, ditch the awkwardness of those generic networking events & start creating the supportive, fulfilling connections you truly crave. You’ve got this!

Ready to Ignite Your Network & Build a Business That Truly Flourishes?

Join Femme:Connect, our FREE global online community, for ambitious women just like you. It’s the perfect place to start building your tribe & connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs who *get* it.

[Link to: Femme:Connect Community Page]

P.S. Building meaningful connections is what Femme:Connect is all about. It’s a space where you can share your wins, ask those “silly” questions (we’ve *all* been there!), and find your tribe of supportive women who understand the juggle of motherhood & entrepreneurship.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

(Femmeprenista Logo Placeholder)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5’0″ tall

Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift…

www.femmeprenista.com

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