Advice on balancing motherhood and business: Women’s networking in South Devon
When I first started as a mum in business, I felt like I was swimming in a soft play ball pit, desperately trying to be heard above the noise and chaos. But as you and I know, you are never alone in a soft play! So, since those early days, I’ve connected with a community of like-minded, entrepreneurial mums who support, advise, and hear me (however noisy life gets). Here’s what I’ve learnt about balancing motherhood and business:
You are not alone
And you can’t do it all on your own! Taking time to enjoy networking events for mums is a great way to meet other mums and share the jumps and the grumps of juggling motherhood and business. The women in your network will give you support, a listening ear, advice, connections, and provide a platform for your business to flourish.
I’m a big believer in human, face-to-face connection, so providing local in-person networking opportunities is at the heart of Freelance Mum. Our hubs across the Southwest mean that mums in business need never feel isolated.
The South Devon Hub meet at the beautiful Dartington Estate and start their netwalk at the Welcome Centre. South Devon netwalk events take place once a month on Thursdays, 10 AM-11.30 AM except in August. Children of all ages and stages are welcome and we walk at the pace of the slowest member. All netwalk routes are push-chair friendly.
Don’t forget, if you’re on your trial or a member of Freelance Mum, you can join any of our netwalks and other networking events, online and across the Southwest.
Asking for the right help is an investment
As a mum and a business owner, your to-do lists will always be a work in progress. Do what you can, but don’t be afraid to embrace the time when you need to invest in support for your business.
Through Freelance Mum networking events, you’ll have the pleasure of meeting VAs, social media managers, business coaches, website developers, and many more talented, genuinely helpful people. The joy of the FM community is that you can build connections with other freelancers who know their stuff and who have connections—you’ll find the right people to help you balance your time and grow your business.
Do it your way
Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all phrase—one person’s balance may be another’s overwhelm. Resist the urge to compare your day-to-day life, or how quickly (or slowly) you’re growing your business, with others. It’s important to listen to well-meaning advice but keep your ‘why’ at the heart of everything you do, and don’t be afraid to go at your own pace.
Do something for your business every day (however small that something is)
You won’t always have time to tackle the big ideas for your business, but there’s always something small you can do that will take you a step closer to your long-term goals.
Do 10 minutes of research, jot down three ideas for social posts, make a new connection on LinkedIn, reply to that email, pop in to the FM Online Coffee Morning, or listen in on a Lunch & Learn. All those little things, put together, will help keep your business on track.
Freelance Mum is about more than finding new business. It’s a safe space to give and get support, offload, feel a sense of belonging and raise each other up.
Find out more about Freelance Mum networking for mums in South Devon and across the Southwest.
