Fresh perspectives, energy and vision: Networking in Bath
At Freelance Mum we love nothing more than hearing about success stories from our events. There are too many to tell in one blog post, so we zoomed in on Natalie Drane, a regular at the Freelance Mum Bath Hub.
Natalie has been freelancing for over seven years, but after returning to work following maternity leave, was looking for support and motivation to build her business back up. Here’s how Natalie found success networking in Bath.
Different perspectives
“When I joined the Bath Hub, I met mums at all stages of their freelance journeys. Some had been running their businesses for decades, others for a few years, and some were just starting. I found meeting them and hearing all their perspectives motivating because they helped me think about my business in different ways, and some even acted as mentors.
Support
“I think the main way the Bath Hub has helped is by providing such a strong support network. Being exposed to different people, making new contacts, hearing how other people do things and having a space to bounce off ideas and share uncertainties has given me renewed energy. I’ve met other freelancers I can relate to in a way that I can’t with people who are employed.
Learning
“I’ve met some really inspiring people on the Bath Hub netwalks, and they’ve opened up some valuable opportunities. Recently I did a business growth course run by a fellow FM that I don’t think I’d have felt was right for me had I not met her in person. Because we’d chatted through Freelance Mum, she was approachable, and that made her training accessible.
“As a result of that course, I’ve reorganised my business to have more routine and structure and onboarded some retainer clients. It was a springboard for my business to start to evolve.
Vision
“Joining Freelance Mum and attending Bath Hub events has helped me realise what’s possible for my business. I’ve seen different business models and been inspired by women from all walks of life.
“There’s still a lot I want to do, but I’m squirrelling away valuable ideas that I will bring to life once my boys are a bit older. My vision is to explore a passive income stream that has the longevity to grow over time, so I can keep striving for that elusive work-life balance.
Bath: The ideal hub
“The Bath Hub is ideal for me because I live on the outskirts of Bath. I love not having to drive far or worry about City Centre parking. I’ve met people from Bath and many of the surrounding areas. Every person you meet brings new connections and has a positive impact on your business.”
The Bath Hub netwalk takes place on a working farm on Duchy of Cornwall land, just outside Bath. Children can enjoy seeing animals and there is a lovely park to play in after the walk. There is also a café and farm shop.
Don’t forget, Freelance Mum membership includes all our online events. You can get together virtually with Bath members and members from across all our hubs, every Wednesday morning, at our online coffee mornings.
As Natalie has experienced, 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 Bath and across the Southwest.
