If you follow me on social media, or have met me in person, you might have noticed that I flip between the words network and community. At first, they sound similar — but at Freelance Mum, there’s an important difference.
Looking back to the early days
When Freelance Mum first launched, the strapline was: “Child-friendly networking for mums in business.” It did exactly what it said on the tin — created space for mums in business to meet, chat, and connect while children were welcome too.
But over time, Freelance Mum grew into something bigger than I ever imagined. And that’s when I realised why I started using the word community more often than network.
Networking opens the door
Yes, we network. We make introductions. We share what we do. And those conversations often lead to real opportunities — collaborations, clients, and projects that help mums in business grow.
But that’s just the starting point. Networking opens doors and helps businesses get seen. But it doesn’t stop there.
The truth is, there are so many reasons people attend networking groups: to socialise, to market their services, to find referrals, to learn something new, to widen their circles, or to test the water with a new product. All of these are valid reasons.
For me, as a mum in business, it comes back to impact. After 11 years of running Freelance Mum, I’ve seen the same themes crop up time and again. And here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter if your child is a babe in arms or a stroppy teenager — both come with their own set of challenges (and joys!).
And the number one theme? Time. We’re all trying to pack a LOT into a shortened day.
That’s why I make sure every Freelance Mum event works on multiple levels — so you come away with something for both you and your business. There’s the bonus of “getting your steps in” on the Netwalk, the learning activity at the café, and the focus questions designed to keep conversations on track. However you show up, you leave with something of value.
At Freelance Mum, we design every detail to make networking easy and enjoyable — especially the icebreakers. Because let’s face it, walking into a new group can feel daunting, even for the most confident. Our icebreakers aren’t about forced fun; they’re simple, thoughtful prompts that get people moving, talking, and connecting. They break down barriers so you feel part of things straight away — whether it’s your first session or your fiftieth.
Personally, I find being around other women in business who “get it” energises me every time. My social batteries are beautifully charged after a Freelance Mum session — sometimes even buzzing!
Of course, I know not everyone loves meeting new people. That’s why Freelance Mum is thoughtfully designed to make it easy to chat and feel instantly welcomed. From day one, I wore a bright pink T-shirt so newcomers knew exactly who to approach. Now, with hubs across the UK, our hub leaders — the Freelance Mum Fairies — carry their FM tote bags so you always know who to look out for. A well-run networking group puts you at ease and helps you get the most from your time.
Community keeps you going
Every week at our Coffee Morning I say: “Just like everything in life, you get out what you put in — these are just the start of the conversations. These are your people, so get to know them in a way that works for you. Whether that’s a quick text, an online meeting, or in person, do what feels right. And if the best you can do is just show your face — that’s okay too.”
And I mean it. Because for me, the meeting is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the conversations afterwards — that’s when community flourishes and takes its own shape.
Right now, “community” is becoming a buzzword. Lots of businesses are trying to build community around their products — and that’s great to see. But for me, community has always been about shared values. It’s about alignment, common ground, and having a sounding board to clarify your own thinking — or even hearing another perspective, knowing there’s space for both.
It’s about having people who not only know your business goals but also understand what it means to juggle them alongside school runs and family life. Community means support when things feel tough, accountability when you need a nudge, and celebration when you win — no matter how big or small.
Here’s how one member described it:
“After six weeks of trying to juggle work and home life I was feeling like I’d been failing at both. I’d not been myself lately and, while I’d been so looking forward to networking and getting back into the swing of things, I was feeling quite anxious about it.
I’ll never forget one of the first things Faye said when I joined the FM Network: ‘turn up in whatever version of yourself you are that day.’ So that was what I was going to do.
I dropped Faye a message to say I was feeling a bit wobbly, and she immediately put me at ease. I knew I wouldn’t be called upon, and if I needed to drop out, I could.
Attending the Coffee Morning and hearing from other working mums in similar situations was the boost I needed. I felt so much better after my chat with the Freelance Mums that it spurred me into action for the rest of the day, and I felt some optimism I hadn’t for a while.”
That’s community in action, with members at the core.
Why both matter for mums in business
For women in business, networking is vital. But for mums in business, community is essential. It’s the difference between turning up, exchanging details, and leaving… versus knowing you belong, week after week. It’s also about having people who will sing your praises even when you’re not in the room.
The Freelance Mum Impact Report showed exactly that: members don’t just grow their businesses — they grow in confidence, resilience, and connection. That’s the real difference community makes.
Join the Freelance Mum community
If you’re a mum in business looking for more than just networking, come and try a Netwalk, join the online Coffee Morning, or hop along to the Digital Hub.
Discover how community can help your business flourish — and how much better it is, when we’re in together!
Find your local hub and join us here.
