The thought of networking can feel daunting for everyone. But often, it can feel more challenging for mompreneurs. Between juggling the demands of your business and the needs of your family, carving out time and energy for professional connections may seem like an unattainable luxury (and perhaps not even an activity you enjoy). However, building a strong network is essential for the long-term growth and success of your business and personal growth.
The key lies in shifting your mindset and embracing a more authentic, relationship-driven approach to networking. Rather than viewing it as a necessary evil, see it as an opportunity to create meaningful connections that can uplift and support you as an entrepreneur.
Understanding the Mompreneur Networking Mindset
Gone are the days of rigid, transactional networking tactics. As a mompreneur, your networking style must evolve to reflect your unique needs and priorities. Embrace a mindset of community and collaboration, where you seek to build genuine relationships with like-minded individuals who can offer support, advice, and even potential business opportunities.
Remember, your network is not just a means to an end. By fostering these connections, you’ll not only expand your professional reach but also cultivate a sense of belonging and encouragement, which can be a tremendous resource for an entrepreneur!
Leveraging Online Networking Platforms
Online networking platforms have become invaluable tools for all entrepreneurs. LinkedIn, everyone knows, is a powerful platform for building your professional brand and connecting with industry peers. Optimizing your profile, engaging with your connections, and leveraging the platform’s features to showcase your expertise can open doors to new opportunities.
Additionally, Facebook groups dedicated to mompreneurs and female entrepreneurs that can be a wonderful resource and free tool for you find community support and networking opportunities.
In addition to platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups, consider joining an online community specifically designed for female entrepreneurs, such as our own Women’s Business Daily community. Our membership platform provides a nurturing space for ambitious female entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Plus, you’ll gain access to a diverse network of like-minded moms in business, as well as valuable resources like masterclasses, mentorship programs, and exclusive networking events. By immersing yourself in this empowering community, you can build meaningful relationships, discover new business opportunities, and tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that can accelerate your business.
Offline Networking Strategies for Mompreneurs
While online networking is essential, don’t overlook the power of in-person connections. Seek out local entrepreneurial meetups, industry-specific conferences, and mompreneur-focused networking groups. These events offer the chance to forge authentic relationships, expand your knowledge, and potentially discover new business leads.
A great resource for finding local events is Meetup.com. Meetup is an online platform that helps people with shared interests connect and meet up in person. The site has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to search for and join local groups, RSVP to events, and participate in discussions – all of which can help you maximize your limited time and resources as you grow your business.
When attending these offline networking events, focus on quality over quantity. Engage in meaningful conversations, actively listen to others, and look for ways to offer value rather than solely promoting your own business. This approach will help you build genuine connections and position you as a trusted, collaborative partner within your community.
Actionable Networking Tips to Keep in Mind
The thought of adding networking to your already packed schedule can feel overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and tips, you can maximize your time and make the most of your networking efforts.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Instead of launching into a sales pitch, focus on learning about the other attendees. Ask questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in their business and goals. This will help you uncover potential synergies and build rapport.
- Prepare an Elevator Pitch: Craft a concise, compelling introduction that highlights your business, your unique value proposition, and what you’re hoping to gain from the event. Practice delivering it smoothly so you can easily incorporate it into conversations.
- Actively Listen: When conversing with other attendees, resist the urge to think about what you’ll say next. Actively listen to understand their needs and challenges, and look for ways you can offer value or make meaningful introductions.
- Collect and Review Business Cards: Make notes on the back of each business card you collect, jotting down key details or action items. This will help you remember the conversation and follow up more effectively.
- Follow Up Promptly: Don’t let those promising connections fade. Within 24-48 hours of the event, reach out to the people you met, reference your conversation, and suggest a next step, whether it’s a coffee meeting, a LinkedIn connection, or a collaborative opportunity.
- Offer Value: Look for ways to support the people in your network, even if there’s no immediate benefit to your business. Introduce them to relevant contacts, share industry insights, or offer to collaborate on a project. This spirit of generosity will help you build stronger, more genuine relationships.
- Leverage the Event’s Online Community: Many networking events have dedicated social media groups or online forums. Engage with this community before, during, and after the event to stay connected and continue the conversations.
Maximizing Limited Time and Resources
As a mompreneur, time and resources are often in short supply. When it comes to networking, it’s crucial to prioritize your activities based on your specific goals and constraints. Identify the networking opportunities that align most closely with your business objectives and schedule them strategically into your calendar.
Leverage productivity tools and apps to streamline your networking tasks, such as scheduling social media posts, automating connection requests, or using virtual meeting platforms to attend events remotely. By optimizing your time and resources, you can maintain a consistent networking presence without sacrificing your other responsibilities.
Productivity Tools to Check Out
- Todolist: A powerful task management and to-do list app that helps you stay organized and on top of your networking and business to-dos. Its intuitive interface and customizable views make it a versatile tool for mompreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities.
- Calendly: An online appointment scheduling tool that streamlines the process of booking meetings and events with your network.
- Hootsuite: A social media management platform that allows you to schedule posts, monitor your networks, and track engagement across multiple platforms.
- Canva: A user-friendly graphic design tool that enables you to create professional-looking visuals for your online networking and social media presence.
- Asana: A project management tool that helps you organize your networking tasks, track deadlines, and collaborate with your connections.
- Loom: A screen recording and video messaging app that allows you to share updates, instructions, or introductions with your network efficiently.
- Buffer: A social media scheduling and analytics tool that streamlines your content sharing and helps you stay visible across various platforms.
- Evernote: A note-taking and organization app that enables you to capture ideas, meeting notes, and follow-up actions from your networking activities. Link: https://evernote.com/
- IFTTT (If This Then That): An automation platform that allows you to create custom “applets” to streamline various networking and productivity tasks.
Maintaining Momentum and Visibility
Networking is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Consistently engage with your network, stay visible, and seek out opportunities to showcase your expertise. Leverage social media platforms to share your insights, connect with new contacts, and position yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
Additionally, look for speaking engagements, podcast guest opportunities, guest blogging opportunities, or collaborative ventures that can help expand your reach and solidify your reputation within your network. By maintaining a steady presence and actively contributing to your community, you’ll keep the momentum going and ensure that your networking efforts continue to yield meaningful results for your business.
And remember, your network is not just a means to an end; it’s a community of kindred spirits who understand the unique challenges you face and can offer the encouragement, resources, and opportunities you need to thrive.
Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.
Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com