Freelance Mum - Blog Article
Blog Article
Motivation, friendship and loyalty: Why you need to network in-person
Successful networking is all about finding the right community and environment for you. But one thing we can all agree on is that it’s a journey. We spoke to Amy Stevens, of AnorakCat in North Somerset, about her experiences of Freelance Mum in-person networking events, and the benefits for other mums in business.
Why did you join Freelance Mum, all those years ago?
“When we first started our business, we had small children. I wanted to start networking, and Freelance Mum was the only place I could do that and take my kids with me.
“At that time, it was less about finding new leads and more about meeting other mums in business who were struggling—who understood that just getting to a networking event with a baby on your hip was an achievement.
“When you speak to friends who don’t have kids and are running a business, or to friends who have kids but aren’t running a business, they just don’t get it. So initially, that’s why I went along. And because I got what I needed from it, I kept going. I went to feel better, and I did feel better.
“The words ‘meeting like-minded people’ don’t do the netwalks justice, because that experience was actually so much more. Feeling seen and meeting other people facing the same challenges and obstacles as you is really motivating.”
What did you get out of in-person networking when you first started?
“I just met the nicest women there, and I think when you’re surrounded by people in a similar situation, you’re more likely to connect with those people.
“Because my business is one where I work with lots of different freelancers—photographers, copywriters, designers, SEO experts, and marketing experts—in meeting those people early on, I laid the foundations for my business to grow. Those connections developed over time (and it did take time—I had a baby!) but over the months and years, I reaped the rewards. And even in the early days, I did sell some websites!”
Freelance Mum is still a big part of your business and your life. What do you get out of it now?
“Now I’m getting something different from it. While laying those foundations and watching my business start to grow, my children grew, too. The one that was on my hip started school, and suddenly I had time to really dig in with the business.
“We started working on bigger projects, and we had those freelancer connections ready to leap into action and work with us—people who had that level of understanding, and respect for each other’s businesses. Those foundations are built on friendships, trust, and loyalty, which you only get over time. Now, we’re running a bigger operation, working collaboratively with many of those amazing people.”
Why did you choose to become a Freelance Mum Fairy?
“Becoming a Freelance Mum Fairy meant Adele and I could set up a hub close to home. Having been in business for six or seven years I could invite a lot of connections I already had and introduce them to Freelance Mum. Plus, it was a lot of fun.
“I loved facilitating the group and helping other mums in business to have a good experience of in-person networking—I wanted other people to love it and get from it what I did. I’m a welcoming person and I want to help people and create a sense of belonging.
“In my two years as a Freelance Mum Fairy, I witnessed some beautiful moments. New people would turn up and be embraced by existing members and new FMs alike. One mum once told me she’d never been so warmly welcomed by a group, let alone a networking group. On the netwalks, and during the coffee afterwards, whether there’s a big group or a handful of people, there’s a buzz and a vibe you don’t get anywhere else.”
What’s your advice to other mums who are interested in in-person networking?
“In-person networking is what it’s all about. When you meet someone in person, it is different to when you meet someone online. The format of FM netwalk events, with questions to discuss in pairs while you walk, gives you the quality of a 1:1 but with a growing number of people. You can connect in a meaningful way.
“You’ve got to be ready and want to build relationships. Freelance Mum is about making friends and life-long connections that will see you through for years. Put your heart into it, commit, invest time, and you’ll get something from it.
“Now, my business is busy. I still go to netwalks when I can, and it’s like meeting old friends. And of course, I’m still making new ones, too.”
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 in-person networking for mums in North Somerset and across the Southwest.
