Adaptability for Female Entrepreneurs: Thrive in Chaos
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Aug 27, 2024
- 6 min read
From Forgotten Childcare to Flourishing Business: Why Adaptability is Your Entrepreneurial Superpower
Right, let's be honest, how many times has this happened? You're geared up for a crucial meeting, presentation ready, laptop charged… and then it hits you. Childcare. Completely. Forgotten. I mean, let’s be real, in our house, it's usually my husband who draws the short straw on remembering these things! It’s a classic one-eyeliner-on, frantically-searching-for-the-school-permission-slip kind of morning, isn’t it? You know, the kind where Espresso, our hyperactive Miniature Pinscher puppy, decides the perfect moment to stage a one-dog re-enactment of Crufts agility course, weaving between your legs while you’re trying to explain to my teenage daughter (again!) why ripped jeans & a band t-shirt aren't exactly "business meeting attire." And, yes, I accidentally wore two different shoes once to an important client meeting! This is especially tricky for Foundation Builders who are just starting out & trying to balance it all.
Sometimes, I swear, it feels like my life is one giant, beautifully chaotic juggling act. And you know what? It probably is. Trying to build a business, manage a household, keep the little humans alive, & you know, maybe even squeeze in a shower (some days, a girl can dream!), it's a lot. It’s a constant dance between spreadsheets & sippy cups, marketing plans & meal prep. Before I found my tribe in Femme:Connect, it felt incredibly isolating, like I was the only one navigating this crazy rollercoaster. But I've learned something crucial from all this glorious mayhem: adaptability is not just a survival skill for mothers; it's an absolute superpower for entrepreneurs.
The Unexpected Parallels: Family & Business
It might sound strange, but managing my four children (ranging from toddler tantrums to teenage angst) & our two lively Miniature Pinschers has taught me more about running a business than any MBA textbook ever could. Because here's the thing: whether it’s a forgotten lunchbox, a surprise school project deadline, or a client suddenly rescheduling, life – both at home & in business – throws curveballs. Constantly. The ability to pivot, re-prioritize, & find creative solutions in the midst of the whirlwind is essential.
Remember that time my youngest decided to use my laptop as a canvas for her peanut butter artistry masterpiece, five minutes before my online workshop? Yeah, not ideal. Deep breaths, a quick clean-up (thank goodness for wet wipes!), a slightly delayed start, & a humorous anecdote to break the ice. Crisis averted. And honestly, it actually made the workshop more relatable! Everyone’s juggling something, right?
Those moments, while stressful in the thick of it, have been invaluable lessons in adaptability. Reflections informed by my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship constantly highlight the incredible resourcefulness of women in business, especially mothers. A 2019 study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor found that women-led businesses are more resilient during economic downturns, demonstrating their ability to adapt and innovate in challenging circumstances. We’re masters of contingency planning, even if we don’t realize it! I mean, if we can reason with a toddler refusing to wear socks, we can handle anything, right? It's like that old saying, “If you can organize a birthday party for a five-year-old, you can launch a product, no problem!"
Building Your Adaptability Muscle: Practical Tips from the Trenches
So, how do you cultivate this entrepreneurial superpower of flexibility? Here are a few practical tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Expect the Unexpected: Let’s be real, something will always go sideways. Build buffer time into your schedule. Don't overschedule yourself (easier said than done, I know!). Assume things will take longer than planned, & when they do… breathe. It’s okay.Expect the Unexpected: Let’s be real, something will always go sideways. Build buffer time into your schedule. Don't overschedule yourself (easier said than done, I know!). Assume things will take longer than planned, & when they do… breathe. It’s okay.
Systems Are Your Saviour: Having clear processes in place – for everything from client onboarding to content creation – creates a sense of stability amidst the chaos. I tried the "delegate like a boss" thing early on, and totally burned out my VA because I hadn't clearly communicated my expectations—lesson learned! Think of systems as your business’s internal operating system. A well-defined system means that even when the unexpected happens (and it will), you have a framework to fall back on, freeing up mental space to handle the curveball. If you're looking for support in streamlining your processes & leveraging the power of AI, our Launch Programme is designed to help Foundation Builders like you set up those essential systems.Systems Are Your Saviour: Having clear processes in place – for everything from client onboarding to content creation – creates a sense of stability amidst the chaos. I tried the "delegate like a boss" thing early on, and totally burned out my VA because I hadn't clearly communicated my expectations—lesson learned! Think of systems as your business’s internal operating system. A well-defined system means that even when the unexpected happens (and it will), you have a framework to fall back on, freeing up mental space to handle the curveball. If you're looking for support in streamlining your processes & leveraging the power of AI, our Launch Programme is designed to help Foundation Builders like you set up those essential systems.
The Power of the Pivot: Sometimes, you have to ditch the original plan completely. Maybe your carefully crafted launch campaign isn’t resonating, or a client project requires a sudden change in direction. Don't be afraid to adjust your strategy mid-flight. It's not about giving up; it's about being smart with your energy & resources.The Power of the Pivot: Sometimes, you have to ditch the original plan completely. Maybe your carefully crafted launch campaign isn’t resonating, or a client project requires a sudden change in direction. Don't be afraid to adjust your strategy mid-flight. It's not about giving up; it's about being smart with your energy & resources.
Outsource & Delegate Like a Boss: If you're constantly putting out fires, you'll never have time to build the business you truly desire. Identify tasks that can be delegated or outsourced. Even small things add up. A virtual assistant, a social media manager, even a trusted teenager to help with basic admin can free up precious time for the strategic work that only you can do.Outsource & Delegate Like a Boss: If you're constantly putting out fires, you'll never have time to build the business you truly desire. Identify tasks that can be delegated or outsourced. Even small things add up. A virtual assistant, a social media manager, even a trusted teenager to help with basic admin can free up precious time for the strategic work that only you can do.
Mindset Matters (Big Time): Your attitude towards challenges shapes your ability to overcome them. Remember, resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up every single time.Mindset Matters (Big Time): Your attitude towards challenges shapes your ability to overcome them. Remember, resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up every single time.
Actionable Prompt 1: When facing a challenge, ask yourself: "What's the opportunity here? What can I learn from this?"Actionable Prompt 1: When facing a challenge, ask yourself: "What's the opportunity here? What can I learn from this?"
Actionable Prompt 2: Reframe "Why me?" into "How can I navigate this resourcefully?"Actionable Prompt 2: Reframe "Why me?" into "How can I navigate this resourcefully?"
Actionable Prompt 3: Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps.Actionable Prompt 3: Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Embracing the Beautiful Chaos
The reality is, the juggling act never truly ends. But with the right mindset & strategies, it doesn't have to be a constant struggle. Embracing flexibility empowers you to navigate the inevitable ups & downs with greater grace, resilience, & even humour. Remember, your ability to pivot, adapt, & find creative solutions is your entrepreneurial superpower. Own it.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s one area where you’ve had to be incredibly flexible in your business or family life? Share your story below – your experience might just be the inspiration another woman needs today!
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Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
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