Choosing Growth Partners for Femmeprenistas: A CEO's Guide
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Nov 25, 2024
- 11 min read
Choosing Your Growth Partner Wisely: A Femmeprenista's Guide to Coaches, Mentors, & Consultants – Beyond the Buzzwords to What You Truly Need.
Ever find yourself scrolling through LinkedIn or Instagram, & it feels like every other post is shouting about a "game-changing coach," a "visionary mentor," or a "results-driven consultant"? Your head starts spinning faster than my toddler after discovering the secret biscuit tin, right? If you're nodding along, you're definitely not alone. As ambitious female entrepreneurs, especially when we’re juggling motherhood & the beautiful chaos that comes with it, figuring out who to turn to for business support can feel like another full-time job.
And let’s be honest, as a fellow CEO, mother of four, & someone who’s navigated the entrepreneurial rollercoaster for a good while now (from selling sweets in the playground to my current PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship!), I’ve learned that choosing your growth partner isn't just a casual decision – it's a critical strategic move. It's an act of personal responsibility. Get it right, & it’s like adding rocket fuel to your dreams. Get it wrong? Well, that can mean wasted time, precious cash down the drain, & a whole heap of frustration – & frankly, who has the bandwidth for that? See, this is the perfect example of when you need the right support, right now. I’ll admit, I once jumped into a program based purely on the hype, only to discover it was a terrible fit for my business stage – a costly lesson I’m keen to help you avoid!
So, let’s cut through the noise, shall we? This isn’t just about dictionary definitions. This is about empowering YOU to make a truly discerning choice, understanding what you genuinely need to flourish, both in your business & as a whole person.
Clarity is Your First Strategic Advantage
Here’s a truth bomb: for us busy female entrepreneurs, especially when we’re spinning plates like a circus performer (school runs, client calls, dinner prep, & somewhere in between, trying to remember our own name!), cutting through the jargon around "coach," "mentor," & consultant" isn't just an academic exercise. It's absolutely essential for investing your precious time & resources effectively to achieve real, tangible results.
I remember when I was deep in my MBA at Cranfield, with a new baby at home & what felt like a mountain of incredibly demanding coursework. Honestly, it was tough all round for everybody. I knew I needed 'support' to translate all that amazing new knowledge into practical steps for my entrepreneurial dreams, but what kind? The MBA itself was providing incredible strategic insight (a bit like a high-level consultant in some ways, giving me frameworks & knowledge), but it wasn't a coach walking me through the personal mindset shifts, nor a mentor sharing specific start-up battle scars from a similar path. I remember once, during a particularly grueling finance assignment, I was pulling an all-nighter fueled by lukewarm coffee, & my six-month-old daughter decided 4 am was the perfect time to discover her outside voice! Talk about needing a mindset reset! Understanding those nuances then would have saved me a fair bit of that "what on earth do I actually need?!" head-scratching. And I remember the utter overwhelm of it all, the feeling of being pulled in a million different directions, unsure which path was truly right for me.
Gaining this clarity is a foundational step in taking ownership of your growth trajectory. It helps you move from feeling overwhelmed by options to feeling empowered by choice. It’s about ensuring that every investment you make is a smart one, propelling you forward rather than pulling you into confusing detours. Because let’s face it, we need our businesses to work for us, supporting the life we want to live, not the other way around.
It's Not Just About Definitions, It's About Your Desired Outcome
So often, we get caught up in the labels. But here’s the thing: the "right" support isn’t about finding someone with the fanciest title. It’s about identifying what you want to achieve & then finding the person whose approach & expertise align with that specific outcome.
Think about it:
Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, unsure of your next strategic move, even though you know you’re capable of more?
Are you looking for someone who’s walked a similar path to share their wisdom & open a few doors?
Or do you have a very specific problem – like needing a new website or a particular marketing funnel built – & you just need an expert to come in & sort it?
Each of these scenarios points to a different kind of support. Understanding your desired outcome is like having a compass; it’ll guide you to the right kind of growth partner.
De-Mystifying the "Growth Gurus": Coach, Mentor, & Consultant
Let's break down these roles, not just with definitions, but with a real-world, Femmeprenista flavour, considering what it means for us ambitious women, juggling it all.
1. The Business Coach: Your Strategic Thinking Partner & Empowerment Champion
Think of a brilliant business coach as your dedicated partner in unlocking your own potential. They’re not there to give you all the answers, but to ask the powerful questions that help you find them within yourself.
What they typically focus on: A coach is future-oriented. They work with you on developing your skills (leadership, communication, strategic thinking), mastering your mindset (overcoming those pesky limiting beliefs that tell you you're not good enough or that success has to be a relentless grind), building robust systems for your business, clarifying your vision, & holding you accountable to your goals. They help you strategise & co-create your path forward. For us at Femmeprenista, this is where our Business Flourish Framework really comes into its own, providing a structured yet adaptable system to look at your business holistically – from sharpening your mindset & vision, to crafting marketing that genuinely attracts, building streamlined systems, & ensuring you’re fuelling yourself properly to avoid burnout. They give you the space & tools to action the questions needed to improve in those areas.
The nature of the relationship: It’s a partnership. Expect to be challenged (in the best way!), to dig deep, & to take consistent action. A good coach creates a safe space for growth, helping you see blind spots & step into your power. My own coaching qualification journey was so transformative; you really discover who you are & what you need to embody to help others on their transformation. What I needed to embody to get the qualification itself was tough (more on that another time!).
What kind of outcomes can you expect? Increased clarity & confidence, improved decision-making, breakthroughs in areas where you’ve been stuck, tangible progress towards your big goals, & often, a profound shift in how you see yourself & your business.
Who is it best for?
Foundation Builders: Often, you need help to get laser-focused on your business idea, build foundational confidence, & create an actionable plan to get those first clients. For example, if you are selling handmade jewelry & need help to clarify your brand message & pricing strategy, a coach may be a good fit.
Scaling Leaders: If you are actively scaling, this is often a sweet spot for coaching. You might need support to scale sustainably, develop your leadership, implement more sophisticated strategies (perhaps even integrating AI smartly to create more ease & efficiency!), or navigate the mindset challenges that come with a growing business & team. For instance, if you're looking to expand your online coaching business, you might need a coach to develop your team leadership skills & systemize your client onboarding process.
Visionary Leaders: Even at the top of your game, a coach can be a vital strategic ally, helping you refine your long-term vision, navigate high-stakes decisions, & continue to grow as a leader.
2. The Mentor: Your Experienced Guide & Wisdom Sharer
A mentor is someone who has "been there, done that, & got the t-shirt" in an area relevant to you. They offer guidance based on their own experiences & wisdom.
What they typically focus on: Sharing their journey, offering advice from their lived experiences, providing industry-specific insights, & potentially opening doors through their network. They’re less about drawing answers out of you & more about sharing their answers & perspectives.
The nature of the relationship: It's usually more advisory & guiding. It can be formal or informal. The key is that their experience is directly relevant to what you’re trying to achieve.
What kind of outcomes can you expect? Valuable shortcuts by learning from someone else’s mistakes & successes, specific industry knowledge, potential networking opportunities, & encouragement from someone who understands your path.
Who is it best for?
Entrepreneurs at any stage who are looking for specific guidance from someone who has successfully navigated a particular challenge or industry. For example, if you're in a niche tech field, a mentor who has built a similar tech company could be invaluable. If you are launching a sustainable fashion brand & would benefit from a mentor who has successfully launched a similar eco-conscious brand, this may be a good fit. Or if you're looking to expand into a new market where someone you admire has already triumphed. If you are looking to expand your product business into the US market & would benefit from the guidance of someone who has successfully launched a UK brand stateside, consider this option.
3. The Consultant: Your Expert Problem-Solver & Solution Implementer
A consultant is typically brought in for their specific expertise to solve a defined problem or execute a particular task.
What they typically focus on: Diagnosing a specific issue, providing expert recommendations, & often, implementing the solution for you or showing you precisely how to do it. They bring a specialised skill set to the table.
The nature of the relationship: It’s usually more directive & task-oriented. You’re hiring them for their expert knowledge & ability to deliver a specific outcome.
What kind of outcomes can you expect? A specific problem solved, a particular system implemented (like a CRM or a marketing funnel), expert advice on a niche area, or a "done-for-you" service completed.
Who is it best for?
Businesses needing a very specific skill set they don’t have in-house. For instance, if you are not using a service like our Ready-to-Launch Kit Page, you might hire a consultant to design your branding. If you are starting a new skincare business, you may want to bring in a branding consultant to create a visual identity. If you are looking to improve your website's visibility, a Scaling Leader might hire an SEO consultant, or a Visionary Leader might engage a consultant for high-level financial restructuring. If you need help to implement a new CRM system to manage your growing customer base, this option may be your best bet.
It’s also worth remembering that sometimes, you might benefit from a blend! Perhaps you work with a coach on your overall strategy & mindset, & then bring in a consultant for a specific, short-term project. The key is understanding what each role brings to the table.
A Femmeprenista Perspective – Tailored Support is Key
Here at Femmeprenista, our whole ethos is built on the understanding that true, sustainable success is holistic. It’s not just about the numbers in your bank account; it’s about building a business that genuinely supports the life you want to live, one that energises you, allows you to make the impact you dream of, & gives you that precious time with your loved ones. When I launched my first online course, aiming to support other mums in business, I was so focused on the course content, I forgot to build a community around it. The course was great, but without that sense of connection, the impact wasn't as big as it could have been. That experience crystalized my belief in holistic support. It's why we believe so strongly in support that’s tailored to you – your goals, your values, your life. If you're curious about how we see this wider supportive ecosystem, you can read more about our philosophy here: Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose.
My own journey has taught me this over & over. From my early university days, realising one environment stifled me while another (the University of East London, with its amazing support & diverse community, especially when I was a new mum) allowed me to truly thrive, to navigating corporate life & feeling like a "replaceable cog," to taking the leap into entrepreneurship – I’ve seen firsthand how critical the right kind of support & environment is. It’s not about a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about finding that partnership that truly resonates with your need for both strategic advancement & personal fulfilment.
Empowering Your Choice: Questions to Ask Yourself
So, how do you figure out who is the right "growth partner" for you right now? It starts with a bit of honest self-reflection. Grab a cuppa (or a glass of wine, I’m not judging – it’s always wine o’clock somewhere!), & mull over these questions:
What’s my BIGGEST challenge or frustration right now?
Is it a lack of clarity on my vision or next steps? (Potentially a coach)
Is it a specific skill I need to develop or a mindset block I can’t seem to shift? (Likely a coach)
Am I unsure how to navigate a particular industry maze or a new stage of business because I haven’t done it before? (Could be a mentor)
Is there a specific, defined problem that needs fixing, or a task I need expert help to complete? (Probably a consultant)
If you answered "yes" to questions about vision, skills, or mindset, then explore coaching options to empower you to find your own answers & develop your own strategies.
If you are unsure how to navigate, consider mentorship to receive advice, wisdom, & insights from someone else’s experience.
Is there a defined problem or task, engage a consultant to have the problem solved or task done for you or with you?
What outcome am I really hoping for from this support?
To be empowered to find my own answers & develop my own strategies? (Coach)
To receive advice, wisdom, & insights from someone else’s experience? (Mentor)
To have a specific problem solved or a task done for me or with me? (Consultant)
What stage is my business at, & what does that mean for my needs?
Foundation Builders: Often need help with vision, initial steps, building confidence, & basic structures.
Scaling Leaders: Might be looking for advanced strategies, systemisation, leadership development, & mindset shifts for growth.
Visionary Leaders: May require high-level strategic partnership, support with legacy building, or expert input on complex challenges.
How do I learn & grow best?
Do I thrive when I’m asked thought-provoking questions & guided to my own solutions? (Coach)
Do I prefer to listen to stories & advice from those who’ve gone before me? (Mentor)
Do I learn best by being shown exactly how to do something or having it done for me initially? (Consultant)
What’s my capacity for investment – both time & money?
Coaching & high-level consulting are often significant investments. Mentorship can sometimes be less formal or lower cost, but not always. Be realistic about what you can commit to.
Answering these honestly will give you so much clarity. Remember, this is about making an informed choice that serves you & your unique business. It’s your journey, & you get to choose your co-pilots wisely!
Choosing the right support is an act of profound self-investment. It’s saying “I’m worth it, my business is worth it, & I’m ready to take responsibility for creating the success I desire.” It’s not about finding someone to do it all for you, but finding the right growth partner to help you unlock your next level of growth, impact, & fulfilment.
If, after reflecting, you feel that strategic business coaching – a partnership focused on clarifying your vision, building robust, intelligent systems (yes, including smart AI integration!), mastering your mindset, & scaling sustainably without burnout – is what you need, then I invite you to explore our 'Work With Us' page Work With Us to see the different ways we support ambitious female entrepreneurs, from those just starting out to established leaders. We don't operate on "should's" & understand where we are going. We will help you take the questions & concerns above with ease, by showing the way we show up & assist people in our business.
Trust yourself. You’ve got this!
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
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
Comments