Mum Voice: Ace Supplier Negotiations as a Femmeprenista

"Honey, Where's My Invoice?" – When Your "Mum Voice" Sneaks into Supplier Negotiations (and Why It's Actually a Superpower)

Right, let's be honest. How many of us Scaling Leaders have accidentally slipped into full-on "mum mode" when talking to suppliers? You know, that tone that could melt glaciers, organise a five-ring circus, & negotiate a toddler out of a full-blown meltdown? 🙋‍♀️ Guilty!

I remember once trying to chase down an invoice – seriously, it was like herding cats. I was juggling a teething baby (who had decided screaming was the new black) & a looming deadline, & before I knew it, I’d morphed into Mumzilla. “Right, sweetheart,” I said to the poor supplier (who, to be fair, was probably just trying to find the blasted paperwork), "I need that invoice like I need a silent disco in my house right now. So let's make this happen, shall we?" Cringe, but true!

The truth is, we all code-switch. It’s something I’m actually researching for my PhD, and it's fascinating how we adapt our communication style depending on who we're talking to – from our tiny humans, to our teenage dictators (sorry, my 15-year-old!), to those lovely suppliers who keep our businesses ticking over. This research often highlights how women, especially mothers, develop incredibly effective communication strategies simply through navigating the daily demands of family life. For years, I even adapted in corporate roles at Apple, suppressing my natural communication style – the one honed through years of motherhood – only to realise later the power in owning that authentic voice. It’s not always a conscious thing. Research from the Harvard Business Review has shown that women often excel in key leadership skills, including communication & empathy – skills any multi-tasking mum hones just by navigating the daily whirlwind.

But here's the thing: that nurturing communication style, the one that can soothe, persuade, & command with equal force, isn't a weakness in business. It’s a superpower. Think about it. Running a household with multiple kids (like mine – four, thank you very much!) & a couple of energetic Miniature Pinschers is basically a masterclass in negotiation, project management, logistics, & crisis aversion – all before lunchtime. And let's be honest, have you ever negotiated with a teenager wanting to go out at 15 without looking after her younger siblings? If you have, then you're already a master negotiator!

Connect with other amazing women in the Femme:Connect community! Share your wins, your challenges, & your tips for navigating the beautiful chaos of being a mum & a CEO. Need support juggling school holidays & client deadlines? We get it. Find masterclasses, templates, & accountability partners inside.

So, how do we harness this "mum magic" in our supplier relationships while still maintaining that crucial professional edge? Here are a few Juggler's Shortcuts I've learned along the way:

• Clarity is Queen (and saves everyone time): Be crystal clear about your expectations from the start. Just like you’d give a toddler a specific task (“Pick up your toys, please,” not just “Tidy your room”), be precise with suppliers. "I need the invoice by Friday at noon" is much more effective than "Get me the invoice soonish." Trust me. For instance, instead of saying "send me the logo options," specify, "Please send me the three logo variations in .png format by EOD Wednesday so I can review them before our Thursday marketing meeting." This leaves no room for interpretation & reduces back-&-forth. I once had a situation where a designer sent me beautiful logo options, but they were the wrong file type & I couldn't use them immediately. It was a lesson learned in being super specific!

• Kindness Goes a Long Way (but so does firmness): Remember that suppliers are people too (shocking, I know!). A little warmth & understanding can build strong relationships. But don’t be afraid to channel your inner "mumma bear" when needed. If a deadline is missed or a promise isn't kept, be firm but fair. It's like dealing with a toddler who's pushing boundaries – you love them, but those boundaries are there for a reason. For instance, if a supplier consistently misses deadlines, a gentle but firm email like, "I appreciate your hard work, but the last three deliverables have been delayed. To ensure we stay on track, can we discuss a revised timeline or explore alternative solutions?" can get things back on course without burning bridges. I used to be too soft, worried about upsetting people, but being "firm but fair" actually builds respect in the long run.

• Systems are Your Saviour: This is a big one. Just as a well-organised home runs smoother (even with a rogue toddler & a puppy who thinks your shoes are her personal chew toys), efficient systems are vital for supplier management. Set up clear processes for ordering, invoicing, & communication. Leverage tech – like trusty Trello or Asana – to keep everything organised. Start small – maybe just a shared Google Drive folder & a simple spreadsheet to track deadlines. I once tried to manage everything via email & it was a total disaster, like trying to build a house of cards with four kids "helping". This really speaks to the Flow aspect of the Business Flourish Framework – the smarter your systems, the less stressed you are. For example, create a shared Trello board with columns for 'To Do,' 'In Progress,' & 'Completed' for each supplier project. Assign tasks & deadlines, & everyone stays in the loop effortlessly.

• Communicate Like a Human (even when it’s about spreadsheets): Nobody likes robotic corporate jargon. Keep your communication human & relatable, even when discussing numbers. Instead of a cold, impersonal email like, "Attached is the revised budget spreadsheet. Please review & approve," try a warmer, more engaging approach: "Hi , Hope you’re having a productive week! I've attached the revised budget spreadsheet, reflecting our latest conversation about X. Take a look & let me know if you have any questions. I'm available for a quick chat on Thursday afternoon if that's easier." A quick, friendly check-in ("Hope you’re having a good week!") can build rapport & foster a more collaborative relationship. It’s like that little moment when you pause to decipher your toddler’s latest made-up word, you are still building a connection!

• Don't Be Afraid to Ask "Silly" Questions: Remember that feeling in school when you were afraid to ask a question because you thought it was "stupid"? (Oh yeah, and the challenge of trying to find my voice & adjust to a new environment after starting at private school mid-year). Don’t let that fear hold you back in business. If you're unsure about something, ask! Clarity saves everyone time & headaches in the long run. Besides, your "silly" question might reveal a critical detail that prevents a major mishap later on.

Key Takeaway: Your nurturing communication style isn't something to hide or be ashamed of in business. It's a testament to your ability to adapt, communicate effectively, & manage complex situations with grace (most of the time!). Embrace it, refine it, & use it as a superpower in your supplier relationships. It reminds me of something Louisa May Alcott said, "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."

Ready to scale your business & take your leadership to the next level? My Momentum 1:1 coaching program is designed to help you build rock-solid systems, master your mindset, & create a business that truly flourishes.

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!

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