Stakeholder Management: Tips for Female Entrepreneurs

From Tantrums to Triumphs: Stakeholder Management, the Six-Year-Old Edition

Right, let's be honest, who hasn't had a moment where their sweet, usually compliant child morphs into a tiny, unreasonable tyrant? It happened to me just the other day. My normally sunny six-year-old did a complete personality swap, turning a simple request to tidy her room into a full-blown diplomatic incident. Suddenly, I wasn’t just “Mum,” I was negotiating with a high-stakes stakeholder who wouldn’t budge an inch. It was hilarious, frustrating, & oddly enlightening, all at the same time.

It got me thinking. You see, this whole scenario, as ridiculous as it sounds, isn't that different from the challenges we face as female entrepreneurs managing the various stakeholders in our businesses. Whether it's a demanding client, a team member who's not pulling their weight, or even our own inner critic throwing a tantrum, these interpersonal dynamics can feel like navigating a minefield. Ever feel like you're the tortoise in a race full of hares? Me too, sometimes! & that’s okay – as long as you keep moving.

Understanding Your "Stakeholders" (Even the Tiny Ones)

My six-year-old’s sudden shift reminded me of a crucial business principle: understanding individual needs. Just as my daughter’s apparent defiance was likely rooted in something deeper (tiredness, feeling overwhelmed, a desperate need for attention – perhaps all three!), the people we interact with professionally have their own motivations, pressures, & communication styles. Treating everyone as a generic “client” or “team member” is like expecting a single parenting strategy to magically work for a teenager, a toddler, & a newborn – it just isn’t realistic.

A client might be stressed about deadlines, a team member struggling with a personal issue, or maybe you’re the one feeling the pressure to deliver. Recognizing these individual contexts is the first step in effectively managing expectations & fostering positive, productive relationships. It wasn't always easy for me to grasp this, though. I vividly remember a time during my early entrepreneurial venture, Nisbett & George, when I completely misjudged my co-founder's capacity & availability because I didn't fully understand her different life stage. She was pre-children and needed the stability of a job, while I, as a new mum, was itching to go all-in on the business, which, looking back, was probably a bit naive of me. That experience was a tough but invaluable lesson in stakeholder awareness & how misaligned expectations can derail even the most promising projects.

Clear Communication: The Antidote to Exploding Situations (and Tantrums)

So, how did I navigate the "tidy your room" standoff? Well, after a deep breath (or five – it’s a superpower, trust me!), I realized yelling wouldn’t solve anything. Instead, I got down to her level, looked her in the eye, & clearly articulated why tidying was important, not just for me, but for her. We talked about how much easier it would be to find her favourite toys & how a clean room would feel calmer. I even offered a small incentive – her choice of bedtime story. Honestly, I'm all about effective communication, & it often starts with understanding the other person's perspective.

It wasn’t a quick fix, but this calm, clear, & collaborative approach eventually worked. You see, it wasn’t about asserting my authority (though, let’s be real, sometimes that’s tempting!) but about finding a solution that addressed both our needs.

Sound familiar? It should! This principle of clear communication applies equally to client interactions, team management, & even those inner critic battles. Instead of reacting emotionally (we've all been there!), taking a moment to truly understand the other person's perspective & clearly communicating your own needs, expectations, & potential solutions can transform a potentially explosive situation into a productive dialogue. What's one small, smart step you can take today to own your progress? This really speaks to the importance of developing a resilient, solution-oriented mindset. For female entrepreneurs, clear communication is particularly crucial. Reflections from my PhD research often highlight that women, especially when starting out, might underestimate the importance of assertively communicating their needs & boundaries with clients. For instance, one common theme emerging from my interviews is the initial hesitation many women feel about clearly outlining their payment terms or project scope, often stemming from a fear of appearing "too demanding."

Setting Boundaries: Your Sanity's Best Friend (At Home and In Business)

One of the biggest lessons I've learned, both as a mum & a female entrepreneur, is the absolute necessity of setting clear boundaries. My children (all four of them!) thrive when they know what's expected of them, & so do my clients. Boundaries create clarity, manage expectations, & preserve our sanity.

Just as I have a set bedtime routine for my youngest (which, let’s face it, doesn't always go as planned, but the structure is there!), having clear project timelines, communication protocols, & service agreements with clients sets the stage for a smooth, respectful working relationship.

• Clear Timelines: Knowing when to expect deliverables or responses helps everyone stay on track.

• Communication Protocols: Establishing preferred methods and frequency of communication avoids misunderstandings.

• Service Agreements: Clearly defining the scope of work prevents scope creep & protects both you & your client.

This clear delineation between personal & professional time is critical for work-life integration, especially when you’re juggling multiple commitments. This concept of creating structure & setting clear expectations is crucial for developing a sustainable & flourishing business. If you're a Foundation Builder struggling with building solid foundations like clear client intake processes and launch confidence, check out our Launch Programme to guide you from idea to operational business here.

Adaptability: The Superpower of the Modern Entrepreneur (and Mum)

Running a business, like raising children, is rarely a linear journey. It’s more like a rollercoaster, with its exhilarating highs & nerve-wracking dips, & occasionally, even a splash of vomit (especially if there’s a stomach bug going around - anyone relate?!). Honestly, it's all part of the "beautiful chaos" of being a mum & building an online business.

Just as I might have a meticulously planned morning routine, only to have it completely derailed by a toddler's sudden tantrum or a puppy deciding the perfect time to have an accident on the brand new rug, our best-laid business plans can be thrown off course by unexpected client requests, market shifts, or, you know, a global pandemic.

What gets us through these moments? Adaptability. It’s about being able to pivot when needed, adjust our strategies, & find creative solutions within the ever-changing landscape of both motherhood & business. Embracing this adaptability & understanding that “there is no failure, only feedback” is key to building a resilient mindset & a thriving business. This resilience is the cornerstone of a sustainable, fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. "Plans are nothing, but planning is everything," as Eisenhower said. A key element of adaptability is utilizing AI strategically, much like how I integrate it into my 'Fusion' pillar, which represents strategic AI Integration. AI can automate responses to common client queries, freeing up your time to focus on strategic adjustments, like re-evaluating your marketing message based on shifting trends, when those unexpected curveballs come your way. For example, using a chatbot to handle initial inquiries about your services frees you up to handle the more complex or nuanced conversations that require your personal touch, allowing for both efficiency & a human connection. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.

From Reactive to Strategic: The Power of a Calm Response

Reflecting on the "stakeholder negotiation" with my six-year-old, I realized something profound: my initial reaction was emotional, reactive. It was only when I took a step back, breathed, & shifted into a more strategic mindset that I could effectively navigate the situation.

This same principle applies to all areas of business. When faced with a challenging client, a tech meltdown, or a sudden dip in sales, our initial instinct might be to panic, blame external factors, or retreat into self-doubt. However, the real power lies in our ability to choose a different response, one that is grounded in clarity, strategy, & a deep belief in our own capacity to find solutions. This is all part of sharpening your mindset & focus. During my time at Apple, I learned this lesson the hard way. There was an incident where a marketing campaign launched with an error – I'd accidentally approved the wrong version of a promotional email, one with a glaring typo in the headline – & my initial reaction was pure panic. It was only when I consciously shifted from reacting emotionally to focusing on solutions & preventative measures – immediately sending a corrected email with a light-hearted apology for the "oops" moment, and then implementing a double-checking system for all future campaigns – that I felt back in control. This experience profoundly shaped my approach to challenges. Even now, when something goes wrong, my first thought isn't "whose fault is this?" but "how can we fix this and prevent it from happening again?" It's a much more empowering approach, believe me.

My PhD research into female entrepreneurship continually emphasizes the importance of building mental resilience, especially when navigating complex stakeholder dynamics. For example, a recurring theme in my research is the correlation between a founder's ability to reframe challenges as learning opportunities and the overall success and longevity of their business. Women who view setbacks as feedback, rather than as personal failures, tend to demonstrate greater resilience and adaptability, which are essential for navigating the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Ready to build a more flourishing, balanced business?

Building a thriving online business as a female entrepreneur is an incredible journey, but it’s not one you have to navigate alone. If you're a Foundation Builder looking for support in setting up crucial systems, attracting your first clients, & building launch confidence, our Launch Programme is designed to guide you through this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) phase.

Find out more about how the Launch Programme helps you set up essential systems here.

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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