Unlock Motherhood Business Negotiation Skills | Femmeprenista

From Toddler Negotiations to Boardroom Triumphs: How Motherhood Hones Your Business Superpowers

Ever found yourself locked in a high-stakes negotiation… with a two-year-old? "But I want it NOW!" Sound familiar? Thought so! It turns out, navigating the daily "boardroom" of motherhood equips us with some seriously impressive negotiation skills – skills that translate powerfully to the actual boardroom & beyond. Let’s be honest, who needs Harvard when you’ve got tiny humans teaching you the art of persuasion every single day?

We, as mothers & entrepreneurs, are constantly flexing our negotiation muscles, often without even realising it. Think about it: coaxing a reluctant toddler into their car seat, mediating a sibling squabble over the last biscuit, or creatively convincing a picky eater that broccoli is actually a miniature tree (and therefore, totally cool to eat). These aren't just parenting moments; they're masterclasses in strategy, patience, & quick-thinking adaptation – all essential ingredients for success in the world of business. Honestly, I think my toddler is a better negotiator than some of the suppliers I've worked with!

Remember that time my teenage daughter absolutely had to have the latest iPhone – the rose gold one, no less? It wasn't in the budget, & honestly, her current phone was perfectly fine (though try telling a teenager that!). It turned into a full-blown negotiation, complete with tears, slammed doors, & a PowerPoint presentation (yes, really!) outlining why she needed this upgrade. The PowerPoint, bless her heart, even included graphs showing the declining social status associated with owning an older phone model – talk about market research! She presented her case (with the persuasive skills of a seasoned lawyer, might I add), and I listened, laying out my own perspective – reminding her of our family budget & her own spending habits. We eventually reached a compromise: she'd contribute £50 of her savings, take on extra chores (walking the dogs – Cappuccino & Espresso – twice a week), & show consistent responsibility with her existing phone for three months. It wasn't just about getting her a phone; it was about teaching her the value of negotiation, compromise, & working towards a goal. And guess what? That same principle applies when you're negotiating a deal with a client or supplier. It’s about finding mutually beneficial solutions, not just getting your way. I feel that experiences in my role as a Mother deeply informs my role as a Business Coach for Women.

The Unsung Negotiation Skills of Motherhood (Your Secret Weapons!)

Let’s unpack some of these superpowers we hone daily:

• Patience & Persistence: Anyone who's ever potty-trained a toddler knows that patience isn't just a virtue; it’s a necessity! In business, this translates to the persistence needed to build a brand, nurture leads, & navigate those inevitable setbacks. You know, the entrepreneurial version of cleaning yoghurt off the ceiling – it's messy, it takes time, but you get there eventually! I feel that’s one of the many perks of being a Business Life Coach, helping women push through challenges with expert guidance.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Need to get a wriggly baby changed on a park bench with no changing mat in sight? You become an origami master of improvisation! This resourcefulness is pure gold when facing unexpected business challenges, like a website crash just before a major launch or a sudden shift in the market.

• Understanding Non-Verbal Cues: Long before they can talk, our little ones communicate volumes through their expressions & body language. We become experts at deciphering those subtle cues – a skill that is invaluable when reading a client's hesitation during a sales call or understanding the dynamics of a team meeting. Honestly, I sometimes feel like I can read minds after years of decoding toddler-speak!

• Adaptability & Flexibility: Let’s be honest, our best-laid plans often go out the window the moment a little one decides nap time is actually party time. As mothers, we're constantly pivoting & adapting, just like you need to in the ever-changing world of business. Sometimes, the initial plan is like an elaborate sandcastle – beautiful, but easily swept away by the tide! You might twist your ankle on this windy path, but the difference is, you get back up again. You always do.

From Playroom to Boardroom: Applying Your Skills Strategically

Here's the empowering bit: these skills aren't just "mom skills"; they're leadership skills. And they're highly sought after in the business world. A recent LinkedIn report highlighted "adaptability" and "creative problem-solving" as two of the top skills employers are looking for – skills mothers hone every single day. So, how do you consciously leverage these superpowers? If you're a Foundation Builder, struggling to balance your growing business with family life, these next few steps are for you.

• Reframe Your Perspective: Stop seeing motherhood as a distraction from your business & start seeing it as a training ground. Yes, the juggle is real (believe me, I know!), but every negotiation, every tantrum, every bedtime story is an opportunity to hone your skills. There were times when I felt completely overwhelmed, like I was drowning in sippy cups and spreadsheets. There were days I’d literally hide in the bathroom for five minutes of peace, just to breathe and regroup! It was only when I started consciously reframing my “mom skills” that things started to shift… finding my own voice & building systems, much like negotiating with a determined toddler, truly saved me. And ironically, those very systems freed up time so I could actually enjoy those precious moments with my little ones without the constant weight of business overwhelm. It’s a win-win, right?

• Identify Your Strengths: Which of these negotiation skills do you excel at? Are you a master of creative solutions? A whiz at reading between the lines? Own those strengths & find ways to apply them strategically in your business. Which one of these hidden assets is calling to you to really step into your entrepreneurial power?

• Practice & Refine: Just like any skill, negotiation gets better with practice. See every client interaction, every team meeting, every networking event as a chance to refine your approach. Don't be afraid to experiment, to adapt, & to learn from those "oops" moments.

Your 3-Step Action Plan: 1. Identify 3 ‘Mom Skills’ you use daily. 2. List 3 Business Tasks these skills could improve. 3. Actively apply one of these skills to a business task this week.

My own entrepreneurial journey has been profoundly shaped by the lessons I've learned juggling motherhood & business. One of my clients, a brilliant graphic designer, constantly undervalued her work. By helping her reframe her "mom skills" of managing multiple projects & meeting tight deadlines (sound familiar?!) as valuable business assets, she doubled her prices & tripled her client base in just six months. It hasn't been easy – there have been plenty of chaotic moments (like trying to clean something unidentifiable off the carpet just before an important call) – but these experiences have made me more resilient, resourceful, & strategic. I know this is where my expertise as a Business Coach for Female Entrepreneurs shines. And that’s a win-win!

You can find out more about how the Business Flourish Framework can help you master these skills & build a thriving, AI-powered business, incorporating principles of mindset (Focus), strategic communication (Flair), efficient systems (Flow), & wellbeing (Fuel), all enhanced by AI (Fusion), . This integrated approach is especially valuable for busy mothers who need strategies that work within the reality of their daily juggle, not against it.

This really speaks to our core value of Action. It’s a Space for Growth & Empowerment: Coaching helps you identify limiting beliefs, build unshakeable confidence, & step into your power as a leader. This is Empowerment in its truest sense. It considers your whole life – your energy, & the importance of prioritising your well-being, ensuring your business energises rather than drains you.

Ready to take the next step & connect with a community of incredible female entrepreneurs who truly get it? Join our FREE Femme:Connect community today! It's the perfect place to share your wins, ask questions, & get support on your journey.

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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