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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! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Can Your Business Really Support Your Dream Lifestyle? (It's All on You , Lovely!) Let's be real, darling. If you're a Foundation Builder, that entrepreneurial dream? It’s often sold as this picture-perfect vision: laptop-on-the-beach, endless flexibility, and bank accounts overflowing like a well-tended garden (more on that later!). And while those are absolutely possible (I’m working towards it myself!), the reality for us mums juggling businesses, kiddos, and (let's face it) the everyday chaos of life, can feel... well, a little different. Remember that time I was trying to finish a proposal, and my two-year-old decided to give Espresso a "makeover" using my entire collection of lipsticks? Let's just say it wasn't the brand image I was aiming for! It's these "lipstick-on-the-dog" moments that remind us real life rarely looks like the curated highlight reel. Sound familiar? Thought so! You scroll past that oh-so-curated Instagram feed of a female entrepreneur, latte in hand, her angelic children playing quietly nearby, and you think, "How does she do it?" Well, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: that's never the whole story. Never . What you don't see are the meltdowns five minutes before that photo, the frantic race to clean yoghurt off the sofa, or Espresso (our whirlwind Miniature Pinscher puppy) deciding that the laptop charger is a fantastic new chew toy. That , my friend, is the real life of a female entrepreneur, and it’s something I know all too well! One particularly memorable morning involved a crucial client call, a toddler who'd discovered the joys of finger painting with porridge, and a puppy who decided the freshly painted wall was her new canvas. Trying to maintain a professional facade while simultaneously cleaning up that delightful mess – well, let's just say I developed a whole new appreciation for multitasking that day. It was moments like these that made me think, there has to be a better way. And that’s when I really started digging deep into creating systems for my business, so the 'beautiful chaos' didn't completely derail my progress. Currently, I'm building my business, juggling my PhD research, and navigating the "beautiful chaos" of raising four children – from a spirited teenager to an energetic toddler. As I write this, two of those little humans are completely absorbed in a 'Bluey' marathon – which, let's be honest, is a far cry from the silent meditation retreat I envisioned for my strategic planning session! It's a constant reminder that the journey is rarely linear, often noisy, but always profoundly my own. My eldest, bless her teenage heart, just walked in asking if I'd seen her "absolutely essential" sparkly hairspray – apparently, a crisis of epic proportions. See? Real life. It’s all about the juggle. My point? The gap between the entrepreneurial dream and the daily grind can feel huge . And if we're not careful, we can get stuck in that gap, feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and like we're failing. But what if I told you the real power lies not in blaming the system, the kids, or the ever-growing laundry pile, but in figuring out how YOU can navigate it all? How you can take responsibility and design a business that actually supports your dream lifestyle, instead of becoming just another demanding child? Because, honestly, isn't life about the quality of it, not just the size of your bank balance? That's what my MBA at Cranfield University really brought home to me. Imagine trying to balance complex case studies with a toddler clinging to my leg, convinced I was about to disappear into the academic abyss forever! It was tough, juggling motherhood & intense study, but it also showed me the absolute necessity of being organized, efficient, & laser-focused on my goals, skills that are essential for any entrepreneur, especially a busy mum. It wasn't the corner office I craved after graduation; it was the freedom to build a life where I could choose where I worked, whether that's the kitchen table with Espresso the puppy at my feet, or (fingers crossed!) a co-working space in Malaysia, which, as some of you know, is part of my long-term plan. From Dreaming to Doing: Taking Charge of Your Entrepreneurial Destiny So, how do we bridge that gap? How do we move from simply dreaming of a better life to actually building a business that fuels, rather than depletes, us? It starts with you, lovely! It starts with a fundamental mindset shift: taking radical personal responsibility. Yes, the system has its flaws. A 2022 study found that female founders receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts. Yes, childcare costs are insane. Yes, it can feel like you’re constantly running on empty. But is it just down to those things? Or is it also about how we respond to them? What small, smart steps can we take, even within those constraints, to own our progress? This is where the Business Flourish Framework really comes into its own. It's not just a framework; it's a holistic philosophy for building a business that truly flourishes alongside your life. It's about integrating these key pillars, not treating them as separate entities: Focus (Mindset): Knowing what you want and why, and building the resilience to keep going when things get tough (which they inevitably will!). Remember that time my carefully planned launch almost fell apart because my toddler decided to use castor oil as a hair treatment, turning the bathroom into a scene from a slapstick comedy? It wasn't fun, but it taught me a powerful lesson about adapting and refocusing on the next step, not getting stuck in the chaos. This is about cultivating a rock-solid mindset, much like Simone Biles prioritizes her mental well-being alongside her incredible athletic achievements. Flair (Marketing & Messaging): Building a brand that truly reflects you , attracts your dream clients, and politely repels those who aren't a good fit. This is where your authentic voice, your unique story, and your deep understanding of your ideal client come together to create marketing magic. It's about applying the psychological principles of experts like Rory Sutherland, understanding that "value can be created in the mind every bit as much as it can be created in the factory." Flow (Momentum & Systems): Creating smooth, efficient workflows in your business by implementing smart systems, delegating effectively, and ditching what’s not serving you. This is about working smarter, not just harder, streamlining your processes to free up your precious time and energy. This pillar is infused with the principle of consistent, focused action, similar to Ali Abdaal's productivity strategies. Fuel (Wellbeing): Prioritizing your well-being, your energy, your mental and physical health, because, lovely, you simply can’t pour from an empty cup. It's about remembering Lisa Nichols' wisdom: "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows." It’s not selfish; it’s essential for sustainable success. Fusion (AI Integration): And interwoven throughout all of these is Fusion – strategically integrating AI to amplify your efforts across all pillars. This isn't about replacing you; it's about enhancing your capabilities. Think of AI as your intelligent assistant, helping you automate tedious tasks, gain data-driven insights about your audience, personalize your marketing messages, streamline your client communication, and so much more. For example, imagine using AI to analyze your ideal client's language patterns on social media – this can give you invaluable insights for crafting content that truly resonates. Or picture having an AI-powered virtual assistant schedule all your client calls, manage your social media calendar, or even draft initial email responses. These tools are here to empower you, not replace you. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, leveraging technology to create more space for what you do best – connecting with your clients, creating value, and building your dream business. Sound good? Learn more about how our Business Flourish Framework can transform your business here . Practical Steps to a Lifestyle-Aligned Business Now for the good stuff: what can you actually do today to start building a business that truly supports your life? Define Your Non-Negotiables: What absolutely must be true about your ideal lifestyle? Do you need to be home for the school run every day? Do you crave two hours of uninterrupted work time each morning? Do you need to earn a specific income to feel secure? Write it down. These are your boundaries, your guiding principles. Your business must fit within these, not the other way around. For example, when I realized that commuting two hours each way to a fantastic job in London was draining my energy and taking me away from my daughter, I knew something had to change. That experience led me to prioritize location independence as a non-negotiable in my entrepreneurial journey. Get Crystal Clear on Your Ideal Client: Who are you serving? What are their deepest desires, their biggest frustrations? Get into their heads. The more clearly you understand your ideal client, the easier it will be to create an irresistible offer, attract them effortlessly, & build a business you genuinely love serving. For instance, if your ideal client is a busy mum juggling multiple demands, she's likely overwhelmed by information overload and desperate for simple, actionable strategies, not another 10-module course she'll never have time to complete. Understanding this allows you to tailor your offerings to meet her specific needs and speak directly to her pain points. Start Small & Systemize: Don't try to do everything at once. Pick one area of your business to focus on and create a simple system for it. This could be your client onboarding process, your content creation schedule, or your email marketing. Small wins build momentum & create a foundation for sustainable growth. AI is your friend here! Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of AI tools available, start by identifying one specific task you'd like to automate or enhance. For example, if social media scheduling is a pain point, explore user-friendly tools like Buffer or Later, which integrate AI features for optimizing posting times and content suggestions. If you're drowning in emails, consider AI-powered email assistants that can help you prioritize, categorize, and even draft responses. Don't aim for perfection; aim for progress. One small system at a time can make a huge difference. Prioritize Your Well-being (Schedule It In!): This isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Schedule a 15-minute walk in nature three times this week. Block it out in your calendar, just like any other important appointment. Or maybe it’s a 20-minute yoga session before the kids wake up, or a quiet cup of tea while everyone else is still asleep. Find what nourishes you, what fills your cup, and make it non-negotiable. A well-nourished you is a more productive & creative entrepreneur. It’s all about the Fuel pillar! Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, lovely! Build Your Tribe: Entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially when you’re juggling so much. Find your community. Connect with other female entrepreneurs who get it . Share your struggles, celebrate your wins, & support each other. Our free Femme Connect community is a great place to start! Join our supportive Femme:Connect Community here. It's a space where you can ask "silly" questions (we've all been there!), share those "one eyeliner on because I was cleaning castor oil off the carpet" moments, and celebrate each other's wins, big or small. Handling the "Buts" – Turning Obstacles into Opportunities Now, I know what you might be thinking: "But Carlene, I don't have time!" "But I'm not a tech expert!" "But what about the school holidays?!" And you know what? I hear you. I've been there. Remember my “dogs in a crate” saga because the juggle just became too much? Or those moments when my partner & I joked about becoming glorified roommates because we were so focused on work, we forgot to connect? Yeah, it's real. It's messy. It’s also part of the journey. One of the toughest moments for me was after my fourth C-section. I'd expected more support, imagined peaceful recovery days focusing on the baby and easing back into work. The reality? Very different. I found myself juggling newborn care, a demanding toddler, the usual household chaos, and trying to keep my business afloat, all while recovering from major surgery. Honestly, it was overwhelming. I remember sitting on the floor, surrounded by toys, laundry, and a crying baby, feeling completely lost and wondering if I’d made the right decision to pursue my PhD alongside everything else. It felt impossible. But then I remembered a quote by Layla Hormozi: "Your business needs to serve your life, not the other way around. Build systems that give you freedom." That became my mantra. I started small, automating one task at a time, scheduling even tiny pockets of focused work, and asking for help (even if it wasn't the ideal kind). It was a slow process, but it helped me regain a sense of control and showed me the power of small, consistent action, especially when the big picture felt overwhelming. I realized that even amidst the chaos, I could still make progress towards my vision. When you feel those "buts" creeping in and start doubting your ability to manage it all, ask yourself: What's the smallest viable step I can take right now to move closer to that vision? But the beauty of entrepreneurship is that you get to define your journey. You get to choose how you respond to those "buts." You can let them be obstacles, or you can turn them into opportunities for creative problem-solving. What's one area where you're currently feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Perhaps it's managing your social media presence, creating consistent content, or streamlining your client onboarding process. Pick one thing, lovely, just one, and ask yourself, “How can I simplify this? What's the smallest step I can take today to make this easier, more efficient, or more enjoyable?” Maybe it's scheduling 15 minutes to brainstorm content ideas, exploring one new AI tool that could automate a tedious task, or simply reaching out to a fellow entrepreneur for support. It's about taking ownership of your progress, one small step at a time, and building a business that truly aligns with the life you want to live. And honestly, lovely, that’s the most empowering thing you can do. Ready to take that step? What’s one small step you can take today to design a business that truly supports your dream lifestyle? Share it below! I’d love to hear from you. 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Ditch the Exclamation Points! How to Write Emails That Command Respect (Without the Emojis) Let's be honest, how many times have you reread a business email, hovering over the send button, then added an extra exclamation point or a smiley face just to soften the message? I've been there, done that, bought the "I'm-so-sorry-but-also-I-know-what-I'm-talking-about" t-shirt. But what if I told you those extra flourishes might actually be undermining your authority & diluting your message? This is especially true for Foundation Builders who are overwhelmed & trying to establish clear processes for their team communications, or Visionary Leaders looking to establish a clear & assertive communication style. ( Focus Focus ) It's a trap so many of us, especially as female entrepreneurs (and even more so as mothers!), fall into. We're navigating this tricky tightrope between assertive & approachable, expert & empathetic. We're conditioned to be "likeable," & sometimes that translates into overusing exclamation points & emojis in our emails, almost like a pre-emptive apology for taking up space or stating our needs clearly. I remember vividly trying to respond to a demanding client email from Mr. Henderson (a rather impatient restaurant owner convinced his new menu launch was going to be the next big culinary sensation – bless his heart!), who seemed to think deadlines were mere suggestions, while my toddler daughter was having a full-blown meltdown over a misplaced toy car – her sparkly, irreplaceable Princess Sparkle-mobile, to be exact. It was, naturally, wedged under the sofa, where no toy car should ever venture, & she was convinced it had been abducted by dust bunnies. My initial draft was sharp, to the point, & addressed Mr. Henderson's rather optimistic timeline. Then the self-doubt crept in. Will he think I'm being too direct? Maybe I should add a smiley face to soften the blow? One particularly cringe-worthy incident involved softening a deadline-related email to a client (who shall remain nameless, though they were very fond of exclamation points themselves) which, in hindsight, contributed to a significant project delay. They interpreted my softened tone as flexibility when, in fact, I was stating a non-negotiable deadline. There was also that time an email chain with a potential collaborator went sideways because my tone was misinterpreted as passive-aggressive when, truthfully, I was just sleep-deprived and trying to decipher a cryptic request about website analytics at 3 am, sandwiched between a toddler's night terrors and the puppy's sudden need to rearrange the living room rug. Turns out, concise and unambiguous communication is key, especially when fueled by strong coffee and the constant hum of Cocomelon in the background. Lesson learned: clarity, even when potentially uncomfortable, is always the better, more responsible, and respectful approach. Sound familiar? Thought so! Why We Over-Soften Our Emails (& Why It's a Problem) This habit often stems from societal expectations & the pressure women face to be perceived as "nice," non-threatening, & accommodating. We're balancing the demands of business with the often-unconscious expectation to be the nurturers, the peacemakers, the ones who smooth things over. But here's the thing: by constantly softening our language, we risk diluting our message, undermining our expertise, & ultimately, not being taken seriously. It's like baking a delicious cake & then apologizing for offering it! You've put in the effort, you know it's good, own it! This is also a key component of the 'Flow' pillar within our Business Flourish Framework: ensuring that our communications, both internal & external, are clear, efficient, & move seamlessly towards their intended goals. ( Flow Flow ) My own journey through corporate & now as an entrepreneur (while juggling four kids & a PhD!) has taught me this lesson firsthand. We've all been there: that meeting where you had the perfect solution but hesitated to speak up, that email where you softened your feedback to avoid potential conflict, that negotiation where you settled for less than you deserved. These experiences, while frustrating, are invaluable learning opportunities. They teach us the importance of owning our voice, of communicating with clarity and conviction, even (and especially!) when it feels uncomfortable. It wasn’t until I started taking ownership of my voice, being direct yet respectful in my communication, that I truly started to command the respect I deserved. & you know what? It was incredibly liberating! From "Sorry, Not Sorry" to Clear & Confident: A 3-Step Action Checklist for Emails So, how do we ditch the exclamation point addiction & write emails that convey professionalism & confidence without resorting to excessive softening? Here's a concise, 3-step action checklist informed by my MBA, my ongoing PhD research, & years of working with Scaling Leaders just like you: Crystallize Your Purpose (The "Why" Behind the Email): Before typing a single word, ask yourself: What's the ONE core message I need to convey? What action do I want the recipient to take after reading this? For instance, if it's a response to a client query, your "why" might be to provide a clear solution & confirm next steps. If it's an outreach email, your purpose is to pique their interest & encourage them to schedule a call or download a resource. Knowing your core aim keeps your email focused & saves everyone time – including you! Craft with Clarity & Confidence (Ditch the Fluff & Softeners): Imagine you're having a direct, respectful conversation with the recipient. Write like you talk, using "I" statements ("I recommend," "I need"), stating expectations clearly, & setting boundaries where necessary. For instance, instead of "It would be great if you could get this back to me ASAP," try "Please send this back by so I can finalize ." See the difference? The first is vague & almost pleading; the second is clear, confident, & respectful of both your time & theirs. This is part of our “Flow” pillar - ensuring smooth, efficient communication. ( Flow Flow ) Polish & Proofread (The Devil's in the Details, My Friend): Typos are the kryptonite of credibility. A quick proofread before hitting send shows you value professionalism & attention to detail. It’s like putting on that perfect final accessory before a big meeting – it completes the look & elevates your entire presentation. I know this can feel like a chore when you are running at two different speeds & fueled by 3-hour naps & coffee (or maybe wine – I’m not judging!), but trust me, it's worth it. Specifically for emails, check for typos, grammar errors, & tone consistency. Read the email aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or unintended softeners. Are you using clear, actionable language, or are you hedging with unnecessary qualifiers? This small step can make a big difference in how your message is received. Beyond Email Etiquette: The Mindset Shift Mastering email communication goes beyond just knowing the "rules." It's about a deeper mindset shift, an understanding that how you communicate reflects how you value yourself & your expertise. "Identity alchemy," which is the process of becoming the person who embodies the traits and qualities needed for success, is a key part of this. As women, we're often conditioned to apologize for our needs or downplay our accomplishments. This shows up not just in our emails but in all areas of our lives. But what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of shrinking, we dared to take up space, to own our voice, to communicate with clarity & confidence? This is what I call "identity alchemy" - becoming the person who commands respect simply by being herself. This is the work we do in the Momentum Coaching programme to help women step into their power as leaders, both in business & in life. Explore Momentum Coaching Remember, you have invaluable knowledge & skills to offer the world. Your emails are just one way to share your brilliance. So, ditch the unnecessary softening & let your expertise shine! Ready to connect with a community of like-minded women who get it? Join Femme:Connect Today 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Strategic Networking for Ambitious Female Entrepreneurs in the UK (Especially Mums): Curating Your 2025 Event Calendar for Maximum Impact, Not Maximum Overwhelm Ever felt that familiar wave of networking overwhelm? You see a list of events, each promising game-changing connections, & your diary (already bursting at the seams, especially if you’re juggling school runs, client calls, & the beautiful chaos of family life like me!) starts to feel like a ticking time bomb. Honestly, I’ve been there. I was meant to be at a big marketing event last week, all prepped & ready, but then my youngest spiked a fever & all plans went out the window! Life, eh? I remember one time I was heading to a breakfast event - one of those rare times when all four kids were miraculously co-operating - only to find Espresso (our younger, more enthusiastic Miniature Pinscher) had ‘rearranged’ my presentation notes into confetti. Talk about a last-minute pivot! As female entrepreneurs, particularly as mothers, our time is arguably our most precious, non-renewable resource. We’re spinning so many plates – building empires, nurturing families (my four little ones, ranging from a teenager down to a baby, keep me on my toes, alongside our two lively Miniature Pinschers, Cappuccino & Espresso!), & trying to carve out a tiny bit of space for ourselves. So, when it comes to networking in 2025, I want to invite you to ditch the "attend everything" FOMO & embrace a more strategic, intentional, & frankly, joyful approach. This isn’t just about finding events; it’s about curating a calendar that genuinely serves YOUR business, YOUR energy, & YOUR current goals. It’s about quality over quantity, always. Because let’s be honest, dragging yourself to an event that isn’t aligned, only to come home feeling drained & with a pile of irrelevant flyers, isn’t a good use of your incredible talent or energy. I remember one event where I felt completely out of place, made zero meaningful connections, & ended up wasting an entire evening. It taught me the hard way the importance of intentionality… At Femmeprenista, we believe in holistic support that understands the different stages of your entrepreneurial journey, from sparking an idea to scaling a thriving enterprise. If you're looking to understand more about how this tailored support works, you might find our insights on the Femmeprenista Spark Program a useful starting point. The Problem with "Scattergun" Networking (Especially for Us Mums!) Let’s be real. The scattergun approach to networking – trying to be everywhere, all the time – is a fast track to burnout. For us ambitious women, & especially for mums, it’s simply not sustainable. Why? Time, Glorious Time (Or Lack Thereof!): Every hour spent at an event is an hour not spent on client work, strategy, with your family, or (dare I say it?) resting. I remember vividly trying to cram in networking events between school pick-ups & bedtime stories, often running on fumes. It made the whole experience feel pressured rather than productive. The Energy Equation: Events can be incredibly energising… or incredibly draining. If you’re an introvert, or just shattered from a week of juggling (hello, my fellow plate-spinners!), the wrong event can zap your precious reserves. Prioritising your well-being & finding ways to 'Fuel' your entrepreneurial journey is crucial. The "Beautiful Chaos" Factor: Life with kids is unpredictable. A last-minute school play, a poorly little one, or just the sheer mental load of managing a household means our best-laid plans can go awry. We need our commitments to be high-impact to justify the logistical gymnastics. I recall one particular week, juggling my MBA studies with a baby, a corporate role that felt increasingly misaligned, & the ever-present family needs – any event had to offer serious value to even make it onto the consideration list! Intentionality is Your Superpower: Choosing Events That Truly Serve You So, how do we shift from overwhelm to strategic impact? It all comes down to intentionality . For time-strapped female entrepreneurs, successful networking isn't about the quantity of events attended but the quality of strategic choices. This is where you take full personal responsibility & ownership for your networking ROI. Ask yourself these questions before even looking at an event list: What’s my current business stage & what do I need right now? Are you a Foundation Builder? Perhaps you’re validating your idea, looking for your first few clients, or seeking to understand your niche more deeply. Your networking focus might be on making initial connections, finding collaborators, or learning from those a few steps ahead. Having a solid foundation, including a clear business plan, is key. Are you a Scaling Leader? You’ve got traction, & now you’re looking at sustainable growth, attracting premium clients, building systems, or perhaps finding mentors or peers who understand the complexities of scaling. What are my specific goals for attending networking events this year? Is it lead generation? Finding collaborators for a project? Seeking mentorship? Building a supportive peer group? Learning a specific skill? Raising your profile? Get crystal clear. Vague goals lead to vague results. Writing these down can be incredibly powerful. This kind of clear focus, understanding your 'why' before you dive into the 'what', is a cornerstone of building a resilient & successful business. What kind of environment will best support these goals (and my sanity!)? Do you thrive in large, bustling expos or smaller, more intimate gatherings? Do you prefer industry-specific events or broader entrepreneurial meetups? Being ruthlessly honest here will save you so much time & energy down the line. Networking as Tribe-Building: Finding Your People, Not Just Prospects One of the most profound shifts in my own networking perspective came when I stopped seeing it as purely transactional & started viewing it as tribe-building . I vividly remember my time at the University of East London (UEL). After a false start at another university where I just didn't 'fit', UEL was where I found my academic footing & crucially, my people. It was a multicultural, vibrant environment where I felt understood & supported, especially as a young mother navigating my degree. That sense of belonging & shared experience was transformative. Networking events, when chosen wisely, can offer that same magic. They become opportunities to: Build Authentic Relationships: Move beyond the superficial exchange of business cards to find genuine connections with people who get you, who share your values, & who you can actually see yourself having a cuppa (or a G&T!) with. Create a Supportive Peer Community: Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Finding peers who understand the unique rollercoaster of running your own business, who can celebrate your wins & offer a shoulder during tough times, is invaluable. Uncover Collaboration Opportunities: Sometimes the most fruitful connections aren't direct clients but potential collaborators, partners, or even just brilliant minds who spark new ideas. When you approach networking with a 'tribe-building' mindset, you’ll naturally gravitate towards events that foster genuine interaction & shared values – the kind of connections that truly enrich your business & your life. This is all part of developing your authentic brand & message, ensuring your interactions are genuine & attract the right people – a concept we explore deeply within Femmeprenista. Maximising Your Return: Smart Prep, Engagement & Follow-Up Okay, so you’ve chosen an event with intention. How do you make sure it’s time & energy well spent? Before You Go: Setting the Stage for Success Do Your Homework: Who’s speaking? Who else is likely to attend (check out the event hashtag on social media)? Are there specific people you’d like to connect with? A little prep goes a long way. Sharpen Your Mindset & Focus: What’s your primary intention for this specific event? Remind yourself of your strengths & the value you bring. If networking nerves creep in (they get us all sometimes!), take a few deep breaths & visualise positive interactions. This kind of intentional preparation, focusing on your mindset & clarity, is a core part of how we approach sustainable business growth at Femmeprenista, through what we call Femmeprenista How We Work It helps you lead with confidence. Craft Your "Tell Me About Yourself": Ditch the robotic elevator pitch. Think about how you can naturally & engagingly share what you do, who you help, & what you're passionate about in a way that invites conversation. During the Event: Authentic Engagement is Key Listen More, Talk Less: The best networkers are fantastic listeners. Ask open-ended questions & show genuine interest in others. Quality Over Quantity: Aim for a few meaningful conversations rather than trying to meet everyone in the room. It’s better to connect deeply with two or three people than superficially with twenty. Be Authentically YOU: Let your personality shine. People connect with real people. If you're naturally witty, let it show. If you're more reflective, own that. Manage Your Energy: Especially for us busy mums, event days can be long. Take breaks if you need them. Step outside for fresh air. Have a bottle of water. Prioritising your well-being is crucial for sustained performance. Don’t feel guilty for needing a moment to recharge; your business needs you at your best, not running on empty. After the Event: The Fortune is in the Follow-Up (But Make it Flow!) This is where so many brilliant connections fizzle out! Don’t let it happen. Have a Simple Follow-Up System: Whether it’s a quick personalised email, a LinkedIn connection request with a note referencing your conversation, or adding them to a specific list in your CRM – make it manageable. The key is to implement streamlined systems that make this part feel effortless, not another overwhelming task. Personalise Your Approach: Generic follow-ups rarely land. Mention something specific you discussed to jog their memory & show you were paying attention. Nurture for the Long Haul: Not every connection will lead to an immediate sale or collaboration, & that’s okay. Think about how you can continue to provide value & build the relationship over time. This is where ongoing communities really shine. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a place to continue conversations, build those crucial relationships, & find year-round support from fellow female entrepreneurs beyond specific events, our free Femme:Connect Community Page is the perfect hub. Our Femmeprenista-Curated Top 10 UK Networking Events for 2025 (And Why They Make the Cut) Now, for the bit you’ve been waiting for! Please remember, specific dates for 2025 events are often announced later in 2024, so do your research closer to the time. This list focuses on types of events & well-regarded recurring ones that, from a Femmeprenista perspective, offer excellent strategic value for ambitious female entrepreneurs. 1. The Female Founders' Fest (Hypothetical Annual Summit) Why it’s valuable: Specifically designed for women in business, fostering a strong sense of community, inspiration, & featuring practical workshops alongside networking. Usually a very supportive & uplifting atmosphere. Who it's best for: Both Foundation Builders (for inspiration, foundational skills, & early connections) & Scaling Leaders (for higher-level connections & leadership insights). Connections: Mentors, peers, potential collaborators, service providers who understand female-led businesses. Actionable Tip: Connect with at least three speakers on LinkedIn before the event to start building relationships. 2. ScaleUp Arena UK (Recurring National Conference) Why it’s valuable: Focuses on strategies for growth, innovation, & leadership. Often attracts investors & those serious about taking their business to the next level. Who it's best for: Primarily Scaling Leaders, or ambitious Foundation Builders with a clear growth trajectory. Connections: Potential investors, strategic partners, high-calibre peers, expert advisors. Actionable Tip: Prepare a concise "investment one-pager" outlining your business and its growth potential to share with interested investors. 3. Digital & AI Innovators' Connect (Recurring Industry Event) Why it’s valuable: Keeps you at the forefront of tech, digital marketing, & AI advancements – crucial for future-proofing your business & finding smart efficiencies. Who it's best for: Scaling Leaders looking to leverage tech, & tech-savvy Foundation Builders. Connections: Tech solution providers, digital marketing experts, forward-thinking peers, potential tech collaborators. Actionable Tip: Identify one AI tool relevant to your business before attending & research companies at the event that offer training or implementation support. 4. The Purposeful Profit Gathering (Hypothetical Niche Conference) Why it’s valuable: For entrepreneurs passionate about social impact, sustainability, & B-Corps. Connects you with like-minded founders who prioritise purpose alongside profit. As consumers increasingly seek out businesses aligned with their values (studies show that 72% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company that supports their values - https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/strategy/purpose-driven-companies ), this is more important than ever. Who it's best for: Founders at any stage whose business has a strong ethical or social mission. Connections: Social impact investors, non-profit partners, ethical suppliers, a strong values-aligned community. Actionable Tip: Prepare a short statement about your company's mission & impact, & identify three potential partners or collaborators before the event. 5. Creative Industries Collab-Net (Recurring Sector-Specific Event) Why it’s valuable: Tailored for entrepreneurs in creative fields (design, media, arts, &c). Often features showcases, opportunities for artistic collaboration, & advice specific to creative business models. Who it's best for: Creative entrepreneurs at all stages. Connections: Fellow creatives for collaboration, specialist suppliers, agency contacts, gallery or platform owners. Actionable Tip: Bring a portfolio of your work (physical or digital) to showcase during networking sessions. 6. Your Local Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Expo (Regional) Why it’s valuable: Fantastic for building strong local connections, raising your profile in your immediate community, & finding local suppliers or clients. Often very accessible. Who it's best for: Foundation Builders especially, but also Scaling Leaders looking to strengthen local ties. Connections: Local businesses, community leaders, potential local clients & partners. Actionable Tip: Offer a special discount or promotion exclusive to attendees to drive immediate local business. 7. The Entrepreneur's Wellbeing & Resilience Retreat (Hypothetical Specialist Event) Why it’s valuable: Focuses on the founder , offering strategies for mental wellbeing, preventing burnout, & building resilience – crucial for long-term success & something we champion at Femmeprenista. Often combines learning with restorative practices. Who it's best for: All entrepreneurs, especially those feeling the strain of the juggle or on the verge of burnout. Connections: Holistic practitioners, wellness experts, a supportive community focused on founder wellbeing. Actionable Tip: Schedule a follow-up call with a wellness expert you connect with at the retreat to integrate their advice into your routine. 8. E-commerce Evolution Expo (Recurring Trade Show/Conference) Why it’s valuable: Essential for product-based businesses selling online. Covers platforms, logistics, international selling, marketing for e-commerce, & the latest trends. Who it's best for: E-commerce entrepreneurs at all stages. Connections: Platform providers, shipping & fulfilment partners, e-commerce marketing specialists, fellow online sellers. Actionable Tip: Attend sessions focused on one specific area of your e-commerce business (e.g., shipping) & identify three actionable changes to implement immediately. 9. The Aspiring Entrepreneur Launchpad Live (Hypothetical Early-Stage Focused Event) Why it’s valuable: Geared towards those in the very early stages – idea validation, crafting a business plan, understanding funding options, & even first pitching opportunities. Who it's best for: Primarily Foundation Builders. Connections: Early-stage investors/angels, startup mentors, incubator/accelerator programs, peers at the same starting point. Actionable Tip: Practice a 60-second pitch before attending & aim to deliver it to at least three different people for feedback. 10. Global Growth Gateway (UK Chapter of an International Forum - Hypothetical) Why it’s valuable: For businesses with ambitions to expand internationally or attract global clients. Offers insights into export, international marketing, & cross-cultural business. Who it's best for: Scaling Leaders with established products/services ready for wider markets. Connections: International trade advisors, export agencies, entrepreneurs with global experience, potential overseas partners. Actionable Tip: Research one specific international market relevant to your business & identify three key challenges or opportunities to discuss with experts. Remember, this is a starting point. The best events for you will be those that light you up, align with your goals, & offer a genuine chance to build your tribe. Making It Work for YOU: A Final Word on Strategic Choices As you look ahead to 2025, I encourage you not to just fill your diary, but to consciously curate it. Think of your networking calendar as a strategic asset. Each event should be a deliberate investment of your precious time & energy, chosen because it moves you closer to your vision. This might mean attending fewer events overall, but getting far more value from the ones you do choose. It’s about working smart, not just hard – a philosophy that underpins everything we do here at Femmeprenista. We understand that growing a business, especially as a busy mother, requires more than just good ideas; it needs tailored strategies, supportive systems, & a mindset that champions sustainable success. If you're wondering how to implement growth strategies that truly fit your life & business stage, we offer support through our Spark program for Foundation Builders. You can explore how we can help you Work With Us to flourish. So, what’s the one type of event from this list, or one you’ve been considering, that you’ll research further for 2025, based on your current goals? Take that first intentional step. Strategic networking isn't just about what happens in the room; it's about the thoughtful choices you make before you even get there, & the meaningful connections you nurture long after. Here’s to a 2025 filled with impactful conversations, supportive communities, & business growth that feels aligned and energising! Ready to build your tribe & get strategic support year-round? Join our free Femme:Connect Community Page – it’s where the conversation continues & real connections flourish beyond the event floor. It’s a fantastic place to share your event experiences & get recommendations too! 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Beyond the Hustle: Real Talk on Winning Your First Clients (Even When You're Juggling All The Things) Ever feel like you’re spinning a million plates, desperately trying to get your brilliant business idea off the ground & land those first precious clients, all while the soundtrack of your life features a delightful mix of kids’ TV, pinging notifications, & the ever-present question of “what’s for dinner?” If you’re nodding along, possibly with one eye on a toddler attempting to redecorate the sofa with your lipstick, then darling, you’re in the right place. I’m Carlene Nisbett, & aside from being the Founder & CEO here at Femmeprenista, I’m a mum of four (ranging from a teenager navigating those exciting years to a tiny tot who keeps me on my toes!), a PhD researcher, & someone who truly gets the beautiful chaos of building a dream while living a very real, very full life. Honestly, trying to carve out focused work time amidst family life can be, well, interesting! I’ve often got “Dora the Explorer” playing in the background. & yes, I’ve even tried to get ready in the mornings only to end up going outside with like, one eyeliner on, because I was too busy cleaning castor oil off the carpet! Maybe you have a validated idea & are ready to define exactly who you’re here to serve, & start taking those first confident steps towards your first clients? Our Spark Program Page is designed specifically for Foundation Builders like you. It’s a 4-week online accelerator where we dive deep into getting you that crucial clarity & a rock-solid foundation. I’ve walked the path of the “Foundation Builder” – that early stage where excitement meets a healthy dose of “Crikey, how do I actually do this?” & one of the biggest hurdles? Securing those crucial first clients. So many amazing women I speak to feel overwhelmed by the idea. They’re bogged down by self-doubt, staring at a to-do list longer than their arm, & frankly, the thought of adding complex marketing funnels & aggressive sales tactics to the mix is enough to make anyone want to curl up with a giant bar of chocolate (no judgement here!). But here’s what I’ve learned, both through my own entrepreneurial journey – from selling sweets in the playground to navigating corporate giants like Apple, & then building Femmeprenista – & through guiding countless other female entrepreneurs: getting your first clients doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing hustle. It’s not about having every single thing perfect or suddenly transforming into a slick salesperson overnight. It’s about something much more authentic, much more you . It’s about strategic, owned action & genuine connection. It’s about working smart, not just burning the midnight oil until you’re running on fumes & questionable coffee. So, let’s have a real, honest chat – like we’re sharing a cuppa at my kitchen table (probably with a little one asking for a snack any minute now!) – about how you can make this happen. The Mindset Shift: Ditching Doubt & Owning Your Brilliance Before we even whisper the word “strategy,” we need to talk about what’s going on between your ears. Because, trust me, that’s where the real magic (or the real block) begins. If you’re constantly battling thoughts like “Who am I to do this?” or “What if no one wants what I offer?” then taking action feels like wading through treacle. Facing the Fear of Being Seen (and Selling!) I remember when I co-founded my first proper venture, Nisbett & George, back when my eldest was just a baby. We’d entered the E-Factor competition at uni, & there was this real “now or never” feeling. The idea was exciting, but putting myself out there? Terrifying! I distinctly recall the lead-up to our pitch, the self-doubt was crippling. I kept thinking, "Who am I to be doing this? I'm a new mum juggling everything, what do I even know about business?" It got so bad that on the actual day, I almost bailed. I had to give myself a serious pep talk in the bathroom, reminding myself why I was doing it & focusing on the value I could bring. The fear of judgement, of not being good enough, it’s a powerful silencer. Many of us, especially as women, have been subtly (or not so subtly) conditioned to play small, not to be “too loud” or “too boastful.” Honestly, my own dad, bless him, used to practically shout at teachers who tried to tell me to shut up & sit down in school – he knew the importance of finding & using your voice, & that lesson stuck. Like Michelle Obama says, “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.” Getting your first clients means being visible. It means talking about what you do. & yes, it means selling. But “selling” doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Think of it as sharing, as offering a solution to someone who genuinely needs it. When you shift your perspective from “I need to make a sale” to “I have something valuable that can help someone,” the energy changes completely. It becomes an invitation, not an imposition. Imperfect Action is Your New Best Friend Perfectionism is the enemy of progress, especially when you’re starting out. Waiting for the perfect website, the perfect offer, the perfect moment… you’ll be waiting forever. I learned this the hard way in one of my corporate roles. I made a mistake on a project – it happens! My immediate focus wasn’t on shame, but on “Okay, mistake made, how do we fix it, & how do we stop it from happening again?” That’s the energy you need. Honestly, the lesson I took from that was, ‘Don’t be disheartened if you have setbacks; instead learn from them & always celebrate any successes.’ As Steve Peters says, "Remember: you always have a choice" when facing setbacks, the choice to learn and celebrate! Your first attempts at reaching out, your first social media posts about your business, your first conversations with potential clients – they might not be flawless. & that’s more than okay. It’s essential. Each imperfect action is a learning opportunity. It’s data. It’s movement. As I often say, even if my own journey with four kids & a PhD feels slower than a 20-year-old with no dependents, the key is I’m still moving, still learning, & not giving up. That’s down to me. It’s about taking personal responsibility for creating those opportunities, one small, imperfect step at a time. A little something to ponder: What’s one tiny, imperfect step you could take today to move towards your first client? Not tomorrow, not next week. Today. What is the smallest pebble you can move? Real Connection, Simple Words: Your Secret Weapon for Attracting Those First Clients Now, let’s talk about how you connect. Forget those complicated marketing systems you see gurus peddling, the ones that require a PhD in tech just to understand. When you’re aiming for your first clients, simplicity & authenticity are your superpowers. Speak Like a Human, Not a Marketing Robot Think about the last time you truly connected with someone. Was it because they used fancy jargon or a perfectly polished script? Probably not. It was likely because they were real, they listened, & they spoke from the heart. That’s the energy you want to bring to your early client interactions. "We don't need more chat GPT like boring captions content. We need more people who are fully alive," as Adrienne Weimer so brilliantly puts it. To capture someone’s attention you have to “enter the conversation already taking place in the customer's mind,” explains marketing guru Sabri Suby. When I was at the University of East London studying Fashion Design with Marketing, I found my tribe. It was a multicultural environment where I felt comfortable, where the course resonated, & where I could be myself. That sense of belonging & authentic connection allowed me to thrive, even as a new mum. Your ideal initial customers are looking for that same genuine connection with you . So, how does this translate into practical steps? Know who you’re talking to: Who is that ideal initial customer? What are their real struggles, their hopes, their dreams? When you understand them on a human level, your messaging will naturally resonate. Use simple, clear language: Ditch the industry buzzwords. Explain what you do & the value you provide in a way your nan could understand. If you’re helping busy mums simplify their meal planning, say that. Don’t say you’re “optimising domestic nutritional workflows.” (Unless your nan is a systems analyst, in which case, fair play!) Share your ‘why’: People connect with purpose. Why are you passionate about what you do? Sharing a little of your story, your motivation – like my own drive for flexibility & fulfillment that pulled me from the corporate world – can build powerful bridges. Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose Focus on the Transformation, Not Just the Features Your first clients aren’t just buying your service or product; they’re buying a solution, a transformation, a feeling. Instead of listing all the features of your coaching package, talk about how it will make them feel – more confident, less overwhelmed, finally in control. To give your clients something that is going to provide them value, it will take “a few simple disciplines, practiced every day,” explains motivational speaker Jim Rohn. I often ask my coaching clients: “So why do you want to be successful? Why have you used that word? What do you mean by successful?” This helps them articulate the deeper emotional drivers. Do the same for your offer. What is the real, tangible, emotional outcome you provide? That’s your golden message. Smart Steps, Steady Wins: Building Momentum Without Burning Out Okay, so you’ve got the mindset dialled in, & you’re ready to connect authentically. Now, how do you build that initial momentum towards your first client wins without completely overwhelming yourself? Especially when, like me, you might be juggling childcare that feels like a strategic military operation, or trying to snatch work moments between school runs & the never-ending laundry pile. (Seriously, where does it all come from?!) Little & Often Beats Grand & Seldom This is where we ditch the “hustle harder” nonsense. As a mum to four, pursuing my PhD, & running a business, I can tell you that massive, unsustainable bursts of activity are a recipe for burnout. What works? Small, consistent, smart actions. As Tony Robbins says, “What got you here won't get you there” so you have to continue to grow your skillset. Think about it – when my toddler was learning to walk, it wasn’t one giant leap. It was a series of wobbly steps, a few tumbles, & getting back up again, consistently. Building your client base is similar. To implement this practically, consider these steps: Identify 1-3 simple actions you can take each day/week: This could be reaching out to one person in your network, sharing one valuable piece of content, or following up with one warm lead. Time-block with fierce love: Carve out small pockets of focused time. Even 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted work can be incredibly productive if you’re clear on your task. I know this can feel impossible sometimes – I’ve tried to have serious business conversations with the delightful tones of children’s TV blaring in the background more times than I can count! But even finding those tiny windows makes a difference. Leverage your existing network (gently!): Let people you know, like, & trust understand what you’re doing. A simple, authentic “I’ve just launched X, & I’m really excited to help people with Y – if you know anyone who might be interested, I’d be so grateful for a connection” can go a long way. Create Simple Systems for Sanity Even at this early stage, thinking about simple ways to streamline things can save you so much time & energy. This isn’t about complex tech; it’s about repeatable processes. A simple way to track leads: A basic spreadsheet is fine! Canned (but personalisable!) responses: For common questions. A basic onboarding checklist: So you know what to do when that first “YES!” comes through. To set up these simple systems, try these steps: Map your Client Process: Map out the steps a client takes, from initial contact to paying customer. Create Templates: For each step, create a template email or canned response to save time. Personalise it! Automate Where Possible: Use a basic CRM or spreadsheet to track leads & automate reminders. Remember, the goal here is to create a gentle snowball effect. Each small action, each conversation, each connection builds on the last. It might feel slow at first, especially if you’re comparing your journey to someone else’s highly curated Instagram feed (don’t do that!), but those consistent, smart efforts are what build a truly sustainable foundation. Here are some of the best practices that successful female entrepreneurs use to build a strong system: Start by setting goals for your business by using the "S-M-A-R-T" method Create a step by step strategy for what you need to do Automate as much of the workload as possible, but focus on the parts that will have the largest impact This whole approach of cultivating the right mindset, connecting authentically, & building smart momentum is really at the heart of how we do things here at Femmeprenista. It’s about looking at your business holistically, ensuring it supports your life, not the other way around. Jim Rohn said it so well, “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” It's about knowing the difference between hard work & smart work. This includes prioritising your health & energy to sustain peak performance by understanding that, as Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer." You’ve Got This, Truly! Securing those first clients when you’re a Foundation Builder, especially as a mother, can feel like a monumental task. But I want you to hear this loud & clear: it is absolutely achievable. It’s not about having all the answers, a perfect setup, or endless hours to pour into "hustle." It’s about cultivating the courage to take imperfect, consistent action. It’s about leveraging your unique voice to make genuine connections. & it’s about implementing simple, sustainable strategies that respect your precious time & energy. “It’s only in the dark that you see the stars ✨” - Martin Luther King Jr. So, you might not be at your best, but you always have a chance to look up. This journey is about more than just business growth; it's about personal growth, too. It’s about stepping into your power, owning your expertise, & building something that not only provides an income but also fills you with purpose & joy. So, take a deep breath. You are capable. You are brilliant. & those first clients? They’re out there, waiting for what only you can offer. To be a success in business you have to be a master of mindset (Focus), magnetic in your marketing (Flair) have momentum through smart systems (Flow), be your best through prioritising your well-being (Fuel) and using tools such as AI (Fusion). By using these pillars, you are certain to attract the clients you are seeking. If you’re ready to move beyond overwhelm & get a clear, actionable plan to validate your incredible idea, define exactly who you’re here to serve, & start taking those first confident steps towards getting those clients, our Spark Program Page is designed specifically for Foundation Builders like you. It’s a 4-week online accelerator where we dive deep into getting you that crucial clarity & a rock-solid foundation. & remember, you’re not alone on this adventure. Our Femme:Connect Community Page is a free, global community of ambitious female entrepreneurs cheering each other on every step of the way. We’d love to welcome you. Go on, take that first (or next) small, brave step. I’m cheering you on! 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Building a Dream Team: Weaving Femmeprenista Values into Your Business Culture Ever feel like building a strong team is like trying to bake a soufflé while juggling four toddlers and two hyperactive puppies? (Okay, maybe not exactly like that, but you get the drift.) It's a delicate balance of ingredients, timing, and a whole lot of heart. And if you're anything like me – navigating motherhood, PhD research, and running a business – the challenge can feel particularly intense. But even beyond the motherhood juggle, the pressure to "do it all" and be everything to everyone, especially as female entrepreneurs, can make team building feel like another mountain to climb. It's like trying to build a castle with one hand while holding back a tidal wave of to-dos with the other. We're all balancing so much, it's a universal entrepreneurial challenge. As female entrepreneurs, we face unique hurdles. We're often balancing responsibilities, sometimes without the extensive local support network we might wish for. And let's be honest, that old "9-to-5" model just doesn't cut it when you’re juggling the realities of modern life & family! So, how do we create a thriving team culture that not only supports our business goals but also honors our values and the actual lives we live? #BusinessCoachingForFemaleEntrepreneurs Creating a Culture of Family & Support For many of us, the desire for greater flexibility and control over our time was a major driver for choosing the entrepreneurial path. We wanted a life that integrated seamlessly with our family commitments, not one that forced us to constantly choose between being a present parent and a successful business owner. Building a team culture grounded in "family" extends this. It means fostering an environment of support & understanding. A place where everyone feels valued & respected. Think of it as your extended professional family – people united by shared vision. We are deeply invested in each other's wins, big or small. This can manifest in flexible work arrangements. It’s understanding when a school pick-up takes priority or childcare falls through. It's creating space for open communication & even vulnerability. Even now, I sometimes struggle to fully delegate and empower my team, especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed by my PhD research and the general chaos of having four kids under ten (and two energetic Miniature Pinschers who think they’re part of the team meetings!). It's a journey, not a destination. It's also about celebrating milestones, both personal & professional. I remember a particularly challenging week during my MBA. I was juggling deadlines, a sick toddler, & a presentation on market segmentation that felt like it would never end. My study group, sensing my overwhelm, stepped in. They not only helped me refine the presentation slides, but also took turns entertaining my daughter with silly faces and peek-a-boo during our online study sessions. It was a powerful reminder that a strong team can be a true support system. It was definitely a "we're all in this together" moment. Early in my leadership journey, I struggled to delegate effectively, often taking on too much myself and burning out. It took me a while, & a few tearful nights, to realize that asking for help isn't a weakness, it's a strength. #teamculture #femaleentrepreneur Fostering Holistic Growth & Empowerment At Femmeprenista, we believe in nurturing the whole person – another core value. This means providing opportunities for growth, both personally & professionally. We encourage continuous learning & a growth mindset. #BusinessCoach Think about it: how can your business grow if your people aren't growing too? This might involve: Curated training resources, Tailored mentorship programs, or Simply creating space for team members to explore passions & side hustles. What lights them up outside of work often fuels their creativity and innovation within the business. One example is offering LinkedIn Learning licenses to your entire team. Or, it could be a dedicated book allowance. Another powerful strategy is quarterly goal-setting sessions where each person clarifies their growth objectives. These sessions combine individual aspirations with company goals. I vividly recall the feeling of finally finding my "tribe" at the University of East London (UEL) after a less fulfilling start at another university. The environment at UEL allowed me to thrive, both academically and as a young mother. It taught me the profound impact of the right environment. Creating a similar culture within your team can unlock incredible talent & innovation. #femalelader #entrepreneurship Embracing Work-Life Integration This isn’t just about flexible schedules; it’s about designing systems & processes that actively support work-life harmony. This is where the "Flow" and "Fusion" pillars of our Business Flourish Framework come in. "Flow" is all about creating efficient systems & workflows, while "Fusion" is about strategically integrating AI and automation to enhance those systems and reclaim your time & energy. It's about working smarter, not just harder. Every team member, including yourself, deserves to feel fulfilled by their work & their life outside of work. This might involve clear boundaries around communication (no late-night emails unless it's a true emergency!), leveraging AI & automation to streamline tasks, or a shared team calendar that incorporates personal commitments. I know from experience that “Dora the Explorer” in the background isn’t conducive to focus! Creating a culture where team members can switch off & recharge isn’t just good for their well-being; it’s essential for productivity & creativity. The reality is, as I’m writing this, my two-year-old is attempting to climb the shelves & one of the dogs is howling because she wants a treat. We’re juggling, always ! Business Flourish Framework Building Sustainable Success Together Sustainable success isn’t about short-term gains or burning out your team. It’s about building a resilient business that thrives long-term. This requires a strategic approach. Think of it as tending a garden; consistent nurturing is key. Here's a 3-step actionable plan: Implement a well-being program: Prioritize team members' mental and emotional health through initiatives like mindfulness sessions, flexible work arrangements, or even just encouraging breaks & time off. Invest in team training & development: Equip your team with the skills and resources they need to excel in their roles and grow professionally. This could include online courses, mentorship programs, or opportunities to attend industry conferences. Create robust system documentation: Documenting processes & creating clear systems ensures efficiency, reduces errors, and allows for smoother scaling as your team grows. This also means having clear communication channels & project management tools in place. Building a sustainable team requires ongoing investment & support. Research shows that companies with values-driven cultures experience higher employee engagement and lower turnover rates, leading to improved overall performance. This also means understanding the socio-economic pressures facing many, particularly Millennials like myself. For example, with stagnant wages for over a decade & the rising cost of childcare and housing, it's no surprise that many are seeking alternative career paths for both financial security & more fulfilling work. Millennials, in my view, are among the most resourceful & entrepreneurial generations out there, precisely because we’ve had to be! #smallbusiness #businesscoaching Values-Driven Culture: Your Secret Weapon Building a team culture based on shared values is a strategic imperative. A strong culture becomes a powerful differentiator, attracting & retaining top talent aligned with your vision. It’s about creating a space where individuals feel valued, respected, & empowered. It also helps tackle those pesky limiting beliefs, like those about pricing. You are worth more than you think! As Adrienne Weimer says, "To be clear is to be kind." #businesscoachingforwomen Ready to take your team culture to the next level & build a dream team that truly embodies your values? Join our Femme:Connect community to share your experiences, learn from other female entrepreneurs, & get the support you need. #FemaleEntrepreneurs Femme:Connect Community Page Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Decoding Naval for the Femmeprenista: Building Wealth & Happiness Without the Hustle Hey lovely ladies! Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while balancing on a tightrope, all while trying to build a business empire and raise a family? I see you. I am you. Four kids, a PhD, a business (actually two!), and two miniature pinchers who think they’re guard dogs – trust me, I get the beautiful chaos of being a mum and an entrepreneur. As a mum with my MBA and now working on my PhD, I've definitely had those moments where it feels like I'm trying to present a polished, professional front on a Google Meet call, only to have my toddler daughter wander in, fully engrossed in a conversation with an invisible friend – all while Espresso, our hyperactive Miniature Pinscher, uses my office chair as her personal agility course. Sound familiar? I thought so. Lately, I've been revisiting Naval Ravikant's "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant," a book packed with wisdom on building wealth & happiness. Now, Naval's world might seem a million miles away from the realities of crafting marketing funnels while simultaneously refereeing a sibling squabble over the last biscuit, but I promise you, there are golden nuggets in there for us Femmeprenistas. I've been reflecting on how his principles can be applied specifically to the unique challenges & opportunities we face as women, especially as mothers, building online businesses. Because let’s be real, the standard "hustle harder" advice just doesn't cut it when you're also navigating school holidays, toddler tantrums, & the constant mental load of running a household. So grab a cuppa (or a glass of wine – it’s wine o'clock somewhere!), settle in, & let's decode Naval’s wisdom together, Femmeprenista style. Specific Knowledge: Your Unique Brilliance in a Crowded World Naval talks a lot about building specific knowledge – the kind of expertise that's unique to you, can't be easily taught, & is valuable in the marketplace. Think about it: what are you amazing at? What lights you up? What do people constantly ask you for advice on? Honestly, what could you talk about for hours without even pausing for breath? This resonates so deeply with the Flair (Marketing & Messaging) pillar of our Business Flourish Framework. It’s about crafting a brand that isn’t just pretty, but deeply you . It’s about finding your own unique voice & letting it shine, even if it feels a bit "unhinged" at first. Remember, vanilla content attracts vanilla clients. Spice it up, ladies! I remember when I was at Apple, working on the launch campaign for a new product (can't go into specifics, NDA & all!), & there was this one team member who was struggling. Everyone else wanted to let him go, but I saw something in him. I felt that way many times myself, especially in that environment. I took the time to get to know him, to understand his strengths, & gave him the autonomy to use them. Guess what? He ended up producing some of the best work on the team. That’s specific knowledge in action! Sometimes the best strategy, even in a corporate setting, is getting to know your team & understanding what makes them tick, then empowering them to use their skills in a way that works for them . For us, especially as mothers, our specific knowledge often comes from the very things that make our lives "chaotic." We are masters of multitasking, queens of resourcefulness, & experts at navigating complex emotional landscapes. Don’t underestimate the power of your lived experience. It’s your superpower! Leverage: Working Smarter, Not Harder (Because Ain't Nobody Got Time for That!) Naval is all about leverage – using tools, systems, & other people's time to multiply your efforts. This speaks directly to our Flow (Momentum & Systems) & Fusion (AI Integration) pillars. It’s about building smart systems, perhaps leveraging smart AI tools to truly streamline your processes, & delegate or ditch what’s not serving you. For a long time, I really struggled with this. I remember trying to manage every aspect of my first business venture (Nisbett & George – oh, the lessons I learned!), from product design to customer service, while also caring for my infant daughter. I felt like I was drowning! I was constantly running on empty, the house was a permanent state of organised chaos, & the quality of my work suffered. Think about it – how much time do you spend on repetitive tasks that could be automated? How much energy do you waste on things you don’t even enjoy? What if you could get some of that time & energy back? It's not about being replaced; it's about being empowered. You know, when my school-aged daughter was learning to ride her bike, she struggled for ages. Then, one day at school, she just hopped on a friend's bike & took off! She wasn't pushing herself too hard, it was fun, & she just did it. It wasn't about pushing harder; it was about finding a different approach, a bit of fun, & just doing it. That’s leverage. Sometimes a breakthrough comes from a new perspective. For us Femmeprenistas, leverage is often about building a supportive community – leaning on each other for advice, encouragement, & even childcare swaps! It's also about embracing technology. Don't be afraid of AI! It's not about being replaced; it's about being empowered. Femme:Connect Community Page Come join our amazing community for support, resources, & connection! Judgment: Trusting Your Intuition & Making Bold Decisions Naval talks about the importance of cultivating good judgment – the ability to make smart decisions based on experience, intuition, & a clear understanding of your values. This really speaks to our core value of Action (Taking Decisive Steps). It’s about trusting yourself enough to take that leap of faith even when it feels terrifying, like doing my MBA at Cranfield University in the UK. I can't tell you how many "what ifs" ran through my mind, especially as a mum. Honestly, before that pivotal taster day, I'd even considered putting my career on hold entirely! But something deep down told me this was the right move. The taster day itself was incredible, it felt "like having a mini explosion in my head." How many times have you ignored your gut feeling only to regret it later? How often have you played small because you were afraid of what people might think? You know that feeling, right? When I was deciding whether to pursue my MBA at Cranfield University in the UK, I was terrified. It felt like a huge leap, especially with a little one at home. But I had this gut feeling, this little voice whispering, "This is it, Carlene. This is your path." I listened to that voice, & it changed everything. This is where our Focus (Mindset) pillar comes in. It considers your whole life – your energy, & the importance of prioritising your well-being, ensuring your business energises rather than drains you. It’s about building the resilience & confidence to trust yourself, even when it feels scary. Because let's be honest, as women, we’re often conditioned to doubt ourselves, to play small, to not rock the boat. But the truth is, we are capable of so much more! Bringing it All Together: The Femmeprenista Path So, what does all this Naval wisdom mean for us busy, ambitious mums building or scaling their businesses? It means we can build successful, fulfilling online businesses without sacrificing our families or our well-being. It means we can leverage our unique strengths, work smarter, & trust our intuition to make bold decisions. It means we can create both wealth and genuine work-life harmony. In the words of Jim Rohn, "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day." Your 3-Step Femmeprenista Action Plan (Inspired by Naval): Identify Your Superpower: What's your unique specific knowledge? What are you amazing at that others struggle with? This could be anything from crafting compelling sales copy to organizing a multi-generational household (believe me, that’s a skill!). Write it down. Own it. Find Your Leverage Point: Where are you wasting precious time & energy on tasks that could be automated or delegated? Start small. One AI tool, one virtual assistant, one childcare swap - it all adds up. What’s one small system you could put in place today ? Trust Your Inner Compass: What's one bold decision you’ve been putting off because of fear or self-doubt? This could be raising your prices, launching that new program, or even just saying “no” to something that drains your energy. Commit to making that decision this week. Launch Programme If you're ready to dive deeper into building a business that truly flourishes, & get the support & strategies you need to launch confidently & secure your first paying clients, join our Launch Program. It’s designed specifically for ambitious women who are ready to take action. What’s one way you can identify & leverage your specific knowledge today? What’s one system you can implement to streamline your workflow & create more leverage in your business? How can you tune in to your intuition & trust your judgment to make a bold decision this week? Share it below! Let's empower each other! 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Scaling Your Online Service Business The Femmeprenista Way: A CEO Mum’s Strategic Blueprint for Smart Growth Without Sacrificing Your Sanity Let’s be honest, shall we? You’re an ambitious female entrepreneur, likely a mother, and you’re brilliant at what you do. This post is for Scaling Leader entrepreneurs Scaling Leader entrepreneurs . Your online service business has gained traction, you’ve got happy clients, but now you’re staring at that next level – scaling – and it feels… a bit terrifying? Like trying to conduct an orchestra while simultaneously spinning plates, juggling school runs, and maybe, just maybe, attempting to finish a hot cup of tea. And if you’re anything like me, a mum of four also navigating a PhD, the thought of simply adding more hours to your already overflowing plate isn't just unappealing, it's utterly impossible. The dominant narrative out there often screams that scaling means hustle, burnout, and sacrificing your sanity (and possibly your family dinner times). It paints a picture of sleepless nights fueled by caffeine and a relentless grind. But what if I told you that’s a pervasive myth, one that we, as Femmeprenistas, are here to dismantle? What if scaling your online service business could be strategic, smart, and dare I say it, even aligned with the rich, multifaceted life you’re already leading? It’s not just a lovely thought; it’s a reality I’ve actively built for myself & help other incredible women achieve. We understand the unique path of female entrepreneurs, especially mothers, who are building empires while nurturing families & often pursuing their own growth, like I am with my doctoral research. Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose outlines our core belief in this holistic approach. Scaling Beyond the Hustle: The Femmeprenista Philosophy For too long, "hustle culture" has been glorified, particularly in the entrepreneurial space. It’s this idea that to achieve more, you must simply do more, work harder , push further . But as a CEO, a mother, & someone deeply invested in the sustainable success of women, I can tell you that this path often leads to a dead end: burnout, resentment, & a business that feels like a gilded cage rather than a vehicle for freedom & impact. Honestly, how long can anyone really sustain that level of intensity? The Femmeprenista way to scale is different. It’s rooted in working smarter , not just harder. It’s about strategic action, intentional choices, & leveraging your unique strengths. It’s about understanding that true, sustainable growth comes from a place of alignment, where your business supports your life, not the other way around. This requires a profound sense of personal responsibility – owning your choices, your time, & your energy. It means stepping into your power as the CEO of not just your business, but your entire life. It’s a journey I’m on every single day, figuring out how to make my ambitions fit with school plays, poorly timed toddler tantrums, & the intellectual demands of research. It's not always easy, but it is possible. I'm determined to figure it out. After all, isn't life about the quality of it, not just how much you've got in the pocket? My Pillars for Smart, Sustainable Scaling So, how do we actually do this? How do we scale without sacrificing our well-being or precious family time? It comes down to building your business on strong, interconnected pillars – a strategic blueprint that allows for growth without the overwhelm. These principles are deeply embedded in How We Work / Business Flourish Framework , our holistic guide for women to thrive in business & life. Let's explore a few key pillars specifically for scaling your online service business: 1. Strategic Offer Evolution & Premium Positioning: Working Smarter, Not Harder When you first start, 1:1 services are often the bread & butter. But as you look to scale, trading more hours for more money becomes a fast track to burnout, especially when you're juggling other significant life commitments. I remember when my business was growing, & so was my family, & the idea of just adding more client slots while trying to manage my young children & my MBA studies felt completely unsustainable. My capacity was finite. The key is to strategically evolve your offers: Leveraging Your Time: Think about how you can serve more people without exponentially increasing your direct service hours. This could be through group programmes, workshops, online courses, or creating a signature system that others can deliver. Premium Positioning: As you refine your expertise & results, confidently position yourself as a premium provider. This isn't about arrogance; it's about valuing the transformation you deliver. Attracting fewer, higher-paying clients can often lead to more income & more spaciousness. As Myron Golden says, "Money is a reward you get for solving problems." Packaging for Scalability: Create clear, well-defined service packages or programmes that are easy for clients to understand & for you (or your future team) to deliver consistently. This clarity is magnetic to ideal clients who are ready to invest. This isn't about diluting your impact; it's about amplifying it intelligently. It’s about crafting your offerings in a way that truly serves your clients at the highest level, while also serving your need for a sustainable & fulfilling business model. Honestly, isn't that the kind of business we all dream of building? 2. Systemize & ‘Fuse’ for Freedom & Flow: Your Secret Weapon for Sanity If there’s one thing that’s saved my sanity & allowed me to scale while being a very present mum & pursuing my PhD, it’s systems. Robust, efficient systems are the backbone of any scalable service business. And today, we have an incredible ally in this: Artificial Intelligence. I will admit, I once made the mistake of assuming my team knew how to properly vet and onboard clients which left me in a terrible situation with a very angry client. Documenting my processes right then and there helped me avoid making that mistake again. Map Your Processes: Start by identifying all the repetitive tasks in your business – client onboarding, scheduling, email responses, content repurposing, financial tracking. You’d be amazed at how much time these can consume. Embrace Automation & AI: This is where the magic of 'Fusion' comes in – strategically integrating AI & automation tools to handle those repetitive tasks. Think AI-powered scheduling tools. Automated email sequences. AI assistants for drafting content or managing your inbox. Project management software that keeps everything on track. For a deeper dive into how AI can revolutionise your operations, you might find insights in articles focusing on Systems & Productivity . Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): As you systemise, document your processes. This not only ensures consistency but is absolutely crucial for when you’re ready to delegate. I once spent an entire afternoon trying to explain a "simple" client follow-up process to a new team member because I hadn't documented it. Lesson learned: an hour spent creating an SOP saves countless hours later! To show you how powerful AI has been in my business, I use a tool called Bardeen. It helps me keep track of sales leads and automate client onboarding. The best part? It cuts down on my busywork so I can focus on what matters most to my clients! The goal here is to create ‘Flow’ – a state where your business operations run smoothly & efficiently, freeing you up to focus on high-level strategy, client relationships, & importantly, your life outside of work. It's about using technology as your partner to reclaim your precious time & energy. As Alex Hormozi says, "The game is won by acquiring skills, then applying them, then repeating." And AI is definitely the must-have skill right now. 3. Intentional Visibility & Scalable Marketing: Attracting Dream Clients Without Draining Yourself Scaling requires a consistent flow of ideal clients, but that doesn’t mean you need to be "on" 24/7 or chase every fleeting marketing trend. That’s a recipe for exhaustion. Instead, focus on intentional, scalable marketing strategies. Know Your Ideal Client Deeply: Who are they, really? What are their deepest pains, desires, & aspirations? When your marketing speaks directly to them, it cuts through the noise & resonates powerfully. Choose Your Channels Wisely: You don’t need to be everywhere. Pick 1-2 marketing channels where your ideal clients genuinely hang out & that you can manage consistently without feeling overwhelmed. Content that Connects & Converts: Create high-value content that positions you as an expert & naturally leads potential clients towards your offers. Think about repurposing content across platforms to maximise your reach with minimal extra effort. A single insightful blog post can become social media updates, email newsletters, & even video snippets. Build Authentic Relationships: Marketing in the online service world is about connection. Focus on building genuine relationships with your audience. This builds trust, & people buy from those they know, like, & trust. After all, as Adrienne Weimer says, "We don't need more chat GPT like boring a** captions content. We need more people who are fully alive." Scalable marketing isn't about volume; it's about impact & sustainability. It’s about creating a magnetic presence that draws in the right people, rather than constantly pushing for attention. It’s about embodying, as Simon Sinek says, "People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it." 4. Cultivating the Scaling CEO Mindset: Leading Yourself & Your Business to New Heights Scaling isn’t just about strategies & systems; it’s profoundly about your mindset. As you grow, you’ll face new challenges, new fears, & the need to step into a new level of leadership. To embrace a new level of leadership, take these actionable steps: Turn business stressors into learning opportunities by asking myself, "what can I learn from this?" Implement new boundaries to protect my time & energy. Show gratitude for my success by recognizing my progress while still striving to improve. Embrace Discomfort: Growth rarely happens in the comfort zone. Be prepared to feel stretched. This might mean making bigger investments, hiring your first team member, or saying "no" to opportunities that aren't aligned with your vision. Delegate & Trust: You cannot do it all. One of the hardest but most crucial shifts for scaling leaders is learning to delegate effectively & trust others with parts of their business. I recall the sheer terror I felt handing over my client communications for the first time, convinced no one could do it "my way." The reality? My team member did it brilliantly, & it freed me up enormously. I remember when I was getting ready to delegate for the first time. My VA was ready and willing, but I was absolutely terrified that they wouldn't handle things the way I wanted them to! It took a mindset shift for me to hand things off, and I realized that, okay, I can let other people handle some things. I learned to let go and trust someone else! Financial Confidence: Get comfortable with bigger numbers – both revenue & expenses. Understand your financials, price your premium offers confidently, & be willing to invest strategically in your growth. Vision & Resilience: Hold a clear vision for where you’re going, but also cultivate the resilience to navigate the inevitable bumps in the road. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, especially when you're building a legacy alongside raising a family. Because, as Jim Rohn said, "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.” This CEO mindset is about making empowered decisions, leading with clarity, & continually developing your capacity to manage growth. It's about understanding that your inner game directly impacts your outer results. Honestly, it's about believing, as Sue Knight says, "Success comes from within." Actionable, Integrated Growth for the "Juggling" Entrepreneur Now, reading about these pillars is one thing. Implementing them while juggling the beautiful chaos of life as a mother & entrepreneur is another. The key is integration & taking small, consistent, actionable steps. Remember, this isn't about overhauling everything overnight. It’s about choosing one area to focus on, making small improvements, & building momentum. Ask yourself: Offer Evolution: What’s one way I could leverage my current expertise to serve more people without just adding more 1:1 hours this quarter? Systems & AI: What’s one repetitive task I could explore automating or delegating with AI this month to save even 30 minutes a day? Intentional Visibility: What’s one piece of high-value content I can create & repurpose this week that speaks directly to my ideal client’s biggest challenge? CEO Mindset: What’s one fear related to scaling that I can acknowledge & consciously work through today? Personal responsibility is key here. No one else can take these steps for you. But the good news is that every small, smart action you take builds towards significant, sustainable growth – growth that supports your life, rather than detracting from it. It's about building a business that allows you to be fully present for those precious "look what I made at school, Mummy!" moments, while also achieving your ambitious professional goals. Honestly, who wouldn't want that? The Power of Supported, Strategic Scaling While taking ownership of your scaling journey is paramount, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Navigating the complexities of evolving your offers, building robust AI-enhanced systems, mastering scalable marketing, & cultivating that essential CEO mindset is often accelerated & made far more sustainable with the right expert guidance & a supportive community of peers who truly get it . This journey from a successful service provider to a thriving CEO leading a scalable business is exhilarating & yes, sometimes challenging. But with the right blueprint, a commitment to smart action, & the willingness to embrace your role as a leader, you absolutely can scale your online service business without sacrificing your sanity or your family life. You can build a business that not only flourishes financially but also fuels your passion & aligns with your deepest values. If you're an established online service provider ready to implement these kinds of smart, sustainable scaling strategies, to attract premium clients consistently, & to build a business that gives you more freedom, not less, then our Momentum Coaching programme is specifically designed to guide you through this transformative phase. It’s where we dive deep into tailoring these pillars to your unique business & life. Explore Momentum Coaching What’s one small, strategic step you’ll take today to move towards smarter scaling? I’d love to hear it. 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Conquering the Climb: Navigating the Unique Challenges of Ambitious Female Entrepreneurs Ever feel like you're scaling Mount Everest in stilettos, love? Juggling a million things, pushing boundaries, & striving for that summit of success while the world throws curveballs like, "Oh, did you forget the school bake sale is tomorrow?" (Been there, got the slightly burnt cupcake to prove it.) The truth is, the entrepreneurial journey, especially for ambitious women, & even more so for mothers, isn't a smooth, paved road. It's more like a winding mountain path with stunning views, unexpected obstacles, & moments where you just want to swap the stilettos for some seriously comfy hiking boots. It can be a windy path, but with the right support, you can reach new heights. But here's the thing: you're not alone . & The challenges you face, while unique to your stage of business & life, are often surprisingly common. Knowing this can be incredibly empowering. It means there are proven strategies, smart systems, & a whole community of amazing women ready to cheer you on & help you conquer the climb. This post tackles the top challenges faced by female entrepreneurs at different stages, looking at them through the lens of Femmeprenista's avatar stages: Foundation Builder, Scaling Leader, & Visionary Leader. We'll go beyond just listing problems by exploring their root causes & most importantly, offering actionable solutions grounded in the Business Flourish Framework. Think of this as your personalized trail map, guiding you from challenge to empowered action & sustainable growth. Foundation Builder: From Dream to Doing (and Daring to Believe) So, you're brimming with ideas, fired up to create something amazing, ready to ditch the 9-to-5 grind (or at least supplement it with something that fuels your soul, not just your bank account). Sounds exhilarating, right? But it can also feel utterly terrifying, honestly. I remember after university, launching Nisbett & George while navigating new motherhood – the self-doubt was crippling. I felt like I was constantly second-guessing every decision. Does that resonate? Let me know in the comments! Common Challenges: Overwhelm: Where do you even start? There's so much conflicting advice, so many "must-do" tasks, and that pesky feeling that you're missing some crucial piece of the puzzle. (Remember my early days with Nisbett & George? Overwhelm was my constant companion – trying to navigate a new business, university, & motherhood all at once!) Seriously, who has time for that?! Self-Doubt: That voice in your head whispering, "Who are you to do this? What if you fail? What if everyone thinks your idea is crazy?" (Yep, I've had those conversations with myself too. In fact, it echoes back to my school days, feeling silenced & afraid to ask questions.) Inconsistent Income (or None at All): The feast-or-famine cycle is real, love. One week you land a client, the next you're wondering if you'll ever make a consistent income. Pricing feels like a guessing game, and the fear of asking for what you're worth is crippling. Solutions: Clarity is Your Compass: Focus on validating your core idea with real potential clients. Talk to them, understand their pain points, & refine your offer until it’s a perfect fit. Ask yourself: "What problem am I truly solving?" and "Who am I uniquely positioned to serve?" This focused approach will dispel the fog and reveal your path forward. Our Spark Program is designed to help you gain this essential clarity. Spark Program Page Silence the Inner Critic: Self-doubt is normal, but it doesn't have to be your boss. Start small, celebrate every win, & surround yourself with a supportive community. Try a simple affirmation like, "I am capable, I am worthy, I am enough." Femme:Connect is a fantastic place to find your tribe. Femme:Connect Community Page Build a Simple Sales System: Implement a straightforward process for attracting leads, nurturing relationships, & converting them into paying clients. Start with a clear, easy-to-understand offer & a simple way for people to work with you. A basic email sequence or a well-crafted freebie can be game-changers. Scaling Leader: From Traction to Transformation (and Taming the Chaos) You’ve validated your idea, landed consistent clients, & your business is growing. Things are starting to feel exciting… and really, really busy. Now, the challenges shift from starting to scaling . When I first hit consistent £5k months, I felt both elated and completely overwhelmed. I was drowning in client work and neglecting the strategic vision. Sound familiar? Common Challenges: Bottlenecks & Burnout: You're working harder than ever, but your growth is plateauing. You’re the bottleneck in your own business, & the thought of adding more clients feels overwhelming. Delegation Dilemmas: You know you need to delegate, but the thought of letting go of control or finding reliable support feels even more overwhelming. Imposter Syndrome 2.0: Even with success, that pesky inner critic is back, whispering, "It was just luck. You’re not really that good." Solutions: Streamline & Systemize: Implement efficient systems to truly streamline your processes, & delegate or ditch what’s not serving you. Leveraging AI can be a game-changer here. For example, tools like Calendly can automate your bookings, Trello or Asana can manage projects, and even a simple chatbot can handle initial client inquiries. Think of it this way – AI isn't about replacing you; it's about freeing you up to focus on the high-level strategic work that only you can do. You can find out more about streamlining your systems with AI in our Momentum Coaching program . Momentum Coaching Page Build Your Dream Team (Even if it's Just One Person): Start by identifying the tasks you absolutely dread or that are taking up precious time you could be spending on strategic growth. Then, find a virtual assistant or freelancer to take those off your plate. Invest in Your Mindset (& Your Support System): Scaling requires a new level of mental resilience & strategic thinking. Start by identifying and challenging your limiting beliefs around growth, capacity, and success. A simple journaling exercise can be incredibly revealing. Momentum Coaching can provide the tailored guidance & support you need to navigate this stage. Momentum Coaching Page Visionary Leader: From Success to Significance (& Sustaining Your Vision) You’ve built a thriving business, a strong team, & achieved significant financial success. Now, the focus shifts from scaling to significance – expanding your impact, building a legacy, & optimizing for long-term freedom. What does that look like for you? When Femmeprenista really took off, experiencing 35% growth in just six months, and I found myself managing a team & developing new programs, I felt a profound sense of isolation. There were moments I felt like I was on an island, surrounded by the buzz of success but strangely alone in the experience. Who could I really talk to about these high-level challenges? Common Challenges: Isolation at the Top: It can feel lonely at this level, honestly. Finding peers who truly understand your unique challenges & aspirations can be difficult. Strategic Complexity: The decisions are bigger, the stakes are higher, & the need for clear, long-term vision is paramount. Sustaining Peak Performance (Without Burning Out): You’ve achieved so much, but how do you maintain momentum & passion without sacrificing your well-being? Solutions: Seek High-Level Peer Connection: Join mastermind groups or executive communities where you can connect with other visionary leaders, share insights, & gain fresh perspectives. Femme:Connect , while serving all stages, also provides opportunities for high-level connection through dedicated events & groups. Femme:Connect Community Page Sharpen Your Strategic Focus: Develop a crystal-clear vision for the future of your business, your legacy, & the impact you want to create. Prioritize Holistic Well-being: Integrate well-being practices into your daily routine, set firm boundaries around work & personal time, & delegate effectively to free up mental and emotional space for visionary work. Ascend Executive Coaching can provide the strategic partnership & personalized support you need. Ascend Executive Coaching Page No matter what stage you’re at, remember this: the entrepreneurial journey is yours to define. It's about building a business that supports your vision, your values, & your life. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, & never stop climbing. P.S. Feeling inspired to take action? Ready to connect with a supportive community of ambitious women who get the entrepreneurial juggle? Join our free, global Femme:Connect community today & discover the power of collective wisdom, expert guidance, and celebrating every win together! Femme:Connect Community Page Join Femme:Connect Today 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

From Overwhelm to Overflow: My Authentic Blueprint to Attract Your Dream Clients Online (Without Losing Your Sanity, Mum!) Ever feel like you’re shouting into the online void, wondering where on earth your ideal clients are hiding? As a Foundation Builder (early stage), you might be pouring your heart, soul, & probably countless unpaid hours into your business, especially if you’re juggling it all with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, yet the sound of crickets is deafening. Honestly, I get it. I’ve been you. So much of the advice out there screams "hustle harder!", "be everywhere!", "post 10 times a day!" – & honestly, for most of us, especially mums running on caffeine & snatched moments of quiet, that’s a one-way ticket to burnout city. And who wants that? I remember those days trying to get ready, only to emerge with one eyeliner on because my toddler decided the carpet needed a new castor oil sheen. One recent morning, after cleaning up yet another toddler-related "incident", I felt so overwhelmed I could barely focus – my eldest missed her bus because I was running behind, & I felt terrible all day. It’s the juggle, right? Juggling that with trying to build a business meant I had to find a smarter way. What if I told you that consistently attracting your dream clients online doesn’t have to feel like an exhausting battle? What if it could be an authentic, enjoyable, & even energising part of your business? That’s what we’re diving into today – my personal, actionable blueprint designed for ambitious female entrepreneurs (yes, especially you amazing mums!) to move from client attraction overwhelm to a steady, joyful overflow, all without sacrificing your family or your sanity. The Unshakeable Foundation: It All Starts With YOU Before you even think about a snazzy sales funnel or the latest social media trend, we need to get grounded. Because, lovely, the most magnetic marketing strategy is built on a foundation of deep clarity about who you are, who you serve, & the unique magic you bring. This isn’t just fluff; it’s the bedrock of sustainable success. Clarity is Queen: Know Your Value, Know Your Client It sounds simple, but so many of us skip this vital step. What is the unique value you offer? What specific problem do you solve like no one else? & who, exactly , is that ideal client whose life you’re about to make a whole lot better? Getting crystal clear here is like switching on a high-powered lighthouse; suddenly, the right people can see you. I remember during my early school days, I lost my confidence to ask questions. It took finding the right environment & later, my father fiercely advocating for me – he used to be calling on top of tables, shouting at teachers in their face when they were essentially telling me to shut up & sit down – to rediscover the power of my own voice. Your business needs you to find your unique voice & value, so you can speak directly to those who need to hear it. If you're struggling to define this, exploring foundational support can be a game-changer. For those at the very beginning, needing to nail that idea validation & niche clarity, our Spark Programme is designed to help you lay precisely this groundwork. Authentic Messaging: Speak From The Heart, Ditch the Jargon Once you’re clear on your value, it’s time to communicate it & the most powerful way to do that? Authentically. Forget trying to sound like someone else or using corporate jargon that makes even you yawn. Your ideal clients are craving connection with a real human. Share your story, your passion, your quirks. Let your unique brilliance shine through. When I was in corporate roles, I often felt like a replaceable cog. Part of my journey into entrepreneurship was driven by the desire to show up fully as myself & make a direct impact – that’s the kind of energy that attracts. Mindset Matters More Than You Think This is HUGE. You can have the best strategy in the world, but if your mindset isn’t aligned, you’ll constantly hit roadblocks. We’re talking about tackling those pesky visibility fears ("What if they judge me?"), kicking imposter syndrome to the curb ("Am I really good enough?"), & cultivating an unshakeable belief in yourself & your offer. I often say, your mind is either your jailer or your gateway. Which one are you choosing? Studies show that entrepreneurs with a growth mindset are significantly more likely to overcome challenges & achieve long-term success. Personal responsibility is a cornerstone of my philosophy. My own journey, juggling four children, my business, & now a PhD, is slower than some, for sure. But I firmly believe that if I don’t reach my goals, ultimately, that’s down to me. It's about owning your path, challenges & all, & knowing you have the power to create change. If you're curious about how our entire philosophy underpins these strategies for growth & well-being, you can learn more about Femmeprenista. Shine Online: Authentic Marketing That Attracts, Not Chases Okay, with that solid foundation in place, let’s talk about getting visible in a way that feels good & actually works . This isn't about becoming a slave to algorithms; it's about showcasing your unique flair. What "Authentic Marketing" Really Means Forget the idea that you need to be on every single platform, contorting yourself to fit the latest trends. Authentic marketing is about being you , consistently & genuinely, in the places where your ideal clients hang out. It’s about connection over clicks, & value over volume. It’s showing up with integrity & sharing your passion in a way that naturally draws people in. Find Your Few Key Channels: Strategic Presence, Not Scattered Effort One of the biggest overwhelm-inducers? Trying to do it all. Instead, identify a few key marketing channels where your ideal clients are active & where you genuinely enjoy creating content. Is it heartfelt emails? Engaging Instagram stories? Insightful LinkedIn articles? A value-packed podcast? Focus your energy there. Quality & consistency in a few places will always beat a scattered, stressed-out presence everywhere. Content That Connects: Storytelling, Value, Empathy Your content is your conversation starter. Make it count. Think about how comedians work; as I often say, their best material is based on real life, on things we can all relate to. That’s what makes it so powerful. Share stories (yours, your clients', your inspirations), provide genuine value that solves small problems for your audience, & always lead with empathy. When you truly understand their struggles & aspirations, your content will resonate deeply & build that crucial know, like, & trust factor. Creating Consistent Client Flow: Smart Systems & Sustainable Action This is where the magic happens – turning that authentic connection into a consistent stream of clients, without you having to manually manage every single step. This is about smart, streamlined systems & consistent, manageable action. The Myth of "Doing It All": Why Systems Are Your Secret Weapon Especially as a busy mum, trying to "do it all" yourself is a recipe for exhaustion. I’ve been there, feeling like if I didn’t have my hands on every single task, things would fall apart. But I learned that robust systems are what truly give you freedom & scalability. As I often say when overwhelm hits, "It's the system that's going to help us." Simple, Manageable Systems for Client Attraction This doesn’t mean complex, expensive software you need a PhD to operate (though I am doing one of those!). It can be as simple as: A clear way to capture leads: Whether it's a simple sign-up for a valuable freebie on your website or a clear call to action in your social media bio. A nurturing process: How do you build relationships with those leads? Regular, value-packed emails? A free community? A straightforward onboarding process: Making it easy & joyful for new clients to say YES & get started with you. To illustrate, consider automating your blog posts with Thrivology Digital, or even use simple scheduling software to pre-plan social media posts. Leverage Smart Tools (Hello, AI!) & yes, this is where technology, including practical AI, can be an incredible ally. Think about tools that can help you schedule content, automate email sequences, or even help you draft initial ideas for your authentic messaging. It’s not about replacing the human touch; it’s about using smart tools to free up your time & energy for the things only you can do, like connecting deeply with your clients & steering your vision. This is about making your processes more efficient so you can truly streamline your efforts. Consistency Over Intensity: The Tortoise Wins Remember, this isn't about sporadic bursts of frantic activity. It’s about small, consistent actions taken regularly. My own journey with multiple young children & demanding academic pursuits has taught me that progress might sometimes feel slower than a 20-year-old with no dependents, but consistency is what keeps you moving forward. Honestly, Am I going slower than a 20-year-old with no dependents? Yes, of course I am. Doesn't mean I can't get there because of my situation, right? It doesn’t mean you can’t get there; it means you find a sustainable pace. Nourishing Your Journey: The Marathon, Not the Sprint Building a thriving business that brings you a steady stream of ideal clients is a marathon, not a sprint & to go the distance, you need to nourish yourself & your business along the way. This is about ensuring your business energises rather than drains you. Integrating Business with Family Life: Yes, It IS Possible! This is at the heart of why many of us choose entrepreneurship. We want success, yes, but we also want to be present for our families, to create a rich life filled with meaningful experiences, not just a healthy bank balance. It requires conscious choices, clear boundaries (as much as possible with little ones!), & a focus on managing your energy, not just your time. Celebrate Your Wins (Big & Small!) Seriously, don’t skip this. Acknowledging your progress, no matter how small it feels, is vital for keeping your motivation & self-belief topped up. Did you finally nail that tricky piece of tech? Celebrate! Did you have a wonderful connection call? Celebrate! Did you get through a Tuesday with everyone fed & relatively happy? Definitely celebrate! The Power of Support: You’re Not Alone This journey can feel lonely sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community, a mentor, or a coach who gets it can make all the difference. One of the things I’ve found to be most rewarding about coaching is seeing how quickly clients find results when they have the right support. Members of my community have seen a 30% increase in client inquiries after implementing strategies from our regular masterclasses. Those "actual systems & strategies" are based on the core foundation that, for many entrepreneurs, things need to feel streamlined, manageable, & dare I say… joyful?! For instance, when I was rolling out the Launch Programme recently, I realised I'd completely underestimated the time it took to build out the initial onboarding sequence. It wasn't just about the tech; it was about crafting a welcoming experience. I ended up bringing in my partner, Bear, to help automate a lot of the initial data entry, which freed me up to focus on personal welcome messages. It reminded me that even the best systems need tweaking & the power of delegation when overwhelm strikes! Your Blueprint in Action: Ready for Overflow? So, there you have it – my authentic & actionable blueprint for moving from client attraction overwhelm to a joyful overflow. It’s built on: Unshakeable Clarity: Knowing your value & your ideal client. Authentic Marketing: Shining online by being unapologetically you. Smart Systems & Consistent Action: Creating ease & predictability. A Strong, Ownership-Driven Mindset: Believing in yourself & your path. Nourishing Your Journey: Building for the long-term, in harmony with your life. This isn't just about getting more clients; it's about building a business that truly lights you up, supports your dream life, & allows you to make the impact you're here to make. It’s a journey & every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. If you’re resonating with this & feeling ready to stop shouting into the void & start building the actual systems & strategies that turn this blueprint into your reality, I want to invite you to explore our Launch Programme . It’s a 12-week implementation accelerator specifically designed for female entrepreneurs like you who have a validated idea & are ready to build their core client attraction engine, launch confidently, & secure those first wonderful clients. We dive deep into creating these sustainable systems in a way that feels aligned & manageable. Join Femme:Connect Today Learn More - Secondary Read More - Default Explore Momentum Coaching Remember, you have incredible value to offer. Let’s make sure the right people can find you. 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

That 'Oh Crap, I've Started a Business!' Moment: Your Guide to Building a Solid Foundation (Without the Freak-Out) Right then, lovely. You’ve done it. You’ve taken that leap, that big, beautiful, slightly terrifying plunge into the world of entrepreneurship. Maybe you’ve just whispered your business idea to your partner, or perhaps you’ve even registered the name & bought the domain. Either way, that initial fizz of excitement is probably now mingling with a healthy dose of “Oh goodness, what have I actually done ?!” If that sounds like you (and yes, I’m looking at all you incredible “Foundation Builders” out there, bravely stepping into the arena!), then you’re in exactly the right place. I’m Carlene, & honestly, I’ve been there. Juggling babies & business plans, wrestling with self-doubt while trying to sound like I knew exactly what I was doing – we get it. That early stage, "Laying the Foundation," can feel like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture in the dark, with the instructions written in a language you don’t quite understand. Overwhelming, right? But here’s the truth, from my kitchen table to yours: building a successful business isn’t just about what you do ; it’s about how you approach it, mentally & strategically. It’s about taking radical personal responsibility for your journey & pairing that with smart, consistent action. These, my dear, are the ultimate antidotes to that early-stage fear & the inertia that can so easily set in. Just last month, I was spiralling, convinced my new AI strategy was going nowhere – then I remembered my own advice and went back to basics! I went right back to my ‘why’ and realised I was trying to do too much, too soon, & falling into the trap of comparing myself to others, instead of staying in my own lane and focusing on the people I can truly serve, right now. See, it's not always easy putting all of this into practice! So, let’s demystify those first crucial steps, shall we? We’ll blend a bit of mindset magic with some really tangible strategies to get you moving from idea to impact with clarity & confidence. Stop Guessing, Start Asking: The Power of Real-World Validation One of the biggest pitfalls I see new entrepreneurs tumble into is spending ages perfecting an idea in isolation. They build the most beautiful website, design the most intricate service package… all based on what they think people want. And then? Crickets. Here’s a game-changer for you: Validate, Don’t Assume. Before you invest a single penny more, or another precious hour you could be spending with your little ones (or, let’s be honest, enjoying a hot cup of tea in peace!), you need to talk to your potential clients. Yes, actually talk to them! I know, I know, the thought of outreach can bring on a cold sweat. What if they say no? What if they think your idea is silly? Let me reframe that for you. Every single conversation is an essential learning opportunity. It’s not about making a sale at this stage; it’s about understanding their world, their pains, their desires. This deep understanding is the bedrock of all effective marketing & authentic connection. You’re not bothering them; you’re seeking to serve them better. It’s about getting crystal clear on who you’re serving & what problem you’re really solving for them. This is the kind of insight that helps you craft messaging & offers that truly land. Here are a few questions to kickstart those conversations: "What's your biggest frustration with right now?" "What solutions have you already tried, & what were the results?" "If you could wave a magic wand, what would your ideal outcome be?" Think of it like this: when I was doing my MBA, we didn’t just sit in lecture halls. We were constantly pushed to test theories, gather data, & understand the market. It was that experience, funnily enough, that cemented my desire to build my own business & underscored the critical importance of not operating in a vacuum. Your potential clients hold the keys. You just need to be brave enough to ask for them. A statistic shows this, with businesses who validate their ideas early having an 80% higher chance of succeeding. Simplicity Sells: Nailing Your First Irresistible Offer Once you’ve had those crucial validation conversations, the next temptation is to try & be everything to everyone. You see all the problems, all the needs, & you want to solve them ALL. Sound familiar? Hold your horses, lovely. At this foundation-building stage, Clarity Over Complexity is your mantra, especially when it comes to your first offer. Your goal is to define a simple, clear, & utterly compelling initial offer that solves a specific problem for a specific person. It needs to be so clear that if they’re your ideal client, they’ll think, “OMG, that’s exactly what I need!” Resist the urge to create a complicated, multi-tiered offering with a million bells & whistles. That’s a recipe for overwhelm – for you & for your potential clients. What’s the one core transformation you can deliver brilliantly right now? Focus on that. Make it irresistible. You can always expand & add more layers later, once you’ve got momentum. Remember, the more specific you are, the easier it is to attract the right people. This clarity in your offering isn't just about making sales; it's about building your confidence & making your marketing efforts so much more focused & effective. You'll know exactly who you're talking to & what you're helping them achieve. Ditch the Fear, Embrace the Action: Your Mindset Makeover Ah, the mind monkeys. They love to throw a party when you’re starting something new, don’t they? Imposter syndrome whispers, “Who do you think you are?” Fear of visibility screams, “Don’t put yourself out there!” & the fear of asking “silly” questions? That one can be truly paralysing. Here’s the secret weapon against these common anxieties: Action. Consistent, small, smart actions. This is where personal responsibility truly comes into play. It’s normal to feel the fear. What’s not helpful is letting that fear dictate your (in)actions. Every time you take a small step – sending that outreach email, posting that piece of content, asking that question in a supportive community – you chip away at the fear & build a little more confidence. Momentum is a powerful thing. It’s not about grand, sweeping gestures. It’s about the daily commitment to show up, to learn, to implement, & to take ownership of your progress. Honestly, I’ve learned this time & time again, whether it was co-founding my first proper business, Nisbett & George, as a young mother during university, or navigating my current journey with four children & a PhD. My path is definitely "slower" than someone without these commitments, but I own that. I’m still here, still learning, still moving forward. Because the responsibility for getting there? That’s on me. So, when those anxieties surface, acknowledge them, thank them for trying to keep you safe (because that’s all they’re doing!), & then politely show them the door as you take your next small, smart step. Build the Basics, Not the Basilica: Foundation First, Perfection Later Are you a recovering perfectionist? Welcome to the club! So many of us, especially women, feel this immense pressure to have everything absolutely perfect before we can officially “launch” or put ourselves out there. The perfect website, the perfect branding, the perfect systems… Did you know that, according to a Hewlett Packard internal report, women only apply for a job if they meet 100% of the qualifications, while men apply if they meet 60%? We put so much pressure on ourselves! Can I let you in on a little secret? Foundation First, Perfection Later. When you’re just starting, your primary focus should be on establishing basic, manageable systems for getting paid & delivering your service. Can people easily understand what you offer? Can they easily pay you? Can you deliver what you promised effectively? That’s your foundation. For example, use a free invoicing tool like Wave to keep track of payments, and create a simple project management board on Trello to manage client tasks. This isn’t about being sloppy or unprofessional. It’s about prioritising functionality over perfectionism. You can tweak & upgrade & beautify as you go, as you learn more about what you & your clients actually need. I've seen so many incredible women get stuck in the perfection trap, endlessly fiddling with details while their potential clients are out there, waiting for the solution they offer. Don't let that be you. Getting those essential processes in place, however simple, is what gives you the stability to grow. If the thought of tackling even the basic tech & branding feels utterly overwhelming, sometimes a done-for-you solution like our Ready-to-Launch Kit can be a real sanity-saver, getting you set up professionally without the headache. Your Business, Your Rules, Your Responsibility This journey into entrepreneurship is yours. Uniquely, wonderfully, sometimes frustratingly, yours. & while having the right support system is absolutely crucial (and something we champion fiercely here at Femmeprenista – our Femme:Connect is a fantastic place for peer support!), the ultimate responsibility for your learning, your implementation, & your success rests with you. This isn’t meant to sound harsh; it’s meant to be incredibly empowering. It means you are in the driving seat. You get to set the pace. You get to define what success looks like for you & your family. And you get to see every challenge not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity to learn, adapt, & grow stronger. My own path has been anything but linear – from that first taste of enterprise selling sweets in the playground, to studying Fashion Design & Marketing at UEL (after a false start at another uni that just wasn't 'me'), to navigating the corporate world, to the profound insights from my MBA at Cranfield that ultimately propelled me back to entrepreneurship, & now, to pursuing my PhD alongside raising my four amazing children. Each pivot, each challenge, has been a lesson in resilience & the power of taking ownership. It’s about choosing to see the beautiful chaos as part of the adventure, not a barrier to it. Ready to Lay That Foundation with Confidence? Phew! We’ve covered a lot, haven’t we? But I hope you’re feeling a little less “Oh Crap!” and a lot more “Okay, I can do this!” Building that solid business foundation is absolutely critical, but it doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing, overwhelming experience. By focusing on validation, simplifying your offer, taking consistent action, prioritising foundational systems, & embracing full ownership of your journey, you can move from feeling stuck & scared to feeling clear, confident, & ready to make a real impact. You’ve got this, truly. Ready to finally nail your idea, niche, first offer, & a solid plan to get moving? Our Spark Program Page was designed quite literally for you. It’s a 4-week accelerator where we dive deep into these foundational pieces, giving you the focused support & accountability to ignite your business. Join the conversation & get more insights: Join Our Facebook Community Today 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Is Your Brilliant Business Idea Actually a Diamond… Or Just Dust? How AI Helps You Know (Before You Glow!) Ever had one of those middle-of-the-night brainstorms? You know, the ones where a brilliant new offer idea, or a genius niche pivot, pops into your head & suddenly feels like the answer? If you’re anything like me, especially with the constant juggle of kids, life, & business (just like building a business, a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint... & AI helps me navigate both!), these flashes of inspiration can feel like pure gold. And often, our intuition is spot on, isn’t it? That gut feeling, that inner nudge, is a powerful compass for us entrepreneurs. But let’s be totally honest here for a sec… sometimes, what feels like a diamond in the dim light of 3 AM can look a bit more like, well, sparkly dust when the sun comes up & reality bites. We’ve all been there, pouring precious time, energy, & emotion into an idea, only for it to not quite land as we’d hoped. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you’re a busy mother trying to make every single second count. I’ll admit, I’ve definitely launched things I thought were amazing, only to hear crickets! In fact, I remember spending weeks trying to automate client onboarding with one AI tool, convinced it would save me hours, only to create a Frankenstein-esque system that clients found clunky & confusing. It was a humbling reminder that tech isn’t a magic bullet! My own journey, from those early days selling sweets in the playground to navigating corporate life at places like Apple, & then consciously building Femmeprenista while juggling four children & my doctoral research, has taught me that while passion is essential, smart validation is priceless. Businesses that strategically implement AI in their initial planning stages see a higher success rate. So, how do we honour that incredible entrepreneurial spirit & our powerful intuition, but also make sure we’re building on solid ground? How do we avoid the heartache of a misfired launch or a niche that just doesn’t resonate? This is where something you might think of as purely for ‘admin tasks’ can become your most insightful strategic partner: Artificial Intelligence. AI: More Than Just Your Digital Dogsbody – It’s Your Research Powerhouse! Now, when I say AI, I know what some of you might be thinking. “Oh, Carlene, that’s for techy people,” or “I just use it to help write emails or social media posts when I’m stuck.” & yes, it’s brilliant for streamlining those kinds of tasks, helping us reclaim precious minutes in our day – something I am a huge advocate for when it comes to creating more efficient systems in our businesses. But what if I told you that AI can be so much more? What if it could be your intuitive, tireless research assistant, your data-crunching confidante, helping you truly understand if that new offer has legs, or if that niche you’re eyeing up has a hungry audience? For female entrepreneurs, particularly mothers like us – whether you’re a Foundation Builder like Chloe, just starting to shape your dreams, or for Scaling Leaders like Amy, looking to expand your impact – time & energy are our most precious, non-renewable resources. We simply cannot afford to spend months, or even years, heading down a path that isn’t aligned or viable. That’s where leveraging AI for deep market research & offer validation can be an absolute game-changer. It’s about infusing our brilliant ideas with data-informed confidence, ensuring our passion projects are also profitable & sustainable. This strategic use of technology, combined with streamlined systems, amplifies your brilliance – it's all part of creating momentum , as we explore within the Femmeprenista approach. Using AI to Add Serious Flair to Your Offer Validation Think about the last time you had a new idea. The excitement is palpable, right? But then come the questions: Is anyone actually looking for this? What makes my take on it different? How do I even begin to find out if people would pay for it? This is where AI steps in, not to replace your intuition, but to give it a powerful megaphone & a set of X-ray specs. Here’s how AI can help you validate your offer with strategic insight: Deep Dive Market Research (Without Drowning in Data): Instead of spending weeks trawling Google, forums, & social media, AI tools can analyse vast amounts of information in minutes to understand market trends, identify gaps, & get a real feel for the existing landscape. What are people talking about? What are their biggest pain points related to your potential offer? AI can help you hear the whispers & the shouts, giving you a much clearer picture. For example, tools like MarketMuse can quickly identify trending topics & keywords related to your niche, saving you countless hours of manual research. Ideal Client Clarity – Beyond the Demographics: AI can analyse language used in online communities, reviews of similar products, & social media discussions to help you understand the psychographics of your ideal client – their fears, desires, frustrations, & aspirations. This is gold dust when it comes to crafting messaging that truly resonates. For instance, you can use a tool like IBM Watson Personality Insights to analyze social media profiles & identify key personality traits & values of your target audience. Offer Angle & Messaging Testing: Got a few ideas for how to position your offer? AI can analyse which angles are likely to resonate most strongly & help you draft initial messaging. It can even analyse existing high-performing content in your niche to see what language patterns are most effective. It’s like having a focus group at your fingertips! Competitor Analysis (The Smart Way): Understanding what others are offering is key. AI can help you quickly analyse competitor websites, offers, & even customer reviews to identify their strengths, weaknesses, & importantly, any unmet needs you could uniquely fill. Imagine being able to gather all this insight before you invest heavily in building out a new programme or service. This isn’t about letting AI dictate your direction; it’s about allowing it to present you with a rich tapestry of information so you can make smarter, more aligned decisions. This is the kind of strategic support we believe in at Femmeprenista – empowering you with the tools & insights to build with confidence. Side-Stepping the Burnout Trap: AI as Your Time & Energy Saver One of the biggest reasons brilliant female entrepreneurs burn out is because they pour their heart & soul into ventures that aren’t quite the right fit, or aren’t validated. It’s emotionally & energetically draining. By using AI for the heavy lifting of research & validation at the foundational stage , you’re not just saving time; you’re preserving your precious energy for the creative, strategic, & client-facing work that truly lights you up. This proactive, insight-led approach helps you build a business that is not only profitable but also deeply fulfilling & sustainable. It’s about ensuring that the systems you create, the offers you develop, & the marketing you do are all working in harmony, moving you towards your vision without demanding every last ounce of your being. This focus on sustainable energy & efficient systems is a cornerstone of how we help women build businesses that truly flourish. For Foundation Builders like Chloe, who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey & may be juggling a young family while tentatively exploring that first business idea, using AI to validate her concept & define her niche can be incredibly empowering. It can provide the confidence boost needed to take those first crucial steps. If this sounds like you, our Spark Program is designed to provide guided support through these initial, vital stages of idea validation & niche clarity. For Scaling Leaders like Amy, who already have an established business but are perhaps looking to launch a new premium service or refine an existing offer, AI can provide the nuanced market intelligence to make bold, strategic moves with greater certainty. If you're at this stage, looking for that next level of strategic support, our Momentum Coaching could be the perfect catalyst for your growth. Your Business, Your Brilliance, Your Responsibility Now, here’s a crucial point, & it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about: AI is an incredibly powerful tool, but it’s just that – a tool. It can provide you with data, insights, & potential directions. But the magic, the real success, comes from you . It’s your intuition, your unique experience, your values, & your strategic thinking that will ultimately shape your offer & determine its resonance in the market. AI can give you the ingredients, but you’re the master chef who creates the masterpiece. This is about personal responsibility. It’s about taking the insights AI offers & applying your wisdom, your creativity, & your smart action to unlock the true potential of your offer. I’ll admit, even though I’m all about AI now, I initially felt completely overwhelmed trying to implement it in my own business – there’s a learning curve, for sure! My own journey has been far from linear. From feeling like a "replaceable cog" in corporate roles, to navigating the challenges of my first entrepreneurial venture (Nisbett & George, which taught me so much about partnerships & the realities of being a mother in business right after university), to the intense juggle of my MBA at Cranfield with a baby at home, & now my PhD with my two youngest, I’ve learned that progress isn’t always about speed. It’s about smart, consistent action & taking ownership of your path, even when it’s slower or harder than you’d like. AI can help you make those actions smarter & more targeted. So, embrace AI not as a shortcut to avoid the work, but as a powerful ally to make your work more effective, more aligned, & ultimately, more impactful. Let it help you confirm that your brilliant idea truly is a diamond, ready to shine. Ready to Explore AI as Your Strategic Co-Pilot? The world of AI is evolving at lightning speed, & its potential to support us as female entrepreneurs is immense, far beyond simply ticking off tasks. By embracing it as an intuitive & strategic partner for deep market research & offer validation, we can save precious time & energy, avoid costly missteps, & build businesses that are not only profitable but also deeply fulfilling & sustainable. It’s about combining your innate brilliance & intuition with data-informed insights to make powerful, confident decisions. What’s one way you could see AI helping you validate an idea or understand your market better? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Action Steps: Get Started with AI Today Sign up for a free trial of MarketMuse & use it to analyze the top 5 blog posts in your niche to identify key topics & keywords. Use IBM Watson Personality Insights to analyze the social media profile of a prospective client and identify their key values and needs. Brainstorm 3 different angles for positioning your offer & use an AI tool like Jasper to help you draft initial marketing messages for each. 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? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!