Karen Dennett's Business Mentoring and Hello Monday seeks to provide the tools and mentoring empowering female business owners to get better, get wiser, get purpose, get direction and get confident to achieve success on their terms.

Connect with Karen on:

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Tell us how your business came to be

I am an enterprise geek! I have Founded two successful businesses and Co-Founded the Future Female Leaders Program. I taught business and enterprise for over 15 years, I have a degree and experience in marketing and I am a Certified Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile Practitioner. As a champion for women I wanted to combine my skills to uplift and up-skill women business owners to run their businesses their way as their best selves.

What has been one of your best business calls/decisions to date?

Co-Founding the Future Female Leaders Program. This industry funded program has grown to become a highly regarded and transformative flagship program was the launchpad for Future Female Leaders and we are forging an ecosystem of purpose-driven female leaders across Western Australia. That first phone call to share the seed of an idea has changed lives and made an impact. So proud!

If you could re-do / change something about your biz - what would it be?

I wish I had been more confident on camera earlier and got myself out there onto panels and taken up more speaking opportunities. I now know that Hello Monday is making a difference and I am now focusing on raising my profile to create impact.

What does your typical day look like?

What is a typical day? As a late diagnosed ADHD GenX woman, it took years and lots of reading and seeking support to hone my self-developed coping strategies and block my week into strategic, daily and project tasks. This blocking includes allowing time with my children and more wellness activities and is a game changer.

Describe a time when you took a risk - how did it work out for you?

I packed up my family to move across the world from the UK to Australia. I was a disenchanted burnt-out teacher who craved a better life for my children and better weather. I could never have predicted where this journey has taken me. There have been high highs and low lows, but mostly I have evolved and grown.

What’s something raw & unfiltered you’ve been through / never told anyone about your business or motherhood?

Losing our nephew in a tragic accident during a family visit shortly after we arrived to Australia sent me on a life-altering journey of self-reflection and shifted how I viewed life, work and relationships. Embarking on therapy, a shift in my trajectory and a complex and difficult marriage separation.

Your daily motto?

Be your best self.

What is something about running your business that you wish you had been told sooner?

To take the focus away from myself and focus on the value that I am providing. This shift has increased my confidence, courage and conviction.

How do you maintain your motivation?

By writing and focusing on my manifesto and creating impact. The difference that I am making for my customers, my community and my world.

What’s one thing you know that will benefit our audience? Let them know!

That up-skilling and getting better in business is a regular practice that requires applying proven concepts, reflection and making small improvements in bite-sized chunks every week. You can achieve sustainable success in your business on your terms without having to spend $$$

What are your favourite business tools (and why?)

I love using my own Hello Monday templates to focus on my branding, mindset, revenue and customer journey. I love using Canva and Instagram to create and share wisdom and insights. I would also be lost without Google Calendar and Xero.

What is one facet of your field that you would like to see changed?

I would like to see greater recognition that a micro business is a meaningful and viable lifestyle choice. Too much support and emphasis is placed on scaling businesses or working to a formula for success. We may have a micro business we can still do this in the best way possible, achieve financial security and make a difference. More tailored support should be given to support the needs of micro business owners, with understanding of the unique challenges faced.

What projects are coming up next?

My mission is for female micro business owners across Australia to harness Hello Monday as a weekly practice to get better, wiser, connected, purposeful and confident. I know it works and I want all female micro business owners to access as an essential resource for their business success.

What would you like to see more of when it comes to helping women in small businesses succeed?

Support and guidance tailored to the specific challenges that women micro business owners face. Mentors who get it. access to specialists, VAs and for reaching and connecting the right audience and decision makers to become easier.

What is one of the most important piece of advice you would give to someone beginning their business? A couple of years into their business?

Beginning - done is better than perfect. Focus on getting your first customer/client and get clear on your value.

A couple of years in - Know your value, refine your value, share your value, be consistent in your message. Focus on continuous improvement over time.

What do you think is your most transferable skill between motherhood and business?

Empathy and that nurturing desire to help others be their best selves.

What’s your approach to dealing with the pressures of running your business?

Take time out to go for a walk, pause and reflect. Connect with other women in business and build your tribe. Your family and friends probably wont understand so make sure you have aligned women you can reach out to for connection and support.

What mantra do you live by?

It will always work out in the end

What’s the last book you read that you’d recommend to a friend?

Your Next Chapter by Angela Raspass (and the 12 Week Year is great if execution is something you struggle with)

What does mumbition mean to you? (the unapologetic blending of motherhood and ambition)

Creating impact in your business while remaining authentic and available to your children and life. (n.b. they probably wont get it or appreciate your impact until they are older)

What’s the best part of being part of the Mums & Co community?

The community and access to experts

How has Mums & Co helped you?

I have just joined but I can't wait for my 1:1 and connecting with the awesome mums in business in the community.

Are there any areas you’re seeking help for in your business?

To spread the word and get Hello Monday out there and making a difference.

What are three things you could help other members with?

Mentoring, Entrepreneurial Mindset and a guided weekly practice to upskill and get better in business.

Who are the mumbitous business owners you would like to shout out to here?

Emma Cannon - has courageously created a booking platform for parents to access the right services and support for their children's mental health. Karen Weaver - Publisher and Author and a source of inspiration for myself and other mums in business. Karen helped me self-publish my Children's book, introduced me to networks in my first business and spoke at my events.

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