For the past six years working with micro and small business owner women day-in-day out, here are a few things I know to be truths:  

• all women in business face the same challenges: connection and time!
• People are hesitant to commit to events without a clear purpose and benefit
• Typical business conferences are rarely programmed to suit working parents
  

That’s why back in 2018 the Mums & Co team (one heavily pregnant and I with toddlers in tow) created Be MPowered – the conference for business owing women. And it remains why this unique event is back for its fourth year on Thursday 13 October 2022.

Connection

There are ~670k women business operators in Australia … and 64% of them operate as sole traders with no employees! It’s time to be visible again, meet in person and make meaningful connections.

We’ve been separated and connecting digitally for the most part of the last two and a half years. Just last week, as I attended a training session in the office and realised that despite ‘working with’ a colleague for more than a year in the same city, it was the first face-to-face meeting we had held together.  

Entrepreneurial drive is not bound by location, industry sector, motherhood stage or business age.  A business is a huge part of a business owner’s identity. Caring responsibilities take significant amounts of energy and attention. That’s why mums need to solve the time challenge – as they are project managing their business and their life!

Our event with you is a programmed day to build this essential skill in a way that also boosts connectivity.  

We are cognisant of the loneliness and isolation of running a business whilst raising a family, to overcome. Our promise is to introduce you to (at least) two women to grow your network.  

And while many are looking forward to the real-life element of our signature event this year, if you can’t in person you shouldn’t be penalised.  

At Mums & Co we are true advocates of what we call “Digital Serendipity”. It’s achieved by using online introductions and networks to connect with people you wouldn’t normally cross paths with. This works well for so many women working from home, running their own businesses and juggling motherhood. Networking cannot be underestimated in its valuable for your personal growth, confidence and future prospects; geography should not limit the chances to increase the size of your professional network.  

Building, growing and nurturing relationships in virtual conditions has flaws (as a relatively new concept should), as well as untapped potential. We’re doing our part to help facilitate this with new digital tools, and we all need to embrace digital serendipity opportunities to find spontaneous connections, knowledge sharing and creativity to collaborate and ultimately be more productive.

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Flexibility without sacrificing productivity

Mums & Co respects that time is our most valuable resource. Short sessions are snackable and for digestion in real-time or as recordings, so delegates can prioritise topics relevant to their business and still fit in client, personal or family needs. You can dial in and dial out – join the sessions that you can and catchup in your own time.

Conference timing takes place between 9:45am - 2:00pm during school hours so women don’t have to choose between their ambition and raising a family (we start after drop off and we wrap before pickup).  
We created a totally flexible event that you can attend in person or watch online. A digital pass means with wifi you can dial in from the car, farm, cafe or office.  

We’ve also got your back if you need the flexibility demanded by sleepless nights, caring for the elderly, pregnancy due dates, the odd sick child (or mum having caught something from said sick child) … whatever life throws your way. All sessions will be made available on the Mums & Co platform immediately following the event. Not being able to join last minute means you won’t skip a beat or waste your hard-earned money.

Be unapologetic. Don’t choose between your ambitions or your family #mumbition

Come together to dedicate a day to you – to your wellbeing, to work on (not just in) your business and to supporting the community of business mums around you. Come to know that you’re not doing this daily striving of work-life integration challenge alone. Step into your mumbition - unapologetically blend your ambition and motherhood, whichever way you need to.

Be MPowered by Mums & Co is created by women for women. Our speakers and experts are also working parents or those that actively support them.  

We have hand-crafted the program addressing how to achieve the elusive trifecta of ambition, livelihood and wellbeing with topics including courageous leadership, a wealth building mindset, marketing nous and life admin hacks to help you be more productive. An inspiring yet actionable keynote address is followed by an interactive workshop to immediately put into practice key learnings. 

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The dynamic speaker line-up of business owners has been selected with careful consideration to express the values of Mums & Co. Each keynote address and workshop host has excelled in their field and will share their insights, strategies and actionable tips. See the full program here.

We want women at all stages of business and motherhood to bring their problems to this safe space, to leverage and connect with likeminded women like them.

My ask today is to kindly share our invite with another woman or join us at Be MPowered 2022 by Mums & Co

Thursday 13 October 2022

Be MPowered | Conference for Business-Owning Women| Mums & Co (mumsandco.com.au)