No woman is an island – If I look over my last 16 years of running my businesses, it’s been a steep learning curve with a few twists and turns, expensive lessons and some rewarding wins and a good few G&T’s.
Abbie Coleman is a seasoned expert with a diverse background spanning over 25 years in recruitment. With 12 years of owning her own recruitment firm in the heart of Leeds, she brings a wealth of experience in talent acquisition and management.
Additionally, Abbie has dedicated 10 years to advocating for working mums’ rights in the workplace, championing initiatives to close the motherhood penalty and promote flexible work arrangements and returner programs.
Her expertise has been recognized and quoted in various reputable publications, including the Telegraph, Derbyshire Times, Personnel Today, HR News, and the CIPD returner report and many more.
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No Woman Is An Island: Building Your Network With MMB
In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, my journey over the past ten years has been a thrilling rollercoaster ride. It’s been a symphony of valuable lessons, costly missteps, exhilarating triumphs, and more than a few celebratory G&Ts. And its taught me no woman is an Island they need a network.
Reflecting on those pivotal moments when progress felt elusive, I pinpointed a common pitfall: getting lost in the daily grind instead of steering the ship from the helm. It’s a timeless dilemma encapsulated by the question, “Are you a hairdresser or a salon owner?” This question helped my vision—to create a brand that thrives and is part of a community, not one person.
A turning point occurred a few years back when I mustered the courage to step back and refocus my energy on the bigger picture. Yet, the path ahead seemed daunting. Where could I find the sage advice and guidance without breaking the bank on expensive consultations? Where could i find my people?
Networking events are a mixed bag of experiences.
Having traversed numerous networking events, many i have written about here including the good the bad and the ugly. I discovered that options for women were often limited, offering subpar advice from self-assured yet under-qualified lifestyle business owners. Conversely, corporate senior events were not readily accessible for smaller business owners without corporate budgets or large business wins for the host. The quest for quality connections proved challenging.
So, how did I turn the tide? How did I find myself seated at the table with seasoned experts?
It all unfolded organically, over the clink of glasses and the fizz of tonic. Like-minded business owners and women in business convened, sharing war stories and tackling business challenges head-on. We realised our collective wisdom could resolve most of them in under two hours. Yet, it took over five years to curate this extraordinary network. I couldn’t help but feel the frustration at the scarcity of platforms catering to women in business. We were out there in our droves but just not connected. So I made it my business every time I was introduced to an amazing women in business, i connected themm with my network.
Creating My Powerhouse MMB Network
Over the past ten years, my network has blossomed through two businesses, two children, and a relocation to Derbyshire. I embrace connections with exceptional or passionate individuals who lead their enterprises or who are senior authorities in their domains and industries, as well as those who have stepped out to launch their own businesses.
I look for those who invest in their networking and network and hold those contacts close as they know the worth of a connected and tristed collective and the power of a recommendation from this.
Now, when I sit down to chart the course for my business, MMB boasts its powerhouse network. Together, we’ve shaped each other’s journeys and fostered invaluable connections and collaborations. I stand more vital than ever, knowing my network is a force to be reckoned with. And now I get to build it in Derbyshire, a region that holds my heart and has much to offer.
Unlocking Potential with MMB Network
MMB Network is more than a gathering of ambitious businesswomen; it’s a sanctuary for growth and mutual empowerment. Our unwavering commitment to confidentiality unlocks solutions to business roadblocks and hones strategies to seize opportunities. It’s a sanctuary where you, as an individual, flourish amongst a circle of confidantes and soon-to-be friends.
In crafting the MMB Network, we’ve built a haven for women in business to thrive, collaborate, and chart their course to success. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative of women in business, one powerhouse connection at a time.
Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
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#No woman is an island