Women Mean Biz

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Women Mean Biz

Passionate about networking, education, personal support, and growth for women in business
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WomenMeanBiz is the culmination of years of experience and research, resulting in a focused, empowered and purposeful business forum exclusively for professional and entrepreneurial women. Business networking has become an essential part of business development for SME's and a women’s business networking group allows for both education and business development in an empowering environment that motivates, supports and inspires.

25/04/2024

Is your business making the right first impression?

You might not think that the colours you choose for your brand matter - if you love them then what’s the problem?

There is, however, a reason that you’ll rarely often see themes in the branding among businesses in similar areas. Green and blue are often seen as relaxing colours, whereas red can symbolise power, and the zestiness of orange can spark energy.

Colours, fonts, and the imagery you use in your marketing, all add up to an immediate first impression of your business, whether you like it or not.

Join the incredible Belinda Furneaux Harris as she delves into the secrets of how the right colours could help elevate your brand more than you ever realised.

Book your space here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2170/colour-psychology-the-secrets-to-creating-a-brilliant-brand-identity-for-your-business

23/04/2024

Can’t make in-person networking meetings work? Whether it’s finances, a hectic schedule, or simply not feeling comfortable in a room full of people - we understand that it’s not for everyone.

In which case - why not give online networking a go? It’s the lower-cost, easy-access alternative to in-person networking, that will still allow you to develop lasting relationships and push your business forward.

Why not join us on 9th May for our Women Mean Biz Online networking open day? You’ll get the chance to see how our online meetings run, meet one of our incredible leaders, Vik Martin, and see why online networking is such a valuable addition to your networking strategy!

Book your place here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2274/online-with-wmb

18/04/2024

Business women of Stroud - have you got your ticket to our launch event?

Spaces to this fabulous event are being snapped up, and we can see why! Held at the fabulous Burleigh Court Hotel, Stroud Women Mean Biz is being led by our brilliant leader Jo Weatherall.

Join us for this very special meeting where we’ll share a delicious meal while networking with other inspirational women, and launch Stroud in style!

Book your space here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2331/stroud

16/04/2024

We are thrilled to invite you to the launch event of Women Mean Biz Stroud, a vibrant community dedicated to empowering and connecting women in business. Join us on 22nd April, at the Burleigh Court Hotel!

At Women Mean Biz Stroud, we believe in the power of collaboration, support, and inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business, you’re welcome at Women Mean Biz. We understand the power of new connections, and we’re here to help you.

You can expect:
🔹Incredible networking opportunities with likeminded business women
🔹Inspiring leaders who know exactly how networking can build your business
🔹A business surgery at every event - collaborate with the room on any issues or questions you might have in your business
🔹A delicious lunch while you work!

Have you got your ticket? They’re selling fast, and everyone is welcome so why not come with a friend? Let's make the launch of Women Mean Biz Stroud an unforgettable event!

https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/networking-events/220/stroud/

12/04/2024

BATH!! Are you ready for We Mean Biz?

We are so excited to bring our unbeatable networking format to Bath to compliment our hugely successful Women Mean Biz group.

Join our group leaders Nicky Bevan and Rich Jay as we enjoy a fabulous networking session with inspiration business people from the local area while enjoying a delicious lunch

Book your space at the launch event here: https://www.wemeanbiz.co.uk/networking-events/426/bath/

10/04/2024

Continuing with our incredible line up of workshops - Angela Fumpson will be sharing her Systems for Success with us in yet another brilliant member-run workshop.

Angela will be helping us to ditch the to-do list, understand how to map out your processes to enable future growth, and discover how planning can be FUN!

Our workshops are open to all - so whether you're a WMB member or not, you're welcome to join us! Book your space here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2307/systems-for-success-with-angela-fumpson

08/04/2024

Somerset businesswomen - we’d love to connect with you!

Women Mean Biz Somerset is looking for new members, so why not come along and find out how the right networking group could propel your business further than you ever realised?

Our friendly group, based at the Centurion Hotel in Midsommer Norton is waiting to welcome you with open arms - no matter where you are in your business or networking journey!

Join us for an inspirational meeting, with fabulous leaders Maria Foxwell and Izzy Bristol, with the fabulous businesswomen of Somerset!

Book your space here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2205/somerset

13/03/2024

Bristol Businesswomen! Women Mean Biz Bristol is looking for new members, could you be our perfect fit?

We’re on the hunt for some new additions to our thriving Bristol networking group, and if you’re a B2B industry then we just might be a match made in heaven!

Why not come along to a meeting or two to find out what our groups can offer you and your business? Enjoy a delicious lunch, unrivalled networking opportunities with like-minded businesswomen, and the chance to be part of a networking group that really gets it…

Click the link to book your space for our next meeting: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2250/bristol

11/03/2024

If we surround ourselves with people who have the same life experiences as us, we’ll struggle to learn anything new.

It’s part of the reason that having a diverse range of people within a networking group is so important.

You want both a range of people who might have experienced the world differently, as well as a diverse range of businesses. People in the same industry as you will be able to offer support, but they may well struggle to give you the diversity or even expert advice that you might get from someone in a different profession.

At the end of every WMB meeting, we have a ‘Business Surgery’ where members can ask anything that they might need advice or support with, and it’s always fascinating to hear the different perspectives on the same dilemma. Even if it’s not immediately solved, there’s always a range of brilliant advice to be considered.

How important do you think having a diverse range of people and businesses is in networking groups? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

08/03/2024

I firmly believe that incredible things can happen when we allow everyone to have a seat at the table.

It's why I've always been so passionate about making WMB meetings a safe and inclusive space and ensuring that women in particular are invited and encouraged to share their experiences. One of the best ways that we can try to understand new points of view is by connecting with people.

The theme for International Women's Day this year is and part of my mission with WMB is to be as inclusive as possible - we are committed to creating an environment where every voice is heard and every woman has the opportunity to realise their full potential, both within the world of business and outside of it.

Allowing women the space to connect with other women, to be inspired by each other, to learn from each other, and to help lift each other up is a huge part of the Women Mean Biz ethos. We've come a long way already, but there is still work to be done when it comes to making sure that women from all walks of life are included - no matter what the conversation might be.

So, a huge shout out to all the inspirational women we meet each day; Strong women - may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them!

06/03/2024

Labels. They’re a tricky one, aren’t they?

In one sense, they can be alienating. They can make you feel like you stand out or in some way ‘other’.

In another, it can be incredibly reassuring to know that you belong somewhere. As the saying goes, there’s comfort in finding that you’re a normal zebra, not a strange horse.

Whether you like to give yourself a label or not, I want to make sure that WMB meetings are welcoming no matter what your needs may be. At our last Leadership Team Away Day we took part in neurodiversity training to help us to understand just how we can make this a reality.

Whether it’s someone to meet you at the door, information on exactly how the group will run, a floorplan of the venue, or something entirely different - just reach out to us and we’ll do whatever we can to help make it a positive and uplifting experience for you.

04/03/2024

My Leadership Team is part of what makes the WMB network great.

They’re all incredible individuals who’ve successfully built their own businesses. They're also experienced networkers who are committed to making networking the WMB way the most valuable business networking experience possible.

At our most recent Leadership Team Away Day, we focused on some topics that we felt were vital to ensure each group is GREAT!

Neurodiversity and Inclusion was a big one for the meeting - raising awareness with the team, opening up discussions on where we can improve, and practical solutions to ensure ALL our visitors are welcomed in the way that they want.

We also held other discussions that focused on the various challenges for our Leaders running the different networking groups. It's not an easy task and our teams are amazing.

I’m so grateful to the wonderful team of group leaders we have - they really are the backbone of the WMB community!

29/02/2024

I’m finally 15!

That’s right, I’m a leap-year baby - meaning today is both my 15th and 60th birthday!

I’m so excited to celebrate at the beautiful Burleigh Court Hotel with my family (When we spotted it while venue hunting for WMB Stroud, I knew it was the perfect place to host a special birthday!)

There’s no better place to celebrate a special birthday than surrounded by loved ones, don’t you agree?

28/02/2024

The process of a customer leaving your business is just as important as when they join you.

It might even be more important, as it can make or break the overall way they look back on their time with you as it’s the last experience they’ll have of you or your company - so it’s important to make sure you get it right!

While it might be kindest to your ego to simply let them disappear into the sunset, I would heartily encourage you to have some sort of exit process where you can talk to them about their time and experience with your company. This allows you to get first-hand feedback about what they love (or don’t love) about working with you - and means you can identify, and fix, problems faster.

Do you have a process of getting feedback if a client leaves you? If so, what does it look like?

26/02/2024

Businesswomen of North Somerset - are you looking for a new networking opportunity?

Women Mean Biz North Somerset has relaunched in its brand new home meaning we’ve got space for some new faces! We’d love to welcome you along to a meeting whether you’re just starting out in business or you’re an old hand.

This dynamic group is led by Fenella Hemus and Yasmin McGlashan at Clevedon Golf Club.

We're particularly seeking professional women in the following business categories to come along, as current members are keen to form relationships with you!

Mortgage Adviser
Small business lawyer
Family lawyer
Graphic Designer
SEO
Website designer
Personal Trainer
HR Advisor
Personal Stylist
Photographer
Interior designer

Book your space here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2294/north-somerset

23/02/2024

If you're struggling to make sense of LinkedIn, but know it could be great for your business - our February workshop is an absolute must!

Join Bianca Harris of B. Unleashed as she explains how to build a content strategy that'll gain you the visibility you need, how to understand the algorithm, and how to make your LinkedIn profile work for you.

Get ready to supercharge your visibility!

Book your space at this online workshop here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2172/build-your-personal-brand-on-linkedin

21/02/2024

What we love about our networking groups is that each of them is brilliant in their own unique way.

Our Women Mean Biz South Glos group is no exception!

This intimate group, led by Eunice Learmont and Clare Malone, is the perfect group if you’re nervous about networking. Perfect for introverts or those looking to dip a toe into the networking scene, it’s held at The Grange Hotel.

This fabulous location offers plenty of free parking, no driving into Bristol, and as always with any WMB meeting - a delicious lunch!

We’re looking for new members to join this brilliant group, so why not come along and try us out? Book a guest spot by following the link below!

https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2239/south-glos

14/02/2024

If you're struggling to make sense of LinkedIn, but know it could be great for your business - our February workshop is an absolute must!

Join Bianca Harris of B. Unleashed as she explains how to build a content strategy that'll gain you the visibility you need, how to understand the algorithm, and how to make your LinkedIn profile work for you.

Get ready to supercharge your visibility!

Book your space at this online workshop here:
https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/2172/build-your-personal-brand-on-linkedin

12/02/2024

When you’re building a business, you don’t take a series of random actions and expect it to pay off.

Instead, you focus on taking consistent action. You’re consistent with your clients, to ensure that they have the best possible experience; consistent with your marketing, to make sure people know about you, and consistent with every aspect of your business, because it’s only with consistent action that you can be sure you’re doing everything you can to achieve your goals.

The same goes for developing a network. Building the type of deep, genuine relationships that the WMB network is so well known for takes time and consistency. Members turn up each month, they visit other groups, they deliver keynotes and ‘Member of the Month’ slots, and they do all these things consistently. This means when it comes to referrals - it’s a no-brainer.

Could you be a little more consistent in 2024?

09/02/2024

There are, inevitably, going to be obstacles along the way.

Huge great boulders that block your path and leave you wondering just how you’re going to survive them. It might be that you’ve made a decision that hasn’t turned out the way you wanted, or it might be that your personal life has thrown up circumstances that you never saw coming. It could be a health problem, or it could be any combination of the above.

The point is, there’s going to come a time when you have to adapt when it seems almost impossible to do so. You might wonder how on earth you’re going to do it when it seems like everything is against you - but you absolutely will.

Business owners are renowned for their tenacity, their determination, and their ability to adapt to just about anything. So even if it seems impossible right now, believe me, you will find a way.

07/02/2024

When was the last time you actively asked for feedback in your business?

Getting feedback from your customers is vital, and providing that opportunity, even if it feels a little uncomfortable, is SO important. You want to be the one hearing the things people aren’t so keen on about your business, you don’t want it to be friends, family, business associates, or anyone who might have one day ended up being a potential customer.

When you’ve worked hard on something, it can be tough to hear someone tell you all the things they don’t like, but this is when it’s important to take a step back and use it as a learning tool. If you don’t know the bits that aren’t working, then you can’t develop or grow. It’s as simple as that!

Do you ask your clients or customers for feedback? How often do you ask them, and how do you go about actioning it?

02/02/2024

How you do business will be affected by your core values.

These deeply held beliefs give you a moral guide, and in your business can guide you to make decisions and shape the company culture.

It might be that you value compassion over everything or equality. It could be that respect is key for you, or accountability. We each have a different set of values that we hold close, and while for most of us, there’s a list of things that we would consider ‘no brainers’ - there’ll be one or two values that are the absolute foundation of how we live our lives.

I’d love to know what one or two of your core values are - for me, happiness and nurturing are fundamental to how I try to live. They’re also at the centre of how I run my business, if I can align my decisions with those values then I’m happy!

31/01/2024

What’s one thing you look back on and never thought you’d be able to overcome?

One thing we’re really good at as humans is adapting. So much so, that most of the time we adapt without even realising that’s what we’re doing.

How many times have you looked back and realised even though you might have thought it was completely impossible, you’ve adapted to circumstances you never imagined you could? You might need to adapt to health problems such as failing eyesight or fatigue, or it might be something within your business - a crucial piece of software changing, or an integral team member moving on to a new role.

My point is that there is very little in life that we can’t adapt to somehow. You might think it’s impossible but with a good support network and the right attitude there’s very little that is truly impossible to overcome.

29/01/2024

Women Mean Biz - STROUD is coming in Spring 2024!

One of the things we pride ourselves on is having incredible venues for our networking groups, and Stroud will be no exception with the stunning Burleigh Court Hotel to call home.

Lead by Rachel Carter and Jo Weatherall, we can't wait to meet the businesswomen of Stroud to network the WMB way!

Email [email protected] if you'd like to receive an invitation to the launch meeting.

26/01/2024

Sometimes, I am my biggest critic, and being a perfectionist means that I can give myself a hard time! Does that resonate with you?

We can be so hard on ourselves, can’t we?

But one thing I do know is that failure is all part of the process of improving. There should be no shame in failing in something, whether it's a new product launch, a new service offering, a new process or system, or something else.

It's an opportunity to learn something new, to see things differently, to try something else.

And it's never going to be perfect.

In fact, perfectionism is one of the things that can hold you back from steaming ahead.

Embrace the failures (easier said than done I know) and remember this is the time that you will grow the most.

Take a deep breath, have a moment if you need one, and then pull your socks up and figure out a way around it. You’ve got this!

24/01/2024

What would you say is the most important part of doing business?

For me, without question, it’s communicating. Without communication, there is no business to be done!

This is why I always find it interesting to see that so many of us can be bad at active listening - truly listening to the other person and what they’re saying, and responding to that rather than simply biding our time until we can talk again. In fact, it can be almost unnerving when we speak with someone who is practising active listening as we’re so unused to it!

The words we speak are only a small part of the message we’re sending, which is why it’s so important to take note of the ‘whole package’ when we’re communicating with other people - and why it’s so easy to misinterpret written communication such as emails or texts!

Do you try to practice active listening when networking or doing business? If so, how do you find it - I’d love to know!

19/01/2024

Building a business isn’t something that’ll happen in one go. It’s a case of gradually stacking small pieces until they start to form something bigger, and then starting the tricky process of removing and shaping those initial pieces to move things along as your business develops.

Inevitably, there are going to be times when things get a bit wobbly - you might have shifted something too soon or put it in the wrong place, and there’ll be a moment when you think it’s all going to come crashing down. It might even all topple over and leave you looking at things wondering how on earth you’re going to recover.

This is when your community can swoop in, help you to assess, and support you with the process of recovery and back to growth
Being a business owner is challenging at the best of times, so why play it alone?!

Join us for one of our networking meetings and grab the opportunity to connect with others in business who 'get it'!

https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/networking-events/

17/01/2024

I’ve always struggled a little with feeling guilty when it comes to enjoying the fruits of my hard work.

Whether it’s a new car, a beautiful holiday, or something else, it can feel a little odd to take a step back and be open about the fact you deserve it, and that you’ve worked blooming hard for it! But ultimately - these things are exactly why we work as hard as we do.

As business owners, we’re so often pushing for the next goal or the next step that we forget to really enjoy the fruits of our labour when we can.

So I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone, and saying that I deserve this amazing holiday. I’ve worked hard to be able to step away from my business for this long, and it’s wonderful to be at a point where I can do so.

15/01/2024

I got a few funny looks when I said I’d bought a giant Jenga for the WMB Christmas party.

It might not have seemed like an obvious choice - but the laughter it caused, and watching the instant teamwork it helped to develop meant it soon felt like the most obvious thing in the world!

Watching people who had never met before prowling around the structure, analysing which brick would be the least likely to cause a mildly humiliating crash, and working together to determine how to remove the correct brick, and of course, the celebrations once the task was successfully completed, reminded me of exactly what it takes to run a business.

You can absolutely do it alone, but it’ll probably be far more fun (and possibly even more successful) if you’ve got some backup to support you!

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🌟Did you know?🌟 As well as our WMB networks, we run a Masterminding group called The Level UP Club, designed for those who are ready to take bold & brave steps outside of their comfort zone to really expand their business. So, I am really very excited to announce that this April I will be accepting NEW applications to our Level UP Club!👏 If your business is currently static and possibly retracting, or if you are someone who has so many ideas and things you want to do, but just don’t have the headspace or time to take them forward, then you may benefit hugely from peer to peer support, fresh new ideas, inspiration, accountability and space to work ON your business and not IN your business. Get in touch with me if you wish to chat, just drop me a message.👌 Here’s an example from one of our members Clare. “I joined The Level up Club to further my business allowing expansion. I’m loving the accountability and the short bursts of tasks. I’m also loving working with others in the group and sharing ideas. The most helpful aspect that has impacted my business the most has been the 121 coaching sessions with Philippa and the accountability. This is my first experience working on my business in a structured manner and I’m loving it!” Clare Malone

💖Love is in the air! 💖 A romantic month is in store for us, and it’s also my birthday at the end of the month, so I always look forward to February.🎉 So I’d love to know, what do you love most about networking? For some, this may be tricky to answer as it’s not everyone’s favourite activity! Today I’m running our full day Networking Skills Workshop which is always a popular workshop. The reason I love delivering it is not only because I get to spend the day with our fantastic members, but also because I genuinely enjoy helping and encouraging business owners to network more effectively and authentically. The connections we make today, will be the future for our businesses, so helping business owners to uncover limitless opportunities through networking is certainly very powerful. 💪🌟

I can’t believe we’re almost at the end of another month! A very Happy Monday to you all! How has your Monday gone– let me know what you’ve done today – let’s keep each other motivated! 🌟🌟💪

🌟Our annual leadership away day took place on Monday for leaders and connectors across both networks. 🌟Held at Heywood House in Westbury, the day was a huge success, and the focus was upon making 2023 the best year yet for our networks. ☀️ We kick started the day with a Net-Walk in the beautiful grounds, and then we got cosy in The Treasury room, with inspiring conversations around how we can make a difference. 🫶Thanks to everyone who joined me! What a day! 👏 Belinda Furneaux-Harris , Eunice Learmont, Jen Le Marinel , Fenella Hemus, Clare Malone, Jane Morris, Julie Savage, Lisa Parmley, Deborah Barrett, Georgia Perkins

Anyone else reminiscing about Friday?? 🎉🌟🎅🍷😁 And, what a beautiful location!! 🏰❄️ Don't forget to share your photos and videos using the #WMBxmas......we will be making a reel soon, and want to include as many of your snapshots, too!

Twilight Online is now Twilight Brainstorming and Twilight: Meet the Expert! This exciting new format will give you access to the best business coaches, experienced business owners and experts in a wide variety of fields that will truly benefit you. We will alternate each month, and kick off the new style on Wednesday 7th September with Twilight Brainstorming. Book your space here: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/event/1914/twilight-brainstorming