A pioneering group has been launched in Bristol to bring in from the cold the one group who are marginalised when it comes to normal daytime networking opportunities – self-employed parents.
Founded by South Bristol blogger and mum of two Faye Dicker, Freelance Mum is a digital hub designed to support parents in business, sharing advice and showcasing success via podcasts.
Networking with Freelance Mum sessions invite parents in business, usually restricted from daytime networking due to a lack of child-free time, the chance to bring the kids along.
Two taster events in June and July proved so successful that Networking with Freelance Mum sessions will now take place every month at locations around Bristol. The most recent one took place last Friday starting from St Andrew’s Park.
Faye realised that Bristol’s rising number of self-employed parents rarely had a chance to talk business without having to worry about childcare.
She said: “As a busy parent I know only too well that often there aren’t enough hours in the day. I meet so many parents who have been inspired to start their own business after parenthood, yet traditional business meetings and networking opportunities are impossible with a child in tow. It can sometimes feel like you’re operating with one hand tied behind your back!
“Ours is the only business networking event in Bristol that allows you to bring your children. We shape our sessions around outdoor walks, providing plenty of distraction for the little ones, meaning that conversation can flow freely. Parents can make new business connections and hear from inspiring keynote speakers, while gaining mutual support from others at the same time. Only another freelance parent can truly understand the challenges of creating a new venture, whilst looking after your other little creations at the same time!”
PR & Events Manager Sarah-Jane Freni, a freelance mum who attended a recent networking event, said: “It’s a great idea. It gave me the opportunity to meet other like-minded people and freely discuss business opportunities whilst my young baby happily admired the view and enjoyed the fresh air. I think a network like this has been missing for some time on Bristol’s business scene. The word is spreading and I’m really excited to be a part of it now as it grows.”
The next two Networking with Freelance Mum events will be on Tuesday October 7 and Monday November 3.
The October meeting will depart from South Street Park, Southville. A short icebreaker will open the session at 10am before a 20-minute facilitated outdoor walk and talk, followed by pit-stop at St Paul’s Church on Coronation Road.
The November meeting will depart from St Andrews Park, North Bristol. A short icebreaker opens the session before a 20 minute facilitated walk to play café KudaCan.
Networking with Freelance Mum is sponsored by Bristol companies Relish and SeeingSticks, who provide snacks and interactive activity packs for the children. Tickets are £5 and available at www.freelancemum.co.uk
