Yasmin Walter of KMD Books is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, international bestselling author and modern publisher based in Australia.
As a female founder, I stand proud when I say collaboration over competition plays a vital role in empowering women in business. By coming together, women can create a supportive and inspiring environment where they share skills, knowledge and resources, leading to innovation, growth and positive change. Let’s explore the importance of collaboration for women in business and take into consideration these practical ideas for fostering collaboration.
Understanding The Power Of Collaboration
Collaboration among women in business offers numerous benefits. When women collaborate, they combine their strengths, leading to collective empowerment and growth. By sharing ideas, experiences and perspectives, women foster innovation and challenge societal stereotypes that pit them against each other. Collaboration becomes a catalyst for breaking glass ceilings and creating a stronger collective voice in various industries.
When we share our stories together, we create a tapestry of inspiration, resilience and shared experiences. Ultimately, collaboration among women promotes unity, mutual success and a stronger collective voice in various fields and industries. Here are seven practical ways for women to collaborate in business:
1. Networking Events
Attend women-centric networking events to connect, build relationships and collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs. Once a month, I host an exciting women’s-only networking event at We Gather Studio in Perth, Western Australia. It’s a unique twist on traditional networking in which we’ve taken inspiration from Tinder.
Picture this: No more awkwardly handing out business cards. Instead, we gather in a circle and—just like swiping left or right on a dating app—we tick to show interest in connecting with others. We’ve banned business cards to keep things fresh and exciting. After the event, I personally gather all the matches and share their contact details if both parties swiped “yes.” It’s a fun way to make connections and, most importantly, it ensures we’re making quality connections.
2. Online Communities And Forums
Join virtual communities and forums that provide a space for women in business to share ideas, seek advice and form partnerships. I find like-minded groups on Facebook are surprisingly helpful as you will find other female founders who will meet you where you’re at in your business journey.
3. Co-Working Spaces
Consider working in co-working spaces, as they offer excellent opportunities for collaboration, networking and creating a vibrant workplace culture.
When I founded my tech company, Tagroom, in 2011, we chose to set up in a co-lab working space in Sydney during the early days of the tech startup scene. Being surrounded by other innovative and out-of-the-box thinkers in that environment kept me encouraged and grounded. The co-lab space served as a hub of inspiration, fostering creativity and providing a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
4. Joint Projects Or Ventures
Partner with other women-owned businesses to create impactful projects that leverage collective expertise and resources. For instance, I founded a literary project called “Curiosity killed the 9-5.” In this publication, we delve into the fascinating world of female entrepreneurs and explore the pivotal role that curiosity plays in their remarkable success stories.
By coming together, we expand our reach and tap into each other’s networks, creating opportunities to educate readers and provide them with valuable insights into the mindset of thriving business owners.
5. Mentorship And Mentor Circles
Engage in mentorship programs, either as a mentor or mentee, to exchange knowledge, skills and experiences. Mentor circles, where a group of women entrepreneurs support and learn from each other, can also be highly valuable.
6. Collaboration On Marketing Initiatives
Explore opportunities for joint marketing initiatives with complementary businesses owned by women. Co-hosting events, cross-promoting each other’s products or services or collaborating on marketing campaigns can expand your reach and visibility. I find great success when participating in live videos on Instagram or collaborating on a joint reel.
7. Skill Sharing And Workshops
Organize or participate in skill-sharing sessions and workshops where women can teach and learn from one another. This can be a great way to collaborate by sharing knowledge and enhancing each other’s skills.
Final Thoughts
I’ve noticed within my network of women, there is a natural curiosity and inclination to embark on new business ventures, especially after having a baby. This can be influenced by various factors. Many women possess a strong entrepreneurial drive, fueled by their curiosity and the desire to explore new opportunities. This drive can stem from their passion for a particular field, the longing for independence and personal fulfillment, or the aspiration to create a better future for themselves and their families.
Starting a business allows women to have more flexibility and control over their work-life balance, which is especially important after becoming a mother. It provides them with the chance to align their business with their values, priorities and preferred schedule. Entrepreneurship empowers women, giving them a sense of freedom, financial independence and the opportunity to showcase their skills, knowledge and creativity. The desire to set a positive example for their children can be a strong motivator, encouraging women to address unmet needs and gaps in the market, particularly in industries that cater to families, mothers or children.
Starting a business also offers personal growth, skills development and continuous learning opportunities. Women are driven to challenge themselves, expand their abilities and explore new paths of self-improvement along their entrepreneurial journey.
When women come together to collaborate, they can share their skills, knowledge and resources, creating a collective strength that uplifts everyone involved. Collaboration allows for the exchange of ideas, experiences and perspectives, leading to greater innovation and growth. It also helps break down barriers and overcome societal stereotypes that pit women against each other. By supporting and uplifting one another, women can collectively challenge the status quo, break glass ceilings and create positive change.
Remember, collaboration thrives when there is openness, trust and a shared vision. By actively seeking and embracing collaboration opportunities, women in business can create a powerful and supportive network that propels everyone forward.
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