Follow our Instagram @ForBlackMompreneurs for behind-the-scenes content and community moments

Release Schedule:

New episodes drop every Thursday - subscribe so you never miss the conversation

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional business, financial, or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions. Individual results may vary.

In this episode, host Femi Lewis dives deep into how a mindset shift will transform your networking experiences from anxiety-inducing to opportunity-creating. Whether you're an introvert who dreads networking events or a busy mom who struggles to find time for professional connections, this episode provides practical strategies to approach networking with confidence and authenticity as a Black mompreneur.

Key Topics Discussed

Understanding True Networking vs. Community Building - 02:00

• Networking as an intentional process of building mutually beneficial relationships
• The difference between networking (strategic, goal-oriented) and community building (belonging, shared identity)
• Why the best networking happens when you bring a community mindset to it

Essential Mindset Shifts for Networking Success - 06:13

• Moving from scarcity to abundance mindset
• Focusing on what you can give rather than what you can get
• Embracing long-term relationship building over quick wins
• Owning your expertise, even as a new entrepreneur

Strategic Networking: Black Spaces vs. Mainstream Events - 12:46

• The invaluable role of Black networking spaces for authentic connection
• Why mainstream spaces are necessary for opportunities and resources
• Balancing both environments for maximum impact
• Using Black spaces to fuel confidence in mainstream environments

Setting Realistic Networking Expectations - 14:19

• Networking as a long-term investment, not a quick fix
• Understanding that not every connection leads to business
• Focusing on quality relationships over quantity of contacts
• Preparing for unique challenges as a Black woman in networking spaces

Practical Networking Strategies - 16:20

• Before the Event: Strategic planning, preparation, and rehearsing your introduction
• During the Event: Being present, listening intently, and having meaningful conversations
• After the Event: Following up meaningfully and leveraging social media connections

Key Takeaways & Action Items

1. Shift Your Networking Mindset: Replace "what can I get?" with "what can I give?" and focus on creating mutual value in every interaction.
2. Balance Your Networking Approach: Participate in both Black networking spaces for authentic connection and mainstream events for expanded opportunities.
3. Prepare Intentionally: Research events, plan logistics, and rehearse a 30-second value-based introduction that goes beyond just stating your job title.
4. Focus on Quality Connections: Aim for 3-5 meaningful conversations rather than collecting 50 business cards.
5. Follow Up Within 48 Hours: Send personalized messages referencing your conversation and offer value through resources or introductions.

Quotes to Remember

Follow our Instagram @ForBlackMompreneurs for behind-the-scenes content and community moments

Release Schedule:

New episodes drop every Thursday - subscribe so you never miss the conversation

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional business, financial, or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions. Individual results may vary.

In this transformative episode, Femi Lewis explores why community building is essential for Black women entrepreneurs. Femi shares how community can support you in growing your business and your experiences as an entrepreneur. Moving beyond superficial networking, this episode dives deep into creating authentic, intentional relationships that become the foundation of sustainable business success.

Episode Timeline

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction
[00:11] Episode topic introduction: Building community as business transformation
[01:46] Personal story: Early business struggles and lack of entrepreneurial feedback
[03:35] Why community transforms everything - business, family, and broader impact
[05:27] The generational change happening in real-time
[07:19] Building authentic community: Values, authenticity, and generosity
[08:50] The power of showing up authentically and finding your real people
[10:53] Practical community building: Starting small and being intentional
[12:40] Personal community examples: Maya Hiradat's group and Grameen America
[14:46] Where to look for community: Online and offline strategies
[16:47] Maintaining relationships and showing up consistently
[18:56] Final thoughts and weekly assignment

Key Topics Covered

Why Community Matters for Entrepreneurs

• The isolation of entrepreneurship and its hidden costs
• How community transforms business operations
• The generational impact of entrepreneurial community
• Creating economic ecosystems within Black communities

The Foundation of Authentic Community

• Values Alignment: Building relationships with entrepreneurs who share your core values
• Authenticity: The power of showing up as your real self, struggles and all
• Generosity: Leading with giving rather than taking
• Reciprocity: Creating cultures of abundance where everyone wins

Practical Community Building Strategies

• Starting small with 3-5 core relationships
• Finding community both online and offline
• Maintaining relationships through consistent touchpoints
• Creating your own gathering spaces and mastermind groups

Host's Personal Stories

Early Business Challenges

Femi shares her experience of trying to build her brand alone, using Canva for design work, and seeking feedback from well-meaning friends who couldn't provide the entrepreneurial insight she needed.

Where Femi Found Community

• Malla Hiradat's "Crush Your Sales" Group: A pandemic-era community that helped Femi level up her business game
• Grameen America: A micro-lending program in NYC that provides both funding and weekly community meetings for women entrepreneurs

Key Insights & Quotes

• "Entrepreneurship was never meant to be a solo journey, even if we are heading our own companies."
• "Community isn't just about what you can get, it's about what you can create together."
• "Quality over quantity - you don't need a community of a hundred women. You need a core group of three to five women who are genuinely committed to each other's success."
• "When one woman in your community

Follow our Instagram @ForBlackMompreneurs for behind-the-scenes content and community moments

Release Schedule:

New episodes drop every Thursday - subscribe so you never miss the conversation

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional business, financial, or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions. Individual results may vary.