Are Networking Events for Mums Just a scam? Unpacking My Experience
As a mumpreneur, I recently decided to explore the world of business networking by attending a monthly event specifically designed for mothers like me. While I hoped to connect with like-minded professionals and gain valuable insights, my experience left me questioning the integrity of such gatherings.
Upon arrival, I noticed a peculiar atmosphere reminiscent of a pyramid scheme. The event organizer seemed to be enamored with the “national head honcho,” promoting them in a manner that felt almost cult-like. The promises of extraordinary online training and connections to expansive networks in other cities were enticing yet vague, especially when tied to a monthly membership fee.
Among the attendees, several women identified themselves as business coaches or mentors. One particularly vocal individual boasted about her impressive earnings of £300,000 from various courses, punctuating her success with tales of luxurious getaways. This led me to wonder whether some of these presenters were more focused on selling their educational materials than fostering genuine, reciprocal business relationships. It felt like I was witnessing a pitch aimed at extracting money rather than a collaborative networking opportunity.
Interestingly, I observed that two of us—the new woman I was sitting with and I—seemed to be the only ones actually running existing businesses. The rest appeared to thrive on the notion of ‘passive income’ and entrepreneurial hustle, reminiscent of certain, shall we say, controversial online mentors. My thoughts raced: Were we the unsuspecting targets in this networking tableau?
On the bright side, I didn’t encounter the usual array of multilevel marketing schemes promoting beauty products or kitchen gadgets, so perhaps the participants were aiming higher.
This experience leaves me pondering what a “real” networking event should entail. Are such gatherings merely platforms for business coaches and financial advisors seeking new clients, or can they provide genuine opportunities for authentic partnerships and growth?
If you’ve attended similar events, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do networking events for mums have the potential to foster valuable connections, or do they often veer into the territory of self-promotion disguised as collaboration? Let’s discuss!
