Community over Competition: The top 10 reasons why It’s beneficial for you and your business

Running a business, especially from home, can be isolating. Often the only time we will see another adult is on the school run, and though it can be peaceful at times, especially after the chaos of getting the kids ready in the morning, it can also become quite lonely, (whether you’re an introvert or extrovert).

Joining a community like ours, of like-minded mums provides you with a supportive network where you can share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs, and creates a virtual team around you. Knowing you’re not alone in your journey can make a significant difference in your mental well-being and motivation. 

As Maker Mums we are in a unique position. Not only are we mums with our businesses (mompreneurs) but we also design and make our products, which opens up a whole new list of jobs/challenges. Being able to chat, share, and learn with mums who understand these challenges is invaluable! Not sure about you, but my husband is self-employed (electrician), and though he tries, he still doesn’t understand what I do on a daily basis, never mind the challenges I face.

Our community allows you to work alongside like-minded ladies who won’t care that you have a baby feeding, a toddler screaming, or a teenager listening to loud music, in the background of a video call. 

“A rising tide lifts all boats”. The saying holds true in the world of creative businesses, and I honestly believe more so.

Now, of course, there’s always an element of competition, as with any business, but if we embrace a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, and acknowledge that there’s enough ‘pie’ to go around, we can work together, supporting each other and ALL grow together. 

Supporting and celebrating the achievements of fellow mompreneurs, seeing their successes as inspiration rather than competition, creates a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

Rooting for each other and sharing resources, tips, and even referrals, builds a network that extends far beyond business. Each connection strengthens the community, reminding us that there truly is enough success for everyone. We live in a world where competition can be isolating, so choosing to grow together makes the journey richer, more connected, and more fulfilling, and you may make a few lifelong friends along the way.

Supporting, encouraging, and lifting up fellow makers, speaks volumes to your character as a person and therefore a business. 

Being selfless and showing genuine integrity by helping and investing in others, shows you’re a caring person and not just out for yourself. Unfortunately, these aren’t characteristics that are easy to come by nowadays, especially in the ‘business’ world, so when they are displayed, people notice. 

Being a contributing and positive part of a supportive community showcases your character to both your peers and attracts potential customers.  

It’s more important to consumers than ever before, to support businesses that align with their personal values, whether that’s supporting local businesses, small businesses or businesses that focus on ethically sourced products etc. So you could benefit from extra support and custom by simply doing the right thing.

You hear people talk about the power of positivity and the power of words all the time, but did you know that scientists have been researching the physical health benefits of positive thinking? 

Now I consider myself a realist, not hugely optimistic or pessimistic, but somewhere in between. I have however noticed that if nothing else, it’s far more pleasant being positive than it is being negative. 

The energy you bring to life or work every day influences the overall atmosphere of your mind business. 

Choosing positivity and encouragement over rivalry, fosters a nurturing environment, whereas choosing a competitive mindset can be toxic and puts you under a lot of unnecessary stress. 

As you sow seeds of goodwill, you’ll likely find others responding in kind. What goes around truly comes around in the world of business relationships.

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. 

When you’re surrounded by fellow Maker Mums, you’ll find amazing opportunities to connect with others who understand your journey and may even have complementary skills that open doors for partnership. These relationships go beyond just friendly chats, as they can spark collaborations that benefit everyone involved, introducing your work to new audiences and expanding your network in meaningful ways.

Collaborative projects also bring fresh ideas and shared resources, helping you reach bigger goals. Plus, there’s something truly fulfilling about working together and celebrating each other’s successes. In a community-over-competition mindset, each connection strengthens not just individual businesses but the whole network, creating lasting friendships and partnerships that make the journey even more rewarding.

A supportive community is a natural source of referrals. When the community understands your business and trusts your expertise, they will likely recommend you to their networks. 

You can’t be all things to all people, but luckily there’s a community of creatives to help carry the weight. Even people within the same creative industry, (let’s use cardmakers as an example here), won’t have the same style as you, so you could refer a customer to a fellow cardmaker for a more comical card, or a personalised card, where your cards may be hand painted. 

Or maybe you simply don’t have the time, and in this case, you could refer a customer to a fellow maker, benefitting all three parties:

1. You’re not stressed due to over-promising on your time
2. Your fellow maker has the work
3. Your customer is happy as they have the item they would like from someone you trust and have recommended. 

You may also encounter a customer who isn’t a good fit for your business but would work well with a fellow maker. 

Whatever your reason for referring to another maker,  you may also benefit as that maker is far more likely to refer back to you down the line. 

Acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others in your community builds a culture of mutual respect. Not only does this contribute to the positive vibe within the group, but it also positions you as a generous and appreciative business owner, fostering goodwill and loyalty.

Please also note that there are not only moral consequences to taking credit for someone else’s work but also legal consequences under copyright laws. Using or claiming someone else’s designs, ideas, or content as your own is considered infringement and may result in legal action. So always give credit where it’s due, and seek permission if you wish to share or reference another maker’s work.

When you’re surrounded by other creative mompreneurs, in a safe space for expression, new ideas naturally begin to flourish. Seeing different perspectives, getting honest feedback, and brainstorming together can reignite that creative spark, helping you see fresh possibilities and exciting approaches for your own business. 

Engaging with fellow mompreneurs adds layers to your creative thinking and often inspires ideas you might have yet to explore. The amazing diversity of talents, skills, and styles within the community enriches the creative pool, giving everyone a chance to learn, adapt, and grow. 

It’s amazing how a simple conversation with another Maker Mum can lead to a breakthrough idea or a fresh direction you’re excited to pursue. Here, creativity thrives because it’s shared, supported, and celebrated by everyone involved.

Being part of a supportive community naturally encourages self-improvement in a way that’s both uplifting and inspiring, without the need for cutthroat competition. In a group of like-minded Maker Mums, you’re surrounded by others who, like you, are continually seeking to grow, learn, and refine their skills. This shared journey encourages us to look for ways to improve ourselves, not by comparing or competing, but by respecting and learning from each other’s perspectives and experiences.

The beauty of a community like this is that everyone brings something unique to the table. By exchanging insights, offering honest feedback, and learning from each other’s successes and challenges, we gain fresh ideas and practical skills that can make a real difference in our personal and business lives. This friendly environment fosters both confidence and curiosity, motivating us to embrace new approaches and strengthen our own journeys.

A supportive community becomes a true safety net in challenging times, offering encouragement when we need it most and cheering us on through our achievements. Sometimes, just a simple conversation with another Maker Mum opens our minds to perspectives we hadn’t considered or gives us that boost to try something new. And as we each give back—whether it’s through advice, sharing techniques, or simply being there to listen—we find a deeper purpose and fulfilment, knowing that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

Learning from each other is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Many Maker Mums may feel hesitant to share their hard-earned techniques or business strategies, fearing it might create more competition. But the truth is, there’s plenty of pie to go around! When we share our knowledge and insights, we lift up the entire community, creating a culture where we all grow stronger together. 

Whether it’s practical business advice, a new painting technique, or navigating the challenges of potty training, the collective wisdom of a community provides a wealth of knowledge you can’t find anywhere else.

When you leverage insights your peers share, you’re enhancing your business, boosting your creativity, and building a support system, which is far more valuable than working in isolation. What goes around truly comes around—by teaching others, you open doors to fresh ideas, new collaborations, and the kind of mutual respect that strengthens your journey. 

Choosing community over competition is a powerful step toward a more fulfilling, balanced, and successful journey as a Maker Mum. When you surround yourself with a network of like-minded creatives, you gain more than just business tips and encouragement—you gain a support system that genuinely cares about your growth and well-being. Each Maker Mum brings something unique to the table, and by sharing our experiences, skills, and insights, we lift each other up in ways we never could alone.

If you want to feel more connected, inspired, and motivated, joining a supportive community of people going through, or have been through, the same things, can make all the difference. It’s a place to celebrate wins, navigate challenges together, and always find someone cheering you on. So why go it alone when there’s a world of Maker Mums ready to welcome you? Join a community that values collaboration, respect, and genuine support—and experience the rewards of growing, learning, and thriving together. Together, we are truly unstoppable.