I’m so excited to have Lashonda Geffrard, the founder of Black Pet Business Network as my first podcast guest of Q4. This quarter is dedicated to learning about collaboration and networking. Something Lashonda is an expert at!
In this conversation, she shares how she came up with the idea for the Black Pet Business Network. It was born from a desire to connect with grooming shop owners during the pandemic to see how they were running their businesses amidst shutdowns and quarantines.
Actionable Networking Strategies for Your Pet Business
It’s no surprise that this network took off because Lashonda is an amazing networker! In this interview she explains 3 actionable tips on how to improve your pet business networking skills:
- Be authentically you
- Think outside the box about who you network with
- Have a strategy before you walk in the door
You’ll hear great pet-industry-specific examples and ideas to inspire you.
About 6 minutes into this interview something crazy happened! Lashonda’s Damanatian, Penny, went into labor! Ever the professional, Lashonda took a break to care for Penny then came back later that afternoon to tell us more about networking to grow your pet business.
Anyhow… Congratulations on 7 beautiful puppies!
Meet Lashonda Geffrard, Black Pet Business Network
Lashonda Geffrard, CEO and visionary founder of Black Pet Business Network (BPBN), is dedicated to revolutionizing the workforce in the pet industry.
With 18 plus years of experience, Lashonda’s passion for career and professional advancement for people of color is evident in every aspect of her work.
Through advocacy, education, and community building, Lashonda aims to create new opportunities for advancement, recognition, and success for Black professionals and entrepreneurs in all sectors of the pet industry. Her unwavering commitment to empowerment and advocacy serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals within the industry to embrace diversity and work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Build Relationships with Easy Networking Tips
- Be Authentic: Lashonda emphasizes the importance of being your genuine self. It’s not just about business; it’s about building real, lasting relationships.
- Think Outside the Box: Discover the benefits of stepping outside your comfort zone. Lashonda shares her top tips on attending events that might not be directly related to your pet niche but can offer incredible opportunities.
- Strategic Networking: Learn how to create a networking plan and execute it effectively. From using social media to attending trade shows, Lashonda offers insights on how to connect with strategic partners.
- Community Success: Learn how Lashonda leveraged networking to sustain her grooming business during challenging times and how her community initiatives continue to thrive.
October Networking Challenge: Lashonda has given us a mission – network with 2 to 5 people a day! Whether it’s a DM, a LinkedIn message, or a voice note, let’s connect meaningfully. Who’s ready to take on the challenge?
Get Involved: Interested in joining the Black Pet Business Network or collaborating with Lashonda? Reach out and expand your pet industry community.
OVERVIEW OF THIS EPISODE:
- Why it’s important to connect with other business owners
- How to think outside the box with partnerships
- Networking is key to building a healthy business
- How networking has helped Lashonda’s grooming business
- Lashonda’s grand dog went into labor!
- How to join the Black Pet Business Network
WHERE TO FIND LASHONDA:
- Website: blackpetbusinessnetwork.com
- Instagram: @blackpetbusinessnetwork
- Facebook: @blackpetbusinessnetwork
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