Embracing Allyship: Joining Forces to Elevate Minority Entrepreneurs
Humility. Listening skills. Love.
Those concepts took the spotlight at a panel discussion on pro bono consulting and skills-based volunteering, co-hosted by the Minority Business Growth Alliance and the Twin Cities chapter of Ellevate Network. The panel included:
MBGA clients and business owners
Tasha Harris, Kobi Co.
Dr. Chris Brooks, managing partner at Brown Venture Group and MBGA board member
Katie Walter, marketing consultant and MGBA volunteer
Maggie Knoketo, moderator
Building solid relationships between owners and volunteers requires a sense of balance. Dr. Brooks offered advice for volunteers: “The secret ingredient for successful pro bono consulting is humility. Lack of humility will crush the relationship. One side does not have all the answers.”
Dave Wanpue shared his observation that pro bono consulting holds value for both the owners and the volunteers as a way they can both “make the world a better place.” With his intense focus on his business and unpredictable schedule, Dave expressed appreciation for volunteers who are comfortable following his agenda, pace and goals. His gratitude extended to those who took the time to listen to his story and understand what he truly needed.
For volunteers, taking the time to truly listen and reflect can take practice. As Katie Walter expressed, she had to set aside the corporate mindset of “getting it done” and sticking to a rigid plan. “That doesn’t work for entrepreneurs,” she said. “It’s their business, their agenda, their priorities.”
Indeed, that’s what Tasha Harris looks for – a consultant who can “match my grind, my energy. Then it’s ideal.” She reflected on her journey as an entrepreneur: “I recognize I can’t do it all by myself. I’m not afraid to ask for help, and it’s served me and my business well.” Her advice for other owners who might use pro bono resources:
“Be clear about what you want to achieve and be respectful about the time being donated.”
Concentrate on business scaffolding: “That’s why so many businesses fail. They don’t know what they don’t know.”
In this part of the business landscape, there is still much to discover. As Dr. Brooks said, “The murder of George Floyd sparked a revolution. Many more people are paying attention to helping minority business owners. But there is a whole lot of uncharted territory.”
As an entrepreneur, Dave Wanpue said he is “trying to build a framework that leads to growth.” He needs those who can answer his questions or connect him to those who can help him figure out answers.
That clarity of intention would serve volunteers as well, according to Dr. Brooks. “Volunteers should check their ‘why’ – are they doing it to take a selfie or use up corporate volunteer hours?” he asked, reminding the audience: “Get to know the human behind the business.”
And that human-to-human connection is at the heart of it all. A business owner expects something of value, Katie Walter said, and “using my skills as a volunteer has value in itself. I can show up for his revenue stream … It has to come from love. Where is the greatest need? The real value is – I’m within my purpose when I show up for someone.”
Indeed, some owner/MBGA volunteer relationships have blossomed beautifully, as Dave Wanpue testified: “People in my corner – there’s nothing better than that.”
5 TIPS FOR SKILLS-BASED VOLUNTEERS:
Check your “why” – it’s essential to follow the business owner’s goals and agenda
Show humility – you do not have all the answers
Be flexible
Stay curious, and take the opportunity for continuous learning even while offering your own expertise
Treat your volunteer experience like a professional commitment – because it is
Learn more
View the full webinar discussion here.