Part 2 of our conversation with Laila Ghambari addresses a critical question every coffee entrepreneur faces: when is the right time to seek guidance? Laila breaks down the key indicators—from decision fatigue to tapping out free resources—and explains how to think about the ROI of consulting, considering both time and money investments.

In this episode, Laila shifts from business strategy to community building, sharing lessons learned from her father's legacy in Seattle's Iranian-American community. She provides a practical playbook for coffee shop owners who want to build genuine community connections, starting with supporting what already exists before trying to create something new.

Whether you're struggling with when to ask for help or wondering how to authentically engage with your local community as an introvert, Laila's insights offer clear, actionable strategies that any coffee entrepreneur can implement immediately.

Topics covered:

• Recognizing when you've exhausted free resources and need expert guidance
• Calculating the true ROI of consulting: time savings vs. cost
• Why supporting existing community initiatives is more effective than starting from scratch
• Practical networking strategies for introverts in the coffee industry
• How to offer your space for community events to build relationships
• Simple conversation starters that take the pressure off networking

Chapters:00:00 The Value of Community in Coffee Business

00:51 Investing in Relationships and Mentorship

07:33 Building Community and Supporting Others

16:31 Navigating Networking and Community Engagement

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Laila Ghambari. Subscribe to Inside the Grind for more insights from Coffee Futures Fund mentors.