Feature image from baltictriangle.co.uk, with thanks.
If you’re familiar with our Head of Customer Relations, Finn, you’ll know that we’re massive animal lovers. Much to our delight, we’ve had the opportunity to interview someone as passionate about animals as we are.
Danielle Greenberg is the founder of The Liverpool Vets, a veterinary practice in Liverpool’s city centre. Petplan’s Vet of The Year, Danielle is full of love, commitment and enthusiasm for her job. Being a client of hers, Finn can endorse that The Liverpool Vets is a warm and welcoming place for any pet.
Let’s dive into Danielle’s journey.
1. Why did you start your business? What spurred you on?
Veterinary businesses in Liverpool are now completely corporate-owned with a single exception; us. Because of this, I felt that people were missing a personal touch and commitment from an experienced vet and team. Back in 2016, I was diagnosed with cancer and thought I might never work as a vet again. That experience helped me to lose the fear that had held me back from going for my dreams for years.
2. What are the unique challenges that you have faced as a female founder?
Being a mother, I faced guilt for not being around my daughter as much as I wanted to whilst working on developing my career. I do think that women feel the pull between family and career more intensely. I kept my career on the back-burner when she was little so I could be there for her.
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3. What were the 3 steepest learning curves in your first year in business?
- Not to be scared of task lists; they used to make me worry terribly as they can become overwhelming. You will rarely complete a list before it grows again, so worrying about it is a waste of time.
- Accountancy basics were hard to wrap my head around in the beginning. I had no idea what profit and loss, cash flow or projections were or what they meant. Net-Net was like a foreign language to me!
- Being tidy, timely and organised; all of which are really helpful, and I was none of them. I hardly recognise myself now, although I still have a long way to go. I’d never even used the diary on my phone before!
4. What is your favourite thing about founding your own company?
My favourite thing about founding my own company is the pride I get from it; the pride of seeing my team working well and my customers being happy.
The pride I have for myself makes me think that founding The Liverpool Vets wasn’t so scary after all.
5. What is the best business advice you have been given by someone else?
The magic happens in the consulting room. Inevitably, that’s where you establish your reputation and make your money.
6. Do you ever suffer from Imposter Syndrome? If so, how do you tackle it and move forward?
Shortly after we opened, I was awarded Petplan Vet of the Year. I suddenly felt like an imposter. I managed to turn my mindset around by telling myself that I had a responsibility to live up to the accolade. So, I rolled up my sleeves and worked towards being the best vet I could, whilst looking for ways to give back to the profession. It worked, and I think I’m the happiest vet I could be.
7. What’s the best book on business you’ve read?
Leaders Eat Last and Start With Why, by Simon Sinek. These were the first books I’d read of this kind and they really opened my mind to business, purpose and ownership of the vision.
8. Tell us about another brilliant businesswoman that you think our readers should know about
My sister, Olivia Greenberg (CFO at Nova). She’s so smart, so wise. Olivia has taught me all the basics on every level and is truly inspirational to me.
9. What advice would you give to yourself if you were starting your business now?
Don’t waste your money on locum vets (temporary vets) in the first year! There’s not enough business to pay for them. You can always schedule time away from the business for this reason.
10. If you had a marketing budget of £1,000 what would you spend the money on?
I’d probably spent the money on video content. I’d want some high-quality clips that showcase our team, our work and the clinic, using them over the next 12 months. It would be a great way to start a presence on YouTube.
What a pawesome interview!
We hope Danielle’s story has inspired you to go for your goals. If you want to learn more about Liverpool’s female founders, we have a list of 10 you should check out.
