Starting a business as a veteran? Try these resources
Want to start a business? If you’re a veteran Stephanie Bates from Military Travel Mama shares some resources that might help you.
It’s no secret that the government doesn’t always take care of its veterans as well as it should. The VA is proof positive of that – at least there are changes coming there.
However, there are ubiquitous business initiatives which can be pursued using benefits from your time in the military. There are discounts that become available, and other diverse resources.
Veterans can save up to 10% on cellular services
Consider cellular service, as an example. Businesses who seek a veteran’s discount can get as much as 10% off their monthly bill. If you’re spending $1k a month on multiple lines for your business, that will save you $1,200 a year. (Here’s a list of businesses which offer military discounts.)
That said, it’s important to note that veteran benefits aren’t the only resources available. True, they will give you some small level of edge, and in terms of business partnerships, your previous military history—or even continuing history—can be invaluable.
There are many other small business owners who have been through the armed services. When they find out you are one of their number, that can be good for business.
But you can’t always depend on benefits, and you can’t always depend on relationships. You can, however, depend on this reality: a will makes a way, and all businesses have something they can bring to the table that others can’t.
So, with this in mind, here are some small-business optimization strategies that might help you.
How to use technology wisely to save money
First, consider the technological component. Cloud computing gives you the ability to outsource your internal servers in a way which provides you greater computational ‘firing power’ at a reduced overall expense, making it possible for even smaller businesses to legitimately compete with larger enterprises.
Internet of Things (IoT) tech is additionally contributing to decentralized internet solutions, which make it possible for you to outsource the cost of your internal office. You can have remote employees just sign in on the web from wherever they’ve got a trustworthy connection. Now you save on the cost of renting office space.
Use BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), and you can even outsource the cost of end-user equipment. As an added bonus, studies show BYOD ultimately initiates greater productivity in employees. Giving them greater freedom and autonomy in work decisions turns out to be a positive work incentive – go figure!
Use your military background as a business theme
Speaking of tactics which enable employees naturally, you might give your small business a sort of military theme. Likely those with whom you run the business will themselves have some military history. That does tend to be the case, if only because civilians don’t tend to have the same capacity for work military men end up with.
If this is the case, think of it as an advantage on which you can capitalize. For example, you might provide challenge coins as awards, recognition, or means of identification. As it turns out, challenge coins have a long history, and have always had a multitude of purposes. Co-opting them into your small business could work well for you.
Success comes through continuous hard work
The truth of the matter is this: there are always different ways to go about different businesses. It is unlikely the objectively ‘best’ means of operation is even attainable in a universe rife with entropy and its associated fallout. So whatever works best for you may not work best for a business focusing on the same sort of revenue generation.
There are things which have an axiomatic, objective quality, though. Hard work will always yield some profit, even if it’s only in terms of experience. Additionally, true riches come through continuous work over the long-term. Fly-by-night schemes produce returns which disappear just as quickly.
Stephanie Bates is a military spouse and travel and food blogger at Military Travel Mama.
Photo by Shari Sirotnak
