Any experience with being self employed and getting deployed in the National Guard?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 23:35:23 -0500

I have a possible business opportunity that I am looking into. Right now I'm in a very exploratory phase, mostly asking questions. I am however presently in the National Guard, and don't plan to give that up. The possibility of another deployment is less likely every day, but still a possibility.
Does anybody in the Rallypoint community have experience with being self employed and getting deployed? This is a concern as the business I'm looking into would be a one man show, but would have debt, and overhead expenses on a recurring basis.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 12:23 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:23:30 -0500

I am deployed right now and have a few folks that are tying to do online businesses, and the biggest problem seem to be the sporadic internet issues

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 9:28 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 09:28:09 -0400

I opened a retail storefront when my ADOS orders ended last year. It's been an enjoyable experience and I appreciate working for myself instead if someone else. While I haven't gone through a deployment while it's been open, I would like to share a few of the issues I've run into.

1) when I've got drill or AT I need to typically find someone to sit in, handle the customers, and answer the emails and phone calls. I've for someone who does this now, but if you were planning in flying solo it does complicate things.

2) health insurance is good. Tricare reserve select makes working for yourself a lot easier.

3) leveredge the contacts you've made at your unit and through training to help leveredge business. I'm not saying to target your still buddies exclusively, but what I've found is the people I serve with on the weekends all come from different backgrounds and can further your network.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Mar 8 at 2015 1:04 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 13:04:32 -0400

Options run along this spectrum:

1) Find somebody else to run the business for you,
2) Find a way to run the business online and remotely in your off time
3) Close the business temporarily
4) Find a way not to be deployed.

Unfortunately there is no easy option on this one.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 19 at 2015 11:45 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 11:45:29 -0400

I have not been self employed. What I saw those who were in your situation (sole person shop) was that an extended call-up was devastating to their business. During the time the Soldiers were gone, customers had to go to competitors. By the time the Soldier returned, their "existing" customer base was gone and they had to basically start over from ground zero (Although, with experience, ground zero wasn't AS challenging as the first time). Those who had employees were much better able to weather the storm. Those hardest hit were professionals (doctor, lawyer, brokers) whose business is primarily relationship based.