For military veterans who want to become entrepreneurs, did you know the first steps are usually the hardest?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs it takes courage, vision and perseverance to become an entrepreneur. Learning to overcome disappointment and keeping your eye and mind focused on where you are striving to go is critical because each entrepreneur will face difficulties.
It helps if you are a self starter but this is not critical especially if you are in a business partnership.

I am a photographer. I got started when my mother gave me a camera for Christmas; one year.
It was a professional camera.
Then I bought a cheap camera with a telephoto lens built in- in a PX.
I loved using the telephoto part of the camera; and used it almost exclusively.
For one thing, I passed by a Fine Arts Gallery. The receptionist there, suggested that I apply to get into the gallery. I thought to myself: "No way am I good enough to even apply."
The rest is history. I became a member of said gallery. I made money by selling my photographs; but the gallery took 35% of my earnings.
I then went to a hardware store and a bookstore and inquired whether I could sell my photos there.
The owners of both places said that I could sell my photographs on commission.
I sold $980.00 worth of my photographs; downstairs in my church.
I want you to please remember that the sky is the limit; when you are thinking about being an entrepreneur.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs
This is a great article. Thanks for getting the information out. How many times have you thought, "I wish I had known this in the beginning,"? I know I have had that thought.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs
We have talked about this before, but it bears repeating.

I have a couple of ideas for my own businesses. The thing that stops me from following my dreams is, I'm scared to death that I'll fail, and I've got a family to support. Not to mention that as an entrepreneur, I would have to pay for my own insurance!

I was an entrepreneur most of my life (except while serving). I formed my first business when just 17. It used to be easy. Just get a business license (very cheap and a half page form), a checking account, and a sales permit (to collect sales tax if appropriate) and you were in business. Need seed capital? That too was easy. There was always someone around with a little risk capital burning a hole in their pockets. (Never ever start a business with your own money. Always use OPM = Other people's money) That's not true today. To be honest, I don't know what I'd do now. Government has erected multiple barriers to starting a business. The paperwork alone takes a team of corporate bureaucrats. Have a good lawyer on speed dial. You're going to be sued every other day. And, good luck finding seed capital. (The government is borrowing money so fast that there's little left for private business, especially small business, who who can compete with them?) In my later years, just before retiring, I pre-billed clients (giving them deep discounts as incentives) to provide seed capital and finance my business. Of course, you have to build trust (through reputation) to employ that strategy.

Hell of a leap of faith and my hats off to those that do chase their Dreams. My favorite (Although not a Veteran) is the Owner of "Pony Espresso" a rolling coffee shop in Portland OR. Cashed in all his chips bought a Food Wagon an set up shop. If in Portland I highly recommend having a cup of his Java. Tell him Chip sent you!

Congratulations to all those veterans who took the leap of faith and tackled the exciting world of entrepreneurship. If I can be of any service to veterans considering entrepreneurship as a transition feel free to reach out. "Prior-Service Entrepreneur - The fundamentals of veteran entrepreneurship"

Two vital resources to shorten the learning curve and reduce risk:

All entrepreneurs must have a mentor, even if you have to hire one. Your mentor must be someone who has success in your industry.

Most entrepreneurs should outsource as much as possible and soon as possible. In the beginning, most entrepreneurs will have to do most everything themselves or with low to no paid partners. However, the sooner an entrepreneur can start outsourcing tasks like, HR, shipping, Virtual Assistant(s) the faster they will grow and go into the black. This is what holds most businesses back.

I started a vehicle detail business from cars, RV, boats and collector cars. It is a profitable business the money is good and the customer is loyal. I would suggest if you start your own journey is to work for someone for a couple of years save for a part of a down payment and supplies needed to start and make sure you have a years worth of money for employees with a mark up in services of 15%. Work on being a social person for advertising until you can set up a web site and a possible billboard and a reliable vehicle with a wrap so all can see as you drive and it is free after the expense of the vehicle wrap. Stay vigilant and avoid talking about a business that has a bad reputation in the same field. Look into reputable franchises that help you get started most will support veterans and discount the purchase of the franchise. Good luck.

I feel that there are barriers if you are looking at a traditional business. There are options that are almost entirely online and cost very little start and can be as lucrative as any brick and mortar business.