How many RP Members out there are using RallyPoint to network and create opportunities to do business?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 11 May 2015 18:23:49 -0400

How many of you have used RP to connect and establish a relationship with other business partners in your industry? I believe that RP can be used in a professional manner similar to LinkedIn to establish business relationships and build strong connections; creating sales opportunities and business ventures.

How many believe that a new section should be developed on RP for that type of networking?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 6:33 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 18:33:29 -0400

I think it is a great idea but RallyPoint is not ready for this just yet. I think there are some other fundamental social networking features that need to be added first.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 11 at 2015 8:15 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 11 May 2015 20:15:27 -0400

Well, just being candid here... RP, for me, is really more of a social, social media. It's like a FaceBook exclusively for those either 1.) on active duty, or 2.) with military interests. I'm not campaigning one way or another. But, most of my professional business contacts have come via LinkedIn. I enjoy RP --but, have yet to use it for business. Difference probably lies in the focus of what you are trying to "get" from the site. RP might be good if you're either looking to advance your military career. However, if you're looking to dive into the civilian sector...

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 11 at 2015 8:19 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 11 May 2015 20:19:31 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Great topic. There are actually over 12,000+ searchable companies represented by veterans here on RallyPoint. Take a look a few of the major ones I linked to here in a previous discussion. I'm personally in touch with hundreds of members that are currently using RallyPoint to support both their business and talent acquisition goals. I don't think there is a stronger network out there like the military family. Please let me know if I can ever help you navigate within the site easier. Always here to support. Thanks for your service, Sir. Cheers!

Major companies with significant footprints of veterans inside RallyPoint | RallyPoint

I just wanted to put together a short list of big hitting companies that might surprise you by their veteran footprint inside RallyPoint. Some of these employers have over 100+ veterans. As we continue to grow, be sure to check out these pages from time to time and see who you might know. We are well over 10,000 companies represented by veterans worldwide so lots to choose from. Run your own search and see what you might be able to find. Lots...

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made May 11 at 2015 10:12 PM

SSG Derek Scheller — Mon, 11 May 2015 22:12:44 -0400

I think it's a good idea as there are some great minds in the military. I myself look to start my own IT Security consulting firm once I get out and would love to partner with other military members that have a business mind.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 10:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 22:45:32 -0400

I agree with CPT Mark Strobl; RP for military connections and socializing with peers via social media. Facebook is used for staying connected with family and friends and LinkedIn for professional business and networking. If there was ever an opportunity on RP to network and for job opportunities I would jump on it in a heartbeat.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 12 at 2015 11:27 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 12 May 2015 11:27:22 -0400

Yes/No/Maybe?

I use RP primarily for the camaraderie of "like experienced individuals" (as opposed to like-minded). With that said, I have seen opportunities present them-self, which members have shared, and I have considered sharing opportunities with other members.

As a few examples. I sent a message today concerning a project I've been thinking about for awhile.

There's a different project I would like to do, however I'm not sure how to approach it, though there are a few members who I think would be ideal for it.

There's a third concept (not even a fleshed out idea), which I think would be great for several groups of people.

I tend to "throw things at the wall, and see what sticks" to gauge reactions. But I have been developing a "brain trust" as well. There are so many great people here, and being able to shoot a message to people and ask for SME advice is amazing.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 12 at 2015 2:41 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 12 May 2015 14:41:31 -0400

My Private Org used a new coin manufacturer (SFC Private RallyPoint Member) based on connecting here on RP!

Response by SSgt Joe V. made May 12 at 2015 2:55 PM

SSgt Joe V. — Tue, 12 May 2015 14:55:44 -0400

I echo the sentiment that I usually just come on here to 'hang out'. Personally I like to watch who TSgt Hunter Logan - is going to annihilate with her words. I also like the back and forth provided by CPT Private RallyPoint Member. Capt Christopher Mueller has a way of cutting through some BS to say it how it is most of the time and who doesn't like seeing what SGT Private RallyPoint Member has to say...

I like that random threads pop up on the side though, and have actually networked and have since been hooked up with The Fallen Outdoors. Hopefully I will be able to get a few vets out in my boat for some bass/muskie fishing through this organization.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 12 at 2015 3:18 PM

SFC Joseph James — Tue, 12 May 2015 15:18:21 -0400

Yes...yes... oh hell YES!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 12 at 2015 3:27 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 12 May 2015 15:27:40 -0400

As a military style LinkedIn, doesn't seem bad. The only issue I may see is fraternization to get ahead for those who are still in.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made May 12 at 2015 3:35 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Tue, 12 May 2015 15:35:28 -0400

Some won't use it but I will. Linked-In is an valuable tool for me and my consulting business. My vote is YES!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 7:23 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 19:23:25 -0400

I joined PR for the social aspect. But if someone were to reach out and ask for help with understanding federal hiring or wanting tips with the VA hybrid or title 38 systems (they are confusing). Or just reading a resume. Might as well use my skills to help a SM or vet in need.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 12 at 2015 7:44 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Tue, 12 May 2015 19:44:32 -0400

RP seems to provide an excellent opportunity for job seekers to ask questions about careers they are interested in, as well as, potential employers to share what qualities they seek. As an ESGR volunteer, I often find it difficult for service members to clearly articulate what their skills are without using jargon or MilSpeak. The RP community seems like a great place for job seeker to rest the waters.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made May 12 at 2015 7:44 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Tue, 12 May 2015 19:44:50 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs the networking aspect is tertiary for me. I joined as I saw an opportunity to do what I loved to do in uniform. It provides me the oppurtunity to coach, teach, and mentor... and the cool thing about it... Whatever I type on these pages... helps more than just the person I respond too. The feedback that I get from others tells me that, "Yes! Your advice is still valued"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 20:28:09 -0400

I think it can be invaluable for the right business with the potential to expand as RP membership grows. For my business - challenge coins, it seemed the logical fit to reach my target market. As challenge coins have gained popularity in the private sector, Veteran employees have taken the message to their organizations where they are used for marketing and employee appreciation. I have received only positive responses from those I have connected with since joining RP. I do appreciate that others may not have joined to be hounded by a sales pitch therefore I am careful to word my emails in a way that is sensitive to that fact. Lastly, whether you are a small business or part of a large company military service has connected us - why not use RP to further our interests. Be it employment, mentorship, advice, passing our knowledge or promoting veteran owned business'

Response by TSgt Trevor Vander made May 14 at 2015 5:59 PM

TSgt Trevor Vander — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:59:37 -0400

Only reason I am on here is to network with my peers and possibly share some thoughts/ideas - work is very busy and have a baby at the house so not on as often as I would like, but between this and Linkedin there are some good opportunities.

Response by MSgt Roger Younce made May 14 at 2015 6:04 PM

MSgt Roger Younce — Thu, 14 May 2015 18:04:59 -0400

I do. Much better than Linkedin or other networking platforms because it focuses on the military and the military members are like family.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 1:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:44:35 -0400

I think it is a great idea! I have primarily been using RP for learning new perspectives on how other NCOs and Officers deal with some of the different issues and to get the military social media fix since I rarely speak of my military life on the other SM outlets.
It also lets me see what others are going through to take their experience to use if I have similar or the same situation! There are all kinds of great people here that can mentor! Which coincidentally would work as you have suggested!!

Response by PO2 Brandon Boucher made Aug 3 at 2015 1:22 AM

PO2 Brandon Boucher — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 01:22:27 -0400

I'm working on. It is my passion and sincere desire to work with Veterans and help them achieve a higher quality of life.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 3 at 2015 11:31 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 23:31:55 -0400

It can be a valuable tool for networking.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Aug 4 at 2015 3:45 AM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 03:45:50 -0400

I think it's great for networking. You never who you can meet and where it can lead.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 5:22 PM

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 17:22:40 -0400

I am

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Mar 8 at 2016 4:20 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:20:27 -0500

I am!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 8 at 2016 4:21 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:21:30 -0500

I think it is a great idea but it does not apply to me in my current situation COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 4:22 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:22:03 -0500

I am trying. I have reached out to some to get advice on sone things MOS related. I have gotten some pretty helpful feedback.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Mar 8 at 2016 4:22 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:22:43 -0500

Of course I do!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 8 at 2016 6:02 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 18:02:29 -0500

Ive had decidedly mixed results on that front.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 8 at 2016 7:25 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 19:25:19 -0500

Some RP members have discovered the short stories on my website but I wouldn't call that "business development". Now, if they start buying books, that's another story. However, that's not my purpose for being here...

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 9:03 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 21:03:12 -0500

I find my self talking to people who are authors and see if I can pick their brain. I do it through the inbox mostly.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Mar 9 at 2016 6:52 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 06:52:36 -0500

I'm here to do His business! If I can help you, let me know - it's not about me and my business anymore - I learned a LOT over the years and I just want to share that with anyone who wants to hear it. I feel a responsibility to help others with my gifts, talents and knowledge - we are all created for a purpose - I figured out what mine is and I can help you do the same.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Mar 9 at 2016 12:43 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 12:43:55 -0500

I suppose it's a good idea....It's crossed my mind from time to time....but I do not move forward with the business aspect because i joined to have interaction with my fellow Vets...to learn and to reply/respond to different topics and just hang out.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 9 at 2016 1:23 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 13:23:10 -0500

I'm on here mainly to read the opinions and views on a variety of issues and subject, some military, some civilian, as seen by a variety of folks with a military perspective and not to garner contacts or network. Of course I also like to vent my own personal thoughts whether anyone cares or not. There may be others whose wife or significant other has heard everything we have to say more than once and are not impressed. So we need another outlet a step above social media where name-calling, personal attacks, irrational emotional feelings, etc are strewn about. I like to hear a couple of points from people on why they feel or believe as they do, whether I agree or not, and not just a bunch of shot-gunned vitriol.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Mar 10 at 2016 3:37 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:37:03 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I think this idea joins with the intent of RallyPoint - to connect Service Members and Veterans with one another to support and advice. Networking definitely meets that criteria, in my opinion. Great idea!

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Mar 10 at 2016 6:26 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:26:24 -0500

I like to come up here and read the treads and talk to fellow veterans. I really like the history that is put up here daily that seems to always teaches us something new.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 15 at 2016 6:14 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 06:14:04 -0400

Believe this is the perfect spot for vets to show that they have skills that a lot of employers are looking for.

Response by SSgt Obom Bowen made Mar 15 at 2016 8:50 AM

SSgt Obom Bowen — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 08:50:54 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs i'd rather do Business with men and women who understand integrity. Those of us who serve certainly understands that well.

Response by CPT Yinka Ogunsanya MBA, MA made Mar 18 at 2016 2:09 AM

CPT Yinka Ogunsanya MBA, MA — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 02:09:35 -0400

I would love to use it to develop and market my business but the problem is I really don't know what you can market on RP without getting in trouble

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Mar 20 at 2016 9:31 AM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 09:31:40 -0400

I have not done so, but maybe its a good idea. The military connection has some degree of trust and understanding for each party.