Posted on Jun 2, 2015
If you wanted to look for a business or franchise to own, what would be the first thing you would do?
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I ask because I want to engage with more vets who don't know where to start. I am creating an education and mentor site for franchise information with transitioning and x-military. I remember what I did when I got out of the military but I wanted to hear others who have been thinking about the same thing.
Army
Business
Entrepreneur
Transition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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I would love to see a site like that, as I am starting to look at options and trying to plan a course of action for when I separate from the service in about a year.
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SGT Alexander Hildenbrandt
Thats what I do buddy, I am a consultant to help people with the processes and the information but I am creating the site to give guys like yourself a little pre-education as it saves time and helps focus people a little bit more when they have been proactive. Don't get me wrong, I am all about helping educate and helping with the assessment. I have some stuff for you if you are thinking about it, Shoot me an email. [login to see] and I will give you a research pack. I know what it feels like being an E4 and E5 looking at this as an option.
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The first thing I would do is get very clear on my goals and limits. That means knowing how much I can invest, how much risk I am willing to take, and what kind of lifestyle I want (hands-on vs hands-off, local vs remote, scalable vs steady). After that, I would start researching industries I understand or am interested in, talk to current owners, and review real numbers before getting attached to any specific business or franchise.
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I started my own business. It took about 5 years for it to really get going good enough so I could support myself. I was lucky I was with the Army Reserve, another income to help me through. Lots of long days, short nights, no vacation, fancy cars. Keep customer focused and give the kind of service you want. Don't forget no matter how much you advertise, word of mouth will make or break you. Keep your standards high. People understand we are only human and will make mistakes - it's how we handle the mistakes that count. Man up and admit you've made one. People will learn they can trust you and that makes a big difference.
Shit will hit the fan and you'll wonder why in the heck you stepped out and did it, but don't loose your cool. Step back, think it out and things will work out. I've been self employed now about 20 yrs or so and it's still as much work today as when I started.
Don't forget - once you're self employed set up an account just to pay taxes and such. Put money in it and DON'T TAKE IT OUT FOR ANY REASON!! Financial problems probably kill so many new businesses. You want a vacation - save for it. You need more education - save for it. Insurance, equipment, tools, vehicles, all cost money and remember service on equipment, don't skimp on it. Will pay off in the long run.
Shit will hit the fan and you'll wonder why in the heck you stepped out and did it, but don't loose your cool. Step back, think it out and things will work out. I've been self employed now about 20 yrs or so and it's still as much work today as when I started.
Don't forget - once you're self employed set up an account just to pay taxes and such. Put money in it and DON'T TAKE IT OUT FOR ANY REASON!! Financial problems probably kill so many new businesses. You want a vacation - save for it. You need more education - save for it. Insurance, equipment, tools, vehicles, all cost money and remember service on equipment, don't skimp on it. Will pay off in the long run.
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Is There a Life After Government and Military Service?
Traditional transition from military to civilian life typically involves network and talking to people….
Talk to everyone you know first – fellow students, former teachers, family members, friends, buddies, and perhaps former workers at the places that you have done internships. Ask them for all for NAMES and LEADS of people you can talk with. Of course never ask to actually help you find a job or set up your business.
Today, of course, there other options for veterans to become online entrepreneurs that were not readily available in the past. Until now, typical obstacles for online business entrepreneur were gaps that existed in pulling together a turnkey online business operation... working from home, on the road, in the field... anywhere you can get
a decent computer connection or sometimes partially with a smart phone or "hotspot" device. Before you think about starting any business..... first find your passion and how you can use that to help
others.... they will become your business avatar.
Nothing is easy... but one thing is for sure, by doing nothing new,
you will for sure be in the same place in the future that you are today! Learn new skills and draw from existing ones that you've developed your entire life!.... Develop sort of a franchise-in-a-box.... Develop your Brand! Re-invent yourself!
http://buildingabrandonline.com/DanielCahill_NetworkBlog/veterans-and-military-buddies-corner-page/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/DanielCahillPublicProfile
Traditional transition from military to civilian life typically involves network and talking to people….
Talk to everyone you know first – fellow students, former teachers, family members, friends, buddies, and perhaps former workers at the places that you have done internships. Ask them for all for NAMES and LEADS of people you can talk with. Of course never ask to actually help you find a job or set up your business.
Today, of course, there other options for veterans to become online entrepreneurs that were not readily available in the past. Until now, typical obstacles for online business entrepreneur were gaps that existed in pulling together a turnkey online business operation... working from home, on the road, in the field... anywhere you can get
a decent computer connection or sometimes partially with a smart phone or "hotspot" device. Before you think about starting any business..... first find your passion and how you can use that to help
others.... they will become your business avatar.
Nothing is easy... but one thing is for sure, by doing nothing new,
you will for sure be in the same place in the future that you are today! Learn new skills and draw from existing ones that you've developed your entire life!.... Develop sort of a franchise-in-a-box.... Develop your Brand! Re-invent yourself!
http://buildingabrandonline.com/DanielCahill_NetworkBlog/veterans-and-military-buddies-corner-page/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/DanielCahillPublicProfile
Veteran’s and Military Buddies Corner Page
WASHINGTON -- The Army drawdown continues as military personnel continue to receive word that their military careers are about to end. Many are seeking transitions to other careers and lifestyles.
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Great question and ran across a wife of a veteran who has created a site for just that. http://www.usvets6.com.
Great resource for soldiers both active and retired...
Great resource for soldiers both active and retired...
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