Why don't more Veterans choose Entrepreneurship?
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First, while I don't have the specifics, I believe the stats would reflect that there is a difference in those veterans who were enlisted vice those who were officers as to who are more likely to pursuit entrepreneurship. I suspect that most of the same reasons apply to why more enlisted don't get involved in politics vice officers. Certainly, there are exceptions to the rules. I'm a retired Gunnery Sergeant and I have run for Governor of Illinois and for the U.S. Senate. There's a difference in the skill sets that are taught (or expected) between officer and enlisted and rightly so.
Second, when we were in the military, there was a HIGH expectation that we would win, and so getting volunteers isn't that difficult. However, other countries have a bit of a recruiting problem because their aspect of winning isn't as high.
"According to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months. A whopping 80% crash and burn." [http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericwagner/2013/09/12/five-reasons-8-out-of-10-businesses-fail]
This is hardly inspirational. Who wants to start a business with statistics like these? Someone here mentioned "risk." There's HUGH risk venturing in to an entrepreneurial business and you do so by yourself. Typically, you don't have a buddy in the foxhole with you. You are on your own. Too many people out there to steal your dream.
Third, when retiring from the military, there are all kinds of information about “getting a job” for when you get out. There are resume writing classes and trade shows set up specifically for veterans. However, I don’t recall once getting information on becoming an entrepreneur (other than possibly buying into a franchise which was definitely out of my means as a Gunnery Sergeant with my skillset and financial resources). Don’t get me wrong, I am deeply appreciative for the information that I received at my retirement classes, but it did not prepare me to become an entrepreneur and I’m not even saying that it should necessarily (though I think it would be great). I’m just saying that this is just one of the other factors why more vets don’t become entrepreneurs.
Lastly, vet’s need to know that there are many, many entrepreneur opportunities and that there are a huge degree of differences in the risk and initial (startup) cost/investment between them all.
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Five Reasons 8 Out Of 10 Businesses Fail
Breaks my heart. According to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months. A whopping 80% crash and burn. But why? What can we learn from the colossal amount of failure with small business that we can apply to our own business aspirations? In my 30 [...]
I've been fortunate enough to build a very successful business, and I've helped a lot of people - both vets and civilians - do the same. What I've learned over the past few years is there are only a handful of excuses people use to avoid starting their own business, but they all boil down to fear of leaving their comfort zone. Once you can get people past that, the world really opens up for them. That's the challenge, and that's why we get paid the big bucks!
As with many people that are leaving a job (military or civilian) they may not have the resources to start a business. The flip side is that there is not a lot of GOOD concise information out there about the first steps in starting a business.
I am actually working on fixing that. As an Army vet and entrepreneur for over 20 years, I really enjoy the whole startup phase. I hope to help other vets out that are wanting to start a business.
Feel free to holler if I can answer any specific questions for you.
BTW...I grew up in Blue Springs...over on A st.
Brian Richardson
http://www.VetLaunched.com
How to start a business for Veterans | VetLaunched.com
VetLaunched.com is a place where veterans can get access to start-up content and tools to create, build and grow their businesses.
As with many people that are leaving a job (military or civilian) they may not have the resources to start a business. The flip side is that there is not a lot of GOOD concise information out there about the first steps in starting a business.
I am actually working on fixing that. As an Army vet and entrepreneur for over 20 years, I really enjoy the whole startup phase. I hope to help other vets out that are wanting to start a business.
Feel free to holler if I can answer any specific questions for you.
Brian Richardson
http://www.VetLaunched.com
Whether you're working for an organization or starting a small business, building and cultivating a network of "Professionals", Veteran and Non-Veteran is essential to being successful in today's competitive working environment. Asking for and receiving and giving support from your network will be invaluable. We are out there and willing to help. Continue educating yourself is also a must. There are affordable alternatives to College. Online certification programs are great at helping advance your knowledge and keeping you competitive with other individuals and/or companies.
Good Luck and Semper Fi
I'm Army Reserve, so a different insight. When I moved to Denmark I started my own business shoeing horses (farrier). It was a tough row to hoe. If it hadn't been for the Army Reserve and all the extra duty I was able to get, I wouldn't have made it. It took me about 5 years to get my business built up and going so I could really support my house hold. My business was also one of the reasons I retired when I did. After three deployments I could see my business wouldn't handle another one, so I made the choice (with the help of other factors).
But it is a crap shoot. I'm glad I'm my own boss. I make my own schedule do my own thing. On the flip side, I work hard. My customers come first. I'm dedicated in my service and always do my job to the best of my ability. I never take summer vacations because that is my busy season. You need self discipline, good business sense, you have to be hard nosed, yet you have to be understanding as well. We(my wife) keep different bank accounts for paying taxes, bills and such because if you don't plan for it, YOU'RE SUNK!
I'm always intrigued when we see former military members become "serial entrepreneurs" - that's a fascinating transition in my books.