Do you feel that the military prepares you well for starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 16:20:59 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2017 5:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 17:32:44 -0400

Your the only one that can prepare yourself for business. Being a business owner only utilizes the take charge, drive and never quit attitude implemented to you by the military. Being successful depends on how well you communicate and how resourceful you are. The dumb questions you will ever ask are the ones you never ask out of fear of being judged by those already in the success path. Don't waist your time on people who talk! That's all their good at! Only seek out those who are driven and positively motivating. If you surround yourself with people who feel all they do is try and fail! Then you will absorb the same mentality.
If you fail 100 times, it only ,exams you discovered 100 ways something didn't work! Move on and move away from those holding you back. Don't waist your time at state level, utilize your federal VA resources. If you have soemtng to hide from the IRS chances are you will never grow big. The more you gain, the more you pay, the more attention you get! Like he Military, you won't have any one their to hold your hand. Don't rely on anyone but yourself! The minute you do you could lose everything. Never have just plan Alpha and Bravo! Always have back up plans for your back up plans. Sounds funny, but it's not so funny when your right there and everything crashes and you werent prepared ! Starting a company is the hardest step. First you need a product or skill that sells, second you need all legal licensing! Third! Well get through 1 and 2 and the other steps all fall into place.

Good luck CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Sep 1 at 2017 8:08 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 20:08:46 -0400

COL. Girerson explained some of the depth of business very well. I agree with almost all that he wrote.
Not everyone is a grunt in the military and those that support Infranty in up with some of the same PTSD.
IMO, the traning and some of the adversity I experienced was perfect for my small business. I have also learned the rest that was/is needed.
I find it strange. How much better at business and making it run would I have been if I spent a few years at the war college? Business is war.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 1 at 2017 8:48 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 20:48:53 -0400

It depends on the type of business- I guess there are some where I would say yes. But in most cases, I would say no, the military does not prepare you very well beyond generic stuff like work ethic, grit, etc.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 1 at 2017 8:56 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 20:56:48 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I wasn't looking to be an "Entrepreneur" I was looking for someone to appreciate my Skills as a Black Box Man/Capt't Cruncher and take it to the Next Level which the Navy and the NSA did Very Well. I was Looking for someone to give Me Access to the "Magic Kingdom" which I had for 21 Years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2017 9:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 21:35:34 -0400

I would say in a general sense, no. Although having discipline, drive and resiliency is beneficial, business practices in the Army are vastly different from the commercial world. As COL Grierson pointed out, just from a resource management perspective, the annual pot of gold a unit receives in various forms of appropriated funds does not stack up against the urgency of properly managing cash flow, investments (capital or human), cost drivers, advertising, sales, logistics, and myraid of other factors that an entrepreneur must account for. I believe that the 51 series does prepare individuals for this, but from the inside looking out (rank immaterial) the vast number of decision makers below the GO level dont have the education or training to get out and become successful without significant assistance from a 3rd party mentor.

My advise would be for any aspiring entrepreneur to so some research on SBA programs and receive some formal education on the process of starting a business.

Response by LCpl Domingo Ariza made Sep 1 at 2017 10:55 PM

LCpl Domingo Ariza — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 22:55:13 -0400

Absolutely not, what they do is take young people and instill the magic to make them have the drive to at least try. That alone is the difference between failure and success.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Sep 2 at 2017 5:47 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 05:47:17 -0400

If your business is with the military, as a contractor.

Organizational skills, timely execution of plans and quality-driven and results-oriented are all in-built. Experience in the private sector will prepare you for the nuisances intrinsic to the corporate world. Then, give it a go.

Response by Susan Foster made Sep 2 at 2017 8:44 AM

Susan Foster — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 08:44:19 -0400

Yes. I coach a lot of business people, and I can tell you that the qualities you not only learn but live in the military is great preparation that many civilians don't have: leadership, work ethic, organizational skills, etc. These aren't taught in college for the most part. All you have to add is desire and knowing what you want to accomplish.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2017 9:08 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 09:08:40 -0400

The military provides individuals with the opportunity to develop into a leader, entrepreneur or anything else they want to be. Some take advantage to focus on acquiring these skills and experience. They complete the basic and advanced leadership (NCO/Senior NCO) schools and courses. They accept the extra challenges to lead and volunteer their time to support various causes and learn how to network. They also go to college or find a way to learn additional skills and knowledge. The military also provides you with a massive network of talented and experienced professionals (mentors), who have led Armed Service members in battle (PVT to GEN) as well as corporate, private and public organizations.

Additionally, the military provides a foundation of accountability, pride, and self-reliance, which aligns well for a future small business owner. So the only limitation is the individual themselves. Recognize that 90% of small businesses fail, but they get up and try again until they achieve success. Sometimes it's independence, sometimes it's money or a sense of accomplishment.

Response by PFC Eric Parrish made Sep 2 at 2017 11:14 AM

PFC Eric Parrish — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 11:14:46 -0400

I would have to say yes. Contrary to the popular view service members seem to be the most free thinkers you will ever come across. They learn to lead by being dedicated followers. They all understand the improvise and adapt principle. Who better to lead a new venture out of the gate.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 2 at 2017 8:49 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 20:49:30 -0400

Goal oriented & willing to sacrifice...

Response by MSG Laura Washington made Sep 3 at 2017 4:34 AM

MSG Laura Washington — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 04:34:05 -0400

BLUF: No. I do believe the military can provide a work ethic and skill set that may enhance one's ability to starting a business. Customer Service Skills - not sure about this one. Someone who is self employed, or a business owner needs to know what permits/licensing to apply for, which differ by state, county & city, Then there is the accounting - depreciation, business expenses, etc. Types of businesses (Service, Manufacturing, Retail, etc.) require different systems for logistics, inventory, etc..
The military does not teach you what Professional Organizations will be beneficial for your business to join or be affiliated with. Veteran's can get assistance and training from the SBA.

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Nov 23 at 2018 1:29 AM

SGT Mark Estes — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 01:29:29 -0500

No, but it gives you the drive and determination