Top 5 Tips for Starting a Veteran Owned Business
By JE Jarrett
These days, with the economy in the mess it is in, it seems much harder to spot opportunities to make money, whether you are a veteran who is job hunting or looking to build a business. However, there really is no better time to start a business than now because there is so much opportunity available. The opportunities available are just different.
Before you try to start a business, it is important to do your homework. There are lots of resources available for veterans, particularly in the U.S. These include the Small Business Administration and Veterans Affairs. Because programs change so often, it's a good idea to check these sites often to find out what programs are currently available. If you think you qualify for any of their programs, then you want to apply.
For those who are interested in starting a business, especially online, there are certain steps you need to take to build your business so you succeed. Follow these five steps to improve your chances of success.
1. Create the right foundation.
This is probably the hardest part of building a business no matter whether you go the brick and mortar route or online. That's because there are so many one time tasks that need to be completed, like investing in legal compliance (licenses), choosing a bank account and getting the right accounting software to help you keep track of the funds your business is earning.
It is important for you to get this foundation right because you need to keep track of how much money your business is earning so you know whether or not you have made a profit. You also want to be in compliance with the law.
Check with sites like the Internal Revenue Service to find out what resources they have for you. Because you are a veteran owned enterprise, they may have specific resources available to you including tax breaks. If you live in another country, contact your local government to ask what is available.
2. Build a website.
A website allows you to tell others about your business. It is also a way to sell your products and services online, which gives you a new way to advertise your business. Without an online presence you are leaving money on the table because most who are looking for local businesses search for them online now.
If you need to build a website, there are many veteran owned business directories available that can help you connect with providers. You may also want to connect with veterans' groups on social sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Rally Point to connect with other veterans.
3. Choose your offers.
If you already have a product/service line, then this isn't necessary. Just make sure that you choose the right keywords when designing your website so that searchers will be able to find you.
If you don't have any products to sell, you have plenty of options with affiliate programs, and you may sell others' products until you create your own. The most important thing to remember here is to choose things that others want to buy and choose a topic you are passionate about. A business is a long-term commitment, so choose something you are interested in sharing with others. This makes it much easier to promote your offers.
If you want to sell products related to veterans, there are many available. Major affiliate program directories like Commission Junction will allow you to search for products to offer.
4. Write and implement an effective marketing plan.
There are many ways to market your business online, including article writing, search engine optimization, free classifieds, forums, social sites, press releases and others. Pick one marketing method to start. This will also help you with finding the places to market your business.
You want to go where the traffic is online. At the same time, make sure that where you are marketing is targeted to your market. Large sites like Facebook have many different audiences, and so you will have to dig a little to find your ideal market on sites like this. Unless your business sells products related to veterans and the military, this might not be your ideal audience. That doesn't mean you shouldn't seek support within the veterans' community. Just make sure you understand both your target audience and support system. They are not always the same.
5. Include email marketing and list building.
Email marketing and list building is critical to your success. Only about two percent of those who visit your site will return. You want to find a way to connect with those visitors multiple times and show your offers. Autoresponders allow you to automate many of the tasks involved with using email marketing so you can concentrate on creating content and offer emails to connect with potential customers.
Building the veteran owned business often follows the same steps as building any other type of business. The most important thing to understand here is that as a veteran, there are resources available that are unique to you. Make sure you take advantages of those resources.
Did you like these strategies? Then subscribe to my blog Military Veterans Worldwide. You'll find plenty of tips and strategies to help you with Post Traumatic Stress, job hunting, benefits issues and other resources related to veterans worldwide. Join my free veterans social site, Military Veterans Worldwide, and connect with U.S. Veterans and our allies for fun and support.
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