Navigation: | Home | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
Entrepreneurialism Information Click here for eBay Motors! Get 2 weeks FREE CA Anti-Virus 2007 Accept Credit Cards Get your FREE $250 Cash Card PhotoStamps

This Domain For Sale. Contact us for more information.


Veteran Entrepreneurs Are Growing In Ranks


When I'm not running my own business, writing articles about business, speaking to groups and organizations about business, or consulting with companies who want my advice about the running of their business, I teach a weekly class on the subject of (care to guess?) starting and running a business.

To quote my frequently-mentioned and wise-beyond-her-years teenage daughter, Chelsea, "Dad, you really need to get a life." This advice coming from a child who believes all roads lead to the mall.

What my eldest offspring doesn't understand is I have a great life. In fact, I am living the life I have always dreamed of living. My life just happens to revolve around Planet Business. I am an entrepreneurial addict, a business junkie. Business is my chocolate, my Krispy Kreme donut, my nicotine, my caffeine, my crack. Maybe I'll start a 12 step program for entrepreneurs who want to kick the habit and charge a cover to get in. Hi, my name is Tim, and I'm an entrepreneur... Sounds like a great business idea to me.

Out of everything I do I get the most enjoyment from speaking and teaching. Maybe it's the old stand up comedian in me, but nothing feeds my addiction like standing in front of a room of entrepreneurs talking about the ups and downs, the ins and outs, the do's and don'ts of business.

My latest class of eager entrepreneurs is a special one in that it is made up almost entirely of U.S. Military Veterans: nearly two dozen men and women of all ages who either have a business idea in mind or are in the process of actually starting and running a business.

Going around the room, I asked each student to stand up, introduce themselves, and talk a little about their business idea and what they expect to get from the class. As I listened to each Vet speak, I was impressed at the passion the entire group exuded. Most new entrepreneurs love to talk about their business idea, but this group was somehow different. They were more precise in their thinking, more intense, more passionate than the average entrepreneur. This group was not only excited at the prospect of starting their own business. They were downright zealous about it.

As each Vet stood to talk about their idea and their expectations, the rest of the group hung on every word and was truly interested in what was being said. The typical entrepreneur is only interested in his own venture and has a hard time feigning interest in anyone else's. That was not the case here. Each Vet not only listened intently, but empathized with the speaker, as if they were taking a vested interest in the speaker's idea and were eager to help the speaker succeed. It was as if the group who had never met before, had come together as a single cohesive unit with one mission in mind: to succeed in business.

The theme became: No man (or woman) left behind, in battle and in business.

I supposed I should not have been too surprised. These were, after all, highly-trained, highly-disciplined individuals who have spent time in every corner of the globe in conditions most of us can only imagine. One young entrepreneur in particular was so freshly back from the Middle East that you could almost imagine sand on the floor beneath his boots.

They are an impressive group, indeed, and it is my privilege to serve as their leader for the next six weeks. I am learning far more from them about the human spirit than they are learning from me about business. I hope they see it as a fair trade.

Veteran entrepreneurs are emerging as one of the fastest growing segments of new entrepreneurs. According to a recent Small Business Administration (SBA) study there are approximately 4.2 to 5.5 million veteran-owned businesses in the United States. The study further revealed that 22% of veterans are either considering starting or purchasing a business in the near future or are in the business start up or purchase phase now.

The SBA study was done as a result of The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999, which required the SBA's Office of Advocacy to develop information on the various programs designed to assist veteran and service-disabled veterans succeed in business.

The SBA study found that:

More than one-third of "new veteran-entrepreneurs" and current veteran business owners had obtained skills from their active duty service that were directly relevant to business ownership. This should come as no surprise when you consider the intensity of the training and the emphasis on discipline that comes with military training.

Over the course of their career the typical longer-term Veteran receives at least cursory training in everything from time management to employee relations to supervisory techniques to dealing with subordinates (employees) to budgeting and accounting to supply chain management and so on and so on.

One organization that is working hard to promote entrepreneurship among Veterans is the Veteran's Corporation. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the Veteran's Corporation bills itself as "the complete business source for current and prospective Veterans and Service-Disabled Veteran business owners, and for companies interested in working with Veteran-owned businesses." The Veterans Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that was created in 1999 by Public Law 106-50, which also set a 3 percent goal for federal procurement to Veterans including Service Disabled Veteran-owned businesses.

The Veterans Corporation serves transitioning military personnel and all Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve, seeking to link them with partners and purchasing agents in both the public and private sectors.

Membership to the Veterans Corporation is free and available to all transitioning military personnel and all Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve. Members will find assistance in securing capital for a business, entrepreneurial education, access to markets and services, and business networking.

For more information or to apply for membership visit the Veterans Corporation online at http://www.veteranscorp.org/.

Here's to your success!

Tim Knox

Small Business Q&A is written by veteran entrepreneur and syndicated columnist, Tim Knox. Tim serves as the president and CEO of three successful technology companies and is the founder of DropshipWholesale.net, an online organization dedicated to the success of online and eBay entrepreneurs.

Related Links:
http://www.prosperityandprofits.com
http://www.smallbusinessqa.com
http://www.dropshipwholesale.net


MORE RESOURCES:
Business:Entrepreneurialism Articles from EzineArticles.com
12/24/2021 04:03 PM
How to Maintain Business Momentum
Not all goals are equal. The secret lies in setting a goal that will motivate versus one which will defeat you.
12/21/2021 09:19 AM
How Do Business Owners Stay Focused?
Many entrepreneurs think their biggest problem is finding funding. But what those entrepreneurs forget is the demon of distraction.
12/20/2021 06:01 AM
How Do You Embrace a Growth Mindset?
People with a growth mindset believe they can grow. And if you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, a growth mindset is what you need.
12/20/2021 06:00 AM
Affiliate Marketing Secrets - What I Wish I Knew Before!
The so called affiliate marketing secrets are really just things that some affiliates know and others don't. I wasted years as an affiliate making many mistakes which I could have avoided if I had have know better! Here I share some of the "secrets" I wish I had known about before I started on the affiliate journey!
12/20/2021 06:00 AM
Autopilot Money Making System - How To Create One
Is it really possible to create an autopilot money making system which runs completely hands free? Since the early 2000's I became fascinated with the idea of generating an income completely hands free from the internet. After purchasing an eBook, I realised that automated downloadable products could allow a "hands off" income source, and be created from anywhere.
12/16/2021 09:17 AM
How Do You Evaluate the Future of Your Business?
Revisiting a business plan at the right time and adjusting the strategy can save or destroy a business. Here are 5 ways to evaluate your business and your future.
12/16/2021 09:17 AM
Affiliate Marketing Mentor - Why You Need One
An affiliate marketing mentor can help you better understand the steps needed to build a successful affiliate business and earn an income online. A mentor can also help you overcome your own limiting thinking when it comes to building an income online.
12/14/2021 10:10 AM
4 Signs That You're Losing Interest in Your Business
Only time will tell if you're really losing passion for your business. But these questions will help you know, make changes and take your business to the next level.
12/13/2021 08:47 AM
Are You Losing Interest in Your Business?
It's a fact that many people lose the passion for their work. As an entrepreneur, if you don't love what you do, pouring your heart into your business will be difficult.
12/08/2021 09:40 AM
How Do You Get Your Business Out Of a Rut?
Entrepreneurship is not for the weak! The emotional rollercoaster is full of highs and lows. And managing and motivating your team needs a consistent positive demeanor. As a result, having ways to get yourself from these lows is crucial.
12/01/2021 08:33 AM
Why Is Momentum So Important in Business?
If you lose momentum, evaluate what choices made this happen. Doing research will help you undercover the missteps that could be avoided in the future.
11/24/2021 08:59 AM
How to Stay Motivated and Excited About Your Business
As a business owner, you're building your dream. You're putting your mark in a world full of conformity. And it'll take a lot of consistent and constant motivation to move past the hard times. Use these six tips to tap into your inner power and use that motivation to build your entrepreneurial momentum.
11/18/2021 10:55 AM
How to Ignore the Haters and the Naysayers
Whenever you get distracted by naysayers, it's because you've lost focus. All you need to do is remember your goals. Remember who you are and what you want to achieve. Think about your goals and ask yourself if it's worth putting your goals on hold because of what naysayers say. Don't deny yourself the life you should live because of haters and naysayers.
11/16/2021 11:17 AM
Are Your Habits In Line With Your Business Priorities?
We all have regular practices which give us structure. These practices help us remain mentally and physically healthy, and they enable us to approach life consciously. These habits are important every time, and they're crucial in our busiest and most chaotic times.
11/15/2021 01:49 PM
Don't Focus on Being the Best, Focus on Being Unique
In a world where competition is the constant factor, it's hard to differentiate and build your own identity. It's difficult, but it is possible to be unique!
11/12/2021 10:14 AM
How to Launch Your Coaching Business
As you prepare to launch your coaching business, remember it's possible to build a successful coaching business. But you have to believe in yourself and in your idea before it becomes a reality.
11/08/2021 05:43 PM
7 Steps to Find and Retain Quality Staff
Finding and retaining quality staff whether you're hiring employees or contractors, can be a difficult task for many entrepreneurs. There are a myriad of reasons this is true. It takes a focused, strategic approach to hiring and growing your team that will help propel you and your business forward. Apply these 7 steps to find and retain quality staff.
11/08/2021 05:42 PM
How to Know If an Opportunity Is Right for Your Business
To become a successful entrepreneur, you need to know how to detect unique and good opportunities. Also you need to test and execute them more efficiently than your competitors.
10/28/2021 10:26 AM
Why Your Mindset and Beliefs Impact Your Business Success
What do the world's most successful entrepreneurs have in common apart from successful businesses? The answer is, the right mindsets. Mindset together with consistent action is the key to achieving and maintaining momentum.
10/26/2021 02:36 PM
How to Clear the Way for New and Better Business Habits
The success of your business depends on you. That means increasing your output, improving your performance, and focusing more on important things.
10/19/2021 07:20 PM
Choosing The Right Courier Company For Your Small Business
If you need to send a parcel for you or your business, then choosing your courier is very important. If your business is online, then the courier service you use to send goods may be the only human interaction your customers have with your company. Therefore, it is very important to choose smartly who will represent your company when delivering your parcels.
10/19/2021 06:20 PM
Bust These Myths About Co-Working Spaces and Start Being Productive
The more you learn about the advantages of co-working spaces, the more it sounds too good to be true. When something has been hyped up over and over again, you start to wonder what could be wrong with it. Flexible workspaces have their share of naysayers and their opinions may give you pause in patronising such establishments. However, let us help you alleviate your fears as we debunk popular myths regarding co-working spaces.
10/19/2021 06:19 PM
An Entrepreneurs Untold Story of Work in Progress
A story of how an Entrepreneur worked his way to a multi million dollar company overnight until it became to big for him to handle leading to a failed success. He has now gotten back up and is about to use this experience to create something even bigger by not making the same mistakes.
10/19/2021 05:53 PM
Article Marketing: The Marketing of the Future
As society evolves, we develop and think of new products. And as new products come to the market, we need to think of better ways to sell them.
10/15/2021 10:26 AM
4 Business Strategies You Probably Haven't Thought About
Every business should find a strategy that helps it to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This strategy should be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the firm's products/services and the position it wants to have regarding its customers.
10/13/2021 11:39 AM
4 Ways To Build Momentum In Your Business
Momentum doesn't happen by chance, and nor is it willed into existence. To achieve momentum, you need to understand its source, and then relentlessly fuel it.
10/06/2021 01:43 PM
How to Be Better at Hustling and Entrepreneurship
Success doesn't come to those who wait - it comes to those who go out and get want they want. You don't want to the person who waits for things and gets what's left by those who hustle - be a hustler yourself!
10/04/2021 09:25 AM
How Does a Business Become Scalable?
Some businesses are scalable, meaning they can grow income exponentially. Others are not open to growth, but they generate a reliable income which is not lucrative.
08/31/2021 02:45 PM
Nine Books Every Successful Entrepreneurs Has on Their Shelf
Take advantage of the best the entrepreneurial community has to offer. Whether you read each book cover to cover or just use them for reference they represent ideas and techniques that will see you through the dark days every entrepreneurs face at some point.
08/16/2021 10:16 AM
Ready to Grow? Top Positions You Need to Fill to Expand Your Business
Do you wish to reach a point where your business is ready to scale and move to the next level? Hiring crucial people will help you move quickly, while proving excellent products and great customer service.
08/04/2021 03:16 PM
6 Reasons To Start A Business During This Pandemic
This is the best time to start your dream business. This article will provide tips for you to use immediately.
08/02/2021 06:06 PM
Go Read a New Business Book a Week
Reading is essential. Go and read a business book to enrich your business.
07/23/2021 11:26 AM
How to Be an Entrepreneur With a Full Time Job
It may seem difficult seeing how you can create a successful business for yourself. In addition, having a success formula takes time.
07/15/2021 05:54 PM
What Is an Entrepreneur and What Is Entrepreneurialism
What is an entrepreneur and what is entrepreneurialism. What makes them what they are?
07/12/2021 10:52 AM
Personal Branding Strategies for Women in Business
Personal branding for women is critical for business success to build your brand. When you align your personal brand with your business brand, you're much more likely to not only connect with the right people but also turn them into raving fans. Build your business with these personal branding tips.
07/12/2021 10:51 AM
How to Increase the Value of Your Business
There are many ways to boost your sales and grow your business, no matter your budget size. However, increasing the value of your business on a tight budget can be daunting.
07/09/2021 11:08 AM
Innovative Business Shares Tips
Innovative businesses are showing the road map to success: have a real connection to their customers, be proactive for the environment, show support for local social causes and events, and concentrate on providing a great service/product while building a strong networking system. It is the only way to survive in this "new normal".
07/01/2021 11:19 AM
What to Do in a Creative Dry Spell
While most creatives can't get away with allowing a dry spell to keep going on indefinitely, you can get out of the dry spell simply by trying these ideas. Often, just stopping the internal pressure you have on yourself can unleash your creativity again.
06/29/2021 05:38 PM
Top 3 Ways You Can Generate Ideas for a New Business
1. Start a Business that evolves around your innate ability. Innate abilities help you do things with ease. Often times I hear people say, "what do you have flair for?" Innate abilities help you do things better, quickly and 'naturally' than others. It helps you do things effortlessly!
06/28/2021 07:29 PM
How to Train Your Brain for Maximum Creativity
Training your brain to be more creative, to be creative on demand, and to be creative in more than one way is within your power and control. When you find something that works for you to unleash your creativity, use it.
06/01/2021 08:49 AM
How to Create an Innovative Mindset
In general terms, a traditional business mindset is always looking to improve the quality of products, services and processes. On the other end of the spectrum, an innovative mindset issues mandates for new and better ways to do business.
05/27/2021 01:14 PM
How Can Growth Mindset Lead to Success?
How do people create and grow a mindset strategy? Here are some practical tips that will show you exactly how to get started.
05/07/2021 09:30 AM
Why Becoming an Author Boosts Credibility
When you author a book that is well received by your audience, it's really an automatic boost to your credibility. The book gets press, which means you get press, and the snowball effect happens.
05/04/2021 10:31 AM
Online Working Capital - Fast But Expensive
Small business owners often need working capital to cover expense incurred to make or create their product or service before payment comes in. Banks are loath to lend to small business owners especially the small amounts that the business owners usually need. Many online working capital lenders have been created to serve this underserved market.
04/26/2021 08:41 AM
When Impatience Can Lead to Business Success... Or Failure
As an entrepreneur, have you ever asked yourself "Why am I not reaching the level of success I was promised?". It could be because a lot of entrepreneurs fall victim to impatience to succeed.
04/20/2021 11:35 AM
What Is the Best Online Business You Can Start?
Starting an online business is a great way to create a lifestyle that you enjoy living. But, you must be realistic as you develop your business.
04/11/2021 02:42 PM
Looking to Build Your Network? Please Avoid This 1 Mistake
Networking isn't just about meeting new individuals. It's also about you maintain connections. Ignoring the current connections of your professional network because you're excessively focused on development is a big blunder. Don't just consider about meeting and getting to know new professional contacts. Don't fail to remember to keep up with the people you by now know.
04/11/2021 02:39 PM
How to Face Your Fears and Get More Business Leads
What fear do you have lurking inside of you, preventing you from enjoying life, or creating a successful business for that matter? When it comes to our business, fear can definitely stop us in our tracks, preventing us from moving forward and achieving our goals.
04/06/2021 11:39 AM
A Realistic View of Being Self-Employed
If you are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, you'll want to know all about your field, your products and your customers... but you'll NEED to know about running a business. It is important for business owners to realize all the hidden areas that eat up a surprising amount of time and energy behind the scenes in running a business.
04/06/2021 11:33 AM
Business in a Slump? 13 Ways to Get Your Motivation Back
Truth be told, it's a fact of life for every entrepreneur and business owner... we are going to get into a rut every once in a while. We're human after all! The good news is that this slump can be very temporary... if you choose it to be. Here is a list of things you can explore the next time you feel this lack of motivation sweep over you.


home | site map | contact us