Whether you’re just beginning your transition from military to civilian life or you’ve been out of the service for a while now, you have some things working in your favor when it comes to your career. For example, you have training and experience that many others don’t have, which can prove invaluable when you’re starting a business or looking for a good job.
Customers, clients, and employers know that the qualities and knowledge that come with serving in the military are rare, which puts you at an advantage in many respects.
Since the American Legion War Memorial Commission strives to provide helpful resources for veterans and their families, we thought we would discuss some ways that you can move forward in your career as a veteran.
Starting a Business
If you’re thinking about starting a business, here are some key steps you will need to take early in the process:
- Unless you already know exactly what you want to do, brainstorm business ideas and choose one that accommodates your talents, knowledge, and skills.
- Draw up a business plan that details your goals and how you will achieve them.
- Set up a business structure; forming an LLC comes with tax advantages, limited liability, flexibility, and other benefits. Just be sure to learn your state’s regulations, and consider using a formation service.
- Handle other legal matters, such as registering your business name and obtaining any necessary licenses and permits.
- Start seeking funding, putting your team together, and coming up with a marketing plan!
Working From Home
Whether you’re starting a home-based business or taking on a new remote job, these tips can help you succeed from the get-go:
- Use online job boards and job sites to find opportunities that fit your interests and expertise.
- Dedicate an area of your home to serve as your home office or workspace.
- Establish clearly-defined work hours, and try not to do too many household tasks during these designated hours.
- Make sure you have a reliable laptop and any other office equipment needed for your work.
- Get any tools necessary for communicating with team members and staying on top of your daily tasks.
Veteran Resources
If you’re a veteran, it’s essential to use the resources at your disposal and keep some tips in mind that can help you reach success.
- Keep up-to-date with the campaigns, events, and other resources from ALWMC.
- Take advantage of veteran-specific funding, training, and mentorship provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Always showcase your military skills on your resume when applying for jobs.
- Consider companies like AT&T, Amazon, and Instant Teams that are actively looking for veterans and military spouses to fill remote work positions.
Wherever you are in your career, don’t shy away from using your military experience to move forward. Consider the tips listed here for starting a business, working from home successfully, and finding veteran-specific resources like American Legion War Memorial Commission. And always be on the lookout for new programs that could help you achieve your goals!
