As the daughter of an Army officer, spouse of an airman, and retired Colonel herself, Michelle Garner, aks Ms. G-I. is more than qualified to talk about all things military transition. However, she is also uniquely qualified to discuss entrepreneurship and solo-preneurship. This week we were fortunate to chat with the VetBizLady about how to become an entrepreneur, women Veterans and how to build a business from scratch.

Becoming an Entrepreneur

First and foremost, Ms. G-I credits her military career experience in developing operations and learning how to deliver value to customers. As a Garrison Commander, she faced challenges that helped grow and develop her skillset in managing both people and processes. “As senior NCOs and Officers, we retire or transition with a lot of intellectual capital,” said Ms. G-I. Rather than invest that experience into other businesses, some choose to create their own employment opportunities.

Unfortunately, many Veterans encounter challenges when starting businesses. Ms. G-I believes that some of it may have to do with information overload when first starting. From getting a tax identification number to figuring out how to write your own process manuals, it can be overwhelming to build from the ground up.

Network is the key. Utilizing the Veteran network is critical in developing opportunities. “They (Veterans) would be honored, truly honored to help you navigate (starting a business),” said Ms. G-I. “I encourage folks to build their network.”

Uncertainty about qualifications and narrowing down what Veterans want to do is another consideration when transitioning and thinking about becoming a business owner. Ms. G-I recommends cinching down your capabilities and focusing your core skills.
“Pick one thing, and that one thing will grow into other things,” advises Ms. G-I. “This is a game of copy, rinse, and repeat.”

A “Gig Economy”

For many starting out, they build a business model that many have dubbed “gig economy”. This means, a single entrepreneur, also known as a “solo-preneur” who brings their own leadership and skills to market and accepts individual contracts on a one-to-one basis. Ms. G-I says you can do that as a consultant or within key technical fields. The entrepreneur negotiates the terms, schedules, deliverables, and frequency, giving them the flexibility they need to work as much or as little as they’d like. The most successful Veteran entrepreneurs understand how to grow their business large enough so that they aren’t working on the deliverables, they’re focusing their effort on growing the business.

Women Veterans

More than 30,000 women are leaving the military every year. Family, relationships, health, and career all impact the decision to leave. Most women are transitioning from the military and entering regular employment. Unfortunately, most of the current leading employment opportunities are traditionally male-focused professions. Entrepreneurship is a great option that gives women Veterans flexibility to take care of their Families and build a post-military career.

Here are some tips when considering entrepreneurship:

1. 1. Focus your value. Determine what problem your individual skills and experience solve.
   2. Market Research. Take some time to conduct market analysis and observe the problems in the work force.
   3. Business Model. Learn how to sell your business and generate revenue.
   4. Find a Mentor. Utilize the Veteran network and learn from someone who has been successful.
   5. Network. Reach out to your Veteran network to ask questions, observe, and gain insight.
   6. Build Your Base. Tax implications, insurance, legal, and banking are all key to being able to operate in the workforce. Take care of these things first so that you can move quickly when opportunities come along.

If you’d like more tips on entrepreneurship, visit Ms. G-I on LinkedIn. She hosts a weekly call-in session that helps Veterans and underserved communities learn more about government contracting.

For More Information

Please watch the full video of this week’s Your Next Mission^® video podcast episode on our website, our YouTube channel, or our newly launched Rumble video channel.

Your Next Mission^® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, a non-profit
dedicated to serving our Veterans and Families. Your Next Mission^® video podcast with host
12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley features insightful conversation with subject matter experts from the
military and civilian communities. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest
conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.