As military spouses, we often have to seek alternative or creative career options due to the nomadic lifestyle of the military. For many of us, having a home business is an appealing option since it allows us to have a career that moves with us. Pursuing something you are passionate about and having the luxury of creating your own work schedule are both wonderful things, however, managing a home business takes time and effort if you want it to be successful.
I have started two home businesses and these are all items that I need to be reminded of as well. Here are some tips from Military OneSource:
1) Create a marketing plan
Marketing your business is incredibly important to its success. It allows potential customers to know about your service or product and it helps prioritize your energy/budget.
- Know your market - take time to really analyze and figure out who you target market is going to be (i.e. the people who are most likely going to become your future clients).
- Decide on your marketing tools - your marketing tools will vary depending on the type of business you have and your target market. Are you providing a local service (i.e. childcare services)? Then you may want to consider a combination of traditional marketing methods, flyers, local newspaper ads, magazines, as well as virtual marketing. If your business is done completely virtually, then you will want to focus most of your efforts on internet-based approaches.
- Network and promote yourself- be involved in as many social and professional organizations in and around base that you can...it's an awesome opportunity to meet people AND promote your brand! You'll especially want to be out meeting people if your business provides a local service - word-of-mouth marketing is extremely effective. Also, make sure to have your "elevator pitch" down - this should be a a 30 second to 1 minute breakdown of exactly what you do and what your business is. Rehearse it. Own it.
- Business cards- make them...carry them with you. Enough said.
2) Keep yourself accountable
Probably one of the most necessary and difficult parts to having a home business. You need a schedule and goals to keep your business going and to aid in avoiding common distractions around the house or your home office.
- Create a work schedule - set aside a time to devote solely to your home business. How much time you are willing and able to dedicate to your business to make it a success is up to you. However, you must be stringent on sticking to this schedule. WRITE IT ALL DOWN.
- Set aside time for admin tasks - in addition to your work schedule, make sure you include a set time for any administrative duties that may be required (i.e. responding to emails, advertising, financials, etc).
- Consider your family's schedule - it's important to make your schedule work for both you and your family. Figure out the best time that allows you to get the most done without causing a big burden on "family time." If it's during your childrens' nap time, right after they are put to bed or before they wake up in the am...Make sure it is a known rule that you cannot be interrupted during your set work time.
- Set goals - set short-term and long-term goals for your business. These goals need to be realistic within the timeframe you set for yourself. In terms of the frequency, you need to figure out what works best for you - do you need to keep yourself motivated by setting daily goals? Weekly? Monthly? A TIP: if you are easily distracted, then the more goals you have = the more productive you are!
- Stay on track while your spouse is deployed - everything seems to go wrong when your spouse is deployed, combine that with managing a family AND a business and things can get a little crazy. Being able "to do it all," again comes from organizing your time effectively and adhering to your schedule (even if it means having to change your timeframe to better accommodate your family's new routine).
- Keep a positive attitude - there will be times when your business isn't as busy or you may get less than ideal feedback, don't let this get you down. Every business owner goes through these obstacles and they are to be expected. Push through the hard times so you can get to the good times!
3) Think ahead.
When your spouse gets orders to relocate, it's time to start thinking about moving your business. If your business is computer-based, then relocating shouldn't cause too much difficulty (just a few down days while taking care of packing and traveling). However, if you have a traditional business that requires you to meet with clients, then you will have to start from scratch. To help with this transition, consider the following:
- Plan ahead - doing research before you move will help speed up your "down" time. Research the area and create a new marketing plan before you relocate.
- Consider licenses, permits and zoning regulations - license, permit and zoning regulations vary by state. Even if you didn't need a permit at your old duty station, you may need one now. Visit the local Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov , to see what requirements you may have to fulfill.
- Look at SOFA agreements if going overseas - the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFAR) may determine the type of business you can run in your host nation. Before you move, contact the installation's Family Employment Readiness Program for detailed information on your new duty station.
Other resources
Military.com
Provides a wide range of information about employment for military spouses, including a guide to military spouse-friendly employers and links to branch-specific resources related to military spouse employment.
Small Business Administration
Free information on all aspects of small businesses, including online classes and Webinars, with a listing of local SBA offices. The SBA's Patriot Express program helps military veterans and members of the military community with information on starting and growing a home business, as well as finding small business loans.
Your military support services
Each service branch sponsors information and support programs for service members and their families. You can call or visit any installation Army Community Service Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Center, or Airman and Family Readiness Center regardless of your branch affiliation.
If you aren't near an installation, National Guard Family Assistance Centers are available in every state. The Local Community Resource Finder on the National Guard Family Program at www.jointservicessupport.org will identify your closest center (Source: Military OneSource).
Now that you are armed with techniques to make your home business successful...go make it happen!!!
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