Research shows 25 percent of transitioning veterans
want to start a business, but less than 10 do so, largely
because they lack the right professional networks. Hogan
says Bunker Labs can help. The national nonprofit has
26 local chapters that help new veteran entrepreneurs
start businesses. He recommends the group’s Launch
Lab Online for testing ideas and its WeWork Veterans
in Residence Program for learning to grow a business.
He also encourages vet entrepreneurs to check out the
podcasts “How I Built It” by Guy Raz and “StoryBrand”
by Donald Miller, as well as the books “Traction” by
Gino Wickman and “The Startup Owner’s Manual” by
Steve Blank.
It’s all about the capital - both kinds.
“We made the mistake of putting too much emphasis
on getting access to capital to build gas stations and not
enough to finding superior people,” remembers Haslam.
“Once we figured this out and got the very best people
possible, it was easy to get the financing.”
Stay positive.
“Oftentimes, closed doors prevent us from taking a job
that ultimately would not have been the best fit for us,”
Smith notes. “If you experience serial rejection, odds are
it’s not you, but the tools or techniques you’re using that
need improvement.”
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, Pilot Flying
J has announced the donation of $2 million to more
than 20 different nonprofits. In light of Haslam’s military
service, the company is especially honored to partner
with veteran-focused groups like Hire Heroes USA,
Blake Hogan, executive director of Bunker Labs in Bunker Labs, Folds of Honor and Fisher House. Those
Nashville, recalls how vital that was when he was laying organizations support vets through scholarships, jobs
the groundwork for his new company BreakAway Safety or free housing for those caring for injured loved ones.
Solutions. “We set out asking industry leaders what they
needed, where there were gaps and how we could help. Veterans wishing to start their own businesses don’t have
We threw our egos out the window, listened to their to go it alone - there are many resources and fellow vets
suggestions, built small prototypes and iterated on their at your disposal to ensure you’re set up for success.
feedback.”
Enlist support from those you know.
Tell everyone you know about your goals in case they
can help you, or introduce you to someone who can.
“Activate your network of fellow veterans, family, friends
and former colleagues to notify the referral-based ‘hidden
job market’ you’re looking to make a career move,” advises
Nate Smith, CFO of the organization Hire Heroes USA
that provides free career services to vets.
Get to know your local entrepreneur
community and build your professional
network.
www.TheBoutiqueOnPlant.com
JANUARY 2019
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |
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