You Must Learn

In Order to Succeed In the Civilian World

(Part 12)

Learn how to create a successful business using excellent marketing strategies

In our last article, we discussed the topic of being your own boss by starting your own business.  Owning your own business is a true accomplishment, but in order to succeed you need to:

1. Have a passion and true interest in the business you want to start.
2. Create a business plan.
3. Organize you long-term and short-term goals.
4. Create a budget – do not go over board and dig yourself deep in dept.
5. Market your business being with the most effective tactics that cost the least amount of money implement.
6. Communicate well with your clients and create make sure you create excellent customer service.

Today we are going to go over the best and most effective way to marketing your business.  After finishing your career with the military, you will probably have only a limited amount of money to spend on your business.  You do not want to take a bunch of loans out.  Debt is the last thing you want to have when starting a new a new business.  In addition, trying to get a loan in this economy is hard to do and if you do, the interest rates are absurd right now.

Realistically you have to invest in order to profit, but the key is using the least expensive and the most effective strategies in the beginning.

The least expensive and most effective marketing is word of mouth.

Yes, it is true.  Word of mouth is you are the best and most effective marketing took.  Have you ever gone to a cocktail party, some one says something, and before you know it within an hour, the whole party knows about it.

It is the same thing for a business.  When some likes your work or your product, they tell someone and before you know, you are the man!  It doesn’t even cost you a penny.

In this day in age, I would recommend the internet as your second best marketing tool.  However, be careful, there are many scammers out there that will tell you that they can create you this great business website and before you know it, you spent a ton of money on a website that cost more than you are profiting.  If you do your research, you could create your own website by yourself or with the help of a few people that know what they are doing and are going to charge you a reasonable fee.

A website is definitely an important part of marketing. Your site promotes your products or services online.  In result, this will help you obtain a large number of cliental or sell tons of products in the end.  Like any good marketing tool, it must draw a targeted audience that is interested in your services or your products.

The problem is the online world is growing increasingly competitive. It is not enough just to put up a website—you have to understand what people are searching for and how they search.

Think about it. I bet you would be ecstatic to find ten, twenty or one hundred orders for your products or a bunch of people emailing you because they are interested in your service that you provide. If that is your vision, then you have to build your website smart and you have to build it right.

You have to build a niche website—a site that attracts traffic that is already looking for what you have to offer. Whether you will be selling a product, info-product or a service from your site, this is what you will need:

1. A website that places high in the search engines for your important keywords—the words your visitors will search for in order to find you.
2. The ability to publish a newsletter helps you keep visitors coming back for more.
3. The ability to publish a blog and RSS feeds.
4. The ability to focus on what you do best without having to worry about the technical end.
5. Templates that will allow you to set up your eBook website design quickly without stress or hassle. To build your site, you simply type in your text.
6. A shopping cart that will take your orders while you are asleep, while you are hanging out with your kids or sitting by the pool on your vacation.
7. Tools that will automatically submit your web pages every time you build new ones and will check to see if the search engines have dropped your pages and resubmit them without you having to get involved.
8. A traffic analysis tool that will tell you how much traffic your website is obtaining, which pages are the most popular and the position of each of your pages on the most important search engines.Tools that help you determine which search terms to use to build your site.
9. A manual that outlines a proven formula for success that even a newbie can use to build a web business that receives targeted traffic 24 hours per day, seven days per week. I use authorsden.com.  There cheap, easy to set up and millions of people go on it each day.  I also use godaddy.com. There also a good website company to use.  WordPress.com is another website organization that has become popular in the last two years.

The most important page on your website is your home page.  The home page is the page that makes the visitor decide if they are going to stay, if they are going to buy your products and if they are going to come back.

 What will make your home page interesting? Good design plays an important part in your site’s overall effectiveness. However, it is not the flash that will interest your audience. It is not the jingles that will connect you with your visitor. It is the benefits – the ‘what’s in it for me’ list that create interest and even desire. Create a home page filled with benefits and it will pull your visitors in. What you say your product/service can do is much more attractive than a beautiful web page with weak copy.

What will make your home page interesting? Good design plays an important part in your site’s overall effectiveness. However, it is not the flash that will interest your audience. It is not the jingles that will connect with your visitor. It is the benefits – the ‘what’s in it for me’ list that create interest and even desire. Create a home page filled with benefits and it will pull your visitors in. What you say your product/service can do is much more attractive than a beautiful web page with weak copy.

Remember, do not go overboard.  Take it day by day.  Organize your thoughts and information, make sure you look at where a majority of your customers are coming from and ask them how they heard about you.  This will help you decipher what types of market strategies are the most effective for you business.

Next week we will go over other strategies to help you become a successful entrepreneur once you left the military and entered the civilian world.

You Must Learn

In Order to Succeed In the Civilian World

(Part 11)

Learn how to be your own boss by starting your own business

Owning your own business and becoming an entrepreneur used to be a dream for many now it is becoming a reality for many individuals. 

Many military soldiers who leave the military choose to start their own business, instead of seeking employment. Many say the reason for this is because many veterans have grown weary of working for someone else and they think they will be better off on their own. Maybe they have heard how easy it is to be a consultant and share their experience of military systems with government-contracted companies.

As with any other aspect of career planning, you should put a lot of time and thought into making the decision to go into business for yourself. Not everyone is cut out to work for themselves. While it may appear that you will have more free time as your own boss, starting a business is a more than full-time job and requires more than a full-time commitment to be successful.

Most people who run businesses will tell you that it is not a 9-5 job anymore.  It is 24/7.  When you go home, the responsibilities and the problems of your business come home with you.  Don’t get me wrong being your own boss is great because you are in charge and you do not have to answer to anyone. However, when there a problem it is not the companies problem.  It is your problem.   Everything has to run smooth and efficiently because it is your money that is invested in the company. Let us not forget too-if you have employees working for you they rely on you for a paycheck and if you are not making your profit quota than its coming out of your pocket.

I come from a family of entrepreneurs and when each of them went into their own businesses, they went in with no grays, but after a few years those grey popped up all over the place and a lot of them were in their 30’s when the grays hit them like a ton of bricks!  I don’t think it was their age I think it was the stress.

I do not want to discourage you in anyway.  It’s great having your own successful business, what I want to make clear is that’s a lot of work and you have to be willing to work hard and not give up. 

Many people are starting businesses and becoming very success.  Starting any type of business may seem overwhelming at first, but do not worry it gets easier as time goes by. 

Before you start your own business, be very clear on exactly what is involved. Talk to other entrepreneurs who own their businesses. Ask them what it is like to work for yourself, what they like and do not like about it. What are their lessons learned? What advice do they have for someone getting started? Six success factors for starting a small business are self-motivation, business and industry knowledge, organization and management capabilities, marketing skill, customer/vendor relations, and vision.

After you have done the research, asked around for advice or look up successful entrepreneurs on the web and see what they advice, how they became successful and what important advice they share to help you ease into your own business. 

First, choose the perfect type of business for you. Look at your own talents and abilities, do something you enjoy. Perhaps look for ways to improve on an existing business. There is no hard and fast rule to choosing the right business as, put simply, what works for you may not work for me and vice versa.

You are not going to see big money instantaneously right away.  It is going to take time, patience, devotion and lots of hard work. Anything less will be a complete waste of your time and will most likely result in failure. You must also realize that success is not going to happen overnight.

Here are some words of advice from the wise:

PATIENCE – This is the first step to succeeding in this business and believe me it takes practice.  You will need patience to work successfully and reach all your long-term and short-term goals. Like I mentioned before it is going to take and hard work, but the results will be outstanding!

OBSTACLES – There will be many obstacles along the way and a great deal to be learned. However, anything worth having is worth working towards and will not come easy. There will be many long stressful days and sleepless nights because you have so many ideas and worries on your mind. However, if everything falls into place, and you plan each step very carefully, the end will justify the means.

The largest obstacle you will ever encounter is fear — fear of the unknown — fear of change — fear of failing. Fear is the root of failure and prevents dreamers from living their true passion. They fail to try. So do not worry about failure.  Focus on the present and take each day one day at a time.

OUTCOME – Each step you take, you will become a little closer to achieving your dreams and reaching your goals to having a successful business.   As long as you keep trying, you will never fail.

You Must Learn

In Order to Succeed In the Civilian World

(Part 9)

In Today’s Economy – Being Laid off Is a Reality

Learn how to survive and protect your family financially if you become laid off from your job

The one good thing about being in the military is that you do not have to worry about being laid off.  However, once you finish your service time and make the transition over into the civilian world being laid off becomes a reality, especially in today’s financial state.

In the last couple of years, the country was slowly falling into larger debt and just recently, economists have declared that the country is experiencing the worst recession in history.

Personal bankruptcies are on the rise despite the recent passage of a law that makes it more difficult and more expensive to file for bankruptcy protections. The value of housing decreasing, the credit crunch, rising prices in commodities and health care are making it extremely difficult for many individuals to meet their financial obligations, leaving them with few choices but bankruptcy.

Companies are experiencing similar situations.  Large companies that you never thought would fail and leave the face of the earth are filing bankruptcy.

The present cost, and future cost, of caring for wounded and crippled veterans is going to be astronomical, leaving little to invest in communications, road, rail networks and other projects that provide jobs to the American people.

People are coming home from war, fulfilling their service in the military, making the transition and then finding a layoff notice with their paycheck telling them that their sorry, but they have to lay off workers due to financial woes.

Companies all over the United States are downsizing, or right sizing. Veterans may have a job today, but will that job be there tomorrow?

This is why you always need to be prepared.  You need to have a prepared resume ready to go, and you have to be open to new ideas and skills that can be learned.

Always being prepared for the next career opportunity is a skill that can be learned. Putting together that first job-seeking package as a civilian is just the beginning. To be the right person when the right time and place present themselves, you will need to keep that package updated and current.

You need to:

• Update your resume at least once a year
• Have copies ready to hand to anyone who asks
• Add your new skills, any additional work experience, and education completed
• Change your resume layout to the one most favored by industry that year. Unbelievably even resume formats have trends.
• Keep your network active by taking the time to connect with everyone in it at least twice a year.
• Send a birthday card, a simple email, or make a friendly phone call
• Keep up with everyone’s current address and phone number. When the day comes that you need help with something, they will be more likely to offer it than if you had not spoken to them in years.

Always be learning new skills or improving existing ones that will keep you employable. Stay up with the latest technology. Watch current trends in the marketplace and be prepared to move with them. Read your industry’s newsletters and magazines. Be aware of what is happening on the political and economic fronts, and how it might affect your situation or company.  Always keep your eyes and ears open to what is going on around you.  Anything is possible this is why you should always be on your toes.

Remember, we are currently spending $12 billion a month to carry on a useless war with no end in sight. The total estimated cost of the Iraq war is $3 trillion dollars – nearly a third of the entire debt the U.S. has accumulated in its entire history. Until our leaders establish new priorities that include peace around the world and prosperity at home anything can happen.  So make sure you always have a backup career plan.  If financial career crisis hits you, you will be able to get right back on your feet.

Stayed tuned for next week’s blog on making the transition to the civilian world part 10…

You Must Learn

In Order to Succeed In the Civilian World

( Part 8 )

Learn how to develop financial wealth after you completed your time in the military

When it comes to the military financial worries is something that you can put on the back burner for a while.  When you have a career in the military, you can relax knowing that the military has your financial back.  The military will go the extra mile to make sure that their soldiers have a paycheck with the same amount each week whether you work or not, complete healthcare, and a place to live. 

There is no pressure or reason to learn how to handle your money. Budget what’s that?  Most soldiers go by the philosophy if you have it you can spend it.  If there is no money in the pot then those new sneakers are going to have to wait another week.

The military financial counselors tend to focus on creating a budget, encouraging soldiers to live within it their means and reduce any debt they may currently have.   While this is, advice is useful; it is not going to help when you make the transition into the civilian world. “Don’t spend it if you don’t have it” is not real money management.

“Hang on baby, Friday is almost here payday’s coming!”

The military is a great opportunity, especially if you are young and you are just starting out trying to establish a stable foundation, training, and experience so you can build a future for yourself.  However, what happens once you have finished your service in the military?  What type of future are you looking at in the civilian world?

As you know, life in the civilian world is a completely different ball game.   Even though the military goes the extra mile to make sure their soldiers are well taken care of at the same time the military is creating a false sense of security.

If you never worked for a long period of time in the civilian world, you may think that the civilian world has just as much security available to you.  Suddenly, when reality sets in you are going to realize that it is not the same and that your financial freedom lies in the palm of you hands.

One thing you can do is:

·       Seek advice from people who are experts in the field of money management.  Today there are a growing number of people teaching money management techniques.  These techniques work and get positive results. Seek their advice.  Let them help steer you onto the right road. Learn how to give out certain percentages of your income to necessities, savings, charities, entertainment and most importantly, investments. With balanced money management, you will be able to increase your assets. If you play your cards right maybe you will be the next trump!

What is financial security?

·       Financial security is having an income stream that can maintain your lifestyle. Financial freedom means never having to work for money again, while having enough money to maintain your lifestyle that suites your needs. This does not mean you have to be rich. Just comfortable enough so you are content with your life and not struggling week by week. You need to decide what your ideal lifestyle is and how much it costs to sustain it.

What is financial freedom?

·       Financial freedom is having a steady income that does not require your labor. You can obtain financial freedom by investing in rental property, passive income business (coin operated car wash, mini-storage units, websites), or intellectual property royalties require a minimum of your attention. It is no longer wise to depend on the Social Security System, mutual funds, or a possible inheritance.

Something to consider

Did you know…?

People whose only source of income is their job are typically are two to three paychecks away from bankruptcy. The reason you should have a job is to generate money for investing. All that stands between you and financial freedom is experience, plan, strategy, and the will to achieve a high means.  If there is a will, there is a way.

Programs and seminars to help you achieve financial freedom

There are many financial building training programs available in areas of real estate, network and internet marketing, business development, and website businesses.  I would mention the stock market, but with the ways the stock market is now, I think we can hold off on that one.

Final Thoughts

Choose an area that interests you and learn from those who have accomplished financial freedom.  Google their businesses, their personal websites, find out how the people who reached financial success got there.  Learn there secrets and use to help you build your first stepping stone to success. They have gotten wealthy because of their investments and ideas, not by working their tail off for someone else. You can too.  Do not under estimate yourself.  I just read an article the other day that a 36 year old became a billionaire by inventing this unique back scratcher!  Now come on!  If he could do it, so can you!

You Must Learn

In Order to Succeed In the Civilian World

(Part 7)

How to choose the right medical doctors for you and your family when you begin your life in the civilian world

When you are in the military the government always makes sure that you and your family have the best possible medical insurance.  The military provides full medical and dental care for all its military members and their families. The government makes sure that their prescriptions, immunizations, hospitalization and complete annual physicals, is provided to their soldiers and family members.

You do not have to worry about finding the right doctor or dentist because the military provides them for you.  However, once you leave the military and make the transition into the civilian world then everything changes.  You are on your own.

So what now?  How do you find the right doctors that are going to provide you with top quality healthcare?  So what is the first step?

First…

• If you are looking for a doctor outside the military, ask family members, friends, and other health care professionals for the names of doctors they recommend.
• Once you purchase a health care plan you can also call the insurance company and as them for doctors in your area.  Once you get the numbers from the insurance company call the doctors and ask the some important questions to help you decide what doctor’s right for you and your family.
• When you arrive at the doctors office ask him some questions, make sure you feel comfortable with him.  Most people when they meet someone can tell if he is good and knows what he’s talking about or a quack that makes you wonder how this guy got his license to practice.

The questions to ask…

1. Then find out the answers to some important questions. First, determine if the doctor is accepting new patients.
2. Ask if they offer introductory visits for people who want to meet before deciding on a doctor. If so, ask what you should bring with you to such a meeting and what the fee will be, if any.

The questions to ask when meeting the doctor for the first time:

1. Where did they receive their medical training?
2. How long have they been practicing?
3. Do they accept your health insurance plan?  Make sure that they accept your plan.  The costs of medical bills can run you through the roof.
4. Is this a group practice or would you be seen by one doctor exclusively?
5. Are they able to complete simple lab tests on site?
6. What days and times do they see patients?
7. How far in advance do you need to make appointments?
8. What are their procedures for after-hours emergencies?
9. Which hospital do they admit patients to?
10. What is their philosophy for prescribing treatment or recommending procedures?
11. Are they willing to work with you to maintain your health and well-being?
12. Do they consider alternative treatment options such as nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, acupuncture, or chiropractic?   You do not always need medicine to help you with certain conditions.  Sometimes alternative treatment can be just as effective and safer for your body.

Choosing a dentist is much the same process. In addition to most of the same questions for a doctor, here are some other questions to ask when you meet the dentist for the first time.

1. What is their philosophy for performing dentistry? For instance, how do they determine whether to crown or simply fill a tooth?
2. What subject has their continuing education been in recently?
3. What is their specialty?
4. Do they keep up with current techniques?
5. Do they perform a thorough oral cancer examination of your entire mouth or just look at your teeth?
6. Who are the specialists they would refer you to for work outside their expertise?
7. How many dentists are in the office?
8. How many staff do they have?

The more dentists that work out of an office, the more staff they need. This means they have a larger overhead and have to see more patients in order to pay the bills.

This usually translates into less time for personal service because they need to hurry patients through. You will be taken care of better by choosing a dentist that works alone or with one to two other dentists in the office.

The front office staff is a direct reflection of the doctors or dentists they support. When you visit the office, take note of how the staff treats you. Are they helpful, friendly and attentive, or harried, tense and impersonal?   I have been to offices where the doctors were great, but the staff was terrible.  It makes it uncomfortable for the patient.  You should find a doctor that has a friendly and knowledgeable staff along with a doctor that knows what he is doing.

Things to look for when observing the office…

1. Are the phones answered quickly?
2. Do they seem organized and professional?
3. How easy does it appear to be able to arrange for payments and follow-up appointments?
4. Do they respect patient privacy, or do they discuss details in front of the entire waiting room?
5. Do the facilities look, smell and feel clean?

Choosing the right doctor is not always easy.  You hear horror stories all the time about people who were misdiagnosed or put on the wrong medicine causing them to suffer even more.  Doctors are people too.  They are just like you and me.  This is why you need to take your time and make sure you choose you future doctors wisely.  Not all doctors know what they are doing.  Most do, but not all.  So be careful and do not be afraid to ask questions.  You have the right to ask questions.  It is you and your family’s life that on the line, so make sure you pick the best possible doctors that is out there.