By James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer

A small business may not always have a clear path at the outset. A degree of “strategic planning” may provide direction. What kind of a “plan” should a veteran have for a new business idea?

Some entrepreneurs hope to create a new Fortune 500 company. Others hope to build their idea until they can sell the fruits of their endeavors at a healthy profit. Still others hope for a healthy side-business that can monetize a fun hobby. Whatever an entrepreneur’s goals, strategic planning can help forge the path to that endgame.

The strategic planning process should involve not only the leadership, but the employees and anyone else with an interest in the company. The Small Business Administration recommends that such a process be flexible. Remember that with yourself at the helm of your company, you will help guide the fates of your crewmembers along with those with whom you conduct business.

First, owners should identify strengths and weaknesses. The universe has endowed each of us with our own set of opportunities. Perhaps a business’s geographic setting provides access to healthy local industries or resources. Maybe personal connections offer valuable talent or expertise. Any variety of circumstances may provide an entrepreneur with the meat and potatoes to grow a valuable business idea. Lack of any such resource could suggest another path for the strategic growth of a company, at least in the short term.

Second, those at the helm should communicate their strategic plan. Those with a vested interest in a company should share common goals. If the ownership only needs temporary or on-call labor, the human resources development strategy should reflect these needs. Conversely, business owners who may need long-term commitments from their employees should prepare accordingly. Additionally, healthy businesses communicate honestly with clients and contractors about their commitments. This communication may reflect in negotiated lengths and terms of contracts as well as volumes of purchases and scope of projects.

Third, ownership must understand that strategic planning is an ongoing process. Companies often change course as opportunities arise and priorities change. Healthy economic entities know how to adapt. On the plus side, perhaps a company has developed an infrastructure that allows optimal use of some opportunity that has arisen. On the minus, perhaps some change in the economy has necessitated a wise repurposing of existing commitments.

Along the same lines, consider mission statements. Strategic planning is a versatile process, and mission statements are living documents. Mission statements can anchor a company’s staff in the realities of a company’s objectives. Mission statements can also provide marketing guidance. Perhaps an employee’s ambitions do not jive with the company’s “mission statement.” Perhaps a contract might not keep the company on course. In such cases, change can ensue.

Strategic planning should involve discussion, development, and review. Discussion can involve meeting with employees and working out priorities for any challenges that might arise. Remember that the strategic planning process may begin long after the spark of inspiration for the company itself. When owners need to make a serious commitment, everyone with a commitment in an endeavor needs to get down and agree on a plan.

In short, plans for business development should closely tie with the interests of everyone involved. Communication with each stakeholder is necessary to gauge commitment to the endeavor. The business owner’s own ambitions may change based on the resources available and enthusiasm of each relevant party. However, owners should maintain a sensibility about the necessity of a direction to the company, as well as an understanding of the need to redeploy the company’s resources in changing circumstances. Hence the need for a versatile strategic planning strategy.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hopes that this article has been valuable.  Stay tuned for Part 2 of this mini-series.   We work hard to bring you important, positive, helpful, and timely information and are the “go to” online venue for Veteran and Military Business Owners.  VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association.   We do not charge members any dues or fees and members can also use our seal on their collateral and website.   If you are not yet a member, you can register here:

https://vamboa.org/member-registration/

We also invite you to check us out on social media too.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vamboa

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VAMBOA

Don’t forget that VAMBOA members receive significant discounts on technology needs.   Check them out here:

https://vamboa.org/dell-technologies/

By Debbie Gregory.

Thanks to the Internet, people can make a steady income from wherever they are utilizing a variety of skills. All you really need is an Internet connection, a computer, and an idea. Below are even more small business ideas for you to consider if you are looking to start a business or need a second income stream.

21.) Freelance Writer or Editor

Do you love to write? Content creation is a huge part of marketing in today’s world and companies are always looking to add good writers to their teams. You simply need good writing and editing skills.

22.) Professional Blogger or Social Media Influencer

Blogs and being a social media influencer are both great ways to make money. The pros make money selling advertising and affiliate marketing on their own blogs or social channels. They also get paid to blog for other companies and travel or use products to promote them. Popular topics include travel, cooking, health, technology, finance and more.

23.) Proofreading Services 

Similar to writing services, a good proof reader is worth their weight in gold! If you love grammar and punctuation, consider offering your services to others. You can even promote your service on websites like Upwork, LinkedIn, and other places where prospective clients may look.

24.) Social Media Manager

If you are a social media expert, managing Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other social channels for others can be a lot of fun. You will need to help the company keep up with the latest trends and tricks for building and engaging their audience, but if you have the skills and desire, this can be a very lucrative side business.

25.) Photographer

This is another great side job for someone already in the field or even an aspiring hobbyist. This is not an easy one to start unless you already have the correct equipment and knowledge. If you aren’t a pro yourself yet, you can team up with professionals at a lower rate to learn the trade. It is also best to select a photography niche and focus on it such as sporting events, weddings, family portraits, pet portraits, etc.  Instead of trying to do all of them, select one as each niche has its own challenges and special equipment.

26.) Sell Photographs

If you have the equipment and a passion for photography, but do not wish to be a photographer, you can also sell the photos you take to stock photography companies. Sites like Shutterstock and iStock by Getty Images will allow you to sell photos for money.

27.) Graphic Designer 

If you already work as a designer, consider offering your services on the side. You can network through business networking groups and in places where businesses look for graphic designers, such as Upwork and LinkedIn to start building your side clientele. If you have other related skills, such as animation and web development, you can further broaden your offerings and generate more business.

28.) Web Designer

Every company needs a good quality website. If you have the skills to build it – offer those skills!

29.) Search Engine Optimizer (SEO) 

As a web designer, you should have experience with SEO or Search Engine Optimization.  SEO is complex and challenging to get right and this is particularly true because the major search engines are constantly changing how they rank and display sites in searches. If you have good SEO skills, you can make quite a good amount of money offering those skills to companies.

30.) Shoot or Edit Video

Video is an incredibly popular marketing tool today. It is one of the best, most engaging, ways for companies to communicate their messages to consumers. If you have the skills and equipment to shoot or edit video, this is a great way to make some extra cash.

We at VAMBOA, hope you have enjoyed this mini-series. Today’s digital environment makes it so easy to monetize your existing skills and passions. Whether you are looking to create a full-time business or simply want to make some cash on the side, there is never a bad time to begin.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hopes that this article has been valuable.   We work hard to bring you important, positive, helpful and timely information and are the “go to” online venue for Veteran and Military Business Owners.  VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association.   We do not charge members any dues or fees and members can also use our seal on their collateral and website.   If you are not yet a member, you can register here:

https://vamboa.org/member-registration/

We also invite you to check us out on social media too.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vamboa

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VAMBOA

By Debbie Gregory.

Even if you have a full-time job, a second income stream can come in handy and provide you and your family more opportunities and options.  Below are more ten more ideas that may help you find a side-business that would be perfect for your life.

11.) Make & Sell Handmade Products Online

This one is excellent for anyone who has a fun craft they like to do. Do you create jewelry, clothing, toys, craft supplies, home décor, or more? List them for sale on places like Etsy.

12.) Online Tutor

There is always a need for a good, patient tutor in many subjects and for almost every age group.  Especially with so many students learning remotely with parents working, the demand is greater. The most popular needs are usually in math, science, and English. This is a great side job for those who are already working in education or a professional in a field that is complex. You can start a tutoring business on your own or sign up for online services such as Aim-for-A or Chegg Tutors.

13.) Survey Filler

This one isn’t a well paid opportunity but it is fun and incredibly easy. You can sign up with companies like Survey Junkie who will pay you to take surveys on a variety of topics.

14.) Virtual Assistant

Working as a Virtual Assistant can be very profitable but can also be incredibly time-consuming and challenging.  More than ever with remote working, companies, and individual need Virtual Assistants.  A Virtual Assistant takes care of tasks that other people are too busy to take care of yet need to have done. Tasks such as sorting emails by importance, proofreading, formatting email newsletters, or responding to customer questions and comments online are just a few examples and there are many more.

15.) Furniture Maker

If you have wood working skills, this is a great way to make some money. People love high-end, uniquely designed, hand-made furniture that is made in the USA.  You can sell these items through online channels, farmer’s markets, craft fairs, and more.  This is the type of business that embraces referrals and word can spread like wildfire.

16.) Real Estate Investing

Investing in real estate is a great way to bring in passive income. You can rent out whole homes if you have the ability to do so, you can list spare rooms in your home for rent online on places like Airbnb, or you can invest in commercial properties through investment companies.  This requires some capital and good credit, but it can be very lucrative.  Real estate is in high demand.

17.) Jewelry Repair

This is another business that requires training and certification. However, if it is a passion of yours, it would make a great home business. Customers simply drop their pieces to you, you fix them, they pick them back up.  You might even design a few pieces for sale too.

18.) Daycare or Baby Sitting

Providing daycare services in your home is a great side business to run if you love children and have a home that would be a safe and fun environment for kids. Babysitting doesn’t require any special training, though having at least a CPR certificate is encouraged. Setting up a full daycare facility will require licensing as well as home inspections, background checks, and following specific regulations (that differ by state).   Now with the vaccines, people are going out again and

According to Care.com 2019 Babysitter Survey, the average babysitting rate in 2018 in California was $16.25 per hour and some babysitters in areas such as San Francisco, received as much as $22.50 per hour.  If there are multiple kids, the rate can go up and then many parents also tip.

19.) Pet Sitter

Pet sitting, like babysitting, does not require any special certification, only a safe environment and a love of animals. The rates vary depending on the services and whether you are just feeding and walking the pets or staying over with them.

20.) Podcast Producer or Editor

Podcasts are very popular these days as marketing tools for a wide variety of companies. If you have any experience writing content of any sort, you may want to look at writing content for podcasts.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this mini-series and more Money-Making Small Business Ideas.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hopes that this article has been valuable.   We work hard to bring you important, positive, helpful and timely information and are the “go to” online venue for Veteran and Military Business Owners.  VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association.   We do not charge members any dues or fees and members can also use our seal on their collateral and website.   If you are not yet a member, you can register here:

https://vamboa.org/member-registration/

We also invite you to check us out on social media too.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vamboa

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VAMBOA

By Debbie Gregory.

Are you looking for a side business? In today’s world, it is incredibly simple to start a small side business for a second income stream. Most people have marketable skills or knowledge that they aren’t utilizing in their day-job.

Below are ten ideas that may help you find a side-business that not only will complement your life but generate a new source of income.

1.) Miscellaneous Services

Do you have skills someone would pay money for? Maybe are a more than decent handyman with skills, have DJ equipment and enjoy doing that, or other miscellaneous skills of this nature. Try offering your services through sharing economy websites such as TaskRabbit or Thumbtack.

2.) Rideshare Driver

Ridesharing is incredibly popular right now.   The two most popular are Uber and Lyft. They both offer a very flexible schedule: you can work just about any time of day and you set your own hours. Getting paid is also very easy and instant through the various company apps and don’t forget the tips from happy customers.

3.) Food Delivery

Food delivery companies have become incredibly popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can sign up with one of the online delivery companies, such as Door Dash, Uber Eats, or BiteSquad; or you can partner with local restaurants and food businesses to deliver their products.

4.) Grocery Delivery

This is another delivery service that has skyrocketed in popularity due to the pandemic. This one has similar options to the food delivery too and there are many online companies you can apply to work for to deliver groceries such as Instacart.  You can also partner directly with local health food stores or co-ops that offer organically grown produce.

5.) Start a Food Truck

If you are an aspiring restaurateur but lack the capital (or desire) to have a brick and mortar restaurant, a food truck is a great alternative! The demand is very high for trucks of this nature at large events such as weddings or farmer’s markets. Become a “moveable feast”.

6.) House Cleaner

Cleaning other people’s homes is always a lucrative business. It can be a bit strenuous and gritty but it is an affordable startup and an easy one to find clients and obtain referrals.

7.) Professional Organizer

If you don’t necessarily like to clean homes but are really into organizing spaces, becoming a professional organizer may be a great choice for you and is a skill that is in high demand especially with so many people spending more time in their homes.  They want to reclaim space in rooms and garages and want everything in order.

8.) Travel Agent 

If you really enjoy travel and researching exotic destinations, a small travel agency could be the business for you. This one requires a little bit more than some of the others on this list since you will need to take a course or two on travel planning (such as those offered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)). You may also need to register with your state as a travel agent, depending on where you live. A handful of states, including California and Florida require this registration.   Now with so many Americans becoming vaccinated, many are looking forward to traveling again.

9.) Career/Life Coach 

If you like counseling people and helping them, you may want to consider becoming a career or life coach. You will need training and certification through organizations accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF).

10.) Bookkeeper

This is an excellent opportunity for people who already manage financial records. Start a side business out of your home helping other businesses manage their finances, pay their bills, prepare their taxes and payroll, taxes, and more.

This is a three-part mini-series so please stay tuned for more ideas in Parts 2 and 3.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hopes that this article has been valuable.   We work hard to bring you important, positive, helpful and timely information and are the “go to” online venue for Veteran and Military Business Owners.  VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association.   We do not charge members any dues or fees and members can also use our seal on their collateral and website.   If you are not yet a member, you can register here:

https://vamboa.org/member-registration/

We also invite you to check us out on social media too.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vamboa

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VAMBOA

By Debbie Gregory.

Productivity is important.  As a small business owner with more to do in a day than there are hours, getting started on your day can often be difficult. Where do you begin? Starting your day with the largest and most daunting tasks on your to-do list can make a big difference in your day and overall effectiveness as a leader. Below are a few activities to not only get your day started right but will make your day better and more productive.

1.) Get some exercise

The best way to ensure you get a good workout every day is to begin your day with one! If you simply begin your work day, odds are good at the end of the day you will feel too drained from work to get to the gym. Working out also reduces anxiety and boosts your overall decision-making, problem-solving and planning skills.

2.) Eat a good breakfast

Skipping breakfast is never a good idea. You body and brain both need energy and fuel to concentrate and stay on task. Make sure to get in a good meal before you tackle your day.

3.) Scan your email for the most important items

Those emails in your inbox waiting for you are a pressing concern for most people these days. It is a good idea to begin by giving your inbox a quick few scan that will take just a few minutes.  You can then properly schedule time blocks of time to take care of these emails more efficiently. Scanning what is waiting and scheduling this time also keeps your mind from wondering what is waiting for you in your inbox while you are trying to focus on other tasks.

4.) Make and practice a morning ritual

Morning rituals are a great way to get a little bit of “me” time before you give your time to everyone else. This ritual sets the tone for your day and can help you calm your mind and put life into perspective. It can also help boost your confidence to face your daily challenges.

These rituals do not need to be long and involved.

Maybe try a few things such as:

• Listening to an audio book
• Reading a book for a few minutes
• Listening to music
• Journaling
• Meditating
• Enjoying some aromatherapy
• Drinking a cup of tea
• Doing a small craft
• And more

5.) Stand for morning meetings

Meetings first thing in the morning tend to be unpleasant and waste a lot of valuable time. However, sometimes they are necessary to touch base with your team. If you absolutely have to start your day with a meeting, don’t sit down. Conduct the meeting sitting up or walking. Not only is standing or walking healthier than sitting, moving around also increases creative output. It may also encourage and lead to a shorter meeting.

6.) Get that dreaded item over with

The most valuable input we can provide you is the advice for you to get the worst item of your day off of your plate first thing. As Mark Twain famously quipped, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning.” Getting that one awful task off of your to-do list first can give the rest of your day a boost and give you a feeling of accomplishment. It also prevents that task from taking up your valuable mental space and causing you stress.

As a business owner you are a busy person, hopefully these tips can help you de-stress a bit and enable you to start your day on a better foot so that you are able to be more productive and an overall better leader for your team.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hopes that this article has been valuable.   We work hard to bring you important, positive, helpful and timely information and are the “go to” online venue for Veteran and Military Business Owners.  VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association.   We do not charge members any dues or fees and members can also use our seal on their collateral and website.   If you are not yet a member, you can register here:

https://vamboa.org/member-registration/

We also invite you to check us out on social media too.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vamboa

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VAMBOA