By James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer

Giving and receiving criticism is inevitable in the workplace. Remember that feedback is not an attack on your identity. When people criticize your work, they are not attacking you personally. For small businesspeople, feedback may come from employees, partners, clients, or any of the inhabitants of your business environment. 

Part of your business strategy should involve designing pathways for criticism that lead to a productive resolution, and don’t threaten the health of your workplace. For example, a starting point might be ongoing, routine one-on-one sessions. This strategy could nip developing problems in the bud

Inevitably, problems will move past this stage. In response, managers can strive to integrate healthy strategies into the company culture to ensure all parties have a realistic understanding of their performance and the requirements of their role. Prioritizing these behaviors may nurture the type of healthy environment that the productivity of the institution depends on.

1) The First Step When a Problem Arises May Involve an Apology. Handle Apologies Well

In cases where an apology is necessary, both employers and employees should handle the situation in a way that conveys an understanding of the issues. Apologies must be sincere. However, remember that a sincere apology may incorporate ownership of the person’s role in the situation, instead of the person taking on all the blame themselves. 

Of course, insincere apologies only throw kindling on the situation. Before considering what to say at the outset, all parties should ponder the complexity of the situation before digging in their heels and refusing to budge.

2) Maintain Professionalism

A manager should tread discretely with their criticism, even when tempers flare. Mistakes are inevitable. Additionally, from an employer’s perspective, accurate coaching means the difference between a successful business and a failure. From a worker’s perspective, keeping management happy advances their careers and keeps them out of the employment line. 

However, delivering criticism can be almost as painful as receiving it. No one likes awkwardness. Additionally, managers like to defend their hiring decisions. Hence, on both ends handling criticism can be a tightrope.

Mindfulness and introspection can ensure that all parties keep the wheels greased. For example, sometimes someone’s day has just not gone well. Some discussions can wait until cooler heads prevail. Managers can wait, and workers can often reschedule. Both handling conflict and delivering feedback require a good degree of emotional intelligence. 

3) Prepare a Course of Action

Remember that in some cases an employee has perfectly good reasons for their actions or behavior. In others, a manager may need to initiate a disciplinary process. Unfortunately, many times the course of action may result in the employee’s or colleague’s termination. However, often a new procedure or policy change can address the issue. Maybe even a change in the workplace environment can appease the unsatisfied parties. 

It is crucial to remember to contemplate healthy pathways before the environment becomes toxic. Everyone’s goal from feedback should be productive growth on all sides. Every institution needs to practice honest self-evaluation. The more Veteran Business Owners and their partners prioritize these strategies, the greater their success. 

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hope that this article has not only been valuable but provided some unique perspective.  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 James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer

Small business opportunities are endless. You may have your own idea, but depending on your circumstances, there are so many potential opportunities. There is no limit to them. Some small business ideas require little overhead or almost no startup costs. Others do require a strong emotional commitment. 

Remember, many of these fields require licensure. In some cases, such as accountants or lawyers, jurisdictions mandate these licenses to practice your profession. In others, the state or jurisdiction may offer a license that could step up your game as a small businessperson. 

1. Home Organizer

Working in this field takes a special kind of expertise. Home organizing is an art form. As with many artists, home organizers should create a portfolio to demonstrate their skills. There are even companies that specialize in training home organizers as independent contractors. At the same time, sprucing up a messy house is in a field all its own. Professional organizers need to know what they’re doing before asking someone else to pay for their services.

2. Landscaper

Again, landscaping is an art. A portfolio might get you far. It helps to have experience or a special interest in the field. A green thumb can net you income on many fronts. A landscaping business may keep you busy with both residences and businesses. Also, growing your own plants can supply you with the stock for your own produce market! A talent for plants and landscaping can launch you on any of a series of trajectories as a small businessperson.  With current water shortages, there are opportunities for creative, cost-effective low-water landscaping.

3. Moving Service

Management skills and a good means of transportation can suffice for a decent small-scale moving company. A local operator can employ two or three individuals part-time and serve their clients well.   Perhaps contact a few furniture or appliance outlets to offer your services to their clients.

4. Music Teacher

Who said you can’t make a living off your musical talents? If you can play an instrument well, you can make over $50 an hour sharing your talents. To get started, you can connect with local music schools to find leads and get started. Again, music is a risky business to get into. For any artist, your heart needs to be in it.

5. Notary Public

A notary public verifies the legality of certain documents and bears witness to their signing. Once a notary has met certain licensing requirements, they can work from their own home or affiliate with a small business.  There is a big demand for mobile notaries too.

6. Opening a Repair Shop

Whether computers, cars, bicycles, or electronics, the market for repairers is inexhaustible. Depending on your talents and interests, any of a range of endeavors can make a successful living for a talented repairperson.

7. Photographer

Weddings, headshots, family photos, and event photography can provide a skillful photographer with a steady income. However, the field is competitive, so a background in the field may help you stand out from the crowd.

8. Ride-Share Driver

Uber and Lyft have both provided opportunities for independent contractors. However, the status of these contractors is still up in the air. Cleaning up your car and creating a Lyft or Uber account may very well suit you well. However, a little creativity can get you further.

9. Personal Trainer

Fitness enthusiasts can have fun and make money at the same time by helping others on their fitness journey. Personal trainers can help their clients to avoid injury as well as get the right results in a reasonable time frame. Just consider any licensure requirements, depending on the jurisdiction. Certification in this field may increase your employment prospects.

Conclusion

Once you’ve made the decision to go out on your own, look to your own interests and talents. People who start small businesses may do so for many reasons. Small business opportunities may come naturally to you, or you may look to any of several ideas that might help you hang out a shingle. 

In some cases, you may not be able to imagine doing anything else. In others, you may have obligations that restrict your ability to commit to a career where you don’t have flexibility.  You may have your own idea for a small business. In other cases, you may need to start a small business because of your personal circumstances. In any case, the above leads can place you on a path and allow you to take your first steps toward an independent work life.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hope that this first article of this two-part series has not only been valuable but provided some unique perspective.  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 James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer

While every new enterprise is the brainchild of its founder, certain industries are especially amenable to smaller businesses. Many of us find ourselves stranded and find the best option to be our own boss and entrepreneur. Many of us have our own unique talents and skills that might allow us to hang out a shingle and open our own shop.

Some fields stand out as especially good fits for small Veteran Owned Businesses. For example, professional services such as accounting, medicine, and law allow a licensed individual to work with a high degree of independence. It is possible to earn revenues in the six digits and side income. Other suitable fields for an independent worker might include some of the following listed below.

Others may require just a special talent or set of experiences. Opportunities for small businesses are unlimited. However, these ideas especially may suit a variety of people, from college or even high school professionals to late-stage professionals.

1. Animal Caregiver

This kind of gig may not pay well but obviously may suit many people looking for a side gig. Dogs need walking, cats need their litter changed. Dog-walking and pet-sitting businesses can provide a fun supplement to the income of anyone with the time, training, and experience. Additionally, there are opportunities to pet sit when owners have to travel which can be lucrative.  Animal lovers may jump on this in-demand opportunity for a low-stress way to make money.

2. Cleaning service

A cleaning service can focus on houses, businesses, or vehicles. This type of business could well suit an entrepreneur with especially good management skills or interpersonal connections.

3. Consultant

This option might suit a mid-career professional who chooses to go their own route. Consultants should have their own career paths mapped out so they can advise their colleagues in the same direction.   They can reach the point where they are able to choose and be selective about the consulting projects they take on.

4. Craft making

Jewelry making especially could be a good side business for creative types. Other hobbies like pottery and knitting can translate into an effective side business. Many craft makers can earn good money through E-bay or Amazon simply through their own hobbies. 

5. Editing and writing services

This job might be a good fit if you’re the quiet type. The world needs an endless supply of proofreaders, copy editors, copywriters, and content creators. Often, several of these job descriptions can be combined into the same practice.

6. Event planner

Whether at children’s parties, weddings, or business conventions, an independent worker with a flair for the festive can turn their magnetism into an enterprise all their own.

7. Home daycare

A private childcare business will need special licensure and must submit to routine visits. Given these caveats, a well-modified space in a private home can often provide a good space for a preschool/daycare center. Home daycares do require ongoing contact with licensing authorities, even when run from your own household.  There is a real shortage of good childcare options for parents so your services may be in high demand.

8. Farm stand, landscaper, or local nursery

Anyone with a green thumb can sell their produce on the open market. You could even start with a roadside stand. In some cases, that stand may even grow into a little shop. In others, you may have a unique gardening “recipe” that could produce a vegetable or ornamental plant that could fill its own niche.

9. Food truck

You may have a perfect, unique recipe to feed members of your local business or community. Food trucks may be a challenge to maintain, but with the right niche can be a lucrative enterprise. Entrepreneurs should try to locate an underserved office park with hungry workers to market their creations. Sometimes, good cooks with especially unique ideas could even become famous. Use caution, however. Startup costs for food trucks may surprise you.

10. Beauty Industry

 Working in the beauty industry may require special training or experience.  The beauty field may be one field where licensure or certification may benefit you, even when not required.  You can work the days and hours you wish.              

Conclusion:

The next installment of this two-part series runs through the second part of the alphabet. Again, opportunities for small businesses are endless. For some, a small business could make a lifelong dream come true. For others, the right leads can help even those who even just need a side gig to keep the cash flow alive. 

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hope that this first article of this two-part series has not only been valuable but provided some unique perspective.  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 James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer

In our last article, we emphasized the need to engrain an innovative mindset into the core values of any new company. Moving forward, Veteran Business Owners should apply certain strategies to create a more dynamic operation. Some of these strategies are the following:

1. Use creativity to define your objectives

In other words, Veteran Small Business Owners need to ask the right questions. Asking the right questions is necessary to get to know your client base. We need to understand our client base in order to develop effective marketing strategies. Perhaps the entrepreneurs’ own perspectives can inform initial marketing efforts.  However, subsequently, we need to diversify our lines of inquiry.

2. Take the Bull by the Horns. In other words, be proactive and involve yourself in all stages of your business process

In many cases, this involvement may include moving into the trenches so you can understand what is going on, even at the production and customer service levels. Small businesses give owners this advantage. A Vice President of Microsoft performing data entry to show he’s “part of the team” might come off as awkward or disingenuous, or even a poor use of resources. 

Small businesses can transcend this awkwardness since they tend to be more vertically integrated. In a smaller company in its growth phase, the boss likely understands processes from the floor to the C-Suite. Remember involvement in each level of operations can educate the higher-ups about the company’s everyday challenges.  

When plausible, business owners should take any opportunity to perform even the most menial tasks. Putting yourself on the front lines is the best way to engage with every challenge your company may face as well as earn the respect of employees.

3. Market yourself, and know your talents

You know yourself better than anyone else. Innovation requires self-knowledge and understanding your own capacities. Consider any untapped abilities you may have. Also, consider any directions you can take these secret wells of knowledge. Even better, the more you find your passion, the more you find yourself absorbed in the work you do. Once you find the tasks that put you in the “zone,” everyone can benefit when you develop your business in that direction.

4. Acknowledge and utilize talent in others as well

It takes a certain maturity to recognize talent in others. More to the point, any effective organization requires collaboration to succeed. Effective business leaders have an eye for recognizing effective partnerships. Whether in the hiring process or while networking, Veteran Business Owners should develop effective team-building skills, and know how to launch their endeavors with an eye toward finding teammates with contradictory styles and talents.

Focus, focus, focus!

5. Your business should engage you, your workers, and especially your customers. A good fit between an entrepreneur and their business venture can ensure maximum engagement. Consider those tasks where you excel and plan your schedule around them. More mundane, less interesting tasks “flow” more easily when you make your standout talents the centerpiece of your schedule.

These strategies can weave innovation into the fabric of your business. Innovation always requires collaboration and self-understanding, as well as good team-building and management skills. Veteran Business Owners should consider these factors while priming their organization to move forward.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hope that this article has not only been valuable but provided some unique perspective.  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

Do not forget that VAMBOA members receive significant discounts on technology needs.   Check them out here: https://vamboa.org/dell-technologies/ 

By James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer

The past few years have brought an intense transition in the face of new challenges, such as the Pandemic. These challenges have also brought opportunities for productivity in a wider range of contexts. The Pandemic didn’t create this new era of remote work. The events of the past few years simply hastened a trend that had been long in the making. 

We have seen new management challenges now that the physical workplace is no longer the default work setting. Trust has never mattered more. At the same time, individual responsibility has gained new importance. Countless shifts have occurred in a relatively brief period, which presents new challenges for business owners but may also provide management freedoms to direct their energies in new directions now that workers hold greater autonomy. 

Below are only a few ways to shift workplace culture to allow greater flexibility in these changing times.

1.Prepare for the New Era of Hybrid Workplaces

As we’ve discussed previously, remote work is here to stay. Employers should adapt their workplaces to accommodate those workers who, for whatever reason, might prefer to perform some of their tasks outside of the office. Fortunately, technology is now widespread, so the modern workplace should prepare for an online presence whenever possible.

2. Communicate With and Counsel Employees

One idea for improving communication may be the implementation of regular feedback sessions regardless of performance. Such a policy might ensure appropriate facetime while allowing both employees and management to raise any issues that need to be addressed. Managers should integrate these sessions into the workplace routine. A “call to the office” should not feel ominous for the worker. Regular, standardized feedback can do wonders for improving the channels of communication.

3. Find Appropriate Ways to Communicate for the Hybrid Era

The popularity of Zoom and similar forums provides boundless opportunities to expand the reach of new businesses. At this point, a business would be lax to ignore these innovations. These new forums afford flexibility that has become crucial for retaining good talent in many industries. 

4. Implement New Technologies

Remember, if you don’t keep up with the times, your competitors will. Small Veteran Owned Businesses should always stay in touch with any emerging trends. Recently, applications like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have expanded at warp speed, but also stay in touch with the different technological offerings specific to your industry.

5. Maintain Flexibility

If there’s anything the past few years have taught us, it’s to expect the unexpected. A business’s bottom line should always account for the unknown. Whenever possible, businesses should prioritize in a fashion that minimizes the burdens on employees. Adjusting a company’s priorities helps employees stay motivated with the tasks at hand.

Remember, the Pandemic has permanently changed the business landscape, in many ways for the better. Businesses that don’t adapt may have a hard time competing in the new economy. The physical workplace is no longer by default the home base for a business’s operations. Hence, managers need to innovate to ensure the work gets done and gets done right. However, effective management does not preclude trust. In fact, trust is the basis for any solid business relationship.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hope that this article has not only been valuable but provided some unique perspective.  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

Do not forget that VAMBOA members receive significant discounts on technology needs.   Check them out here: https://vamboa.org/dell-technologies/