Unlock Your Veteran Advantage With These 9 Marketing Tips for Business Success
Running a business is no walk in the park, but the potential rewards are totally worth the hustle. And for those who’ve rocked the military life, jumping into entrepreneurship just feels like the next logical step. The discipline, leadership chops, and sheer determination picked up in the armed forces? They’re like gold when it comes to laying down the groundwork for a kickass business. Just like any business owner, our veteran entrepreneurs need to get the hang of marketing wizardry to make sure their ventures not only survive but totally rock in the competitive scene. It’s all about turning challenges into victories!
As a Management Consultant and the proud spouse of a Veteran Air Force Fighter Pilot, I’m excited to share nine valuable marketing tips that have proven effective for my Veteran Owned Business clients.
1. Get certified as a veteran-owned business.
Empower your business by earning certification as a veteran-owned enterprise. Take the step to officially certify your business as veteran-owned, and open the door to a host of advantages, including opportunities for specific grants and government contracts. Through the Veteran Administration’s Vets First program, certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) can actively pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Meanwhile, certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) are eligible to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the entire federal government. Dive deeper into the details at the U.S. Small Business Administration. And remember, I’m here to support you in the certification process for your veteran-owned business—don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Your success is always my mission!
2. Be Visible on local listing sites.
Boost your visibility by getting featured on local listing sites. These platforms attract substantial traffic, offering your business the exposure it deserves. Leveraging these sites allows you to connect with a wider audience than you might on your own. In all of my listings, I proudly showcase the tagline “veteran-owned and operated.” Take a look at some noteworthy sites worth exploring:
Angi
Apple Maps
Better Business Profile
Foursquare
Google Business Profile
Google Local
MapQuest
Nextdoor
Superpages
Thumbtack
Yelp
By the way, you can celebrate your veteran-owned status by leveraging Yelp’s special attribute designed just for businesses like yours. Take full advantage of this opportunity to proudly self-identify as a veteran-owned establishment. Additionally, explore other local listing sites for similar opportunities that allow you to showcase your commitment and contributions as a proud veteran-owned business. Your unique story deserves to shine across various platforms!
3. Market your business on Veteran-Owned Business Directories
Based on insights from the U.S. Census Bureau, it’s heartening to note that veteran-owned businesses constitute a substantial 5.9% of all companies in the United States. This dynamic sector provides employment to 3.9 million individuals and significantly contributes over $947 billion to the U.S. economy. To enhance the visibility of your esteemed veteran-owned business, here are six noteworthy business directories that you might contemplate joining. This not only promotes awareness but also strengthens the collective impact of veteran entrepreneurship in the vibrant landscape of the U.S. business community.
Veteran-Owned Business (VOB)
A comprehensive directory spotlighting the resilience and achievements of veteran-owned businesses across the United States. Founded by a fellow military veteran, VOB stands as a beacon of empowerment for veterans navigating the entrepreneurial path.
National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
At the National Veteran-Owned Business Association, we open doors to corporate contracting opportunities for Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprises (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises (SDVBE). Our proud partnerships extend to esteemed corporations such as Lowe’s, FedEx, and T-Mobile. Together, we forge pathways for veteran-owned businesses to thrive and contribute to a resilient business community. Your journey matters, and NaVOBA is here to empower you every step of the way.
Women Veterans Alliance (WVA)
Step into the empowering community of the Women Veterans Alliance (WVA), uniting over two million women veterans nationwide. Within this vibrant network, you’ll discover a wealth of resources tailored for women veterans, ranging from local networking groups to engaging community events and impactful national conferences. Join us as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women who have served our nation. Your journey is our collective story, and together, we thrive.
American Veteran-Owned Business Association (AVOSBA)
The American Veteran-Owned Business Association (AVOSBA) journey began on Veterans Day in 2008, marking a legacy of support for veteran entrepreneurs. With over 50 million visitors and counting, AVOSBA stands as a dynamic platform that invites you to explore and connect with veteran-owned businesses. Seamlessly search through our directory by state, county, and city, creating pathways for collaboration, support, and success within the veteran business community. Your presence adds to the strength of this collective narrative, and we are honored to have you as part of the AVOSBA family. Together, let’s continue to soar and achieve new heights!
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Vendor Information Page (VIP)
Dive into the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Vendor Information Page (VIP), a powerful resource that empowers you to discover veteran-owned businesses based on name, location, and industry. Elevating your company in this directory involves taking the VA’s prequalification quiz, ensuring that only Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) meet the eligibility criteria for listing. Your journey to being featured in this distinguished directory begins with a commitment to excellence and service. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
BuyVeteran
Embark on the journey with BuyVeteran, a platform designed to simplify your quest for veteran-owned businesses in your local area. Our user-friendly interface allows visitors to explore options based on categories and the specific products or services they seek. Whether you’re a consumer or a fellow business owner, BuyVeteran is here to connect you with the vibrant community of veteran entrepreneurs. Let’s support each other, one purchase at a time!
4. Give back by offering military discounts or specials.
Demonstrate your gratitude to fellow veterans by extending exclusive discounts or special deals. This thoughtful gesture not only fosters goodwill but also builds a loyal customer base within the military community. Make sure to promote these generous offers on your website, through social media channels, and with local military or veteran associations. Your commitment to giving back is a powerful way to connect and create lasting relationships
5. Harness the Power of LinkedIn for B2B Connections and Clients.
LinkedIn is an invaluable tool that holds immense potential for business growth. The platform allows you to search for a wide range of ideal client profiles, making it a game-changer for business-to-business (B2B) entrepreneurs. Personally, I’ve found tremendous success in using LinkedIn to identify and connect with professionals who share a military veteran background and align with my business goals.
Here’s a quick tip: When logged into LinkedIn, simply type “manager, veteran” into the search field and click “People” to unveil a treasure trove of potential client leads for your business. This approach has proven effective in expanding my network and fostering meaningful connections within my industry. Dive in and explore the vast possibilities that LinkedIn offers for your B2B ventures!
6. Embrace and Highlight Your Military Journey.
Your military background is not just a chapter of your past; it’s a compelling narrative that can elevate your business above the rest. It’s an integral part of what shapes you today and underscores the tenacity that propels you to get the job done.
Seize various marketing channels to weave your military experience into the fabric of your story:
- When introducing yourself and your business.
- In any “About Us” business descriptions, such as on your:
– Website’s “About Us” page.
– Business profile pages on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn (both business and personal profiles), YouTube
and TikTok.
– Company bio in press releases.
– Company bio for events or conferences.
Recognize that some marketing opportunities may have constraints on word counts for titles and descriptions. In these cases, opt for the succinct
“veteran-owned business” status. This abbreviated phrase works well in:
– Pay-per-click search ads.
– Social media posts.
– Social media paid ads.
– Business cards.
– Direct mail or print ads.
Embracing and showcasing your military journey is not just about recognition; it’s about proudly sharing the unique qualities that make your business stand out. So, let your story shine!
7. Forge Alliances with Veteran Networks.
Embarking on the entrepreneurial path after leaving the military can feel challenging, and the journey can sometimes be a solitary one. Recognizing the significance of networking is key, not only for veterans but for every entrepreneur. Veterans, however, possess a distinctive networking advantage through military and veteran-specific organizations.
I strongly encourage you to participate in both local and online events tailored for veteran entrepreneurs. These gatherings provide a platform to connect with kindred spirits, glean insights from their journeys, and uncover collaborative opportunities. Consider attending events like the Military Influencer Conference or enrolling in programs such as Warrior Rising or Veterans in Business to enrich your network and broaden your entrepreneurial horizons.
Remember, the camaraderie within veteran networks can be a powerful force, propelling you forward on your entrepreneurial odyssey. So, embrace the connections and collaborations that await—you’re not alone on this journey!
8. Amplify Your Presence with Veteran Content on Social Media
Infuse your social media posts with veteran-related content to not only showcase your journey as a veteran entrepreneur but also to create meaningful connections. Share compelling content, including photos, videos, and hashtags that highlight your service and its connection to your current endeavors. Collaborate with fellow veteran-owned businesses on content that resonates with your target audience, fostering a sense of community.
Make it a practice to express gratitude and share inspirational posts on veteran holidays, underscoring the importance of honoring these significant moments.
If you’re seeking social media post ideas and inspiration, follow other veteran entrepreneurs and relevant hashtags. Incorporate these hashtags into your posts, as they act as key identifiers and can be used on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, and Twitter.
Effective use of hashtags, like #veteranbusiness, can help users discover content based on keywords, subjects, topics, or themes. Take advantage of this tool to cross-promote other businesses and expand your reach.
Here are some veteran-focused hashtags to kickstart your journey:
#Veteran
#HonoringHeroes
#SaluteToService
#GratefulForVeterans
#ThankYouVeterans
#VeteranOwnedAndOperated
#Army #Navy #USMC #USAF #USCG
#VetsInTow
Remember, the growth of your audience goes hand in hand with creating impactful content. Engage with other veterans, industry leaders, and influencers by liking, hearting, or commenting on their posts. Authentic engagement, marked by positivity and relevance, will naturally attract followers. Avoid promoting yourself or your business solely—genuine connections make all the difference. Keep shining bright on your social media journey!
9. Integrate Philanthropy to Make a Difference.
Showcase your dedication to making a positive impact by actively supporting veteran-focused charities or initiatives. Spread the word about your charitable endeavors through your marketing channels, spotlighting your business’s social responsibility. This not only demonstrates your commitment to giving back but also resonates with customers who appreciate companies that contribute to a greater cause. Your actions have the power to inspire and uplift, creating a meaningful connection between your business and those who share your values. Keep making a difference and let your philanthropic spirit shine!
Embarking on the journey from a military career to a thriving business demands unwavering determination, resilience, and adaptability. Whether you make the transition immediately after leaving the military or several years down the road, always remember that it’s never too late to kickstart your own business venture.
By seamlessly incorporating these veteran-focused marketing tips into your business strategy, you have the opportunity to harness the power of your unique background as a veteran. This approach not only enables you to connect with customers on a deeper level but also empowers you to build a robust brand that will propel your business toward enduring success. Embrace the journey, leverage your strengths, and let your entrepreneurial spirit soar! Keep shining, and let your business journey illuminate the path for others!
