Owning and Moving a Business as a Military Spouse

It’s a popular career option amongst today’s military spouses: self-employment.  It takes shape in several forms. Working from home, owning a business, becoming an independent consultant for any of dozens of companies, and even opening a daycare are all common ways military spouses earn income.  The first thing any of us will tell you is this: it is a LOT of work.  But with the alternatives looking less attractive (like “job-hopping” with every PCS), it is work many of us are happy to have, especially with the current economy.

Last year, we received PCS orders to San Diego, and I was terrified. I had a thriving business on the East Coast, and even though I’m more than accustomed to PCS moves after a lifetime of them, I had my fears.  This was my first move as a military dependent and business owner. What would become of my thriving business as a wedding and portrait photographer?  How would I reestablish myself in California? Where am I going to meet potential clients? What about all the competition?  These thoughts kept me awake at night for many weeks, until the day the moving truck arrived, and I realized I was just going to have to do it.  I have a degree in business and marketing, how hard could it be if I just buckled down?

Once I realized that my time was better spent focused on the good that could come out of this move, and not on the negatives of leaving my clientele behind, I was able to push forward. My fears soon became centered around finding new playmates for my 2-year old daughter, as this was also my first PCS as a parent.  I was concerned with finding a house (as base housing was not available for us.) And as we made the 3,000-mile journey from Virginia to California, I had plenty of time to formulate a business plan, and I arrived in San Diego with a new hope and confidence.

Six months later, here I am, sharing my story with you.  And I realize that I will likely have to endure the entire process again in a few short years, but I am less daunted by the task. Coming up with that special business plan was the smartest thing I could have done for myself, my business and my family.  Here are some of the most important points to consider, regardless of the type of business you are in:

1. Build your network
Get out your paper and pen, and prepare to make several lists. We all know how important community and networking is to the military family, and it is no different if you are self-employed and facing a move.  Make lists of everyone you know in the new duty station, clubs or organizations you could join, friends that were previously stationed in the new location (great source for referrals!), community resources, etc.  Don’t discount any potential opportunity to meet someone new.  Upon my arrival, I joined the Spouses’ Club on base, and through that small point of contact, I sold over $1,400 in products and sessions in my first 3 weeks here. These connections will last me a lifetime, as well. We all know the military community is a small world, and one that supports each other. Even after these clients move away, or we move on to our next station, they will remember the positive experience they had and recommend my business to their friends.

2. Get busy!
Prepare yourself to do a lot of legwork those first few months, and don’t be discouraged if business is slow.  Promote yourself via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and don’t discount the power of Craigslist. Create a free business listing on sites like Yelp. Look for other businesses you could potentially barter with. Keep adding to that list of potential networking contacts.  When it’s slow, be patient and spend those hours on promoting yourself to the ever-growing list of contacts.  

3. Take a break
You can’t eat, breathe, live your business all the time.  Remember to take the time to nurture your old and new relationships.  Host a “getting to know you” BBQ for your spouse’s unit.  Join a mom’s group (try www.oceansidemommies.com; it’s free and they have monthly events!). Remember that you will be more effective in promoting yourself when you have time away from the stress of reestablishing yourself. When you can, support other military spouses who are working for themselves. They share your struggles, and you can definitely be a source of support for one another.

4. Build a cushion
This is sage advice for any business person, and really should be one of the first things you consider.  How much money will you need to sustain the business while you reestablish? Consider things such as professional fees, website hosting/email, purchasing supplies, new business cards and marketing materials, establishing a new phone number, etc.  One of the biggest reasons small businesses fail at any time is not having the financial resources to endure a “drought,” not because they didn’t have sufficient networks established.  

5. Finally, give it time
Yes, I understand that time isn’t always something we have a lot of as military spouses.  But it does take time.  I openly admit that six months into my “new” business on the West Coast, it’s not as lucrative as it was back East.  But I know I am working at it, and every month I see little improvements. By the end of my first year, I expect to be right back where I want to be. With a little elbow grease, confidence, and support from my military community, I know I can do it! (And so can you!)

So if you’ve been hesitant to become self-employed, or if you’ve ever dreamed of being in business for yourself, but hesitated because of the military lifestyle, know that you can be successful.  It is such a rewarding career path, and perfect for the military spouse.  We’re accustomed to making new friends every time we move, supporting each other, and making lemonade when life hands us lemons.  Now get out there and be successful!

Angela Powell Woulfe is a USMC wife and the owner of Powell Woulfe Photography.