Upcoming webinar: How to build skills for business and employment
An upcoming RSL NSW webinar with a panel of successful veteran entrepreneurs will highlight the valuable skills veterans hold, and provide a how-to guide from veterans who’ve been there. Webinar host Nicki Young shares what she’s looking forward to most about moderating the discussion.
Speaking with veterans, it’s clear that so much of the success in their transitions out of Defence hinges on employment. Those who continue in meaningful employment post-service are less likely to require assistance and more likely to be able to offer assistance to their peers.
Whether they move into self-employment or employment in a business, a sense of purpose helps align identity and allows veterans to connect with a new community.
For that reason, employment is one of the most critical aspects to get right during transition.
Own business, own culture
My team members at RSL LifeCare who provide employment assistance to veterans report that a lack of familiarity with civilian workplaces is a common barrier.
During military service, everyone is very team focused, with a clear vision and awareness of the purpose of your work. Everybody knows what they’re doing, how they contribute and how they will work as a team.
Join us on 10 March to see a panel of veteran entrepreneurs discuss how they started their own businesses, how they’re continuing to grow, and their tips for success. Register now.
That same level of clarity can be difficult to find outside of the military environment. Entrepreneurship – the creation of your own business – is an opportunity to create an environment that builds on and aligns to that culture.
Of course, doing so is a powerful way to create employment opportunities for veterans – which veteran Jeremy Holder has done at TacMed, where 60% of employees are former defence personnel. I’m looking forward to hearing from Jeremy in our webinar discussion about why he employs veterans, how he builds networks of potential team members, and how he ensures cultural alignment.
Veterans have entrepreneur skills
I’ve never owned a business, but several members of my family have. From their journeys, I see that an important ingredient is future-focus. They are very clear about their vision, what they want to do and how they will get there.
Alan Toner, Founder of EcoWalks Tours and VP of the Mosman RSL sub-Branch, left Defence with a vision to use his skills to make a positive contribution to society and the environment. I’m looking forward to hearing from Alan about how he turned that vision into a business.
Decision-making is key, so having experience in leadership, in making decisions based on a vision, is vital. Knowing not only how to get the best out of your staff, but also out of yourself, is extremely important.
These are all skills and attributes that are aligned to military experience. They are things we’re taught during various promotion courses. They are things we focus on day-to-day.
Learning from experience
Both Jeremy and Alan have gone on to create their own businesses, but first spent years in civilian employment and further education before making the leap into entrepreneurship – experiences rich in lessons for a business owner.
Entrepreneurs don’t necessarily jump straight from military life into their own business. Often there’s a common path that goes via employment before they take their own journey. It’s all a part of the transition.
Peter Liston, meanwhile, is a self-confessed serial entrepreneur, and an eager spruiker of the importance of learning from experience and the value of ongoing education. Peter, who co-Founded the Veteran Community Business Chamber as well as his own current business, Trust the Process, learnt from his own experience along the way – including one early failed venture, ripe with lessons.
From Peter, I’m looking forward to hearing about the lessons he’s learnt through one failed business and multiple successes, as well as the advice he offers as an advocate of entrepreneurship for veterans and their partners – with the right training, the right education and the right skills.
Join us on 10 March to see a panel of veteran entrepreneurs discuss how they started their own businesses, how they’re continuing to grow those businesses, and their tips for success.
Register now for ‘How to build skills for business and employment’ using the form below.
