As a former Utilitiesman in the US Navy, I had the opportunity to receive extensive training in various advanced skills that would later prove valuable in my career as an entrepreneur. From my days in basic training where I learned discipline, teamwork, and leadership to the advanced skills training where I honed my technical and problem-solving skills, my military background has been instrumental in my success as a business owner.
After serving my country, I was eager to put my skills to use and started my own company. I quickly realized that the skills I had learned in the Navy were directly applicable to running a successful business. Here are the top five skills that I believe are essential for any entrepreneur and how I was able to use them to build my company.
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Leadership - As a Utilitiesman in the Navy, I was often in charge of a team and had to lead by example. This experience has proven invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey, as I have had to lead my employees, manage relationships with suppliers and customers, and make tough decisions.
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Problem Solving - In the military, I was constantly faced with complex technical problems that required quick and innovative solutions. This experience has equipped me with the skills to tackle any obstacle that may arise in my business, whether it be a technical issue or a customer complaint.
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Adaptability - The military trains its personnel to be ready for any situation and to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. This skill has been critical in my business, where I have had to pivot my strategy and approach to stay ahead of the competition.
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Attention to Detail - In the Navy, I was trained to pay close attention to details, whether it be in the maintenance of equipment or in the execution of a task. This has helped me to ensure that my business is running smoothly, with no detail overlooked.
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Communication - In the military, effective communication is key to the success of any mission. I have been able to apply this skill to my business by communicating clearly and effectively with my employees, customers, and suppliers.
In conclusion, the skills that I learned as a Utilitiesman in the US Navy have been instrumental in my success as an entrepreneur. I am grateful for the experience and opportunities that the military provided me, and I am proud to be part of the entrepreneurial community. If you are a veteran looking to start your own business, I highly recommend signing up with Veterans First Watch. This organization provides a wealth of resources, support, and networking opportunities to help veterans achieve their entrepreneurial goals. I am now thriving in my new business, and I am confident that with the skills I have learned in the military, I will continue to succeed for many years to come.
