If you’re a veteran, you might be wondering what your options are for moving forward after military life. Maybe you want to start your own business. Perhaps you want to return to school. Maybe you aren’t quite sure what your next step will be. Fortunately, no matter which branch of the military you served in, there are several ways you can leverage your benefits for success. Here’s what you need to know.

Resources for Starting a Business

If you’re interested in starting your own business, but you aren’t quite sure how you can afford it, you might be surprised to learn that the VA does offer business loans to eligible applicants. Consider applying for a loan in order to jump start your new business. This can give you the leverage you need to get started doing what you really want to be doing.

Resources for Furthering Your Education

The VA offers educational benefits through the GI bill, which will enable you to pursue a college degree at the school of your choice. You may use your GI bill benefits for either an undergraduate or graduate degree. Note that this benefit covers the cost of tuition. You will also receive a stipend for housing and for books. The rates for these benefits vary based on your location, the type of school you’re attending (online versus on-campus), and the number of credit hours you’re enrolled in.

Resources for Training

Did you know that much of your military training translates to the civilian world? If you’re an expert at something and received solid training in the military, you may be able to utilize this training to pursue a career in a new field. Don’t make the mistake of thinking things you learned don’t apply in non-military positions. They do! Chances are you’re more qualified for local positions than you think.

While the choice to leave the military can be a tricky one, rest assured that you have many available options for moving forward and succeeding in the world around you. Whether you want to start your own business or simply develop the skills you need to become a business professional, it’s possible to find the help and the assistance you need to get started. Begin by considering your personal goals and then explore what particular options and benefits the VA has to offer you. You might be surprised at just how much you’ll be able to do.

If you are looking into starting your own business, check out this site for some helpful advice and coaching opportunities that will take you to success!

References:

VA Low Rates | Veteran Home Loans

Chron | 5 Resources You Need to Succeed to Start a Business

Success | 3 Ways Your Team Can Benefit from Military-Style Leadership Training

A work environment where employees seem to lack energy or focus is a business that’s wasting money with poor productivity. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with management. A workforce that’s happy and engaged will produce more, and with better results. Here are five tips for boosting productivity.

1. Time Management Tools

In a fast-paced environment, it’s better to focus on time management than multitasking. Set aside sufficient blocks of time for priorities. Employees can manage their own time with apps that allow to-do lists and synchronized calendars. Effective tools can also monitor activities so wasted time can be minimized.

According to Common Areas Maintenance Software, in pretty much all instances, having time management tools are essential to get the visibility needed to somehow manage it all. A good arsenal of tools to help with time management will help to remove the panic and provide you with a sense of priority, allowing you to become more effective.

2. Pay for Performance

Offering an incentive is one of the best ways to increase productivity. Tier pay increase policies or bonuses to performance. You’ll have to work out fair and realistic metrics for each job role to measure results. Those who consistently rank high should be rewarded. Before long you’ll be able to identify those with poor work habits and take appropriate action. This will continue to raise overall efficiency.

3. A Healthy Work-Life Balance

Often, the best workers are those who try hardest and devote the most time, but the downside is that they burn out more quickly. This impacts job performance as well as employee retention rates. Employees may also have stresses at home, such as troubled relationships or sick children.

It’s important that workers are allowed reasonable time to take care of personal priorities, as well as provide opportunities on the job to regularly relax or have a little fun. One way to promote the health and happiness of your employees is to incorporate employee wellness programs and challenges. These can include challenges related to fitness, mindfulness, sustainability, and financial wellness. 

4. Structure the Workday

Everyone has natural body rhythms when certain capabilities may peak or wan. The workday should be structured to take advantage of these patterns to improve productivity and reduce stress. For instance, mornings are the best time to hold progress meetings so everyone can wake up and get attuned as soon as possible. Analytical tasks should take place around mid-afternoon when energy levels are highest.

5. In-Office Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that helps to de-stress and rebuild energy. In-office yoga also has wellness benefits such as improved muscle tone, flexibility, and respiration. It can be done very affordably and learned easily. Having a yoga instructor stop by a few times a week is a great way to keep productivity high.

Many conservative business owners would rather live with acceptable output than spend precious time and money improving it. However, productivity is directly linked to profits, and affordable means to boost it will pay off consistently.

Need more in-depth instructions on how to improve teamwork and productivity in your business? Shannon Gronich can help with that. She is an experienced coach who can get your team on common ground and help everyone push forward to success!