Drop and Give Me 20

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey invited Anna Blanch Rabe and Rebecca Alwine to discuss a complicated topic—business compliance.

Anna Blanch Rabe is the founder and CEO of Anna Blanch Rabe & Associates LLC, a communications consultancy specialising in shaping and executing the communications strategies for law firms, social enterprises, and socially responsible businesses who see the growth of their local community as intertwined with their profits. She’s a proud USAF spouse, who has served as a key spouse and is currently a key spouse mentor.

Rebecca Alwine is a freelance writer, army wife, and mother of three. Her writing experience include military family topics, research pieces, guest blogging, and much more. Rebecca’s work can be found in over 28 publications including PCSGrades, Military OneClick, and ScaryMommy. She was also a contributing writer for ARMY Magazine and has also been published in Ms. Magazine and The Atlantic’s City Lab.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:09] Anna's background
• [02:03] Rebecca's background
• [03:24] On operating remotely and hiring employees
• [03:53] Hiring a W-2 military spouse employee
• [05:00] Military spouses can have tax residency, not a home of record
• [06:48] Anna on hiring employees
• [08:33] Rebecca on hiring employees
• [10:54] Tips and advice
• [15:57] Each state has a definition of what they call a business nexus
• [18:25] Staying compliant
• [20:47] Why you should not be operating as a sole proprietor or straight partnership

Quote:

“We need to talk about it with people who are making a difference and we need to outsource to military spouses to do these things for us.” - Rebecca Alwine

Social:

Anna Blanch Rabe's Website Anna on LinkedIn Anna on Twitter  Anna on Instagram Anna on Facebook

Rebecca Alwine's Website Rebecca's Full Portfolio  Rebecca on Facebook Rebecca on Pinterest Rebecca on Twitter Rebecca on Instagram Rebecca's Email Address: [email protected]

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Jen Griswold and Mike Dugan. They were hand selected because they both bring incredible insights to a very interesting topic that we all have to talk about as we run our businesses and that is—SALES.

Jen Griswold is a veteran, an entrepreneur, and an author. An Air Force veteran by trade, Jen is the proud author of the new book Mission: Entrepreneur. This book is for busy people who are on the hunt for a flexible career. Mission: Entrepreneur is a compilation of stories from entrepreneurs who’ve used lessons learned from military life—work ethic, vision, passion, and resilience—to start and grow profitable businesses.

Mike Dugan is a former Navy fighter pilot and now a licensed advisor for Sales Xceleration, an organization dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses break their all-time sales records. Mike brings with him over 25 years of experience as a successful sales executive ranging from large Fortune 500 companies to smaller entrepreneurial businesses.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:54] Jen's background and how she started her business
• [03:27] Mike's background and his current career
• [04:49] How they see sales and why it scares people
• [08:16] Eighty-five percent of the buying process occurs online
• [08:42] Consumers needing insights through professional sales people
• [09:46] Is sales something you can teach?
• [14:40] Dos and Don'ts in sales
• [18:27] Additional thoughts on sales and how it pertains to military entrepreneurs

Quote:

"The military is a great training ground for any business. And it is especially made for sales because at a young age both officers and enlisted men and women are given a high degree of responsibility . . . and that what sales is." -Mike Dugan

Social:

Mission Entrepreneur, by Jen Griswold Facebook Page Mission Entrepreneur, by Jen Griswold  on Instagram Mission Entrepreneur on Twitter Jen on LinkedIn Mission Entrepreneur

Mike Dugan on Sales Xceleration Mike on LinkedIn 

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Molly Winkle and Janine Boldrin about knowing when to fold. In military-related business, we see some switching from one focus to another.

They shared their experiences as military spouses and how they came up with different and difficult decisions.

Molly Winkle is a veteran whose husband and son are on active duty and are currently deployed. She is a realtor specializing in military and long-distance relocation.

Janine Boldrin started Military Kids Life after working as a freelance writer in the military space for over a decade. She is currently the managing editor of Military Spouse Magazine. Her husband is in active duty in the army.

Important topics they discuss:

• [02:00] Molly's military background and what her business is all about
• [03:04] Janine on starting Military Kid's Life back when she was a freelance writer
• [03:10] Military Kid's life as the first print magazine for military kids
• [03:24] Janine's family and job background
• [04:05] Knowing when to fold
• [04:20] How Janine felt when they had to sell the project she spearheaded
• [05:20] Molly's experience making a switch from one focus to another
• [06:53] How she ended up doing real estate
• [07:46] How Janine knew it's over and it's time to let go of the business and how she felt about it
• [09:54] When Molly realized the business is not worth pursuing
• [11:25] The impact being a military spouse has when trying to fold from something
• [15:00] The possibility of picking back up later the entrepreneur effort they've put behind
• [17:40] Tips for those who are in the same situation they are in
• [20:58] Advice to those who are thinking about folding their business

Quote:

“. . . you’d think that you just have to work harder. And it's hard to figure out what that balance is or that tipping point of ‘Is my hard work going to catapult this or is my hard work in vain?’ and identifying that moment where you can figure out is it really just 'I need to go a few more weeks or a few more months, or even a year, or even I put it in a year . . . it’s really not going to be where it needs to be . . . ” - Janine Boldrin

Social: Molly Winkle on Facebook  Molly's Email Address: [email protected] Military Influencer Conference - MIC 2018  Military Spouse  Janine's Email Address: [email protected]

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Erin Ward interviews Laura Renner, Founder of Freedom Makers and Diana Jaquith, Co-Founder of WISE Advise + Assist Team. 

Freedom Makers’ mission is to support military spouses and their families by creating a path to stable, uninterrupted employment and income. ​Their virtual assistants are military spouses who, due to their association with the military, understand how to be flexible and deliver top-notch service. 

The Wise Advise + Assist Team helps businesses to strive, strategize and accelerate growth, while both empowering and employing military spouses.

They will be discussing how to run a remote business and how to manage both the clients and the business. Today’s episode is a must listen. Tune in and enjoy!

Important topics they discuss:

• [02:02] Their remote businesses
• [03:26] Running a remote business for military spouses/veterans is a good fit
• [06:41] People who want to do onsite works
• [08:46] Sticking to the model of doing things virtually
• [10:26] Tools they're using to make things easy for them
• [12:20] Writing paper notes
• [14:36] Managing their team remotely
• [16:34] The reason Laura's team is called "Freedom Makers"
• [18:54] Something they're doing that might be unique from a remote aspect
• [19:43] Things Diana and her team does to build that sense of culture and desire to stay in the organization
• [25:50] Their biggest light bulb moment while creating their remote business

Quote:

"In the virtual environment, what we do is we put out our why. Why do we exist? We exist because we believe that everyone should be able to have a career life and family... For our clients, we want them to be able to grow their business and spend more time with their families, and have a life..." - Diana Jaquith

Social: WISE Advise + Assist Team  Freedom Makers 

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Michele Bradfield and Curtez Riggs. Both had successful conferences namely Military Spouse Wellness Summit (Michele) and Military Influencer Conference (Curtez).

The Military Spouse Wellness Summit is a nonprofit fundraiser for InDependent. A portion of every VIP ticket will go to help fund the development of health and wellness programs for military spouses.

The Military Influencer Conference is an exciting, dynamic event that brings together hundreds of military spouses, military and veteran community leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers and business owners who are united by a mutual passion for the military.

In this episode, they talked about how both conferences went, the difficulties, and the lessons they learned. They also shared beneficial tips when planning an event.

Important topics they discuss:

• [02:50] Number of speakers both conferences ended up having
• [03:27] Scheduling difficulties
• [04:47] The point in the planning phase where they looked for sponsors
• [05:39] Lessons Michele learned when she hosted an event
• [06:28] How Curtez will do things differently the next time around
• [07:40] Influencer/affiliate program for their event
• [11:35] Saying NO
• [12:30] Tips/recommendations on launching an event
• [14:35] The next Military Spouse Wellness Summit
• [15:11] The next Military Influencer Conference

Quote:

"My number 1 tip for any event organizers is to get together an ambassador group influencers. Even if it's five to ten people, it doesn't have to be very many, that they need to have a strong influence in whatever community you are trying to reach..."  - Michelle Bradfield

Social: InDependent Military Spouse Wellness Summit Military Influencer Conference 

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Britni Miltner of OakTree Network and Channel Milbourne of Milspo Biz Connect. With the new talk-show format, they discuss about building your network, their experiences on networking, and some tips on how to grow your network.

Britni Miltner is the owner of OakTree Network. It was created to encourage military spouse entrepreneurship and to connect local spouses with service Talents to share with other nearby military spouses.

Channel Milbourne is the founder of Milspo Biz Connect. It connects local consumers with military spouse owned businesses to strengthen and grow communities. Don’t miss this episode!

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:14] Britney's tips on how to build your network and how she connected with Channel
• [02:10] Channel on meeting Britney for the first time
• [02:45] How similar their businesses are and how they help each other
• [03:30] How referral system would be advantageous if you are networking with each other
• [03:55] Some of the things Channel does in building her network
• [04:55] Do your research first before taking a referral
• [05:56] How they avoid replying in sales mode when there's a post or a question in a social media group
• [07:05] Social media platforms they use to grow their network
• [08:33] Some of Britney and Channel's favorite organizations that are helpful to their personal and professional growth as they're networking as military spouses
• [10:43] The difference between Channel's conversation with the chamber and her conversations in military networking group

Quote:

“Really mix and mingle because you'll be surprise of what people know and how they can help you grow." - Channel Milbourne

"Everybody has something to offer, to teach you. You can learn something from just about everybody." - Britni Miltner

Social: OakTree Network Website OakTree Network's Facebook Page OakTree Network on Instagram OakTree Network for Military Spouses on Google Play Milspo Biz Connection Website  Milspo Biz Connect on Instagram Milspo Biz Connect Facebook Page Channel Milbourne on Twitter MilSpouse Creative Community The Inspired Women Mini Group Internet Marketing Association Website

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Paul A. Dillon, a veteran and the owner of Dillon Consulting Services. Dillon Consulting Services LLC provides project management and business development services for clients in the service industry. 

Paul talks about his experiences during his active duty and he shares his passion in helping his co-veterans become entrepreneurs themselves.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:39] Paul’s active duty Army background
• [04:56] How Paul transitioned into consulting
• [07:17] Facts and figures veterans face in relation to entrepreneurship
• [10:23] How Paul’s company facilitates those interested in entrepreneurship
• [13:53] How Paul overcomes the obstacles in his business

Quote:

“Every problem has a solution, it takes merely intelligence to find it, and then the courage to act on it." - Paul A. Dillon

Social: Dillon Consulting Services LLC Paul's Email Address Paul's LinkedIn

Landmark Life Coaching specializes in career, leadership and time management coaching. Dwayne Paro started Charlie Mike Podcast as a passion project. In Charlie Mike Podcast, Dwayne interviews combat veterans who have taken their experience from the battlefield and translated that into building a successful business as an entrepreneur. Dwayne is a veteran who served in the military for 8 years.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:34] About Charlie Mike podcast
• [03:07] How Dwayne formed Landmark Life Coaching
• [05:40] Struggles Dwayne faced while starting up as entrepreneur
• [07:32] How Dwayne uses social media to get known within the veteran community
• [10:40] What it means to create original content
• [13:40] Dwayne’s recommended resources
• [16:43] Meeting competitors in mastermind groups

Quote:

“I just decided I really wanted to do something again that would serve a higher purpose than my own career.” – Dwayne Paro

Social:

Charlie Mike Podcast Landmark Life Coaching Website Dwayne's LinkedIn

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Corey Christman, a retired Special Agent, a criminal investigator, a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a wine maker, and an amazing leader who developed a company called Vethos. Vethos is a Human Capital Leadership and Executive Strategy firm. They help in creating leaders, building cultures and growing revenues.

Corey also talks about how he became an entrepreneur and shares some tips on the process of hiring the right people.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:21] What is Vethos all about
• [02:08] From a retired special agent, a criminal investigator, a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom to being an entrepreneur
• [03:08] What made Corey become an entrepreneur
• [03:38] How Corey’s learning in the service helps Vethos
• [05:03] How to hire the right people the first time
• [08:08] Tips on what the company can do to make sure that the newly-hired employee is going to stay
• [10:59] Being a wine-maker
• [12:50] Thoughts on entrepreneurs having more than one business
• [14:28] Advice to those interested in entrepreneurship

Quote:

“Basically, it’s bringing value to companies that have a disconnect between where they are today and where they want to go tomorrow.” - Corey Christman

Social: Vethos Corey Christman's LinkedIn Corey's Twitter

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Megan Hall, a podcaster and a military spouse entrepreneur. Megan has a wonderful community tailored to helping woman called Inspired Women Community.

Megan talks about her journey as a military spouse to becoming a successful entrepreneur and helping women through life coaching.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:30] Megan’s backstory
• [03:08] About Life Coaching
• [04:23] How to connect with a life coach
• [05:03] What makes Megan stand out
• [06:43] Megan’s journey as a military spouse and as an entrepreneur
• [09:22] Coaching clients
• [10:40] Megan’s advice to other military spouse entrepreneurs
• [11:55] Running a business at home
• [15:36] Two years from now, where will Megan Hall be
• [16:06] Building a team

Quote:

"So with military spouse and being an entrepreneur, it was about finding my people - finding the people I can connect with, I can resonate with and those who are going to support me, but also maybe I can support them as well." - Megan Hall

Social: Inspired Women Community Inspired Women Podcast Website Inspired Women Podcast Facebook  Inspired Women Podcast's Instagram Megan Hall's Website Megan's Facebook Profile Megan's Instagram Megan's Twitter Megan's Linkedin