Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs - OKVetWorks Program: Recent Episodes

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When developing your marketing strategies, the first step is to ask “What is my desired outcome or objective?” Your outcome will vary depending on what stage your business is in, but it could include increasing:

• Revenue
• Units Sold
• Market Share
• Return on Investment
• New Accounts
• Awareness

or any other measurable outcome (also known as an “objective”), but it must align with your overall business plan and be SMART, meaning specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.

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5 habits that every leader needs to develop:

1. Are you willing to give up power

2. Show remarkable resilience in the face of adversity

3. Are you willing to give trust first

4. Display humility as a leadership strength

5. Are you willing to seek input from peers

These factors ultimately lead to a competitive edge and enable companies to quickly bounce back from challenging situations.

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How do you manage irate Customers?

I suggest using the LAUGH method.  

L - Listen

A - Acknowledge

U - Understand

G - Give Solutions

H - Hit Home

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There’s no denying the cultural impact of the Star Wars series. The films have been inspiring millions of people for over 40 years now. A large part of their appeal is due to their universality. Despite being set in a galaxy far, far away, the themes they touch on are relatable regardless of where you’re from. They deal with issues such as family ties, friendship, legacy, identity, success, failure, redemption and holding on to hope even in the darkest hour.

It’s for this reason that the lessons taught in Star Wars can apply to anyone, including those starting their own business. I’ve got 6 quotes from the Star Wars series that all entrepreneurs should keep in their hearts and minds.

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In this episode I would like to give you a few tips and resources that small businesses face because of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business downturn.

A few Loan and Grant Resources:

• Facebook Small Business Grants Program
• James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Scholarships and Grants
• Kiva US Small Business Loans
• Opportunity Fund COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund
• Restaurant Workers Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund
• The Main Street Initiative by Mainvest
• Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance
• Verizon and LISC Small Business Recovery Fund

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Starting a small business can be both difficult and rewarding.

If you’ve thought about opening your own business, you might have begun to look for advice. There are so many tips for starting a new business out there that choosing which ones to follow can get confusing.

As an entrepreneur and consultant, I can tell you that there is no perfect formula for starting a small business. I’ve learned that the best business advice usually forces you to think in a new way. So, I’ve compiled a list of tips for starting your own business that you might not have heard.

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Utilizing Social Media to Your Advantage focuses on what it takes to target audiences to the best of your ability.  Know what each social media demographic can mean for your business.  

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Strategic Planning is the “how” that takes you from your current state to your desired future…

If you want to be an effective business planner, then you need to become a conscientious strategic thinker. Employees want to follow the business leader with a good business plan.  And if you hold a position of leadership in the organization, strategic thinking is a core competency.  Strategic thinking can help you simplify complex issues and long term objectives in order to see a clear path to achieving your strategic plan.

Based on an article by Jeff Hughes, on April 22, 2021

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How do you determine what type of small business you want to start?  This podcast will give you a quick idea on what to look for to make this determination.  

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Many organizations spend so much energy on strategy that it overwhelms  with conflicting priorities. Instead, companies should simplify and focus on two value drivers: customer satisfaction and  employee satisfaction. By aligning strategic initiatives on these alone, leaders make their workers’ jobs less complicated and also improve customer experiences.

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The Business Management Program (OKVetWorks) is a program to assist veteran-owned businesses in Oklahoma to grow.

OKVetWorks Program

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

**2132 NE 36th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73111**

Phone: (405) 523-4026

Email: OKVetWorks@odva.ok.gov