Organization assists veterans in business

Retired U.S. marine Col. Joe Long says looking to start a successful business should be like a walk-off home run; an idea for a business can be a guaranteed winner but you still have to circle all of the bases to get there.

Long used baseball analogies, an Elvis Presley impersonation, and a patriotic song to deliver his keynote speech Thursday during the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce quarterly luncheon at the Yam Theatre.

Long is director of the New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center in Albuquerque, a federal program associated with the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services that offers an array of services to veterans looking to start a business.

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

Col. Joe Long, left, director of the New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center, and New Mexico Department of Veteran Services Cabinet Secretary Timothy Hale lead the audience in singing "God Bless America."

"Our mission is to assist veterans in realizing their entrepreneurial goals," Long said.

Long said when people are looking to start a business, they need to look for that walk-off home run.

"It's the one that causes you to win the game," he said.

He proceeded to cover all the bases before a prospective business owner could reach home plate.

First base

Long said checking in with the VBOC is the first thing to help a veteran get started.

"We'll help you determine if your idea is feasible," Long told veterans in the audience. "You have to prepare yourself to be a business person."

Second base

A strong business plan is one of the most important tools, according to Long.

"You know where the pitfalls are and the dangers are," he said. "Poor planning is a plan to fail."

Long said a plan will help a veteran figure out what kind of business structure would work best for them such as a limited liability corporation.

Long added that a good plan clearly describes the product or service a veteran wants to offer.

Researching the competition is equally important for a business plan so that veterans define how their product or service separates them from the other guys.

And lastly, a strong financial plan can help veterans make sure they list all of their startup costs.

"Be conservative in your estimates in startup and operating expenses," Long said. "Something is going to pop up that you haven't even thought about."

Third base

Long said third base is all about putting the business plan into action and to keep a positive attitude when getting started.

"A smile and a friendly greeting cost nothing, my business will offer both," Long said.

Long advised veterans who may be interested in starting a contracting business to beware of putting all of their eggs in one basket by only applying for government contracts because situations, such as sequestration, can cause a deal to flop.

"Consider civilian contracts as well," Long said.

Tim Hale, New Mexico Department of Veterans Services cabinet secretary, said a veteran owned business is more likely to hire veterans because they know what they've been through.

"You don't want to be tied to government contracts," Hale said. "Take what you can."

Home plate

"Enjoy the fruits of your hard work," Long said simply.

Because Long's office isn't in the local area, he introduced veterans to local organizations who can give them one-on-one counseling for their business.

Sandra Taylor-Sawyer with the New Mexico Small Business Development Center in Clovis said she can work with veterans on business advising, seminars and workshops, and provide other resources.

Sawyer says her organization serves Clovis, Portales and Fort Sumner.

Roosevelt County Community Development Corp. Director Doug Redmond said he can also match veterans up with resources such as business loans or helping veterans identify a space to open up their business.

Long and Hale ended the luncheon with a tribute to veterans and America by singing "God Bless America" with the audience.