I once believed launching an online business would feel like a triumphant parade—flags waving, confetti flying. Reality check: my first year was more lost-at-sea than victory lap. If you’ve felt alone in this, trust me, you’re in good company. Let’s trade in the pep talks for some real talk: here’s what I wish someone had told me (and what every veteran entrepreneur needs to hear).
Unlearning the "Mission-Perfect" Mentality
One of the biggest veteran business challenges I see—and have lived through myself—is the urge to wait for the “perfect” moment. In the military, we’re trained to plan every detail, anticipate every variable, and execute with precision. That mindset saves lives and wins missions. But in the world of online business success, it can actually hold you back.
Perfection is the enemy of progress. – Winston Churchill
Why Military Precision Can Backfire in Business
Military training wires us to double-check every plan, rehearse every scenario, and only move when conditions are ideal. That’s great when the stakes are life and death. But in business, waiting for perfect conditions often means you never actually start. The truth is, growth favors action over endless planning. Overthinking every step and waiting for all the stars to align will stall your momentum and keep you stuck in “analysis paralysis.”
Imperfect Progress Beats Perfect Plans
I learned this lesson the hard way. When I first started my online business, I spent months tweaking my website. I wanted every page, every image, every word to be flawless. But the more I tried to perfect it, the less progress I made. Finally, I got tired of spinning my wheels and launched my site—even though it was only halfway finished. Guess what? That “unfinished” website landed me my first real sale. It wasn’t perfect, but it was out there working for me.
Imperfect progress gets you feedback and real-world results.
Messy action creates momentum and confidence.
Every mistake is a lesson, not a failure.
From Analysis Paralysis to Action
If you find yourself obsessing over details or waiting for the “right” time, remember: Online business success comes from showing up, not from having everything figured out. The market doesn’t reward perfect plans—it rewards those who take imperfect steps forward. Every day you spend overthinking is a day you’re not learning, growing, or making sales.
How to Break the "Mission-Perfect" Habit
Set a deadline for launching, even if it feels too soon.
Ship before you’re ready—then improve as you go.
Embrace feedback as fuel for growth, not criticism.
Celebrate imperfect wins—they’re proof you’re moving.
As veterans, our high standards and discipline are strengths. But in business, sometimes you have to let go of perfection and trust the process. Imperfect progress is what gets you in the game and keeps you moving forward. Don’t let the mission-perfect mentality keep you on the sidelines. Take action, learn as you go, and watch your business grow—one imperfect step at a time.
The Lone Wolf Trap: Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness
Let’s get real—one of the biggest mistakes I made when I started my online business journey was trying to do everything alone. As veterans, we’re trained to be self-reliant. We pride ourselves on figuring things out, pushing through, and not showing weakness. But here’s the truth: going solo feels safer, but it slows you down.
I used to think that asking for help meant I wasn’t cut out for entrepreneurship. I’d spend hours (sometimes days) spinning my wheels on problems that could’ve been solved in minutes if I’d just reached out. I hesitated to seek guidance, thinking I needed to prove I could do it all myself. But the reality? Mentorship and community are rocket fuel for veteran business strategies.
The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. – Coco Chanel
Why We Fall Into the Lone Wolf Trap
Military training: We’re taught to be resourceful and handle adversity head-on.
Pride in self-reliance: We equate asking for help with weakness, when it’s actually a sign of strength.
Fear of judgment: We worry others will think we’re not capable.
But here’s what I learned: shared struggles build the best support systems. When I finally joined a mastermind group of fellow veteran entrepreneurs, everything changed. Suddenly, I had people who understood my challenges, offered real solutions, and held me accountable. My business started moving forward faster than ever.
Veteran Mentorship: Your Shortcut to Success
Veteran mentorship isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a proven way to accelerate your growth. A mentor has already walked the path you’re on. They know the pitfalls, the shortcuts, and the mindset shifts you need. When you connect with someone who’s been there, you don’t just get advice; you get a lifeline when things get tough.
Mentors: Help you avoid rookie mistakes and stay focused on what matters.
Accountability partners: Keep your engine running, even when motivation crashes.
Community: Reminds you that you’re not alone, and that setbacks are just part of the process.
How to Find Your Support System
Seek out veteran business communities online—Facebook groups, forums, or local meetups.
Look for veteran mentorship programs or masterminds tailored to your industry.
Pair up with an accountability partner who shares your drive and values.
Remember, business growth accelerates with support. The sooner you break out of the lone wolf mindset, the faster you’ll see results. I wasted months before I finally joined a mastermind group. Don’t make the same mistake—reach out, connect, and let others help you win.
Turning Fear into Fuel: Why You’re Built for This
If you’re a veteran chasing online business success, let’s get real about one thing: fear is always part of the entrepreneurial mindset. It’s not a sign you’re weak or unprepared. In fact, it’s proof you’re stepping outside your comfort zone—where real growth happens.
Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. – George Addair
Military Grit: Your Secret Weapon
Your service taught you how to adapt, overcome, and keep moving even when the odds were stacked against you. That grit is your superpower in business. When you hit a wall—whether it’s a failed launch, a tough rejection, or a slow month—remember: you’ve faced far worse and come out stronger.
Setbacks aren’t failures. They’re lessons. Every time you stumble, you’re learning what doesn’t work—and getting closer to what does.
Growth happens outside your comfort zone. The military pushed you beyond what you thought possible. Building an online business is no different.
My Least Glamorous Launch: A Lesson in Resilience
Let me share a quick story. My first online product launch was a total flop. I spent months building it, poured my heart into the content, and when launch day came… crickets. Not a single sale. I felt embarrassed and questioned if I was cut out for this.
But here’s what I learned: that “failure” taught me more than any success ever could. I realized I needed to listen to my audience, test my ideas, and not be afraid to pivot. That experience became the fuel for my next, much more successful, launch. If I’d let fear of rejection win, I never would have gotten there.
Facing Fear is Your Veteran Edge
Fear of rejection or failure never truly disappears. But as a veteran, you know how to face it head-on. That’s your edge in the world of online business. Every time you push through the discomfort—whether it’s hitting “publish” on a post, reaching out to a mentor, or launching a new offer—you’re building the resilience that sets you apart.
Embrace every failed attempt as a lesson, not a defeat.
Use setbacks as fuel. Veterans are wired to adapt and overcome. That’s exactly what entrepreneurship demands.
Keep showing up. Consistency beats perfection every time.
If you’re feeling stuck or scared, remember: you’re built for this. The same resilience that got you through tough times in uniform will carry you through every challenge in your online business journey. Fear isn’t your enemy—it’s your fuel.
Wild Card: The Domino Dare – One Small Move Today
Let’s get real—building a veteran online business isn’t about waiting for the stars to align or for the “perfect” plan to magically appear. It’s about the daily business habits you choose, especially when no one’s watching. I know how easy it is to get stuck overthinking, hesitating, or letting fear of failure hold you back. But here’s the truth: the biggest breakthroughs come from the smallest, bravest moves you make today.
Think about the domino effect. If you do one thing today that you’ve been avoiding—send that email, launch that offer, reach out for feedback—suddenly, the next step doesn’t seem so impossible. That single action knocks over the first domino, and before you know it, momentum starts to build. The path ahead gets clearer, not because the obstacles disappear, but because you’re moving forward, one small win at a time.
Let’s play with a hypothetical: What if tomorrow, you repeated today’s most courageous act? What if you made a daily commitment to small, brave steps instead of waiting for the “big moment”? Over time, those tiny actions add up. They become habits. And as Robert Collier said,
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
That’s the growth mindset every veteran entrepreneur needs. You don’t have to overhaul your entire business or life overnight. You just have to choose your “domino” each day. Maybe it’s finally posting that video, asking for a testimonial, or applying for a partnership. Whatever it is, do it today. Don’t let fear or perfectionism keep you stuck.
I’ve seen firsthand how small, consistent actions transform long-term business trajectories. The veterans who win aren’t the ones with the fanciest plans—they’re the ones who show up, push past discomfort, and keep stacking those daily wins. That’s how you build a sustainable veteran online business. That’s how you create momentum that lasts.
So, what’s the one action you can take right now that you’ve been avoiding? What fear can you face today? Close your eyes and picture the impact if you kept knocking down one domino after another. Imagine where you’d be in a month, six months, a year. The difference between where you are and where you want to be is just one small move—repeated, day in and day out.
If you’re ready to commit to this domino dare, I want to hear from you. Subscribe for more real talk and proven veteran business strategies. DM me “REAL TALK” if you’re ready to break through barriers, or click here to get a proven system that accelerates your growth. Your next breakthrough starts with one move—today.
