Many members of the Armed Forces dream of starting their own business after a career in the military. There are very few propositions that are anywhere near as attractive as being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and working to build something completely on your own. The satisfaction that one feels having built a successful business from the ground up is a feeling of accomplishment that is unparalleled in 21st Century America. As a member of the Armed Forces you have a significant advantage over the general public due to the level of self-discipline and sacrifice instilled during your service to this nation.
Building a business takes hard work, desire, sacrifice, and most importantly a plan of action. Luckily, as a member of the military you are eligible for plenty of education benefits you can use toward courses that can assist you with creating a plan of action and executing it.
One of the most lucrative small business opportunities in today's economy is to open a home inspection business. The typical full-time home inspector in the United States earns anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000. Many home inspectors actually start out part-time, doing inspections on the side, and with the average inspection taking 2 hours and paying $350 it doesn't take too many of those to supplement your income quite nicely.
Not only that but current demand for inspectors is approaching record levels. While many sectors of real estate have seen a downturn over the last several years, the home inspection industry has not only weathered the storm, but has gained significant traction. Contributing factors to this include the rise in foreclosures and requirements from lenders that a home inspection accompany every real estate transaction. Right now there are approximately 30,000 home inspectors in the United States. That is the same number there were 10 years ago but there's twice as many inspections taking place now as there were then.
American Home Inspectors Training Institute has a full course approved under the Tuition Assistance plan for active duty military, which will provide soldiers with all the training, tools, and knowledge required to start a successful home inspection business. All active duty service members are eligible for up to $4,500 in Tuition Assistance per year.
The American Home Inspectors Training Institute's program is unique in that it requires no out of pocket expenses for the soldier and the school is there to fully support students after graduation and throughout their inspection career. This is just one of many examples of small businesses you can start and if the home inspection industry is not one that you find attractive just find something that interests you.
Below are two steps to help you begin moving down the path of self-employment and financial freedom.
- Find something you know you'll enjoy: Whether it's home inspection or starting your own day-care center, find something you enjoy doing and make a conscious decision to make it your life's work.
- Formulate a business plan: This can be challenging for some folks, but there are many helpful resources available if you need assistance in building a plan. For example, you can speak with someone who is already in the industry that you want to work in to assist or provide you with advice. You can also register to take online training programs or classroom training courses to help you build your business plan.
Starting your own business can be extremely challenging. However, for those who succeed the financial and emotional rewards can't be beat. If you apply the same intensity to starting your own business, that you did defending our nation you will have a tremendous advantage over other entrepreneurs. That intensity coupled with a desire to succeed should go along way toward helping you have your own business and be your own boss.
Note: This article was sponsored by American Home Inspectors Training Institute. To learn more about opportunities in the home inspection business call 1(800)441-9411 or visit www.ahit.com/military
