by Beverly Kuykendall

What is the threat of inaction? Loss, disappointment, frustration, anger, wasted resources?

 Ambiguous means that a situation is open to having several possible meanings.  Inaction can be interpreted in many different ways in the case of Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. 

 SDVOSB opportunities are delineated in numerous forums.  Plans discussed, articles written, partnerships formed, numerous trade associations and advocacy groups have arisen based on the opportunities available to SDVOSBs. It is clear that someone has engaged in some meaningful activity (actions) to get to this point.  But with what result?

 Some firms have grasped the brass ring. Far too many SDVOSBs, however, are sitting in the audience waiting for the secret hand shake that will gain them an entry through the door of opportunity.

 The threat of inaction is loss.  Loss of opportunity.  Loss of rewards for a job well done, loss of never quite reaching your goal.  This sense of loss can be, at times, overwhelming.  Many of us remain caught up in the excitement that portends the phenomenal rewards that await SDVOSBs.

 The opportunities are here.   SDVOSBs simply must take ACTION!  What are you doing each and every day to fulfill the promise? The promise has been made to you, but it is up to you to make it happen.  This means doing something.  Making the phone call (sometimes over and over again), setting up the appointment, preparing for the meeting, knowing exactly what you want to get out of a particular meeting and conducting the meeting in a way that will get you what you want.

 Realizing the full spectrum of opportunities is never meant to be easy.  The universe just doesn’t work that way.   The laws of the universe dictate that no idea comes to us, unless we possess the capability to make it happen.  When we are not aware of the power we personally possess to make things happen something disheartening occurs.  After that initial rush of excitement fueled by anticipation, without deliberate action, the idea evaporates into an indistinguishable ball of disappointment.  In some cases the blame game begins right at this point.

 To bring your idea of a successful business venture into sharp focus, there are specific actions that must be taken:

 (1)            Research, read, understand and be able to explain the benefits of entering into a business relationship with your firm. 

(2)            Write one paragraph in your own words, explaining how working with your firm will benefit a prospective teaming partner. Re-write it and then request feedback from an objective listener.  Be able to express the benefits clearly and succinctly.

(3)            Anticipate potential barriers that the teaming partner or large business commercial firm may have with doing business with your firm.  Have a personal brainstorming session and think of all barriers, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

(4)            Think through each of these potential barriers until you determine how to overcome each of them.

(5)            Become visible, offer to speak at a conference, participate by standing up at meetings, introducing yourself and asking pertinent questions—get noticed!

(6)            Do it!  What ever it is, do something each day, every minute possible to make it happen for your firm. 

Research, write, anticipate, think, become, do it!  These are all action words.  The ambiguous threat of inaction. What does this mean to you given your personal investment in your firm? What are you going to do to eliminate that threat?