Conferences to attend, and books to read.
Q: As a veteran business owner, what are the best conferences to attend?
A: There are some really awesome conferences out there for veterans in different stages of business ownership. Here are three I would recommend:
Presented by techstars, Patriot Boot Camp helps military veterans and spouses build technology companies. Its mission is to equip active-duty military members, veterans and spouses with the education, resources and community needed to be successful technology entrepreneurs.
As part of its Military Entrepreneurs Program, Inc. magazine provides resources and mentorship to military business owners through its ongoing programs and conferences, including the upcoming Inc. 500/5000 Conference.
Held annually, the Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS) is a business-development conference created by veterans for veterans. The goal is to provide the knowledge and relationships needed for veterans to transition into business owners who service the federal government.
Q: What books should every veteran entrepreneur read?
A: In the absence of mentors, books offer great, practical advice to help move the mission of your business forward. For help on how to run your business, I recommend Erie Ries’ “The Lean Startup.” Ries seeks to help business owners navigate the fog of uncertainty surrounding their business. For helping shape the vision of your business, I recommend “Start Something That Matters” by Blake Mycoskie, founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS. Mycoskie outlines six simple keys for transforming your life or business to build something that has a positive effect on society.
Mark Rockefeller is an entrepreneur, attorney and veteran. He is the co-founder and CEO of StreetShares, an online marketplace where investors compete to provide shares of commercial loans to small businesses.
Follow Rockefeller on Twitter @markrockefeller or StreetShares @StreetShares
Have a question? Send it to him at questions@streetshares.com.
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