Beyond Borders: Navigating Remote Work & Family Life as a Military Spouse

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Title: Navigating Remote Work and Family Life as a Military Spouse in Japan

Today, we embark on a journey with Lauren Lonsdale, a former Marine Corps veteran who transitioned into the role of a military spouse. As the owner of Aura Digital Consulting Lauren's story is not just about her personal journey but also about the adaptability required to excel in a dynamic environment while creating a home for her family, supporting her military member and grow a business.

Lauren's Freelance Journey:

Over the past decade, Lauren has forged a successful path as a freelancer, honing her skills in writing, web design, and creative marketing. Her journey is a testament to the possibility of thriving in the digital space while navigating the challenges inherent in military life. From crafting compelling narratives to mastering the art of web design, Lauren's versatility shines through in her professional endeavors.

Navigating Remote Work in Japan:

Currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Lauren sheds light on the intricacies of freelancing abroad. With the unique dynamics of military life and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) status limitation, she shares insights into overcoming obstacles such as finding local clients and managing time differences. Lauren's experiences offer valuable guidance for military spouses contemplating similar ventures, highlighting the importance of adaptability and creativity in remote work settings.

Challenges and Triumphs:

In our conversation, Lauren shares into the dual challenges of freelancing and managing military obligations. Her story resonates with many military spouses who find themselves juggling multiple roles while striving for personal and professional fulfillment. Despite the hurdles, Lauren's determination shines through, serving as a beacon of inspiration for others navigating similar paths.

Lessons Learned and Takeaways:

Reflecting on her journey, Lauren emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and seizing opportunities. Her experiences underscore the significance of prioritizing personal well-being and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As we celebrate Lauren's achievements, we also recognize the unwavering strength and resilience of military spouses worldwide.

In navigating the complexities of remote work and family life in Japan, Lauren exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and the power of community support. Her journey serves as a reminder that with determination and resilience, one can overcome challenges and thrive in any environment. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of remote work, let us draw inspiration from Lauren's story and strive to own our journeys, wherever they may lead.

If you or anyone you know is looking to move look into the OCONUS look out for the country’s SOFA status and restrictions for best business practices.

Connect with Lauren on Instagram.

Celebrating Military Spouse Entrepreneurs: The AMSE Military Spouse Entrepreneur Award

Today, we're diving deep into the exciting world of the Military Spouse Entrepreneur Award. If you've been following us on social media or through the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs, you know that we've been buzzing with excitement since March 8th. This award is about recognizing the incredible contributions of military spouses who are entrepreneurs.

Last year, we started this initiative to honor and celebrate military spouses uniquely. We wanted to take our appreciation to another level by creating a platform where these spouses could truly shine and showcase their impact through their businesses. Our first winner, Krystalora Cruz, set the bar high with her inspiring journey as a coach and entrepreneur.

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the award. It's open to all military spouse small business owners, regardless of whether their business is for-profit, nonprofit, service-based, or product-based. Whether you're just starting or have been in business for years, we want to hear from you.

Nominations are open until April 8th, followed by a voting period from April 15th to April 29th. The winner will be announced on May 6th during our More Than a Military Spouse in-person summit.

So, why should you apply? Besides being incredible for even considering starting a business as a military spouse, it's also a fantastic PR opportunity. Our partners like Military Times and USAA will help spread the word about your business. Plus, self-nomination is key. Don't hesitate to showcase your product, service, or nonprofit and share how it's making a difference.

If you're feeling nervous about self-nominating, remember, you're your best advocate. Get comfortable in front of the camera and share your story. And if you know a military spouse entrepreneur who deserves recognition, nominate them! Your support could be the motivation they need to keep going.

The winner of the Military Spouse Entrepreneur Award will receive incredible prizes, including a night at New York Fashion Week or a Mentorship Day with the Birthing of Giants. Plus, there's free PR in the Starts and Stripes Miltiary Spouse Entrepreneur Guide, access to our exclusive membership program, and more opportunities to grow your business.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website, check out the details, and submit your nomination. Let's celebrate the resilience and creativity of military spouse entrepreneurs together!

Scaling Up Your Service Business During Times of Scaling Back

Talk of “tough times ahead” are just as predictable as the times themselves from recessions that occur, on average, every three-and-a-quarter years to the cadence of global pandemics. 

Of course, the unique intersection of economic shifts coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and going into the anticipated 2023 recession require a mindful approach, albeit, a simple one. 

With these key principles you can bet that your business will be one that holds strong:

Provide a Deeper Solution

While clients are always watching the bottom line and expecting return on investments whether it be with their employees or contractors, during times of greater economic shifts, those eyes on the bottom line become more discerning. 

One of the best ways to ensure that your clients continue to see the ROI you deliver as an essential line item on their operating expenses is by deepening your value. 

Can you offer to take care of an additional task or piece of their process at a cost to them that’s fair but that doesn’t compromise your overall capacity?

Can you clearly demonstrate how your work is moving the needle and how your ideas moving forward will only continue to foster growth or maintain retention?

The key is ensuring that your client views keeping your services as a no-brainer decision by emphasizing the depth of value you bring to their company. Sure, everyone on payroll is “replaceable,” but we want to demonstrate that replacing our services, either by going with a lower-cost provider or simply doing without, isn’t beneficial in the short or long-term for our clients. 

Make Quality Investments Through a Long-Term Lens

Speaking of long-term benefits, similarly to how your clients are assessing their cash flow, you need to bring a trained eye to your own business investments. Whether it’s software subscriptions or membership programs you’re not utilizing regularly, slash those recurring expenses you can’t clearly see a benefit or a return from. 

A good litmus test is that if the cost of a tool isn’t less than the cost of the time that tool or service saves you on a monthly basis (based on your average hourly rate), you’re not utilizing it to its fullest capacity – which means you either need a plan of action so that you can start gaining that ROI, or it needs to be cut from your recurring expenses. 

These easy budget cuts free up more of your cash flow that you can then use to bolster your business savings, (something you always want to have in place, but especially during times of economic downturn), or invest into other avenues that will support your business more long-term. Those other avenues might include taking a continuing education program that will enhance your skill set and allow you to charge more or bring in higher-paying clientele or investing in a team member who can support you in maximizing your time to allow you to serve more clientele and thus bring in more revenue. 

Looking at your investments through this lens of their potential for return six, nine, or 12+ months out is one of the best ways to ensure that you not only remain steady through times of downturn, but that you’re equipped to reap the benefits once the tides shift. 

Drill Down on Systems 

A practice I’ve found beneficial both with working with clients as a marketing service provider and operating my own business over the last eight years is planning on periods of “building” vs. “growth.”

When outside forces make running a business feel like a tenuous endeavor, or client work ebbs and flows more than you can typically rely on, focusing on building out your systems internally is always a strategic move. 

During a “building” season or year, focusing your time and effort on the foundational elements of a sustainable business or evaluating the structure of existing foundational pillars to make them stronger will set you up for success during your “growth” years. For example, creating or refining your standard operating procedures (SOPs), even if you currently operate as a solopreneur, will serve you well when you’re ready to bring on team members or sell your business. 

Also, building out sales funnels that support the various revenue streams in your business is another example of building out an asset that you can leverage to save you time and effort in your sales process, as well as increase your capacity when you’re ready to shift into a growth period. 

No matter what happens in world economic markets or societal forces at large that affect how everyone works — from Fortune 500s down to families stationed with their service members throughout the world — providing quality work with a patient perspective will never steer you wrong in business. 

💻 AMSE Action Item: To dive even deeper into how to scale, get AMSE’s premium membership and access Eloise Drane’s “Scaling Your Business” event replay on your member dashboard.

DANIELLE PASTULA 

Digital Marketing Strategist and Fractional CMO

Founder of Studio Clary

With 11+ years of experience working as a marketer within the wellness and beauty industries, Danielle has worked with a variety of professionals including award-winning spa and salon owners, beauty and wellness e-commerce brand creators, and leading industry coaches and consultants to establish a magnetic online presence that builds brand authority, increases sales, and cements client loyalty. 

Website: https://studioclary.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/studioclaryLI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellepastula/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/studioclary/

Sow Seeds of Creativity for a Rewarding Harvest

Military spouses often hear the words: “I don’t know how you do it.” We may not think we’re doing anything special, but, add the extra title of “entrepreneur” on top of milspouse – and the many other hats we wear – and “it” can seem like a lot! When COVID-19 came along, the demands on us became even greater. Between navigating changes to our new normal, facing economic challenges, and being forced to put things into perspective, we learned the importance of thinking creatively. Capitalizing on securing multiple streams of income in a market saturated with start-ups is one way for milspouse entrepreneurs to sow those seeds of creativity for a rewarding harvest – regardless of what the entrepreneurial climate throws at you. Let’s get started on how to monetize your creative strengths and build your brand!

Drop the Excuses

How many times have you talked yourself out of starting something because you thought it would fail? Better yet, how many times have you actually started something but never finished it because you were afraid to keep going? Here’s the thing – you have to start somewhere, and, until you do, you don’t get to say what will or won’t work. Every great book, blog, podcast, or brand started from a simple idea.

Can you imagine if Amazon or Instacart would’ve let fear or hesitation kill their ideas before they even got started? They would’ve missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t let that be you. Drop the excuses!

Scope Out the Market

I’ve never been a fan of reinventing the wheel. It is important to take time to scope out the market prior to making any significant decisions. You’ll want to research trends and how existing brands used those trends to their advantage. Here are some ways you can do it:

Similarity Index

Find brands that are similar to the ones you plan to create. Looking at similar platforms will give you ideas you can incorporate into your own brand.

Resource Identification

In looking at similar brands, you’ll also learn about the differences that exist with the resources you may need to have a successful brand. You’d be surprised to learn how much a decision such as which web hosting platform you use can affect your bottom line!

Expansion Potential

Most brands start out with a laser-focused vision. However, there is always opportunity for growth. Regardless of whether you decide to stay small or expand to a commercial-sized brand, that expansion should never come at the expense of authenticity. In the service-based industry, you capture and maintain your audience by presenting your best self. Once you dilute yourself in the name of notoriety or income, you become just like everybody else – and there’s no value in that. 

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Finally, remember that proper planning prevents poor performance. You have to have a plan for how you’re going to take your vision from an idea to a lucrative business. The first step requires you to figure out what you actually want to accomplish and how. 

Figure Out the Details

Let’s begin with specificity. You need to drill down what your aim is and focus on it. Once you’ve decided what your focus will be, work on refining it. Next, you have to be able to measure your progress toward that outcome. You don’t necessarily need to go to great lengths by creating magnificent databases to determine how you’re progressing – at least not in the beginning. A simple notebook or e-document that contains your business plans is a great start.

Once you’ve identified a suitable place to document your progress, you’ll need to determine what exactly you’re going to document. My early measures of success with my brand included the following: 

• Launch of my brand(s)

• Degree of fit within my niche

• Authentic growth

• Brand recognition

These are just a few of the measures I used to determine the progress toward my goals. Reviewing them regularly also helped me to determine where I could make adjustments to my processes, as well as the longevity of my brand.

Break It Down

Next, you’ll need to make sure your plans are achievable. One of my favorite strategies when it comes to achieving goals is incrementalism. This means giving yourself enough grace to break up your larger goals into smaller chunks. You never want to go a mile wide and an inch deep. It is very possible to achieve multiple things at once, but there is no honor in having a mediocre product.

You’ll also want to evaluate your plans to make sure they’re relevant. This is a continuous process. There is nothing wrong with making adjustments along the way, but never forget what first drew your audience to you. 

Set Those Deadlines!

Lastly, it is important to craft deadlines for your plans. A goal without a due date is simply a pipe dream. If you think about it, everything created with purpose has a due date – babies, bills, projects, and more. Your brand should be no different! Remember, incrementalism will be your best friend in this process. Break up your goals into tiers: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. 

These are the steps I navigated over the course of a year when I was building my brand. While everyone’s timeline will be different, be sure not to rush the process. Remember, it is entirely possible to use your creativity as a springboard to income. All you need to do to work toward a bountiful harvest is to sow that first seed, and, if you’ve made it to the end of this article, you already have!

Make it stand out

Brittany Chatman is a proud MilSpouse (USAF, Retired) and the owner of Chat With Bee, a lifestyle and social brand that specializes in authentic content creation. With more than five years of experience, Brittany prides herself in the creation of the following forms of content – Blog Posts, Technical Writing, Voice Talent, Amateur Photography, and Short-Form & Long-Form Video Social Media capabilities including Static Imagery, Carousel Imagery, and Reels/TikTok

 www.instagram.com/chatwithbee