Celebrating AMSE’s 2nd Birthday Around the World!

“AMSE is a social impact agency creating economic empowerment for the military spouse community. AMSE is a global centralized network where military spouse entrepreneurs and organizations find the connections, tools, and resources they need to make an impact in the military community. We do this by offering a digital membership for milspouse entrepreneurs, campaign opportunities, and brand collaborations.” - Moni Jefferson

AMSE and Me

As an Army spouse and entrepreneur, AMSE has provided me with a professional community of inspiring, military spouse entrepreneurs who advocate for each other in this ever-changing military life. 

I began my entrepreneurial journey with AMSE at its early stages and fell in love. There have been so many opportunities as a new entrepreneur that have allowed me to grow significantly in my career. Right away, I fully immersed myself in the community and joined the writing team for AMSE. The editor, Rachel Carpenter, created a very welcoming atmosphere that gave all of us an opportunity to write about topics related to entrepreneur life but with a military lifestyle twist. 

As an All-Access Pass holder, I experience masterclasses, co-working spaces, networking events, the life-changing Slack community for members to interact with on the daily, and more. AMSE became a major part of my toolkit as an entrepreneur and my go-to for all my business needs. I am where I am today because of the AMSE community!

OCONUS the AMSE Way!

At the end of last year, we received OCONUS orders to South Korea. Our entire life and family were moving overseas. At first, it was very overwhelming to me, not only because I had never been out of the country, but because I was afraid I would lose touch with the AMSE community. The time difference felt so disconnected from the world I once knew, and I just assumed I wouldn’t have that network anymore. 

I definitely was wrong! 

AMSE proved to be a community dedicated to military spouse entrepreneurs wherever they may be, one that truly empathizes with military spouses who are experiencing the ups and downs of the military lifestyle. This is especially true for military spouse entrepreneurs who want to grow professionally, even if we have to move to a whole different part of the world. AMSE is coming with you, no matter your orders or your location.

At the time of my departure from the states, I was transitioning my business into a nonprofit organization with a strong group of military spouse professional volunteers stationed in America. These volunteers, who are also AMSE members, stayed vigilant and supported not only the big move but the nonprofit development. I owe a big thanks to all of these amazing military spouses. I also owe a great thank you to Moni Jefferson, founder of AMSE, Rachel Carpenter, Editor at AMSE, and Julie Moser who is an active member of AMSE and has been a mentor to me as an experienced and successful nonprofit founder of Pink Warrior Angels of Texas. 

AMSE has accomplished so much these past few years, and it has been amazing to be a part of it. These are just a few of the amazing milestones from this past year:

The New Dashboard is Where It’s At!

The new membership dashboard is incredible. This upgraded feature allows you to further connect and network with AMSE members and learn about each other’s entrepreneurial journey. The resources that AMSE provides members are so beneficial, no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.

The dashboard is so user-friendly and has so many amazing features. Access all your downloads, video replays, and more on your own time. Join groups in your field or your local Community Chapter, or start a conversation in the member stream. Finally, customize your profile to show the community who you are!

Not an AMSE member? Join here and get started today!

AMSE has a Cohort Just for You!

AMSE’s first cohort is here! What do you gain from this experience?

• A focused, guided approach to business and strategy - from finances to pitching to building brand awareness, we cover it all for you!

• Accountability to help you succeed - you don’t have to do this alone.

• The confidence to launch a new business or to gain a better understanding of your current business.

• The tools and skills you need to go into 2022 energized and ready to win!

Learn more here. Registration is currently closed, but add yourself to the waitlist for 2022!

Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide 

What is the MSEG or the Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide? It is a printed and digital publication featuring military spouses entrepreneurs. This guide showcases businesses, organizations, resources, and insight into the military spouse entrepreneur lifestyle. 

AMSE partnered with Stars and Stripes Pacific to bring the Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide worldwide this August! This truly brought everything full circle for me, because I was able to feel connected from all the way in South Korea. I was able to grab my printed copy at the Camp Walker PX, in addition to having the thrill of being featured in the publication. This was especially significant to me because our nonprofit organization was officially featured in the index of military spouse entrepreneur businesses and organizations. Definitely a proud moment! I also enlisted a military spouse to take the featured photo, which is the whole mission of AMSE - supporting military spouse entrepreneurs. Amy Gahan, of Amy G Photography, was able to capture my new surroundings in Asia while showing how the AMSE way is the best way to stay connected as a military spouse entrepreneur. 

Happy Birthday, AMSE, from around the world!

Thank you for truly having the military spouse and life in mind as you continue to help military spouses feel empowered and be successful on a personal and professional level.

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The All-Access Pass gives you even MORE!

✨ Group Coaching every month, with the opportunity to be an AMSE Group Coach yourself!

✨ An exclusive discount in the AMSE Shop!

✨ A FREE 20-second snippet on our official podcast, Owning Up, to promote your business!

✨ A feature on the AMSE Blog - all about you and your business!

✨ Access to the AMSE Cohort, an immersive 7-week course with hands-on coaching through the Building Your Business the AMSE Way coursework with Moni Jefferson.

Learn more about the All-Access Pass and sign up here!

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My name is Christina – Army wife, boy mom x 2, lifestyle blogger, and military spouse entrepreneur. It’s a Military Life is an upcoming nonprofit and lifestyle blog for everyday military life – sharing lifestyle content, personal stories, collaboration opportunities, and military child resources. We are a supportive milso and vet networking community! My passion is writing about and for the military community, and it is such an amazing opportunity and a great honor to be an AMSE writer! Find me on Facebook (@itsamilitarylife & @christinaetchberger), Instagram (@itsamilitarylife, @itsamilitarychildlife & @christina_etchberger), and Twitter(@itsamil_life).

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AMSE Partner Highlight: How Wise Advise + Assist Team is Bridging the Gap Between Milspouse Unemployment and Business Needs

When I sat down to talk to Laura Early, Chief Experience Officer and Co-founder of WISE Advise + Assist Team, I thought I knew all about this great organization and person. I have seen Laura at virtual events multiple times; I have heard about the WISE team for years now; the company is established in the virtual milspouse career world.

And yet...I learned even more.

WISE Advise + Assist Team is “a virtual team of military spouses, veteran spouses, and veterans who help small businesses fulfill their needs in public relations, business strategy, bookkeeping, digital marketing, web design, and more.” They have been helping these men and women bridge the gap between military life and employment for over 5 years.

Their approach is supportive to both their clients and their team members. 

They work with small businesses by analyzing their business needs, determining what skills or tasks can be outsourced, and pairing them with team members who can support those needs. By hiring a WISE team member, the business gains more time to work on their business.

WISE also benefits the military spouse or veteran spouse by offering him or her a flexible, remote position that matches their skill sets. Team members are contractors or traditional W-2 employees; they are able to work in an environment that supports them financially and in their careers.

Here are a few new and fun facts I learned from Laura about WISE, the partnership with AMSE, and more:

New Fact #1: WISE Advise + Assist Team was started in a Panera Bread restaurant.

Laura met Diana Jaquith, the other Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, 7 years ago when they both served as volunteers for a non-profit board. They sparked up a friendship and clicked immediately. The duo were both at crossroads in their careers, too. They went from having a weekly brunch to talking about this business venture where they could grow their specific skill sets into one business and opportunity for their community.  

And thus, WISE was born in a Panera bread over a soup and sandwich. 

The company has continued to grow every year, from 2 employees the first year to a company of contractors and employees of 33 (and recruiting!). Every person is a part of the team, regardless of their role or tax status. It is what works best for the employee and military spouse.

New Fact #2: They were remote before “remote was cool.” 

This business has always been virtual, one of the many benefits of employment here! Because of this, they were able to continue to grow and work during the pandemic. Laura did not that they found some challenges within their team. Members were now thrust into multiple roles of employee, teacher, mother, etc. WISE learned to be even more empathetic with the team and flexible to their needs. They only wished they could do more to help! 

New Fact #3: Moni, our CEO, once worked for WISE!

It’s true. Moni’s first career is in PR, and she did some PR work for clients at WISE. That is how she and Laura grew to know each other. She has also worked with Moni in various capacities over the years.

So when AMSE was launching and looking for partners, Laura knew that WISE Advise + Assist wanted to be one of those partners. Both organizations share the same mission to help milspouses in their careers. What better way than through collaboration together? 

As so many other milspouse entrepreneurs have pointed out, Laura wishes that AMSE had been around when she started her business. Diana had previous experience with launching a business, but it was all new to Laura. “AMSE is such a great benefit...to not have to start from zero, to have people to help and support and someone who knows what they are doing.”

New Fact #4: Take a closer look at their company name.

The “WISE” part of their name seems obvious. But what about “Advise + Assist?” This is a nod to the S Fab (Security Force Assistance Brigade) teams from the military. These are specialized teams formed to train, advise, assist, enable, and accompany operations. 

Check closely at their logo! There is more than meets the eye. The owl is indicative of something or someone wise. But there are hidden meanings in the owl that their graphic designer purposefully implemented. For example, the diamond is placed in the logo because “we are the diamonds in the rough.” Look for more and see what you find!

Final Fact: This team will continue to bridge the gap for military spouses.

No matter if WISE Advise + Assist Team is new to you or a name you recognize, we know that we will continue to hear about their great work in the military community for years to come. Whether you are a small business owner looking for some assistance or project management or a military spouse looking to build your remote career, there is a place for you at WISE.

For more information about WISE Advise + Assist Team, click here.

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Rachel is the co-owner and editor of The Military Mom Collective. She has been an Air Force spouse for 17 years and is a mother of four children. She holds a BA in English and a MA in Management. When not busy with work or her family, she enjoys reading as many books as possible and drinking all the coffee.

Rachel is also the Lead Editor at AMSE and a freelance writer. She has been featured on We Are The Mighty, Her View From Home, AMSE, The Beautifull Project, Hand-in-Hand QC, and other publications. She has been blogging for herself and other organizations for over 10 years. She is always trying to stay on top of SEO practices and loves using the power of experiences and storytelling to empower businesses and individuals.

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Being a Solopreneur Leader - It's All About Your Mindset

You’re a company of one. All alone in handling the day-to-day tasks and making the decisions that will build your brand and your business to profitability.  Does the word leadership apply to you?

Typically when we think about leadership, we think of directing other people or being a positive example and motivating employee productivity. It’s the “top dog” of a company or organization, the person in charge either by default or by the process of election.  

Leadership for a solopreneur is not going to be the same that you see exhibited in the typical corporate world.  

There’s no next level or succession ladder for you to climb.  You might think the concept doesn’t really apply to you or your business, but there is so much more to leadership than simply leading others. 

LEADERSHIP is a mindset.  

Here are 4 ways you will shine as a solopreneur leader:

• LEAD THROUGH SERVICE.  There are many opportunities to share your knowledge and expertise as a mentor or volunteer. Solopreneurs demonstrate leadership when they are serving others.

  Service can be spending time with students, a budding entrepreneur, or a non-profit organization that supports something you are passionate about. Service builds community around you and your business and is the foundation of loyalty. When you are willing to serve others, they will see you as a leader and honor your wins and accomplishments. Leading through service offers you a chance to share knowledge and surround yourself with others who find joy in your success.

  Organizations like AMSE offer us these connections and provide opportunities for service.   Consider someone within your AMSE network you admire.  Have they served you in some way?

• LEAD YOURSELF.  Always look for opportunities to grow your strengths and bolster your weaknesses.  This means accepting help and reaching out for advice in areas you do not excel.  Leadership is as much about recognizing when it’s time to follow others and provide them a platform to share their expertise as much as demonstrating your own.  

  Have you stopped and looked inward to evaluate your “lead yourself” health?  Nobody understands what actual level of success is found in your finance, marketing, public relations, or productivity departments better than you.  Take charge of your weaknesses and make changes to ensure you have assessed areas of improvement that can build your business profitably and grow your brand in the way you want.

• LEAD WITH STRENGTH. My guess is that you jumped feet first into the unknown at least once or twice or way too many times during your entrepreneurial journey.  Was every leap a success?  Probably not.  I know I’ve stumbled and failed along the way. The best advice has always been to learn from your mistakes, brush yourself off, and try again.  

  Leadership comes from your losses and your wins.   Recognize that others are watching what you do with each and every experience.

  Your example is setting the foundation for your children, family members, friends, and colleagues to see what is most important to you and learn from how you deal with disappointment and difficult situations. 

  Leading with strength is not winning all the time but still pushing on through the challenges that we face as solopreneurs and business owners. 

• LEAD WITH VISION.  Burning the midnight oil or waking up hours before everyone else - entrepreneurs are the first at work and the last to leave. We get done what has to be done because we see possibility, potential, and have a vision of an amazing future far beyond what our small business currently is.  

  Remind yourself not to compare.  Your journey is your own and to lead with vision means you forge your own path without trying to accomplish exactly what everyone else has.

Leadership as a mindset ultimately brings satisfaction in our work and pride in our accomplishments. 

We may not realize it at the time, but we are inspiring and motivating ourselves to be more productive with the ultimate outcome of greater profitability.  As a fellow solopreneur, I want you to know that we can and do shine bright as leaders.

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Anna Larson is a 15-year military spouse, entrepreneur, and homeschool mom of 2 amazing kids + 1 fur baby.  She started her own business after nearly 20 years in marketing and program management.  NomadAbout offers comprehensive marketing solutions, website design, copywriting and social media management.  

She contributes monthly to a number of publications, hosts a weekly podcast and livestream business show called 15ish Minute Coffee Chat, sits on a board as the Director of Operations for a non-profit that offers support to cancer patients, and co-leads the Fort Hood chapter of the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs.

In her spare time, she likes to travel the world and have amazing adventures with her family.  She can’t decide if exploring glaciers in Switzerland, standing in the shadow of Burg Khalifa, or zip-lining at Victoria Falls is her favorite so far.  You can also find her with her nose in a book or sitting poolside for relaxation.

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2020 Was The Year of the Milspouse Entrepreneur

When I look back on 2020, I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude and blessed.

That’s right. I said blessed. Not to say that this year has not been difficult or challenging or frustrating. But 2020 was also a year of great impacts, partnerships, and strives for our milspouse entrepreneur community and for AMSE. 

When I look back at this year - this incredible year of growth - I cannot help but feel blessed in many ways.

I am blessed to have an amazing partner in this business. Flossie Hall is a phenomenal entrepreneur, business partner, and woman. She is inspiring both inside and outside of her career. I’ve learned so much from her and am glad to be building this legacy and future with her, pioneering the way for milspouse entrepreneurs.

I am blessed to work with my team here at AMSE; in fact, I feel blessed to have a team at all! When we began AMSE in November 2019, Flossie and I could not have imagined how quickly we would grow and how much our community would welcome us. But with rapid growth comes the need for help, and we have an awesome team here. I’m grateful for the way they show up for us and our community everyday. 

I am blessed to have experienced a year of personal growth. I love positive affirmations. I am constantly telling them to my team and to myself. But this year, I really started to see and believe them. Positive affirmations became more than platitudes. Because I CAN do this. There is nothing that I cannot accomplish with work and determination. And so can you. I am living proof of this.

I feel blessed and destined to be exactly where I am today. I have learned my strengths and my weaknesses; I have learned that it is OK to not know everything. I need support just like everyone else. But everything I have learned in my years in business and as an entrepreneur has prepared me for this role. I’ve been put on this earth and in this role for a specific reason, and it is my honor to lead from the front for our community and the future. There will be challenges, and it will be hard. But we are here for a reason.

Most importantly, I am blessed to have all of you.

I often emotionally describe how joyfully overwhelmed I feel from the support of the community. So many people and organizations have come together to help us. The idea of AMSE started with a simple idea: to bridge the gaps and create solutions specifically for milspouse entrepreneurs. We have not only started this but built a huge community with passion and heart. We have cultivated partnerships that are having a big impact on milspouses everyday. We have met and networked with so many people that have been instrumental in our success. And we have grown into a beautiful, diverse community that is ready to make a difference and succeed in their own lives.

The true definition of entrepreneurship is to see the gaps or problems in a business and to solve them. That is what AMSE is. It is the core of who we are and what we can achieve - and in 2020, we did it all.

We are done waiting for an invitation - we are crashing the party or building our own table. 2020 was the year of the milspouse entrepreneur, and we are only getting started.

Thank you for an incredible and blessed year. Cheers to 2021, and I am so happy you are here!

Moni Jefferson, Co-founder + CEO

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