Five years ago, when the world was heading into lockdown, something amazing happened in my married quarter garden.

Picture this: a pretty dire-looking lawn suddenly bursting into life! Out of nowhere, tulips and daffodils popped up, bringing this incredible jolt of hope to those weird, early spring days. It was genuinely amazing!

The best part? Someone else had planted them – a previous military spouse who’d taken the time to bury those bulbs one autumn day. As the world seemed to close down, seeing these beautiful flowers was a vivid reminder to me that everything would be ok in the end.

That’s the kind of thing you see all the time in our military community – people going out of their way to do something that lifts up others, not just themselves. And it’s exactly the same in the military partner small business world.

At Milspo Network, that’s what we’re all about: investing time and energy into each other and our businesses. Like those surprise tulips, you might not see the results instantly, but we know the difference that really supporting each other makes to the whole community. When one of us smashes it in business, it paves the way and inspires others to do the same, and that’s how we all flourish.  

Here are my best tips to grow your own business by helping others…

Shout Out Their Business, And They’ll Shout Yours

Seriously, the more I big up other people’s businesses, the more support comes right back at me. And I’m not doing it for that, it’s just a brilliant bonus!

If you’re going to recommend or refer someone, make it a two-way street if you can. Be intentional about who you want to support and get out there and promote them. It might feel like effort at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

Become an Accountability Buddy – Your Business BFF

Help other business owners nail their goals by being their accountability partner. Team up and help them stick to their plans – and guess what? They’ll be right there doing the same for you.

We do this every month in the Milspo Inner Circle. I get people connected, and that accountability helps everyone ditch the excuses and get stuff done, and with the accountability to ensure that you can’t keep making excuses.

Become a Business BFF

Let’s face it, being a solopreneur and a military partner can be lonely. So, why not find yourself a Business BFF? They’re more than just accountability partners. They’re there for the business stuff, they’re there to stop you from throwing in the towel, and they’re there to celebrate every single win! Basically, they’re perfect for those days when you’re working solo and missing office banter. Plus, this aligns with Milspo’s values of building a supportive community.  

And you know what? If that spring sunshine is giving you a little extra spring in your step, now could be the perfect time to get some solid business plans in motion.

Embrace Your Business’s Spring Growth Spurt

Just like nature in spring, your business can regenerate and grow! Think about what needs some TLC. Is it time to freshen up your marketing, nurture those client relationships, or plant the seeds for a new product or service?

At Milspo Network, we’re all about helping our members see the growth potential in every season. Our Business Launch Accelerator Course, for example, helps people go from “lightbulb moment” to launch in just eight weeks – talk about springing into action!  

Spring Clean Your Business

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house, it’s for your business too. Rather than getting lost in the ‘doing’ of your business, spend a day thinking about the bigger picture of your business. What’s been holding you back? What’s draining your energy without giving anything back? Maybe it’s time to ditch those activities, clients, or even thought patterns that are slowing you down.

Nurture Your Network – It’s Blooming Time!

Spring is all about connection and growth, and that’s so true in business. Put time into nurturing your network. Reach out to people, go to events, or join a community where you’ll be supported.  

Our community is built on strong values – community, empowerment, inspiration, resilience, and authenticity. It’s the ideal place to grow those vital business relationships. We offer loads of networking, online and offline, to help you connect with potential clients, partners, and cheerleaders, plus it’s a network that moves wherever military life takes you.

Plant Those Seeds for Future Success

Use this time of new beginnings to plant seeds for your business’s future. What are your big goals? What can you do now to start moving towards them? Whether it’s creating a new product, polishing your services, or reaching out to more people, get going and plant those seeds. 

Remember, like those spring bulbs, what you do now will blossom later. We’re here at Milspo to help our members build businesses that last, businesses that work with the unpredictability of military life.

 

If you’re a military spouse with a business (or the dream of starting one), Milspo Thrive is your event. 

This online summit, happening on May 13th, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm, is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and connections you need to not just survive, but thrive in the unique world of military life. 

You’ll hear from incredible speakers from the military community and beyond to help gain actionable strategies, and connect with a community that truly gets it. Don’t miss this free opportunity to invest in yourself and your business – find out more and sign up for the waiting list – https://milspo.co.uk/milspothrive2025/