By: Savannah Abney, Co-Founder and CEO of The Breezy Company
Transitioning from military service into entrepreneurship is one of the most exciting and challenging moves a veteran can make.
We’ve had the honor of working with veteran-owned businesses and organizations supporting military communities, helping them build their online reputations, and I can tell you from experience that veterans make some of the best business owners out there.
Military service instills leadership, discipline, adaptability, and resilience — all traits that set a strong foundation for building and running a successful business. But there’s one piece that many new veteran entrepreneurs underestimate, and that’s the power of your online reputation.
Whether you’re launching a business for the first time or you’re a few months into your journey, building a powerful online reputation can make the difference between struggling for attention and becoming the go-to choice in your space.
Let’s walk through a proven framework you can use to build, grow, and protect your reputation, whether you just started your business or have been operating for years.
Why Your Online Reputation Matters More Than Ever
Your online presence is almost always the first impression a potential customer will have of your business. This data backs that idea up:
- It only takes 7 seconds for someone to form an impression of your brand. (Princeton Study)
- 81% of consumers say trust is a deciding factor in purchase decisions. (Edelman Trust Barometer)
- Your company’s reputation makes up 63% of its market value. (Weber Shandwick)
If you want your business to thrive, especially in a competitive environment, people must see you as credible, trustworthy, and capable — before they ever pick up the phone, book a meeting, or walk into your storefront.
The good news? You don’t have to guess at how to build that kind of reputation.
At The Breezy Company, we’ve developed a framework called The Reputation Pillars that easily helps you create the impression and presence that gets you chosen over your competitors.
1. Quality of Impression
When someone finds your website, LinkedIn page, or social media profile, they’re subconsciously asking…
“Is this someone I can trust with my time, money, or needs?”
Quality of Impressionis about making sure the answer is an immediate and resounding “yes.”
- Clear messaging: In simple, human words, explain what you do, who you serve, and why you’re different. Avoid jargon and speak to the real needs of your target customer, not just about how great your brand is.
- Strong visuals: Your website, logo, and marketing materials should look professional and aligned with your values. DIY can work short-term, but invest in clean, polished visuals as soon as you can.
- Active presence: Update your profiles regularly. Even a great site looks abandoned if the last blog post or update is from two years ago.
2. Credibility of Expertise
Veterans already have deep experience in leadership, teamwork, and strategy. Now it’s time to show the marketplace why your experience matters in your new business context.
Credibility of Expertise means demonstrating your knowledge, not just claiming it.
- Teach what you know: Create blog posts, videos, or social media content that solves common problems your ideal customer faces.
- Be accessible: Show up where your audience hangs out, whether it’s LinkedIn, industry groups, or local events.
- Answer questions publicly: Sharing your perspective builds familiarity and trust over time.
3. Authority in the Marketplace
Authority isn’t something you give yourself — it’s something others recognize and it’s a major shortcut to trust and growth.
Authority in the Marketplace means becoming the name people think of first when they need what you offer.
- Get media features: Share your story with local newspapers, podcasts, or industry blogs. Many outlets love featuring veteran entrepreneurs!
- Gather testimonials: Ask early customers for reviews and testimonials you can showcase on your website and marketing materials.
- Partner strategically: Collaborate with other respected brands or individuals who serve your same audience but in different ways.
4. Consistency of Execution
You didn’t become a leader in the military overnight. It took showing up day after day. Business reputation works the same way.
Consistency of Execution is about delivering quality service, communication, and presence every single time, not just when it’s convenient.
- Content rhythm: Post or share updates consistently (even once a week is enough if it’s steady).
- Process consistency: Deliver a consistent customer experience — from the first call to the final invoice.
- Visual consistency: Use the same logos, fonts, and tone across all materials.
You Have What It Takes
As a veteran, you already have the resilience, discipline, and leadership it takes to build a thriving business. Creating a strong online reputation is simply about making those qualities visible to the world.
Start with the basics. Focus on serving well. Show up consistently. And remember the marketplace wants to support veterans who step into entrepreneurship with courage and integrity.
Your mission might look different today, but it’s just as important. We’re cheering you on.
If you’d like a quick snapshot of how your current reputation measures up, you can take a free reputation score assessment here. It’s a great starting point to know exactly where to focus next.
About The Breezy Company
The Breezy Company is a scalable marketing subscription that systematically improves your online reputation, positioning you to grow. You can learn more about how we serve small businesses like yours here.