Earn a shot at the Big Leagues, then be ready to execute.
 

Opportunity doesn’t knock often. But when it does, the best advice I can offer to any vetrepreneur is to seize the moment. You’ve got to be ready to take advantage of an opportunity because you may only get one chance.

I received my first break when Dr. Renaldo Jensen, a retired Air Force colonel who led the supplier diversity development program at Ford Motor Co. for 27 years, gave me the opportunity to pitch my business to executives at Ford. I wasn’t given the opportunity just because he and I were both vets. He gave me the opportunity because I had earned it.

The way I earned it was by working hard throughout my career, making myself invaluable to my employers and earning their respect and admiration. I was able to make countless connections and network with colleagues who would prove to be vital to the success of my business. There is no such thing as a self-made man. Everybody has to have help. You have to find those go-to people. That’s what I did. I met some key people in the industry, and when I finally got my opportunity, I seized it.

When you get your opportunity, seize it. Approach it the way you would any mission. When you meet a person who can potentially change your life, you need to let them know that you are a winner. One of the first steps is appearance: Always dress for success. First impressions are important and people size you up the moment you walk through the door.

After you’ve made that positive first impression, you must make a solid presentation. You have to do your homework and be prepared to deliver a professional presentation. Do a few dry runs and sharpen your delivery, because you’re probably only going to get one shot.

Once you have seized the opportunity, you can’t be complacent and rest on your laurels. Capitalizing on it is up to you. You must execute. People expect you to perform and in many cases you are expected to perform at a very high level. If you can perform at that high level and separate yourself from the pack, your opportunities will grow and you may become the next Vetrepreneur of the Year.

Sid E. Taylor is the 2009 Vetrepreneur of the Year in the Large Business Category.

The Marines Corps veteran is the founder and CEO of SET Enterprises, a Warren, Mich.-based metal processing company that employs more than 290 people and generates revenues of more than $200 million annually.

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