Being a milspouse means you’re constantly embracing change. It’s an adventure, sure, but keeping your professional reputation consistent can feel like a challenge. The good news? You can build and maintain your expert status wherever you go. With the right strategies, you can leverage online platforms, milspouse-specific resources, and creative networking opportunities to shine as an expert, no matter where you’re stationed.
Beyond Linkedin: online platforms that work for you
We all know LinkedIn can be great for building your professional brand, but other platforms might fit your lifestyle even better. For milspouses looking to establish credibility while maintaining flexibility, Fiverr and Upwork are key. These platforms allow you to showcase your skills, build a portfolio, and gain global clients, all from the comfort of your home, no matter where that home happens to be.
Fiverr, for example, lets you start small. You could offer resume editing services, logo design, or virtual consultations and collect positive reviews that build your credibility over time. As you expand your services, your reputation grows, and that expertise follows you wherever you go.
Upwork, on the other hand, is perfect for finding longer-term freelance gigs. Think of it as a space where you can land contracts that fit your schedule and expertise. Every project you complete adds to your professional credibility, and the best part is you take it all with you when you move.
Milspouse-specific platforms: your tailored fit
There are also platforms built specifically for milspouses, like Instant Teams and VirtForce, which understand the challenges of military life and offer remote job opportunities that fit your needs. Instant Teams connects you with remote positions tailored to various skill sets, from customer service to tech support. It’s a community-driven platform where you can grow professionally and connect with other milspouses who are experts in their fields.
VirtForce operates in a similar way, matching milspouses with remote roles in marketing, administration, and tech. By joining these platforms, you’re positioning yourself as an expert within a network that values your skills and understands your lifestyle. Plus, these communities are perfect for finding mentorship opportunities and collaborating on projects, helping you build a professional brand that’s both credible and portable.
Virtual networking and speaking engagements
Traditional networking can be tricky when you’re constantly on the move, but virtual networking opens up a world of opportunities. Joining online communities like MilSpouseFest or The Military Spouse Professional Network (MSPN) allows you to connect, share opportunities, and host webinars showcasing your expertise. These groups understand military life and offer pathways to grow professionally, no matter your location.
If public speaking is more your style, explore platforms like Skillshare and Teachable. These sites allow you to create courses on topics you’re passionate about. By teaching others, you build credibility and establish yourself as the go-to person in your field. Each course you offer builds your reputation, and your name becomes associated with expertise, regardless of where you’re stationed.
Another way to expand your reach is by participating in speaking engagements through military-affiliated organizations like Hiring Our Heroes. They often host virtual panels and events where you can present your knowledge and connect with other professionals. Every engagement adds to your credibility, building your professional brand even when you’re miles away from your previous connections.
Leveraging your milspouse network
As milspouses, we have a unique, built-in network that spans the globe. Don’t underestimate its power! Groups like the Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce are amazing resources for connecting with others in your field. You can find collaborators, share expertise, and even create your own webinars or workshops to showcase your skills.
Collaboration is one of the most effective ways to build your reputation. Think about working on joint projects with other milspouses, like writing an e-book, hosting a podcast, or putting together a webinar series. By joining forces, you tap into new audiences and showcase your expertise alongside others growing their brands. It’s a win-win for expanding your reach and credibility.
Building a brand that moves with you
Milspouses are experts at adapting, and that skill translates directly into building a professional brand. Using platforms like Fiverr, tapping into milspouse-specific resources, and embracing virtual networking, you can create a reputation that follows you wherever the military sends you. It’s all about consistency, finding new ways to showcase your skills, and connecting with others who share your goals.
Each station, each move, and every new chapter is a chance to grow your professional brand. Whether you’re teaching a course, volunteering for a speaking engagement, or building a portfolio on Upwork, your expertise is valuable and can thrive anywhere. Stay open to new opportunities, connect with others, and remember that your perspective as a milspouse is an asset the world needs.