As most successful entrepreneurs will tell you, their success stems from the right strategy, the right team, and meeting the right mentors along the way. The Bricks to Clicks® Marketing Program at Mississippi State University has represented all those factors and more to thousands of veterans globally. Since its launch, this initiative has achieved remarkable success, equipping over 15,000 entrepreneurs, including 4,038 veteran entrepreneurs.
Dr. James Barnes is the guiding force behind the Mississippi State University Extension’s Bricks-to-Clicks® program. Built on innovation and marketing expertise, the program highlights why this structured business education model can completely change the trajectory of veteran-owned businesses.
Why Veterans Thrive in Bricks to Clicks
Launched in 2012, the Bricks-to-Clicks® program provides clarity for entrepreneurs – clarity on the marketing strategy they need for a launch, what they need if their business is not growing, and what makes them unique. While Bricks to Clicks is for almost any entrepreneur, thousands of veterans and veteran’s spouses have participated in Bricks to Clicks.
The veterans participating in the Bricks to Clicks® programs gain access to a vast network of resources, including personalized coaching sessions and access to digital marketing tools. Parts of the Bricks to Clicks program include “5 Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business,” “7 Things Your Social Media Plan Should Include,” and “Marketing Made Easy with AI Tools.”
What also makes Bricks to Clicks® unique is not just the number of veterans who have participated but also where they participated. While headquartered at Mississippi State University, Bricks-to-Clicks® has reached veterans as far as Germany, Iraq, Japan, Guam, and South Korea. Many alums look back at their experience in Bricks to Clicks® as pivotal moments in their business growth story.
The Veterans and Their Stories
Nicole Early, a Bricks to Clicks® graduate and military spouse based in Texas, successfully utilized the resources of Bricks to Clicks and says, “Dr. Barnes’ program equips entrepreneurs to avoid ineffective and costly “random acts of marketing” by teaching a proven framework for effectively communicating their brand message to reach customers and grow their business. Thanks to his guidance, my brand messaging and marketing plan are exponentially more effective than if I had proceeded without this training.”
Shannon Arick, a U.S. Army Veteran Woman-owned small business owner of Bits N’ Pieces and a Bricks to Clicks alumni, says, “Many of our customers started to engage with our business pages, and our online presence grew. Sure enough, Dr. Barnes’ methods and advice were spot-on. I can say that our sales have grown year over year. Our social media presence has grown exponentially”.
Dr. James Barnes Leading the Way
Backed by over two decades of experience and academic distinctions from the University of Missouri and Oklahoma State University, Dr. Barnes is an educator and a hands-on mentor. He’s also a Storybrand-certified coach and the author of “5 Social Media Mistakes Your Business Should Avoid“.
Dr. Barnes’ vision is to equip entrepreneurs, including veteran entrepreneurs, in areas such as the program’s namesake (moving from a physical location only to a strong digital presence), illustrating value, building the right messaging, and understanding the consistent efforts needed to grow.
According to Dr. Barnes, the program guides “businesses from traditional models to digital success using proven tools and expert coaching. I help communicate your unique value, grow your audience, and boost your sales.”
The Future of Bricks to Clicks®
Bricks to Clicks® continues to support veterans, spouses of veterans, and entrepreneurs throughout the United States and globally. With an economic impact of $17.9 million and growing, the program is a valuable resource for businesses seeking to align their strategies with a winning formula.
For more information about how veterans can get started or to explore upcoming events, visit the official Bricks to Clicks® page at https://brickstoclicks.extension.msstate.edu/.
