Here are the top ten principles that I have found to have the greatest effect on my business and the business of other nurse business owners. I will also expand on some of these ideas in articles I post on the Nurse Entrepreneur Network web site.

1. Set goals

You need to set goals to know what you are striving to achieve and to know when you have reached your goal. Be specific. If your goal is to make more money, how will you know when you have reached this goal?

2. Measure your progress

By measuring your progress you will know how close you are to achieving your goal. You can set new goals once you reach your current goals. As a matter of fact, it is recommended that you do so.

3. Create a niche

Find a group of people you are qualified to serve and who you would like to serve. Tailor all of your products and services to meet the needs of this group of people. 

4. Fill a need

Determine the needs of your target audience and then fill that need better than any of your competitors.

5. Strive for excellence

Do not settle for mediocre. Deliver only the very best for your niche and you will have customers for life.

6. Do not try to do it alone

Collaborate with others so that you do not become too narrow or too broad. Working with others can help keep you realistic and focused.

7. Use your strengths

Learn where your strengths lie and use them to build your business. You will build a better business if you are working with your strengths and not fighting your weaknesses.

8. Delegate

Delegate the work that can and should be done by others. This will help you to best use your strengths and to not get so focused on working in the business that you forget to spend time working on the business.

9. Communicate clearly

Communicate clearly with your customers, potential customers, employees and partners. Communicate only the information that needs to be communicated. Do this quickly, succinctly, and clearly.

10. Have fun!

If you aren't having fun most of the time, you have to ask yourself why you are doing this. You need to do what you love and love what you do!