This is the first of 7 lessons on the 7 Critical Steps to Starting and Growing Your Nursing Business. In this lesson, I cover the importance of knowing your Why.

[In subsequent lessons I cover the importance of knowing your Who (who you serve); your What (what specifically you provide); your How and How much (how do you provide what you provide, and how much and for how much); your Where (where are your clients or customers and how can you reach them); and your When (when should you start your business).

You need to know as much as you can about why you want to be a self-employed nurse entrepreneur so

• you'll be clear about what is really important to you,
• you'll be better able to define your dream,
• you'll have a better idea about what success really means to you and
• you'll be able to set goals to measure your success.

There are many reasons why people decide to go into business for themselves, probably as many reasons as there are entrepreneurs. Some common reasons include

• Desire for more schedule flexibility
• Desire for greater control over what they do, and how, when, and where they do it
• Desire to be their own boss
• Desire for greater opportunity to be creative
• Desire for greater opportunity to create something valuable, and to own it
• Desire greater control over income/to increase income
• Desire for fame and fortune
• Desire to be known as an expert
• Desire to make a mark in the world
• Desire to create something bigger than themselves

These are only a few of the reasons why someone might choose to be self-employed/a nurse entrepreneur. However, one thing to know and remember is that your why has to be something BIG enough to keep you going in the tough times. It has to be something that will pull you forward or give you a push when it seems as if you just can't keep going. The tough times will happen, but if your why is big enough it will keep you going until the times become less rough and tough.

Assignment: Explore your Why

1. What is your Why?
2. Does your Why push you or does it pull you? Does this type of motivation help you?
3. Is it big enough to keep you going? Can it sustain you? If not, should you really pursue self employment?
4. What can you do to make your Why bigger?
5. Are there other people who believe in your Why with you? Can and will they be there for you when the going gets tough?  

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