I ran across a great post listing 30 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Know How to Do. As I read through it, I found I was nodding my head. Many of these things, we already do - we've been working in teams for years, first as nurses, then as nurse practitioners.

However, there are several many NPs need to improve, and they will as we develop our business acumen. I've taken a five of the "30 Things" and have added a few comments:

Perform competitive and market research. When we start a business, we have to take a look around the community. How many practices are out there? What is the need in the community? How are these other businesses doing? How can you differentiate yourself from them?

Market their product/service. While there are times when it seems all you have to do is open your doors and people will come (depending on the need in your community), you still have to let your clients know you are there. An essential part of business is marketing. One mistake that many make is they think you should just market only when the doors first open or clients are not calling for appointments. Marketing is ongoing. It never, ever stops.

Wear many hats. NPs my nature are clinicians. We just want to see our patients, give great care and see them do well. But when you are in business…it never, ever stops there. We need to be the company president, chief financial office, chief bottle washer and janitor. The hats you need to wear are many…and don't be surprised if you find new hats you didn't even know existed.

Understand financial statements. Not only do you need to understand them, you may also need to learn how to generate them and be aware of steps you need to take if the statement is not what you wish to see.

Listen to their customers AND their critics. It's always great to here all the wonderful accolades our clients and the community may sing to us. It's not so easy however, to hear what a horrible job we've done, how our staff is rude, how long they had to wait, etc. Take a close listen to both. We are being given valuable lessons.

Read the whole list, and come up with your thoughts and how you can incorporate these things into your daily personal and business life.

Let us know what you come up with.