The Not So Glamorous Part of Business

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”
– Thomas A. Edison

Can you think of a time when you were just about to throw in the towel but somehow kept going and then your hard work was rewarded? I’m sure you can think of many starting with passing some of those Chem and Pharma exams, let alone the NCLEX. I believe nurses know hard work, stick-to-itiveness and common sense when it comes to caring for patients; however many of us don’t remember to apply this formula when we leave the traditional nursing setting and enter the business world.

You’ve decided to start your business, become your own boss, do what you love doing and control your financial future. It is a great idea, service or product and you just know you will be successful. You have new venture euphoria and it lasts for the first few months as you decide if you are going to be a solopreneur, form a partnership, corporation or LLC. You’ve decided on your specific audience, how you’re going to position yourself for the market, and you’ve rehearsed your elevator pitch and sales presentation. You’ve told everyone about your idea and plans. And then reality sets in…Self-doubt and the questions that start with What was I thinking?

All of us have those times and this is where you have to dig deep and carry on. The three essentials Edison noted need to come into play and be part of your business planning. This is the not so glamorous part of business; it is the dull and the ordinary but quite necessary parts to evolve your business. It isn’t the heady new rush of excitement over how you are going to change the world; it’s the nose to the grindstone days necessary to support your business and ensure its success. Those ordinary days filled with phone calls, preparation, writing, researching and filling out forms. Self-doubt always dissipates when you take action.

I remember hearing the story of a journalist that traveled to Africa to meet and interview the great Dr. Schweitzer, a medical missionary that built a hospital and had received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. The reporter didn’t find the doctor at the hospital but instead found him far off in a field lifting a shovel full of dirt and rubble and placing it into a wheel barrel. Astounded that this great man should be out in a field clearing a road, he asked Dr. Schweitzer “Why are you are doing this?” To which the doctor responded, “It needed to be done”. Common sense comes in when we remember that the ordinary days of persistence and consistency pave the way for the truly extraordinary days that makes owning your own business the best decision you ever made.

You don’t need to go it alone; by joining the NNBA You will be joining and networking with nurses who have transitioned into the business world over the past 30 years, as well as nurses who are currently transitioning into new professional careers. Our veteran members’ resumes include thousands of nurse-owned businesses, awards, and millions in revenues. Make incredible and meaningful connections by networking with nurses who share your interests and passion. Join now and receive $100.00 off NNBA’s Signature Event Advancing Nurses through Entrepreneurship this October 14 – 16, 2016 in Las Vegas!