With apologies to David Letterman…

10 – MONEY – Can lead to Financial Independence. It ultimately did for me.

9 – PLACE – Choose your own work location. Worked out of my home for the past 30+ years, and must say I really enjoy the commute. The view from the patio is nice too.

8 – TIME – Set your own schedule. Never did like the idea of 8 to 5. Or worse, never liked the idea of unpaid overtime. Much better to be PAID for working on a panic project.

7 – SECURITY – Can’t be fired. Took two layoffs to figure this out. Real security is having multiple “bosses” — no single client can put you out of business.

6 – SATISFACTION – Do some good, have some fun, make some money. ‘Nuff said.

5 – INDEPENDENCE – Call your own shots. Stop cleaning up messes made by others. As a minimum, you at least have the fun of making the messes in the first place.

4 – LEADERSHIP – Be a leader, not a follower. Be the captain of your own ship, even if it is just a rowboat.  Besides, little rowboats can often go where the big boys can’t.

3 – LEGACY – Make the world a better place. Leave the world better than you found it. Your counsel and advice may well outlive you.

2 – LIFESTYLE – No need to conform. Work when you want, where you want, and as much or as little as you want. You can even wear goofy hats!

1 – FREEDOM – That is what really drives Uncle Daryl. Rule your world! Do it YOUR way!

Upon reflection, these top ten rules apply to almost ANY small business!