As we celebrated Independence Day this month, I want to celebrate the freedom of being an entrepreneur. Being in Nashville, I love running my business from one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.! Start off the second half of the year like a firework with these tips to master being a leader as an entrepreneur.

E – Energy Management

Channel your energy appropriately. I've learned over the years that I can go, go, go, and work, work, work 24/7, but that's not healthy or balanced!

N – Networking

Recruit mentors and an advisory board. Having mentors that you can go to and bounce ideas off of is crucial for the success and growth of your company.

T – Time Management

Scheduling all meetings and phone calls will make you more productive. Distractions like emails and unexpected phone calls can set you up for failure.

R – Reading People

Learning how to communicate is key when owning a business. Whether it's an employee or a customer, once you learn to read people, life gets easier.

E – Experimentation

Try new things such as a new software or productivity tool. Knowing your overhead, where your money is going, and the cost of doing business is imperative for profitability.

P – Patience

This can be so hard for entrepreneurs. We want it all now; but timing is everything. Sometimes being patient is the best thing you can do for the long-term growth of your business.

R – Real

Be real with your team and clients. Don't sugar coat things. Educate when problem solving. Make sure the person you are talking with really understands the situation.

E – Engaged

You must be engaged in your business or product and ensure your team knows what you are selling. The minute your passion goes away, people can see right through it.

N – New

Trying new things is great, whether it's new software or a social network. But also tracking new processes will help you know what is working and what is not working.

E – Education

Educate yourself and your team. Never stop learning. I love going to conferences inside and outside my industry to learn what is new in the world for improvement as a business owner.

U – Unique

Think about what makes you and your brand unique. Why do people hire you and your company? Once you have that self-awareness, you can create your unique niche.

R – Respect

You never know who you are talking to. Respecting anyone you come into contact withand their position can help you understand the value of each person's role in a company.