When I think of “tips,” the first thing that comes to mind are the frosted ones that my brother rocked in his hair in high school. Eek, right? No, they are not making a comeback. The second thing I think of when I hear the word “tips” are what I earned being extra smiley and sweet to my customers when I worked as a hostess at a local restaurant for my first job. But, alas, those are not the tips we are discussing.

The tips we are focusing on here are those that help “mindful mavericks”. Who are “mindful mavericks,” you ask? You know the type — those that run their business with pure passion oozing out of every fiber of their being. Those that are inspiring others and making great impacts around the world. Those that are self-directed, goal-oriented leaders who love the heck out of being a part of a team and know how to drive passion and success out of each and every one of its members. They are those that welcome and approach every new idea with open-mindedness and respect. These so-called “mindful mavericks” are taking over the world. You want to know something else awesome about them — they are WOMEN! Yep, strong, intelligent, creative, driven and purposeful women.

So, you may be thinking that mindful mavericks must know it all — why would they need tips? Well, they do and they want them —they love receiving suggestions on how to be “more mindful” because they are always looking to improve themselves, their level of knowledge and their business. Why do they desire to do this? Well, because mindful mavericks care about bettering themselves and their business for the sake of their clients and/or their audience. And, yes, for their own personal sense of accomplishment, the desire for which is most definitely a hallmark sign of a great leader. Mindful mavericks care about using best business practices and to aid you in learning some, here are ten tips for being a mindful maverick:

1. Focus on putting out good content. If the information that you are delivering to your clients and/or your audience is not well-thought out, well-researched or well-written, it will surely will not be received well. Make sure your content covers topics that your client/audience care about. Make sure that you content serves a purpose for the person reading it. Make sure that your content considers all perspectives on a given topic. Make sure that if your content is opinion-based, that is respectful of any other possible opinions there may be on that topic. Make sure that your content is unique in how it is delivered. Overall, the takeaway is that you need to make sure that you are paying attention to your content and not aimlessly or carelessly providing it.

2. Make it a point to make genuine connections. Genuine connections are the key. I am not telling you that best practice is to go out and make any and all connections that you can. In fact, I am telling you the opposite. Connections in business should be authentic and should be beneficial for both parties who are connecting. Remember with connections – it is the quality of them that matters, not the quantity.

3. Leverage your connections and let your connections leverage you.But, only if it makes sense to do so. Collaborate when a collaboration seems appropriate; but recognize that it won’t always be. Your client and/or your audience will see through unnecessary or ill-suited joint ventures. Be sure to be smart about how and when you leverage your connection, as well as how and when you let them leverage you. Pay attention to the behavior of your (or your client’s) audience to best understand the prime time for when to leverage a connection. At the same time, be sure that you time any and all leverages appropriately. Do not leverage too many clients at one time or have other leverage you simultaneously – your audience will not know where or to whom to give their focus.

4. Be authentic. If you are faking any part of your business, your knowledge or your content, this will come out and will look very unfavorably upon you. Keep your substance genuine, raw and honest, as that is what resonates with most people.

5. Foster positive dialogue amongst your (or your client’s audience) and maintain the same with your client. You want your information/content to promote discussion. You want for people to “feel something” from working with you, talking to you and/or for reading your content. But, you want to create some semblance of order for the discussion. Value other people’s input and encourage them to engage with you, while requesting that conversations remain appropriate and respectful. The goal of a “mindful maverick” should be to promote awareness, invoke thought and incite a dialogue amongst their own team, as well as the community they are serving. Mindful mavericks focus on talking openly, honestly and positively with the hope of learning from others.

6. Don’t shy away from controversial topics. Some of the most well-received content is controversial. It can feel vulnerable for you and your business to discuss your educated stance on a topic, but when delivered to a client or audience in the correct way, it can be change-provoking. Not always, but at least you are encouraging critical thinking amongst your peers and the general population.

7. Be thoughtful in how you deliver your messages. Sometimes straightforwardness is the way to go, but sometimes it is not. Sometimes a comedic tone can reach more people than one that is “preachy’. Sometimes the best way to get your message heard is by not making it so “messagey”. Yes, I know that is not a word – but I think you understand what I mean. Tell a story and/if when applicable — tell your story or the story of your brand or the conception of your product. Be real with people and you will invoke a real response from them.

8. Support other Mindful Mavericks. Support others that are passionate and work hard like you and heck, support those that don’t as well. We are all better when we work together.

9. Don’t stop believing in yourself, your purpose and your cause. Further explanation is not really required here. You can and will make your dreams happen, if and only if, your dream is important enough to you. The same goes for your clients – you can and will aid with their success if you are putting all of your passion, your heart and skills into their projects.

10. Preparation is key. If you are not prepared for everything, you will be stressed out by any and everything coming your way. However, those that operate with a plan are far more successful, than those that don’t.

More than anything else, mindful mavericks enjoy staying up-to-date on the most effective ways to be successful – in life and in business. The tips above will help you do that.

Nicole Merritt is a mother of three and the Owner and Founder of jthreeNMe, an imperfectly authentic peek at real-life marriage, parenting, and self-improvement. jthreeNMe is raw, honest, empowering, inspiring, and entertaining; it’s like chicken soup for those that are exhausted, over-stressed and under-inebriated, yet still utterly happy. Nicole’s work has been featured by Scary Mommy, The Good Men Project, BLUNTmoms, Thought Catalog, Everyday Family, Motherly & many others. You can follow Nicole at jthreeNMe and on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter!