Pinch Hitting – Pinch hitter is a substitute hitter that can sub in at any time of the game. This can happen when a player is off in his game, frustrated or just simply for strategy against a certain team. Sometimes you can’t do it all or be the stand out star in everything. As many skills and talents we can posses we all have faults and things we lack in. You have to realize that you can’t do everything on your own – you can do a lot but you can’t do it all. This where you have someone help you or let them take over a few things for you. It could be because they are better in that area than you are, you don’t have the time or you just think you need to take a few things off of your plate so you can concentrate on your strengths. Sending in the pinch hitter is not always maybe what you want to do but sometimes it’s what’s best for the team.

Curve Ball – a curve ball is a nasty pitch that looks like it’s coming right at you and then curves in when you least expect it. Needless to say it can put you up in the count, cause you to strike out or you can have an amazing hit off of it if you time it just right. In business (and life) you’re going to get curve balls thrown at you all the time and sometimes everyday but you have to be prepared and face it head on as they come. Nobody likes the curve ball because it’s unexpected and not really predictable. In business (and baseball) when you have a curveball come your way it can either break you or make you, it’s up to you.

Seventh-Inning Stretch – This is a tradition that takes place between halves of the seventh inning of any game where fans stand up and stretch or walk around a bit or of course sing “take me out to the ball game.” You have to know when to get up and stretch when running a business, meaning you have to take time off and recuperate. It’s so easy to get caught up in the business to where you live and breathe it every day but sometimes taking time to get out and let your mind be free of business is the best thing you can do for your business. You may just have some of your best ideas come from relaxing and being away from the business…true story.

Grand Slam – All bases are loaded with runners and the batter hits a homerun causing them to score the most runs in a single bat. This is where all the team members have successfully gotten on base and just waiting to round the plate to home. Every player wants to hit a grand slam and who wouldn’t? In business if you work as a team and work towards the goals you set while being consistent with every bat you step up to take then you can hit a grand slam and knock it out of the park. We all want to hit grand slams in our business so what’s holding you back?

Of course it’s not easy but what in life is easy? Yeah, the economy is not the greatest but there comes a time you have to quit complaining about it and face it head on. If you’re the business owner sometimes it’s up to you to lift the others up without letting them see your frustration about what’s going on around you or simply inside the business. You’re going to have people be negative around you no matter where you are or what age you are. You have to tune it out and move forward because as soon as you let it affect you then that’s when you break and you can’t afford to break.

Don’t let stress bring you down which is easy to say rather than to do I know believe me. But you have to make sure that you take time for yourself and do some things you enjoy so you can balance the work, life and stress. As the business owner you are the one who sees the behind the scenes of how the business is running and what it’s truly bringing in. And others don’t always see that or honestly have no clue why you are over in the corner pulling out another grey hair. There are no true tips in telling you how things will get better or how to truly stay positive except this…it could always be worse. It takes a lot to run a business and you know that going into it and what you go through only makes you the business owner and your business stronger. It’s what you do with the downfalls that make you the business person you are today. If you have a roof over your head, love your job and what you do, have others who love you and are still breathing then that’s everything you need to stay positive.

Of course it depends on what you’re writing about as well but at the root of it make sure it makes a point, it’s entertaining and that at the end it asks the reader a question where they can interact with you.

Some business blogs can be just an update about what’s going on with the company where it has absolutely no personality whatsoever. Spice it up and if you’re writing an update about something that happened at your business, a change that’s about to occur or you added new features make sure to make it interesting.

If you are not good with words then get someone in there that is and let them start typing away. People don’t want to read the same old thing on business blogs where they’ve heard the same thing over and over. Pull the reader in, open up and really talk to them. Customers or anyone for that matter love to see the other side of the business/company where they are just as human as the next person.

If you’re going to write an article about tips that are geared towards your audience then make sure you really make it stand out. Come up with cool titles, keywords or phrases when describing what you’re talking about. Don’t write typical things that everyone else does because that’s when you float along with the rest of the crowd in the sea of other business articles out there.

If you write good content where someone will learn something from it while being entertained at the same time then you have done it right. Always ask a question at the end so they can get involved in the conversation and interact with you. See what their advice or tips would be on that subject or matter because you never know they may have something you never thought of or that is pure genius and you think others should know about.

Good content comes from believing in what you do and having a passion for it so don’t hold back when you write that next blog post.

As soon as the work is done send out that invoice. It’s fresh on the customers mind and usually the quicker you send it out the quicker they drop the check in the mail. Make sure and answer any questions they have with the work that was done or the product you send them etc. They may be holding up payment on you because they are waiting to hear from you so don’t let that be the case that you’re not getting paid.

If you have to do additional work for them make sure to follow up with the customer to make sure they are on the same page and want the work to be done as well. Depending on how your business is run and you do a follow up, go ahead and get them to pay for the work done (to make sure you get covered for that) and then schedule the follow up.

Too many people become trusting that a customer will pay them with no problems. It’s sad but you really can’t trust anyone when you do business with them or at least go into each one thinking like that. You always, always have to cover yourself even if you’re doing work for a friend (which sometimes can be the worst situations actually).

The longer you wait to collect payment from a customer the longer it will take them to pay you. They may even say “well it took you so long that I am not paying for that now.” Crazy for them to say that and not pay but it happens all the time.

If a few weeks go by and you don’t hear from them make sure and touch base with them or send out another late payment notice in case maybe they didn’t get the first one. Oh and always make sure you have the right address when you work out the final details. Yeah, this is a simple step but it’s unreal how many people truly forget this and end up with a bogus address or one they “use” to live at. That is one sneaky customer so remember to cover that in the beginning.

These are simple tips but we all forget them from time to time and when we go about our daily routines. Just always be on top of your game and communicate with the customer to make sure you cover yourself for the work you do and that everyone is on the same page. No communication can cost you big time in the long run.

1. Notixtech.com – These days everyone is on their mobile texting, checking emails, checking the score of the game etc. but they are also looking up businesses online to get more information about a business. Is your site mobile friendly? More than likely it’s not. With Notixtech they are “taking your business mobile” so others can find you and learn more about your business in the palm of their hand. They made Business Beware mobile, so get your phone out and check it out.

2. idesignyourlogo.com – What’s the one thing that people see and immediately should think of your business/brand? Yes, a logo! Some companies can charge a crazy amount to design a logo but these guys let you sign up for a day (each day increases by $2 that started in March) and for that whole day they promote your new logo and your company to everyone they know and then some. They really put a lot of thought into what you want, colors, any of your ideas and a little heart and passion in it too. They designed our logo for Business Beware and it rocks.

3. EmailMeForm.com – Whether you create your website or you have others do it this company makes it so much easier to create forms in html and php. Let’s face it, most of us don’t know how to write code or even understand it for that matter but why do that if you have these guys? It’s such a great tool and user-friendly that you can create a form and put it right on your site. Big thumbs up from us.

4. Moo.com – What is another essential to promote your business even though it’s an old school way to do it? Yes, business cards but not just any cards…Moo cards. There is a huge difference believe us. They have some amazing cards they can hook you up with even little mini cards that make everyone do a double take. The prices are so awesome that it’s insane not to use them. We love our mini cards and feel like important people when we use them.

5. FreshBooks.com – Okay another basic essential you need for your business to collect the dough is invoicing. We don’t use this obviously because we are the ones helping you collect from customers that don’t pay their bills but this company is downright perfect to get the job done for any small business. Their service is painless and anyone can use it from a mom and pop shop to the big dogs. The team is great and always there to answer any questions you have.

6. Flowtown – What if you could find your customers and interact with them online through social media? Hold on, you can so do that with Flowtown! Engaging with your members/customers is an important part of business. This is such a cool service where you can find out who is using your product/service and really reach out to them. We use this since we have so many business owners from around the US and Canada where we can really engage with them and get their feedback. It’s a beautiful thing and it truly is a great concept.

7. IdeaPaint.com – Ever wanted to draw all over your walls like you did as a kid and not be confined to a certain white board? Well that is where IdeaPaint comes to save the day…they have created office and home kits where you can turn your office into one big whiteboard where you can jot your ideas down, coffee shops can write their coffee of the day and oh so much more. We love this product so much that we are thinking about opening a cafe just so we can write all of our specials on the wall.

8. Websticker.com – What is a fun way to make sure a business card sticks with a customer? Yes, a sticker how did you guess?? This company is just flat out awesome and truly care about making your business stick out from the crowd. They created our stickers for us and we definitely make a scene when someone sees it on our computers…Stickers are fun yes, but they definitely work when placed strategically…

9. Shipwire.com – If you’re like most small businesses we know you don’t have a huge office or space for that matter to store or keep all your products in one place. It’s never been easier to have an e-commerce site where you send them your products to store and once a customer purchases on your website they pack it up and ship it out for you. Take advantage of this site and don’t stretch your budget to get the bigger office.

10. Call Recorder for Skype by Ecamm – If you are podcasting, doing an online web series or just wanting to do interviews on skype and record them then this software is definitely for you. We use this with our radio show to interview guests and call ins. Even if the person doesn’t have skype you can record the conversation, it’s awesome. If you’re looking to get into podcasting or interviewing you should definitely try this out because it makes life so much easier if you do.

Just because your product or service may appeal to a certain audience doesn’t mean that other group or crowd over there don’t want to use or buy what you have. So many times we focus on certain people to target but completely miss the bull’s-eye with our true audience.

Find your niche. You may be targeting the service industry when you should be focused on the entrepreneurs and new upcoming women entrepreneurs that are ruling the startup world right now, who knows. Reach out to people and communities to see what their thoughts are about your business. Don’t underestimate the power of fellow business owners and entrepreneurs because they are in the same boat or have been in your shoes before too. Listen and learn from them but also talk with people from all different industries and areas to see if you’re a fit there with what you have to offer.

The more you sit back and really figure out who you can target and where your niche business fits then you will know exactly who your true audience is. It’s not always what we think either and if you concentrate all your time on the ones you thought were it you could be missing out on some great opportunities or you could be at a standstill with your business.

It happens to us all at some point when you own a business but you have to learn to adapt. If you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll figure it out.

When you engage with others whether it’s by social networking, events, blogs etc. you need to have a balance of what you say about your business and letting others see your personality. What I mean is when you update your status on social networks don’t say “This is the #1 leading, blah, blah in the industry and you should try out my product…” Most will click “unfollow.” Social media is about being social and communicating with others.

Find others in your field or those that you admire and can learn from, chat with them and let them know who you are and what you do but gently. If it comes up great, if it doesn’t then definitely don’t pull out the sales pitch card. People want to see the person behind the company or brand. Many might connect with you because of that even though they have no idea what you do or sell but just because they were drawn to what you said or how you act.

Balance is key. When I say personal I don’t mean that you tell them what you had to eat at every meal, where you went that day, about your relationship status etc. because one, most don’t care and second, it’s just not cool. Keep your “personal life” out of it. When sharing your personality with others you can simply just be yourself and chat with others. Let them know that you like what they do or you’re interested to learn more about them. And yes, you want to promote yourself but where it doesn’t come across like you are a spammer. Make it interesting and fun where people want to click and find out more about you or your company.

It’s simple. Let others know who you are by being who you truly are and occasionally drop the note about what you do in the conversation. Balance is key so stick to it.

Take something simple and make it your own.  If you have business cards, put them everywhere.  Leave them places you think that others might see them because it’s putting your name in front of others who may never have seen it before that.  When you go out to eat leave it with the tip, leave it on the bulletin boards at your local coffee shops, leave them in magazines at your doctors office.  You may laugh but you better believe that it works.

Word of mouth is the fastest traveling advertising you can do.  But if you put it in front of potential customers while thinking outside the box they will definitely talk about it.  Next time you arrive at the airport have a friend wait down by the baggage holding up a sign with your name and company name.  You wouldn’t believe how many do a double take when they walk by or see you walk over there.  You are putting your name in front of them and how much did it cost you?  Nothing.  There are so many ways you can get your name out there and not spend a dime or not break the bank should we say.  The more you think outside the box, the more the people will pay attention to you and who you are.

To explain in a more simplistic way, think of being a manager of a baseball team. Your main duty is win ball games with the players you have and “out manage” the other team. Sound easy? Yeah right. To manage your team properly on game day you would have already had to practice (same as investing time in client) prior to the game. Before the game you have to prepare a lineup (to do this you must know their strengths and weaknesses) . Now to win the game you have to manage better than the other team’s manager (your competition). If you do all of these steps in a orderly manner and invest the time needed, then you will be a successful manager of your team, friends and clients.

One of the toughest management practices you will deal with is the difficult client or customer. When this happens you will have to decide whether your time investment is getting out of hand for what your returns should or could be. As soon as a client or customer starts to demand all of your time dedicated to your other clients, trade them.

Do not be afraid to fire that bad customer! In the long run you will be glad that you managed your clients properly.

One of the simplest and best things you can do is to get t-shirts made with your business name or logo on it. Hand them out, do a giveaway or if you have a great shirt you think people would buy then sell it. Think about it though about how many t-shirts you have in your closet right now that has some form of business name or logo on it that you are promoting. Every time you put on that shirt you’re promoting that brand or company everywhere you go.

So if you put your logo on shirts let others promote you too around town or even across the US. It builds brand awareness and it gets your name out there. Best of all you can get a great deal on custom made t-shirts for less than $500. You could pay twice as much for a print ad that only a few could see rather than have walking billboards for your company every day of the week. Never underestimate the simple things because everyone loves a free t-shirt and yours may just be their favorite one they wear every time.