Ever been in an uncomfortable situation where you’re itching to spit out a cool remark that puts you on the map with Oscar Wilde? Just one witty turn of phrase to make people go WOW!

But instead, you go, BLUNK!

You gotta envy the people who can make others laugh without trying, carry a conversation through ’till the wee hours of the morning, turn an awkward silence into an opportunity to dazzle others with their effortless charm.

Let’s face it, it’s not easy to be a master of public relations. It’s an art like any other. It takes talent and hard work.

The real trick is to be quick, yet smart. To captivate your audience without coming off as a phony.

In short, the best talkers are listeners. They know what to say not because they know what people want to hear, but because they know people.

They take into consideration the doubts, worries and concerns of the public. And they address them with genuine interest.

PR isn’t just about who you know, it’s about what you know. In an age where technology has all but replaced the human heart, people still just want to be heard.

You have to get a little creative if you want to succeed. The color by numbers approach can only take you so far.

Somewhere along the way, you have to think outside the box. Or at least, jazz up your box with some glitter and glue.

In school, they called it brainstorming - where a group sits together and collectively creates a list of ideas pertaining to a certain subject.

You can create your own ‘meeting of minds’ at your home, in a park or over cappuccino.

Call up your favorite, trusted friends or relatives and suggest you all collaborate on the next big thing.

Remember Worry Stones? Snap bracelets? The Clapper?

These products didn’t just fall out of the sky. They were thought up by ordinary people. People who then made lots and lots of money!

Imagine what your meeting of minds could produce. You know those random thoughts you have in the shower that start like this…”Someone should make a thing that…”

Now call up a meeting. Someone who knows finance. Someone else who knows computers. Another person might be able to help with materials. A people pleaser. A designer. Your idiot savant friend Joe. And there you go. You’ve just built your team.

It’s been two years now since Hurricane Katrina thrashed the Gulf Coast, and it’s a perfect time to remember to give back to yours and other communities.

As an entrepreneur, it is important to stay connected to your peers and to show you care by volunteering your time for a good cause.

Your efforts could be as simple as organizing a canned food drive or getting some friends, employees or colleagues together to clean up after a peace rally.

Whatever you choose to do, do it with the knowledge that you are making a difference. Even the smallest show of concern can mean the world to a person or group of people in need.

Chances are, you’ll enjoy volunteering so much you’ll want to make it a regular habit. When work gets to be stressful, helping others always succeeds in providing a little peace of mind.

To find volunteer opportunities, search online or make simply create your own opportunity. You’re an entrepreneur…you lead the way.

Is there anything worse than giving your money to someone who doesn’t appreciate it? You might as well throw it down the garbage disposal.

We’ve all been there. You go to a restaurant and the waiter is a snot. You pay for a double no-foam soy cappuccino and you get an extra-foam whole milk latté with a side order of piping hot attitude instead. What gives?

If your customers aren’t happy, what else do you have going for you? It really doesn’t matter how new your cash register is or how shiny your floor looks.

If you don’t please the people, you won’t have to worry about shining your floor ever again because no one is going to be stepping foot in your door! And you certainly won’t see cash in that sparkling new register.

Customer satisfaction - it’s a simple phrase and an even simpler concept. It all goes back to the golden rule.

So, why is it so hard for some people to adhere to it? Because, as with everything in life, it takes a bit of effort. If you aren’t willing to swallow your pride and admit that you are occasionally wrong, there is no point in attempting a business where the customer is always right.

Who says homework has to stop when you get out of school? Just because you no longer report to a classroom every morning doesn’t mean you have to stop using your brain.

As a businessperson, doing your homework is more important than ever. By staying on top of current events, business news and more, you’ll always be on top of your game.

Scan your local library and/or bookstore for business magazines and books. Then read up on the latest business news, techniques and secrets.

There are more small business books out there than you may realize. Remember, thousands of people have the same drive and ambition you have. They want to make money just as you do!

Learning from those who have experience in the entrepreneurial world could benefit you now as well as later.

Building friendships isn’t easy. Building working relationships is.

Yet, similarly to making friends, you have to put yourself out there. Who’s going to market your small business if you don’t?

Networking is a tool all business people need to learn, cultivate and practice. It takes perseverance and most of all, a good attitude.

Meeting people and finding those special key players who will help you get your ideas of the ground is essential.

In order for your business to work, you have to contribute the time and effort needed to get the ball rolling.

Once it happens, you may find yourself chasing that ball down the hill, recalling a time when you were wishing it would budge!

Start looking for opportunities to share your thoughts and make connections. Organize meetings with investors; attend business fairs; mingle with other successful entrepreneurs. In other words, do the work and you will be rewarded.

Everyone needs a little help every now and then. Certainly you can’t expect to handle everything on your own when your small business suddenly turns BIG.

Hiring extra staff to hold the fort down while you’re away writing checks, reviewing invoices, faxing documents or counting inventory may be the only solution to remaining afloat.

Sure, it can be difficult to put your baby into another’s hands. That is why it is imperative to employ only the right kind of people.

Every high schooler is looking for a part time gig to pay for Friday night movies and car parts. But, will that student be the one to file her nails or take a rest upon the counter while a customer wanders unassisted?

Protect your business and your livelihood by taking the time to interview prospective employees. Making sure they are the right fit for your business will make all the difference in the world.

What is the meaning of community? Well, that’s easy. People who share similarities with you. Your neighbors. Those attempting to achieve the same goals.

Community can be powerful and highly effective, a machine that works within itself to create change. And community is everywhere. Even online.

Bloggers are surrounded by other bloggers. And just as positive testimonials from customers are the best advertisement, links to and from your site bring attention and new readers.

So, show some linky love. Do a search for other blogs with similar topics and discussions. Start reading what others have to say and link to their sites from your own.

In return, you’ll receive fresh hits and new visitors. By reaching out to others, others will soon reach you. This could translate to more business, more money and a lot more buzz.