This document provides tips for how to be a respected maverick or independent thinker. It suggests: 1) Know your client extremely well by understanding their audience, needs, competition, and what is most important to them in communication. 2) Proactively solve problems and take the lead. 3) Do thorough research and insist on it. 4) Prepare a clear rationale for your ideas rather than relying on cleverness. 5) Demonstrate past successes purposefully to build confidence and trust.