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Small Business Newsletter: Flying Solo’s Soapbox

Welcome to the home of Soapbox, Flying Solo’s solo and small business email newsletter which provides a weekly jolt of soloist wisdom along with links to our latest articles on running your own business.

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Here, you can browse past editions and join lively discussions on a wide range of topics related to starting, growing and running your own small business.

Soapbox articles

  • Soapbox

    Beware the lure of the quickie

    So your customer rings and says, “I need something fast, cheap and cheerful, nothing fancy. Could you have a quick look?” Don’t believe it. The result can be less than satisfying for all involved.

  • Soapbox

    What I got out of Flying Solo LIVE!

    Before our recent live event, I spent my time fretting about mechanics. Will everyone show? Will the audience be able to hear? What flavour are the mini gelato cones? After all we’re forever told it’s the small stuff that matters.

  • Soapbox

    The things people say

    Having spent last week at our conference and much of this week at someone else’s, it occurs to me that simple, memorable wisdom can come from anywhere. Here are some personal favourites.

  • Soapbox

    Business quoting: 10 secret line items revealed

    The world of big business is renowned for mysterious fees and charges. But here amongst small business, the use of hidden line items is running rampant! Here's an exposé of the black art of business quoting.

  • Soapbox

    Why word of mouth matters

    It’s easy to think of word-of-mouth as being feel-good marketing, but thanks to my contrasting experiences at two international airports, I can report that feel-bad also has its place.

  • Soapbox

    Is social networking for us?

    Good question. After some cursory Googling it’s clear the jury’s still out on the value of online social networks. The stampede of early adopters would have us believe it’s a must-have, but is it?

  • Soapbox

    Confusing activity for productivity

    It’s 5.01pm on Monday 5 January, 2009. You’re on holidays sipping a beverage, enjoying a water view. You’ve got a booking for Italian at 7.30. Life is good. Then your mind drifts back to 2008. How do you feel?

  • Soapbox

    Show us you’re twits

    Marketing 101 states you need to emphasise your strengths to your clients. At one stage or another, you’ll have asked yourself “What am I really good at? What’s my USP? How do I stand out from the competition?”

  • Soapbox

    Finding hidden equity

    I don’t know about you, but I am getting bored with all this ‘downturn’ talk. Next time someone directs the conversation towards doom and gloom, either stick your fingers in your ears or help them find some hidden equity.

  • Soapbox

    Does networking work for you?

    With Flying Solo LIVE! fast approaching on 17 September (ok, so we may have mentioned it once or twice), there’s no better time to discuss the topic of business networking. Did I mention how much I dislike like it?

  • Soapbox

    Is soloism your flexible friend?

    One of the things I love about being a soloist is the flexibility. I’m not alone in this, obviously, but I was reminded recently about how important this is to me.

  • Soapbox

    How can I help you?

    When I first met Zern Liew, now one of our fine contributors, I said something that stuck with him. The fact that it did and that he went on to blog about it means that it’s stuck with me also.

  • Soapbox

    A personal question about your website

    In my web browser, I have a folder called ‘business websites I like’. It contains random sites that, for one reason or another, drew me in. Looking back through them, they have three ingredients in common.

  • Soapbox

    Are you Mr or Miss Understood?

    If there’s one breed of person I have little time for, it’s so called shock jocks. These talk radio DJs earn fabulous sums by making provocative and often offensive comments… all in the name of entertainment.

  • Soapbox

    Mind altering drudge

    In the process of my work as a coach, I have one particular action that regularly creates a big shift for my clients. The funny thing is, I don’t do a thing. Let me tell you how it works.

  • Soapbox

    Feeding the time-hungry beast

    Recently, I was talking to a friend who described his excavation business as a ‘time-hungry beast’. It sits by his side all day, every day, at night and on weekends with its gaping mouth drooling for time and attention. But I realised “That’s life.”

  • Soapbox

    The end of the weekend?

    In a slew of Friday emails to our lovely contributors, I signed off with ‘Have a great weekend.’ I have since realised it’s a bit of a silly thing to say to a soloist.

  • Soapbox

    How to fix your biggest challenge THIS week

    One of the questions we set our 1,770 respondents in our Understanding Micro Business survey, had to do with the three biggest challenges being faced in business. Here’s what we discovered, along with my solution.

  • Soapbox

    I don’t love my work. Do you?

    The philosophy of “Do what you love!” and “Find your passion.” implies if you’re not bouncing out of bed every day with fire in the belly then you’re in the wrong career. But seriously, are we chasing the impossible dream?

  • Soapbox

    You can keep your money

    In our survey, we found average happiness levels ranked at 8/10, while satisfaction with income languished at 5/10.

  • Soapbox

    What Gordon Ramsay said about my business

    So there I was quietly going about my work when foul mouthed Gordon burst in and gave it to me with both barrels. Some of what he had to say was hard to swallow.

  • Soapbox

    It’s time to get serious about online marketing

    In Flying Solo’s recent survey, you told us online marketing strategies such as websites and social networking were among the top ways to find new clients. Yet only 53% of us soloists have a website we’re happy with.

  • Soapbox

    Mobile vs email – the great debate

    There’s nothing like an article on mobile phones to get people stirred up, as Megan Tough’s recent piece proved.

  • Soapbox

    What am I doing here?

    I’m as social as the next guy. I love people and I adore lounging around in cafés. One thing I hate, though, is putting on a posh shirt and slogging across town only to have my time wasted. Frankly, I’m over it.

  • Soapbox

    Everybody runs their own business

    Whether you’re leading a team from the corner office, crafting clothes from the kitchen table, working in a shop or bringing up children, I hereby declare you a solo business owner. You are the CEO of You Inc.

  • Soapbox

    Do you know what you’re doing?

    However self-aware you consider yourself to be, it’s surprisingly common to underestimate your effect on others.

  • Soapbox

    How to avoid deadline dangers

    Deadlines can work for or against your solo business. How well you manage them depends on how well you manage client expectations. Here’s how to ensure your solo business avoids deadline dangers.

  • Soapbox

    The easy email clients love you for

    There’s a simple email you can send to your clients or customers that they are guaranteed to love. If you want your customers to perceive you as switched on, reliable and trustworthy, read on.

  • Soapbox

    Knowing when to say sorry

    Last year I wrote about the importance of apologising when you know you’re in the wrong. By doing so, you encourage feelings of goodwill and show you’re responsible for your actions.

  • Soapbox

    You hold the answers

    When faced with questions regarding business evolution or revolution, there can be no one better to counsel than your customers. Your customers will show you how to improve things and help expand your thinking.

  • Soapbox

    Is your business leaking money?

    There are two basic ways to keep your money box full: 1. Make more money, 2. Spend less money. I’ve always thought maximising your income through better business operations is the best way to go, but losing site of costs can be, well, costly.

  • Soapbox

    Making love and making money

    Us writers delight in the use of analogies and what better subject to choose than love making?

  • Soapbox

    It’s a wonder anyone starts a business

    When talk turns to starting your own business, there’s never a shortage of someone to tut-tut to themselves... “Most small businesses fail you know.” “Never go into business with family.” “Don’t borrow from friends.” “Don’t work with your partner.” And so

  • Soapbox

    Why I’ve ditched the to do list

    Before becoming a mum, I was a prolific list writer and multi tasker. But now spare time is at a premium, these methods aren’t cutting the mustard. Here’s what I do now.

  • Soapbox

    The easy way to speak to groups of prospects

    This one’s for those who love speaking, but struggle to find an audience; hate speaking, but know people; or simply don’t have anything very interesting to say. It’s a straightforward strategy to get in front of prospects and I think you’ll like it.

  • Soapbox

    Sometimes I really miss my boss

    You stroll into your boss’ office, flick your resignation letter nonchalantly onto the desk and explain precisely what they can do with their stinking job. Then you swan out to the cheers of your workmates. Or so goes the fantasy.

  • Soapbox

    What a customer really hates

    My recent experience with a multinational cosmetics firm provides a textbook lesson on how not to treat your customers.

  • Soapbox

    How a pop band can help you succeed

    Several years ago I took a stab at managing a pop band. They were good musicians. I was an okay manager. Together we failed abysmally. I think I know why.

  • Soapbox

    Use the power of channel marketing

    Selling products or services direct to customers is all good and well. But could you be missing out on a potentially larger and more lucrative marketing opportunity?

  • Soapbox

    Giving up the grudge

    With resolutions in place and a strong sense of optimism, now is the ideal time to make a conscious decision to give up a grudge.

  • Soapbox

    Happy, excited and proud

    In our solo business, dominated at times by big, hairy goals, it’s very easy to overlook the importance and value of smaller successes. In this little end-of-year exercise, I invite you to stop and answer three simple questions.

  • Soapbox

    Whipping time: The accountability exercise

    Well, it’s past 10am on 11 December so the whip’s out! It’s time to see if the power of accountability has worked for the 39 brave souls who made a commitment to achieve one important task before the end of the year.

  • Soapbox

    Gift giving: a selfless elf or last minute Dasher?

    Soloists have lots to look forward to at this time of year, with a well-deserved break on the cards for most of us. But December also has its stresses, many of them gift-related.

  • Soapbox

    Let yourself off the hook

    At this time of year the world of the solo business owner can go somewhat wobbly. Sound familiar? Thought so. Welcome to what I consider the most uncomfortable few weeks of the silly season. I suggest it’s time to let stuff go.

  • Soapbox

    Is your word your bond?

    ‘Gumps’, the oldest member of my family, is a 91 year old country stockman. Back in the day, he did big deals on nothing more than a handshake. But it seems promises are getting increasingly casual. Is your word your bond?

  • Soapbox

    Writing yourself out of a job

    If you’re ever intending to take extended leave from your work, step sideways into a different role or simply escape one set of tasks to concentrate on another, this one’s for you.

  • Soapbox

    Do you want to get there faster?

    It seems to me that everywhere I look someone is trying to persuade us to accomplish things more quickly. Doubtless there are strategies and products that can help us be more efficient, but is faster always better?

  • Soapbox

    The accountability exercise

    Forget “New Year’s resolutions”. What about “This Year’s resolutions”? I’d like to suggest a short and simple exercise which will use the proven power of accountability to help you achieve something extremely important this year.

  • Soapbox

    Do you need to be the best?

    My last newsletter addressing would-be soloists generated some lively conversation, which is always a pleasure to see.

  • Soapbox

    A question of money

    Oh, no it’s happened again. I’ve just finished a conversation with yet another person who’s allowed money to wreak havoc.

  • Soapbox

    Four unique gift ideas

    Okay, it may seem early to bring up the silly season, but it is officially October and this is one issue that, left untreated until December, quickly becomes a huge headache.

  • Soapbox

    One piece of advice

    We know this newsletter’s readership includes a number of individuals who would love to fly solo, but aren’t. If you’re lurking in the wings of the solo stage, then this one’s for you.

  • Soapbox

    Today's most important task

    A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Michael, an internet specialist. In it, he described a problem he was having with that old chestnut, procrastination.

  • Soapbox

    How to tell if you love what you do

    How do you know if you really love your work? There are two points in the week that are sure-fire indicators.

  • Soapbox

    Winning with words

    We've brought on some terrific new contributors in recent weeks, with more debuting soon. Our new experts will be covering areas we’ve not addressed fully in the past, including financial management and understanding insurance.

  • Soapbox

    The message everyone should hear

    Are you willing to play a little game with me? Good, I hoped you'd say yes. In a second or two I'd like you to close your eyes and imagine a room full of people

  • Soapbox

    The bikini concept

    My last newsletter looked at selling to existing customers with the phrase "I've got an idea for you." But what about using a similarly proactive approach with new prospects?

  • Soapbox

    Tell me what you really think

    Judging by last week's poll results, we reckon we're excellent communicators. 70% of respondents describe their ability to communicate as 'higher than average'.

  • Soapbox

    Five fast failings

    This past week I've heard of a couple of instances where hurried behaviour very nearly resulted in the loss of a sale…and that can't be good.

  • Soapbox

    I've got an idea for you

    In last week's poll 43% of respondents said they would like to increase their flow of new business. Whenever this topic comes up, thinking tends to focus on "How and where can I find new customers?" But there is another way

  • Soapbox

    Do you ever dread the drudgery?

    Before I get started, I must welcome our new readers from the family day care community. Please settle back and have a good read, we'll help you clear up the toys later.

  • Soapbox

    Fashion tips for soloists

    I was a bit miffed a couple of years ago when I read an article quoting the head of the Mambo design team as saying something to the effect that they didn't want men my age walking around in their clothes any longer.

  • Soapbox

    Hell has harbour views

    I have a friend who is a lawyer {insert your preferred lawyer joke here}.He's what you’d call a good bloke - relaxed, generous and always up for a chat. The sort of character who'll volunteer to do the books for the soccer club and put the nets up at 7am

  • Soapbox

    On your marks

    With delightful regularity, we receive feedback from the solo community offering some form of praise for the work we do here at Flying Solo. Naturally enough, we love it! Occasionally, though, we'll receive a comment where the karma isn't so good.

  • Soapbox

    What is it you do again?

    Okay, hands up, who knows what 'transformational change' means? Thought so. Not many of you and those who do grasp it are probably in the business anyway.

  • Soapbox

    Do you need to believe?

    As soloists, we tend to have a fair bit of influence over what jobs we take on, and what jobs we let through to the keeper. This is one of soloism's great attractions.

  • Soapbox

    Being happy with less

    Last week, Robert told you about his past as a second hand car salesman. I'd like to add that he recently had cause to dust off the patter when he sold his one-careful-owner family wagon… to me.

  • Soapbox

    Do you recognise buying signals?

    Now I don't want to cause alarm, but to put this week's story in context I need to tell you that I started my working career as a used car salesman. Trust me, I was honest. No really.

  • Soapbox

    Five things I'm glad I did

    For those that missed it, in my last newsletter I listed four things I wish I'd done from day one of my solo business. This time, on a more positive note, I'm looking at five things I'm glad I did.

  • Soapbox

    How would you handle it?

    This time last year I took a trip to Borneo, where I climbed south east Asia's largest mountain. I learned a great deal from the experience, including why climbing a mountain is so often used as an analogy in the world of planning and goals.

  • Soapbox

    Five ways to tame the flow of ideas

    I loved Peter's Four things format last week and figured I'd 'borrow' the idea…and up the ante to five. Just to keep him on his toes.

  • Soapbox

    Four things I wish I'd done

    Hindsight is a beautiful thing, isn't it? I've been in my solo business for five years now and in looking back, can see four simple things that I wish I'd done consistently from day one.

  • Soapbox

    The thought that counts

    It's a marketing no brainer, but I was recently reminded of the remarkable effectiveness of good customer service.

  • Soapbox

    From wow! to whatever

    There's much spoken of the need for the ‘wow factor’ in our work and how without it we risk being invisible. But I have to tell you I’m totally over businesses that lead with ‘wow’ only to follow up with…er, nothing actually.

  • Soapbox

    Part 2:Tell someone who cares

    In my last newsletter I wrote about the power of accountability and the importance of setting deadlines for getting things done.

  • Soapbox

    Saying the hardest word

    John-Paul and I got carried away at an auction last week. Luckily we weren't buying a house. Instead we were purchasing orchids.

  • Soapbox

    Everyone's a partner

    Of course, we often come across those who spout on about 'partnering with clients', but you can bet most organisations who bang the relationship drum are not connected with their so-called partners in any meaningful way.

  • Soapbox

    Tell someone who cares

    Why is the builder’s house half built? Why does the mechanic’s car need a service? Or in my case, why hasn’t the copywriter’s website been refreshed for… well, a long time.

  • Soapbox

    Why quitters often win

    There's nothing like running a solo business to ruthlessly expose our strengths and weaknesses. We try to juggle all the balls and wear all the hats, but inevitably we're good at some things, not at others.

  • Soapbox

    Getting the gig

    A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Sylvia, a coaching client. She'd heard on the grapevine that a big project was coming up with a past contact and it was work that suited her to a T. What's more she was hungry for success.

  • Soapbox

    Your money or your life

    There's plenty in the media at the moment about the long hours worked by Australians. Then just last week, I was flicking through a business magazine and came across an article about the Head Honcho of a big global company.

  • Soapbox

    Putting your subconscious to work

    This week's newsletter is a day late, due to a technical issue we encountered yesterday. Sorry for that, happily all is resolved now. Recently I became aware of the incredible impact of…well, being aware.

  • Soapbox

    Words that get noticed

    As regular readers will know, in my coaching and speaking business I put considerable emphasis on clarifying who is an ‘ideal client’ for me.

  • Soapbox

    Have you eaten your frog today?

    Here's something that used to happen to me all the time, and it completely infuriated me. I'd head into my home office around 8.15am all ready to go. I'd pop back out and boil the kettle.

  • Soapbox

    Five back office essentials

    If there's one thing that can get in the way of a smooth running solo enterprise, it's the lack of an organised back office. Sadly it's not unusual to see a business that fronts up well yet is a disaster behind the scenes.

  • Soapbox

    Avoid the hemmed-in feeling

    If there’s one thing that makes me feel overwhelmed and tired, it’s the sense I’m going to be struggling to get the day’s work done. In my view, few feelings contribute so negatively to our ability to work effectively.

  • Soapbox

    What are you missing?

    When I was out walking last week, three separate groups of tourists stopped me and asked that I take their photograph in front of the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

  • Soapbox

    How a few words can change a life

    A friend described to me today how his 23 year old son turned a corner just recently when working in a computer shop. Alistair was bursting with technical knowledge yet really lacked confidence.

  • Soapbox

    Refusing work

    It would be lovely to think we only ever attracted dream clients to our businesses, but unfortunately we also get the occasional stinker.

  • Soapbox

    The soloist 'away day'

    If you've been around a corporate environment, you'll be familiar with the concept of the 'off site', 'away day', 'strategic review', 'conference', or 'executive retreat'.

Other Soapbox resources

Weekly Soapbox (90)

Other Resources

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