Overview

About

The Flying Solo community has been created for the fastest growing segment of business: the solo & micro business owner. As well as speaking to the solo & micro business community, Flying Solo speaks for the community. We provide an impressive array of free resources and advice to aspiring and actual business owners.

Audience

A survey of Flying Solo newsletter subscribers has revealed a fundamentally happy group of individuals who enjoy their work and cherish their freedom.

The majority work in a consultative role, selling their expertise for a fee. Most are active networkers, take professional development seriously and welcome access to experts.

68% run their business from a home office and almost the same proportion operate on their own (no staff). The gender split was 59% female, 41% male. 46% were aged 40-54 with 36% aged between 25-39 years. 47% are small by choice and have no intentions of expanding their solo business. More information on our audience can be gleened from our 2010-2011 survey, Understanding Micro Business. 

Our audience enjoy being challenged, are always on the lookout for new ideas to improve their business and readily embrace strategies to work smarter.

Application process FAQs

When can I apply?

Applications from potential contributors are invited throughout the year and are considered on an approximately quarterly basis.

You'll get prompt acknowledgement of your application and we will also make you aware of when you can expect feedback on your submission.  

When is the next review?

Applications received between now and 30 June 2012 will be reviewed in July 2012.

What does the application consist of?

We ask potential contributors to send an article which complies with the following guidelines, along with outlines for two more story ideas. If we accept your submission, we will supply a publication date for the article you submitted and will ask you to write up the remaining pieces over an agreed period of time.

Topics of interest

New articles are posted on Flying Solo every weekday. All articles have a solo & micro focus/angle and fit into one of the following categories:

How do I maximise my chances of being selected?

Your application will be more appealing if you focus on less well covered areas, so have a browse around to see what's already been written about in your category of interest. Find the categories by browsing the site, or using 'search' function in the top right. More hints are on the next page.

What if my area of expertise isn’t on the list?

If it is solo relevant, but it is not on the list, please contact us. However, we encourage you to read through the remainder of the guidelines beforehand.

Why is the procedure is so thorough?

Because of the number of contributor applications we attract and the number of articles (1,400+) already published, we are able to be very specific about what we’re after. Our discriminating approach also ensures successful applicants enjoy the benefits of a long-term relationship with Flying Solo. For example:

• The more articles you have published, the more times your profile is viewed by visitors.
• If you supply articles on an ongoing basis, you can expect stronger client leads and enjoy an enhanced expert presence.
• If you become a regular contributor, we will arrange to get your profile page optimised by our search engine specialist. You can expect a higher Google ranking as a result.

From Flying Solo's perspective;

• The application process enables us to gauge the extent to which you can help our audience of solo business owners.
• We can publish articles on a wider range of topics and avoid covering repetitive themes.
• Our demanding process encourages contributors who are committed to supplying on-going, quality content which in turn ensures loyalty from our growing readership. 

I'm ready for step two..