Leader
Unclaimed money
There's a frightening amount of money unclaimed and awaiting collection, about $458 million at last count. Are you one of the 500,000 Australians who’s owed something? Find out here. 
How to write a mission statement
This video by Dan Heath over at Fast Company shows you exactly how the mission statement of a small business goes from tasty to terrible in one brainstorming session.
Just how much are meetings costing you?
This basic, but very effective tool easily gives you the answer. Simply tell it how many people are in attendance, their daily rate and the clock starts ticking. Very, very scary! 
Any procrastinating writers here?
Thought so. This little site is a corker. Select how many words you're trying to write, your deadline and punishment mode and you'll get some pretty sharp reminders if you start to slack off. 
Need a financial health check?
Superannuation advice, budget planners and tips for saving are all on offer at the Understanding Money website. This Government operated site provides real back to basics information on how to, err, understand money. 
Font of all knowledge
Not sure what your default font should be? This site is sure to help. Simply paste in some text, choose from hundreds of different fonts and take your pick! 
Feeling demotivated?
The motivation industry has had its day in the sun. How's this for a contradictory view? Despair.com's demotivators claim to 'increase success by lowering expectations.'
Office pod
We want one. Well half a dozen, actually. These office pods have got to be the coolest little workspaces we’ve seen. They look so yummy in the garden.
18 smokin' hot business cards
If you’re just starting up or looking to redesign your business cards, here is a wealth of inspiration from our friends at Freelance Switch.
Wordle on the street
This cool free tool at www.Wordle.net generates funky looking word clouds based on your website or selected text. You can even try different colour schemes and layouts.
Hot or cold?
Stay up to date with the climate debate on this site. Great for those pro action and sceptics, it lists calls to action and dissenting voices from around the world.
Are you free?
If you struggle getting small groups of people together for a meeting, this little gizmo may help. It certainly saves on the email tennis.
Get help from the crowd
The Flying Solo forums are where you can talk and network freely. If you're looking for help, seeking a referral, or just itching to share some news or knowledge, there's a mob of supporters here.
Someone trying to empty your pockets?
SCAMwatch will help you recognise, report and protect yourself from scams that target you or your small business.
Want to get your articles out there?
ArticlePR features a free list of article submission sites or article banks, to which you can submit your articles in order for them to be distributed far and wide.
Keep it simple, silly
More often than not, a soloist’s life is about multi tasking and coping with complexity. If this sounds like you, our friends at Freelance Switch have some worthwhile tips: 10 Ways to Simplify Your Freelance Life.
Calling all Flying Solo fans!
If you're an active networker or involved in any small business groups, we'd love you to get involved in our snappy little promotional program. Find out more. 
Who's following you?
Twitter fans may like Twittersheep, which tells you which kinds of folk are following you. Give it a go! 
When it all gets too much
When it all gets too much. A big thanks to web developer, Simon for this little gem. Apparently it’s where he heads when clients drive him nuts.
Save (on) your energy
Make It Cheaper provides a free service that helps you ditch and switch energy providers. There’s a handy blog with money saving tips, too.
Have you read our manifesto?
If you've yet to read Flying Solo the book, have a read of the Soloist's Manifesto to get a feel for what it's about. Alternatively, browse some reader reviews.
Anatomy of Australia’s micro business owner
Flying Solo’s Understanding Micro Business, 2010-2011 – Australia’s largest micro business survey takes the pulse of this critical business sector. Download the results now.
Get projects over the line
If you admire 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' (and who wouldn't?) and recognise you need some assistance to get over the finish line, this online goal tracker may well appeal.
Text for dummies
Ever wondered where to find that dummy text used by designers? The answer is here. Given it's a practice that's been around since the 1500s, this may not be the original source!
Impress your TED friends
There's no doubt that TED is a wonderful resource and we love it, but FORA is pretty awesome too. Enjoy a short movie with your morning tea.
Please help us spread the word!
If you enjoy your time on Flying Solo, you may like to tell others. Here are a number of ways you can do just that. The larger we get, the greater the combined wisdom. Thanks!
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Marketing | Public relations, PR
Implementing a public relations strategy (or PR strategy) is a great way of generating free publicity for your small
business, although it needs be done well to be a success.
Here we cover some of the many different ways of generating free publicity including through the use of media interviews, media releases and article
writing. We also provide tips on compiling a communications
toolkit so you are always ready to respond to any public relations queries.
Make an event of it
01 Sep 10Philippa LoweAttending, speaking at and hosting events are all valuable opportunities for public relations. Here’s how to make them work for your business. Read more
Comments: 2Podcast: How to generate free publicity
14 Aug 10Tim Reid and Luke MoultonFree publicity? Bring it on! Tim Reid & Luke Mouton's entertaining and insightful podcast shows you how to get the word out... for free. Read more
Comments: 7Building PR momentum
23 Jul 10Philippa LoweJust a little bit of media attention may be all it takes for your publicity to snowball, taking your micro business out of obscurity and into the spotlight. Read more
Comments: 7Preparing the perfect media pitch
11 Jun 10Philippa LoweYou’ve identified your business news hook, and you’re geared up to generate news about your business. Now it’s time for the media pitch. Read more
Comments: 3Publicity campaigns: Publicity is all about them
30 Apr 10Philippa LoweWhen it comes to securing publicity, any attention you receive is not actually about you. In this article, let's look at the essential steps to generating some valuable publicity through publicity campaigns. Read more
Comments: 2Getting invited to speak at business conferences
14 Apr 10Peter ChalySpeaking at conferences establishes you as an authority in your field and provides great networking opportunities. But how do you land those highly sought gigs speaking at business conferences in the first place? Read more
Comments: 8Generate publicity: Generating your own news
09 Mar 10Philippa LoweMedia releases work best when they have a hook, and one of the most reliable ways to generate publicity is to tie in with current news stories. I’ll show you how. Read more
Comments: 7Four successful DIY PR tips
10 Dec 09Philippa LoweIf you’ve ever seen a competitor quoted in a magazine and thought "I should have been interviewed for that," it’s time to start generating your own publicity. Here are some DIY PR tips to help you get started. Read more
Comments: 5Publicity stunts: Doing a Richard Branson
25 Aug 09Yesim NicholsonWhen was the last time you did something out of the ordinary and pulled a publicity stunt to market your business? If you’ve never ventured beyond your beautifully designed website and informative e-newsletter, it’s time to do a “Richard Branson”. Read more
Comments: 11How to get media attention video
15 Jul 09Robert GerrishIn this video I talk to journalist, author, entrepreneur & Flying Solo LIVE! presenter Valerie Khoo. A must-view if you want to know what a journo really looks for and get some great tips to spread your message in the media. Read more
Comments: 8Article marketing: How to publicise articles
12 Jul 09Lucinda LionsEvery article you write can boost your profile and generate leads, provided that customers know you’ve written them. Read on to learn seven methods of article marketing to more effectively publicise your articles. Read more
Comments: 8Seven winning article writing tips
31 May 09Lucinda LionsRecently, I wrote about how article marketing gives you free publicity. Here are some practical article writing tips to help you write an article that your clients and prospects will love! Read more
Comments: 15Tips for getting media coverage
02 Feb 09Robert GerrishAt Flying Solo, we get some valuable media coverage. Not only is this great for our brand, it makes us smile a lot! Here are some tips from our approach to the media that may help you with yours. Read more
Comments: 11Advice for entering small business awards
01 Feb 09Robyn HaydonA business award is a publicity bonanza for the lucky winners, with many reaping huge benefits such as cash injections, interest from potential business partners and more customers. So how do you go about getting on a small business awards shortlist? Read more
Comments: 6Free publicity or paid advertising?
06 Jan 09Joh Baker-DowdellIt’s not always easy to recognise the difference between free publicity and paid advertising. Here's how you can and how each can help your business. Read more
Comments: 7Six ways to get media coverage
02 Dec 08Ellen GrayAlthough there are no guarantees for getting media coverage, here are some simple tactics that will improve your chances. Read more
Comments: 9How to raise your profile using a case study
19 Aug 08Karen MorrisA well constructed case study has all the elements necessary to get your marketing message across and establish the trust needed to build good business relationships. Here’s how to create a case study to help you win business and raise your profile. Read more
Comments: 65 ways to gain small business PR for free
05 Aug 08Joh Baker-DowdellMarketing your solo business can be tough when you have little spare cash. Here are some tips to gain great small business PR, with no outlay - other than your time, Internet connection, office stationery and business cards. Read more
Comments: 17Successful media interviews
24 Feb 08Sue CurrieSuccessful media interviews are a great way to promote your business. But if you’re unfamiliar with being interviewed, you may get daunted by the prospect. Rather than saying no to the opportunity, there are ways you can eliminate unnecessary fears. Read more
Comments: 3Why publicity wins you business
21 Oct 07Sue CurrieWord of mouth is a very powerful public relations weapon and one of the best ways of generating it is through publicity. Although publicity can be very valuable, it is often overlooked as a true means of creating interest in a product or service. Read more
Comments: 5How to write a media release
12 Aug 07Sue CurriePublicity is supposedly seven times more effective than advertising, and it is free if you do it yourself! Learn how to write a media release to capture the attention of journalists, and you can cash in on the free editorial coverage. Read more
Comments: 3How to write articles that generate free publicity
18 Feb 07Sue CurrieWriting articles and submitting them to the media is an excellent way to get free publicity. Any time you have something published it creates awareness and enhances your credibility. So how do you go about it? Read more
Comments: 2Gain media exposure - develop an online profile
03 Dec 06Sue CurrieAn online profile is the ideal way to improve media exposure and that of your brand. By creating a dedicated 'media room' you will maximise your chances of getting noticed. Read more
Comments: 4Public relations strategy: Getting action through attraction
16 May 06Richard WoodwardIf your approach to developing new business is based only on identifying and approaching prospects, you might need to think about a different public relations strategy so you don't miss out on attracting business to you. Read more
Comments: 0Getting media coverage: 10 tips
23 Apr 06Sue CurrieYou don't need a huge PR budget to enjoy media exposure. Follow these 10 tips to increase your chances of nabbing the attention of editors and journalists. Read more
Comments: 2How to create a successful media campaign
28 Mar 06Jess TylerEvery day publications of all description need words to fill their pages. Someone has to provide those words, it might as well be you! When seeking to get your story into print, a successful media campaign can really make a difference. Read more
Comments: 3Small business tools: Compiling a Communications Toolkit
18 Dec 05Jess TylerOne of the most quick and easy small business tools is a 'Communications Toolkit’ – a repository of words, images and ideas that’s always ready with your best openers, lines, written examples and pictures of your work. Read more
Comments: 4Why consider sending a media release?
14 Nov 05Sue CurrieIf you want your business to stand out from the crowd, a media release may just be the answer. Not only can you enjoy free publicity, you'll also get added recognition. Read more
Comments: 5How to use Personal PR and get noticed
10 Oct 05Sue CurrieWhen it comes to meeting potential clients, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Effective personal PR holds the secret. Read more
Comments: 2The soloist's guide to public relations
14 Aug 05Karen MorathHaving control over how you're seen by your public is one of the joys of soloism. So are you using public relations to get your message out there? Read more
Comments: 1