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!
What say you?
Become a member
Join Flying Solo and start promoting your business in our member directory; post comments on articles and dive into the lively forum discussions. It's quick, free and easy. Join the community now!
Profile | Barb Clews
Barb Clews
Barb is a successful Freelance Copywriter/Journalist. Her experience includes articles, brochures, company profiles editorial/advertorial, manuals, media releases, newsletters, reports, tender responses, and web content.
Barb qualified as a journalist in 1989 and has had nearly 1000 articles published on a wide variety of subjects. In lots of cases, this has provided clients with free publicity. Many clients have used her articles as promotional material on their websites. She has worked with solo operators, small, medium, large companies and government departments to create company awareness and product promotion. Barb writes in plain language and is skilled at turning technical material into user-friendly copy. She is a versatile writer who has never missed a deadline. Barb has written two ebooks; Article Writing for Freelancers, and, 20 Tips to Increase Writing Skills.
The harder you work, the luckier you get - Gary Player
Articles by Barb
Setting up your own business
10 Oct 06Barb ClewsThe earlier you are aware of your rights and obligations when setting up your own business, the better. Here's an overview of things to consider before starting. Read more
Comments: 9Four questions to ask if you want to work for yourself
15 Aug 06Barb ClewsHow do you turn your dreams of going it alone into a reality? Here are four questions dealing with self-analysis which will help you discover whether you have what it takes to work for yourself. Read more
Comments: 1How to build self confidence
13 Jul 06Barb ClewsWhether you're a new soloist, or an old hand, knowing how to build self confidence and maintain it at a healthy level is important. Read more
Comments: 7Improve your networking skills
02 May 06Barb ClewsGood networking skills give us a perfect opportunity to make assessments of the people we meet. Usually once you get chatting you can tell if this initial meeting will lead to a lasting relationship. Read more
Comments: 1Survival tips for working from home
14 Mar 06Barb ClewsNo-one is more in need of survival tips than those working from home. When the time comes for you to start out on your own, you feel excited and frightened at the same time. You're inspired, though, by other self employed people. Read more
Comments: 8How to sell yourself
26 Jan 06Barb ClewsDo you know how to sell yourself and your business? The key is to be happy promoting who you are, what you do and be clear on the benefits of doing business with you. Read more
Comments: 9Direct mail campaign tips
22 Nov 05Barb ClewsDirect mail campaigns are an important part of the marketing mix. Here are some tips to make yours a success. Read more
Comments: 2Making a good first impression
25 Oct 05Barb ClewsLots of solo business owners worry about making a good first impression on people they meet whilst networking. Read more
Comments: 2Goal setting tips for your business
28 Sep 05Barb ClewsThe secret to effective goal setting is to break your big objectives into manageable chunks. Here's how... Read more
Comments: 3Business and personal life balance
15 Sep 05Barb ClewsWorking in your own business and having a personal life is all about balance and education. Not just educating yourself, but educating your friends and family that what you do is just as important as any other job. Read more
Comments: 0Tips for selling yourself as an expert
31 Aug 05Barb ClewsThose starting out in their solo business often struggle with selling themselves as an expert. It's more common to take on anything and everything regardless of whether it’s exactly what you want to do or not. Read more
Comments: 1Working alone and coping with loneliness
30 Jul 05Barb ClewsLoneliness is usually one of the least talked about elements of working alone. Here are some strategies for handling this common phenomenon. Read more
Comments: 2Are part time staff right for your business?
10 Jul 05Barb ClewsMy recent experience with hiring part time staff has made me appreciate one of the best things about working for myself is the lack of office politics. Read more
Comments: 1Join the community! It’s free.
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