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!
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 | Peter Crocker
Peter Crocker
Peter specialises in business communication. After escaping advertising agency land in 2002, Peter started a small copywriting business that works with organisations of all sizes to write websites, brochures, advertising, promotions and more.
During his nine years in the industry he has worked as a copywriter and project manager for clients such as Microsoft, Telstra, Holden, Nestle, Vodafone, IBM, Nescafe, Jim Beam, Canon, eBay and a wide range of smaller businesses.
Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue - Unknown
Articles by Peter
Networking wimp: Tell me something I don’t know
31 Aug 10Peter CrockerIt’s fair to say that ‘getting out there’ and networking – online or offline – is not something that comes naturally to me. Read more
Comments: 51Are you earning too much money?
03 Aug 10Peter CrockerI recall research from a few years ago that found that at all income levels, people say they would be satisfied if they could get 20% more. Read more
Comments: 9What stops you starting your own business?
13 Jul 10Peter CrockerA friend recently completed his first successful year as a solo business owner. His synopsis: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Well, there are lots of reasons. Read more
Comments: 29Anatomy of Australia’s micro business owner
22 Jun 10Peter CrockerThanks to your generous participation, we recently published the results of Australia’s largest micro business survey Understanding Micro Business, 2010-2011. So what does it reveal about us micro business owners? Read more
Comments: 4Want simplicity in business? Be prepared to fight for it.
01 Jun 10Peter CrockerFrom product design and processes to marketing and language, you need simplicity in business to prosper. So why is it so elusive? Read more
Comments: 12Ready to say goodbye, and hello, to Flying Solo?
19 Apr 10Peter CrockerBehind the scenes, we’ve been building a brand new website for the Flying Solo community. We love where we live now, but with a growing family, it’s time to move house. Want to check out the photos? Read more
Comments: 4Humour at work: Are you having a laugh?
28 Mar 10Peter CrockerIf you take your business seriously, then it may be time to lighten up. Adding a dash of humour at work can be a seriously powerful and often underestimated tool. Read more
Comments: 22Product branding: Have you painted your Ferrari?
08 Mar 10Peter CrockerI recently moved to one of those touchy feely fruity phones. Hardly a significant event, until I discovered many thought I’d been sucked in by product branding and had paid a premium just to carry around a logo. Had I fallen for the marketer and ignored t Read more
Comments: 18How do you get in the zone?
25 Jan 10Peter CrockerElite sports people often have a routine they go through before a game to help them get ‘in the zone’ to perform at their best. This powerful concept can apply to business professionals too. Read more
Comments: 24Is work life integration a pipe dream?
04 Jan 10Peter CrockerI’ve recently become fascinated by the idea of ‘work life integration’. Ok, so I haven’t even mastered ‘work life balance’ yet, but that concept is so last decade! Read more
Comments: 49Evaluating potential business opportunities
07 Dec 09Peter CrockerWhen you run your own business, you’ll inevitably be presented with great-sounding opportunities by prospective partners. But beware, most of what glitters is not gold. Here are some strategies for evaluating potential business opportunities. Read more
Comments: 15Client Christmas gifts: hot or not?
16 Nov 09Peter CrockerUp until last year I thought giving clients a gift at Christmas – or at least a card – was a sure-fire winner. It turns out there is a very passionate divide on the subject amongst business owners. Read more
Comments: 47Beware tired and emotional typing
26 Oct 09Peter CrockerWe’ve all said things we regret. In the real world, a sincere face-to-face apology and explanation can usually put things right, but in the virtual world of online communication our words can take on a life of their own. Read more
Comments: 23The cheat’s guide to exceeding expectations
05 Oct 09Peter Crocker“Under promise, over deliver!” is considered brilliant advice for business owners. But many people only focus on the hard work of over delivering, when it can be easier, and frankly more effective, to get better at under promising. Read more
Comments: 17What makes you start your own business?
14 Sep 09Peter CrockerI always had a desire to work for myself one day. But for me, when it came to taking the plunge, it was a total knee-jerk reaction with no inkling of a business plan. Is that the norm or the exception when you start your own business? Read more
Comments: 59Backyard studios: Do they work for work?
25 Aug 09Peter CrockerI moved house, and therefore office, earlier this month. Inside there’s plenty of competition for bedrooms and, with three wardrobe-hogging girls circling my precious office, I could be banished to the doghouse. But should I go to a backyard studio? Read more
Comments: 68Three types of holiday: Which are you?
03 Aug 09Peter CrockerAs I write this I’m madly clearing the decks before I go on holiday. As you read this, I’ll be back into work mode and wading through emails. For small business owners, holidays can be hard work. Do these scenarios sound familiar? Read more
Comments: 13Small business tips learnt from big business
13 Jul 09Peter CrockerIt’s easy to criticise large institutions for their bureaucratic processes and customer service shortcomings. But, by examining what they do well, there’s a wealth of small business tips. Here are seven... Read more
Comments: 21Could you sell your business?
22 Jun 09Peter CrockerYou’ve worked hard, built up a good customer base and established a profitable niche for your business, but is it actually worth anything? Could you sell your business? Read more
Comments: 39I still have an email addiction. Do you?
01 Jun 09Peter CrockerIn my last article on confessions from an email addict, I spilt the beans on my compulsive email behaviours. Despite some frank self talk and bold promises, I’m sorry to report that my email addiction continues. Read more
Comments: 2223 simple tips on writing for the web
21 May 09Peter CrockerWriting for the web is not the same as writing for a brochure or magazine. There are many essential differences that you need to consider. Here are 23 simple tips I’ve picked up over the years. Read more
Comments: 8Confessions from an email addict
10 May 09Peter CrockerWhen I woke up the other morning at 3am to go to the bathroom, I thought it would be a routine pit stop. How wrong I was. Seeing the office door ajar, I quietly crept in and did the unthinkable. Am I an email addict? Read more
Comments: 77Online forums: From little things…
19 Apr 09Peter CrockerIn our articles, we often talk about the importance of celebrating victories. This week, we’re going to give ourselves, and you, a pat on the back for the success of our online forums. Read more
Comments: 4Work efficiently: Lose the busy competition
30 Mar 09Peter CrockerMeetings, deadlines, multi-tasking, smart phones, caffeine and chaos: it seems business is all about busyness. Ask people how they are and you’ll often get “Mate! Busy!” Read more
Comments: 29How great companies turn crisis into opportunity
09 Mar 09Peter CrockerIn a recent interview in Fortune magazine, management guru Jim Collins, author of business classics Built to Last and Good to Great, discussed what a business needs to to turn a crisis into opportunity. Read more
Comments: 14The importance of search engine optimisation SEO
16 Feb 09Peter CrockerHere’s a quick experiment that will speak volumes about the importance of search engine optimisation (SEO). The results may be inspiring, frustrating or ho-hum all at the same time. I call it window shopping the competition. Read more
Comments: 10How to sustain the holiday feeling
26 Jan 09Peter CrockerEven as January ends, my street is still dotted with discarded Christmas trees, drooping fairy lights and half-deflated Santas. I know how he feels. With the tan faded and toys broken, how can you sustain that holiday feeling? Read more
Comments: 8New year's resolutions for micro business owners
05 Jan 09Peter CrockerOkay, so they’re easy to make and virtually impossible to keep, but with every New Year comes resolutions. At Flying Solo we put our heads together and came up with these 11 ½ practical New Year's resolutions for micro business owners. Read more
Comments: 27Small business forums: Are you in?
08 Dec 08Peter CrockerHundreds of people are taking part in the conversations on the Flying Solo micro and small business forums. But what are the business benefits in participating in online forums? Read more
Comments: 4Career paths: Are you who you wanted to be?
17 Nov 08Peter CrockerThe other day, I caught the end of a radio report on recent research into career paths and happiness. The researchers asked: “Are you doing what you’ve always wanted to do?” and, “Given the chance, would you change careers?” Read more
Comments: 38Self promotion: Making it easy to get found
27 Oct 08Peter CrockerA recent experience reminded me just how many businesses make it unnecessarily difficult to be found by their prospects. In a world that’s increasingly obsessed with Google ranking, let’s not overlook the basics of self promotion. Read more
Comments: 17False economy: Beware the lure of the quickie
06 Oct 08Peter CrockerSo your customer rings and says, “I need something fast, cheap and cheerful, nothing fancy. Could you have a quick look?” Don’t believe it. This is false economy and the result can be less than satisfying for all involved. Read more
Comments: 35Business quoting: 10 secret line items revealed
15 Sep 08Peter CrockerThe 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. Read more
Comments: 25Improving business productivity
25 Aug 08Peter CrockerAs a soloist, it can sometimes be easy to confuse activity for productivity. Are you on track to achieve your goals this year or do you need to focus on improving your business productivity? Read more
Comments: 12Does business networking work for you?
04 Aug 08Peter CrockerHave I mentioned how much I dislike business networking? It’s odd, because I love nothing better than learning about other people’s businesses and gasbagging about my own. Read more
Comments: 22Effective business websites
14 Jul 08Peter CrockerIn 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 at the list, they have three ingredients in common that make them effective business websites. Read more
Comments: 24Effective time management: Prioritising time
24 Jun 08Peter CrockerWith so many different things seeking your time and attention, it is not always easy to determine the best way of prioritising time. Do you have effective time management skills? Read more
Comments: 16Career satisfaction: Do you love your work?
02 Jun 08Peter CrockerThe philosophy of “Do what you love” and “Find your passion” implies if you’re not bouncing out of bed each day with fire in the belly then you’re in the wrong career. But are we chasing an impossible dream? What is your level of career satisfaction? Read more
Comments: 64Get serious about online marketing strategies
12 May 08Peter CrockerIn the 2008 Understanding Micro Business 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. Read more
Comments: 16Everybody runs their own solo business
21 Apr 08Peter CrockerWhether 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. Read more
Comments: 12The importance of communicating with clients
31 Mar 08Peter CrockerThere’s a simple email you can send to your clients or customers that they are guaranteed to love. If you want to be perceived as switched on, reliable and trustworthy, then read on to find out more about the importance of communicating with clients. Read more
Comments: 22Business cost management: Stop leaking money
10 Mar 08Peter CrockerAlthough you may not think business cost managment is the most exciting topic, it is something you need to consider if you want to make sure your business is not leaking money! Read more
Comments: 21Why start your own small business?
25 Feb 08Peter CrockerWhen talk turns to starting your own small business, there’s never a shortage of peopleo tut-tuting to themselves... “Most small businesses fail you know.” “Never go into business with family.” “Don’t borrow from friends.” And so it goes on. Read more
Comments: 22The downside of being your own boss
04 Feb 08Peter CrockerYou 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 cheers of your workmates. Or so goes the fantasy of being your own boss. Read more
Comments: 31Use the power of channel marketing
14 Jan 08Peter CrockerSelling 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? Here I will discuss the power of channel marketing. Read more
Comments: 6Business accountability: Whipping time
10 Dec 07Peter CrockerWell, it’s past 10am on 11 December so the whip’s out! It’s time to see if the power of business accountability has worked for the 39 brave souls who set deadlines to achieve one important task before the end of the year. Read more
Comments: 20Business commitments: Is your word your bond?
19 Nov 07Peter Crocker‘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 business commitments and promises are getting increasingly casual. Is your word your bond? Read more
Comments: 28Business accountability: Set deadlines!
29 Oct 07Peter CrockerForget “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 business accountability to help you set deadlines and achieve something extremely important. Read more
Comments: 40Work satisfaction: Do you love what you do?
17 Sep 07Peter CrockerHow do you know if you really love your work? There are two points in the week that are sure-fire indicators of your work satisfaction. Read more
Comments: 38Generating new business through sampling
27 Aug 07Peter CrockerIn a previous article on proactive marketing, I 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 generating new business through sampling? Read more
Comments: 20Proactive marketing: I've got an idea for you
06 Aug 07Peter CrockerIn one of our weekly polls, 43% of respondents said they would like to increase their flow of new business. To do this, thinking tends to focus on "How and where can I find new customers?" But there is an alternative - proactive marketing. Read more
Comments: 6Billing clients in six minute increments
16 Jul 07Peter CrockerBeing a soloist, there are many factors to consider when billing clients. How do you work out how much to charge your clients? Read more
Comments: 44New business projects: Do you need to believe?
25 Jun 07Peter CrockerAs soloists, we tend to have a fair bit of influence over what new business projects we take on, and what jobs we let through to the keeper. This is one of soloism's great attractions. Read more
Comments: 5Business start up tips: Things I'm glad I did
04 Jun 07Peter CrockerIn a previous article on business start up tips 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. Read more
Comments: 8Why the online brochure is not dead
20 May 07Peter CrockerAt the risk of suffering the wrath of website developers and online marketing consultants the world over, I’m going to go out on a limb and say “There is nothing wrong with a simple static online brochure website!” Read more
Comments: 14Business start up tips: Things I wish I'd done
14 May 07Peter CrockerHindsight 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 business start up tips that I wish I'd implemented from day one. Read more
Comments: 22Part 2: Being accountable - Setting deadlines
23 Apr 07Peter CrockerIn a recent article I wrote about the importance of being accountable and setting deadlines for getting things done. Read more
Comments: 28Being accountable: Setting deadlines
02 Apr 07Peter CrockerWhy 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. It's all about being accountable and setting deadlines. Read more
Comments: 53Setting priorities: Your money or your life
12 Mar 07Peter CrockerBeing a soloist means there's always work that can be done to grow your business, so setting priorities and achieving the right work life balance can be difficult. Read more
Comments: 40How to stop procrastination
19 Feb 07Peter CrockerDo you have difficulty knowing how to stop procrastination? Procrastination is something that used to happen to me all the time, and it completely infuriated me… Read more
Comments: 24Strategic review: The soloist 'away day'
08 Jan 07Peter CrockerIf 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'. Read more
Comments: 7The key to a successful business is not talent
17 Sep 06Peter CrockerThe one fundamental attribute you need to run a successful business as a soloist is to be good at what you do – good, but not necessarily great. Read more
Comments: 6Six simple steps for solo business branding
06 Aug 06Peter CrockerCredible business branding has been revealed as a big issue for soloists. Is it our problem if people don’t take us seriously? I think it is. Here are some ways we can show the world we mean business. Read more
Comments: 8The highs and lows of working for yourself
04 Jun 06Peter CrockerWorking for yourself from home is often glamorised as a life of freedom, leisure & balance. A world where shiny silver laptops roam free and hours are spent at the beach. But what’s the reality? And is it all worth it? Read more
Comments: 21Listen to music while you work?
25 Apr 06Peter CrockerIf you listen to music while you work and you have a broadband connection (preferably unlimited), read on. I’m sure plenty of you are way ahead of me, but this is easily the best thing I’ve found on the net in the last year or so. Read more
Comments: 8How business partnerships can work for soloists
23 Feb 06Peter CrockerCan business partnerships help you grow your business without getting paid? Possibly. One way is to help a client build a business by putting the value of your expertise on the line. Read more
Comments: 4Is now the right time to start your own business?
03 Nov 05Peter CrockerHow do you know exactly when the time is just right to take the plunge and start your own business? The answer is surprisingly simple: never. Read more
Comments: 15Faster decision making by caring less
09 Oct 05Peter CrockerSoloists are generally 110% passionate about what they’re doing. Passion is a good thing, right? Maybe not when it comes to effective decision making. Read more
Comments: 2Business branding: Are you really a Nudie Virgin?
19 Sep 05Peter CrockerWhen it comes to your business branding, rather than trying to emulate others, it's more revealing to look in the mirror. Read more
Comments: 1The joy of starting a side business
02 Sep 05Peter Crocker“Ditch the corporate job and go it alone” they say “Life is not a rehearsal!” But realistically, it’s hard to chuck in a good job. Have you considered starting a side business? Read more
Comments: 6Four steps to getting customer testimonials
21 Jul 05Peter CrockerGetting Impressive customer testimonials on your website or marketing collateral is a very powerful way to win new business. But how do you get them? Read more
Comments: 14Join the community! It’s free.
Flying Solo is Australia’s micro business community, where thousands of business owners connect, support and network. Become a member today and join in the fun!
You’ll get to:
- Learn from 900+ expert articles, updated daily, on topics including startup, marketing, working smarter, living smarter, technology and finance.
- Share your thoughts and experiences by posting comments on articles and getting involved in our forum discussions.
- Promote your business and find the business support, partners and resources you need through our member directory.
- Network through our Flying Solo LIVE! events and meetups where you can connect with like-minded independent business people.
Join us today for a Free Membership or find out more about Profile Membership.