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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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 | Wendy Buckingham
Wendy Buckingham
Wendy's coaching clients say she has the innate ability to help them hone in on the real issues they need to address and to be a catalyst (nice word for a gentle kick up the bum) for lasting positive change. Professionally qualified as a coach and with a heap of experience as a soloist, she works with clients by phone and Skype to enhance their personal and professional lives.
Wendy also has a way with words borne many years as a feature writer for major publications. She can help you get clear on what you need to say and put it together to get your message across but still sounding as if it comes from you.
She is the author of Ready Set Goal! a fabulous little internationally published handbook of goal planning and life skills.
Nothing great was ever done alone - Unknown
Articles by Wendy
Business referrals: Avoiding recommendation lemons
26 Jun 10Wendy BuckinghamIn networking circles you’ll often hear the mantra “People like doing business with someone they trust or someone recommended by someone they trust”, and although this is true, business referrals can go wrong. Read more
Comments: 5Seven rules for working with your spouse
16 Mar 10Wendy BuckinghamWorking with your spouse brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘relationship skills’. These time-tested strategies have helped my husband and I navigate the minefield for more than 20 years. Maybe they can help you too. Read more
Comments: 8Potential clients: How to spot time wasters
22 Sep 09Wendy BuckinghamOh you’re so excited! The phone’s rung and the potential client wants you to do a BIG project for them. If they accept your proposal, that’s the rent and food for the next six months, plus a holiday, and that new computer. Read more
Comments: 10Seven steps to writing your book
11 Aug 09Wendy BuckinghamIt seems just about everyone has a “How to” book inside them. A missive of value, just waiting to be born, so they can share all that pent up knowledge. But somehow, the goal of writing your book is never realised. Read more
Comments: 12Email etiquette: What's your response policy?
14 Jul 09Wendy BuckinghamI’m a compulsive responder and acknowledger when it comes to emails. I send thank you notes, got it notes, get back to you soon notes, and so on. Unfortunately people don’t always have the same email etiquette as me. Read more
Comments: 14Business threats: Is it time to renovate?
21 Apr 09Wendy BuckinghamWe renovate our houses to keep them current and comfortable, but what about our businesses? Often they are left vulnerable to decay with outdated systems and equipment, rusty old goals and blurred visions. Is it time to review your business threats? Read more
Comments: 3Audio visual presentation tips
03 Feb 09Wendy BuckinghamEver thought of recording a series of customer testimonials to show prospects? Or recording of a presentation for participants to review? Here’s the lowdown on producing a top quality audio visual presentation. Read more
Comments: 4Tips for a successful presentation
09 Dec 08Wendy BuckinghamBrilliant words are only part of a successful presentation, so here are some strategies to create a great speaking environment. Read more
Comments: 8Do you have an effective website?
21 Oct 08Wendy BuckinghamI am always using the web to look for information and opportunities on all sorts of things. As a result I’ve become adept at making a quick assessment of whether a site’s engaging or enraging. Do you have an effective website? Read more
Comments: 12Improve business by avoiding assumptions
08 Feb 07Wendy BuckinghamAre your assumptions costing you business? Often, misunderstandings, dramas, upsets and unnecessary worry in life and business are created by assumptions not actual facts. Read more
Comments: 3Who's working on your team?
05 Oct 06Wendy BuckinghamFlying solo - now there's an oxymoron. Look closely and you will see most successful solo operators have a working team behind them who are contributing to their successes. Read more
Comments: 2Is it good to exchange services?
20 Jun 06Wendy BuckinghamFrom time to time it can be tempting to consider the exchange of business services, but are such contra arrangements a good idea? Read more
Comments: 3When sales leads are slow
24 Oct 05Wendy BuckinghamWhen the generation of sales leads inexplicably dries up, try some simple navel-gazing to unlock the gates back to the good times. Read more
Comments: 1Business networking burnout
29 Sep 05Wendy BuckinghamIf you've overdosed on business networking and find yourself avoiding networking groups, you're showing symptoms of burnout. Here's the antidote. Read more
Comments: 1Personal marketing for the shy
20 Sep 05Wendy BuckinghamBusiness networking for solo business owners is all about personal marketing. So what do you do when you know you should go, you know you could go, but you don’t actually want to go. These tips will show you how to face up to your fears. Read more
Comments: 0Join 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!
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