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 | Ellen Jackson
Ellen Jackson
As a psychologist Ellen is passionate about helping people work out who they are and what they want from work and helping businesses fulfill the potential of their people. As a soloist she is passionate about working with whom she wants, when she wants and how she wants and as an author Ellen is passionate about words, communication and the lure of royalties.
Ellen provides consulting services including psychometric assessment, management and career coaching, team facilitation, recruitment and assessment services, corporate psychology and HR consulting to organisations both big and small as well as to individuals.
She is co-author of Turning 30: How to Get the Life You Really Want, which was published in the UK in June 2005, Australia in July 2005 and in the United States in January 2006.
In a previous life Ellen was HR Manager for an IT firm during the height of the IT boom. She learnt a lot about matching the right person with the right job and she loved mentoring and coaching young consultants.
Ellen divides her time between Melbourne and Sydney.
We don’t see things as they are. We see them as we are - AnaÏs Nin
Articles by Ellen
How happiness can attract success
21 Dec 06Ellen JacksonWe tend to think that its success that makes us happy, but new research shows happiness may in fact attract success! Read more
Comments: 4Finding time for feeling inspired
09 Jul 06Ellen JacksonIn this deadline-free week, instead of focusing on one task after the next, numb to everything except the pressure of finishing tasks on time, I have had time to ponder, to think, to observe...and time for feeling inspired. Read more
Comments: 2Self-regulation: Setting and achieving goals
16 Feb 06Ellen JacksonWhat is it that helps and hurts us when it comes to achieving our goals? Why is it so easy one day and so difficult the next? Here are three factors which play a part in self-regulation and setting and achieving goals. Read more
Comments: 5Theory of happiness: A soloist’s pursuit
12 Jan 06Ellen JacksonA theory of happiness that, I feel, sits well with the soloist’s pursuits has been developed by Martin Seligman, a US academic and the leading proponent of new psychological field, Positive Psychology. Read more
Comments: 3How to identify your strong points
07 Dec 05Ellen JacksonIn part 1 we talked about the importance of knowing your strong points to make business choices, market yourself and maintain your focus on success and balance. Now let’s look at how to identify your strong points and use them to your full advantage. Read more
Comments: 1Make better business decisions: Know your strong points
18 Oct 05Ellen JacksonTo get the most from life as a solo business owner, it makes sense to know your strong points...and use this information to make better business decisions that will lead you to success. Read more
Comments: 2The psychology of working from home
26 Sep 05Ellen JacksonFor most of us, going solo means waving goodbye to rush hour and saying hello to working from home. Read more
Comments: 3Join 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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