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 | Linda Anderson
Linda Anderson
Linda Anderson is a Certified Professional Coach dedicated to helping people live bold and rewarding lives. Linda has an energetic and direct style of coaching which suits people who like to be challenged. She currently works with clients in Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Japan and USA.
Linda has a passion for travel. In 2002 Linda and her husband sold all their belongings, hit 'pause' on their respective careers, and spent 365 days traveling the world. They visited places they had only dreamed of and had experiences they never anticipated. They did not work a single day.
"I am committed to making the most of life, to be challenged and inspired by every choice I make, to follow my dreams. I want balance between my career and my desire to play. One day I want to be a grandmother with great stories to tell and no regrets."
Before becoming a coach Linda could be found in project management roles within the Arts industry. Linda was known for her ability to create cohesion amongst conflicting stakeholders and finding solutions regardless of the obstacles.
In her spare time Linda can be found racing Outrigger Canoes, hiking, traveling or curled up on the couch with a good book.
Courage is not the absence of fear, it is doing what it takes despite your fear - Unknown
Articles by Linda
Increase customer loyalty: Small things, big impact
02 Mar 10Linda AndersonEver notice that the little things you do in business have the biggest impact on your customers and their loyalty? It’s something we should all think about if we want to increase customer loyalty. Read more
Comments: 9The ultimate time management tool
19 Jan 10Linda AndersonIf I had a dollar for every time someone wanted my advice on time management I’d be a very rich woman. Now, finally, I’ve discovered the ultimate time management tool. Read more
Comments: 15Business relationships: Are you easy to deal with?
08 Oct 09Linda AndersonI recently read an article about the value of projecting an image that’s consistent with your personal branding. It reminded me of an encounter I had which prompted me to look at my business relationships and ask “What am I like to do business with?” Read more
Comments: 8Managing phone calls when working part time
21 Jul 09Linda AndersonDo you want to create a perception of being available full time whilst working part time? Here are a few tips on managing phone calls and emails that have served me well along the way. Read more
Comments: 11Business boundaries: Are you too available?
23 Jun 09Linda AndersonIs there any such thing as being “too available” to your customers? Surely if we want our soloist businesses to thrive we need to be available for our clients whenever they need/want us? Or do we need to set business boundaries? Read more
Comments: 13Are your business templates up to date?
09 Apr 09Linda AndersonLike many soloists, I use templates. Mine are for things like invoices, coaching agreements and emails for new clients. Business templates create efficiency; however they also create opportunity for error. Read more
Comments: 7Measuring performance in your solo business
09 Oct 08Linda AndersonIn the Corporate World, measuring performance and performance reviews are a common occurence. Three years into my journey as a soloist I have begun to wonder how I can create better performance review processes for myself. Read more
Comments: 6How to take extended leave from your business
17 Aug 08Linda AndersonA recent challenge as a soloist has been preparing to go on maternity leave. This involves taking extended leave from a majority of my business for a minimum of four months which brings many challenges. Read more
Comments: 9Coping with work when you’re feeling sick
29 May 08Linda AndersonAs I sit and write this article I am 13.5 weeks pregnant. For seven weeks now I’ve suffered extreme nausea. Nothing prepared me for how to cope in my business over the past two months. Here are some ways of coping with work when you're feeling sick. Read more
Comments: 16Client feedback: Do you shy away from it?
24 Apr 08Linda AndersonIf you did a bad job for a client, would you be happy for them to let you know where you went wrong? Do you seek client feedback or would you prefer not to know? Read more
Comments: 11Where should Virtual Assistants be based?
13 Mar 08Linda AndersonWhen people explore the idea of working with Virtual Assistants, they struggle with the virtual part. The answer to the question ‘where should my VA be?’ depends on your needs and preferences. Read more
Comments: 17Five strategies for scheduling holidays
07 Feb 08Linda AndersonIn my article called 'Are you taking enough annual leave' I stated one of the perks of being a soloist is that you don’t have to consullt your boss when you are scheduling holidays. Read more
Comments: 2Are you taking enough annual leave?
18 Dec 07Linda AndersonOften soloists don’t plan their annual leave well enough and, unfortunately for many, they haven’t taken a real holiday for years. Yet it is hugely important for soloists to take meaningful chunks of time out from their business. Read more
Comments: 4Five tips for working with a Virtual Assistant
15 Nov 07Linda AndersonI came to the realisation that my business could not keep growing if I was the only person working on it. I was running out of time and energy. It was at this moment I began to explore the idea of engaging a Virtual Assistant. Read more
Comments: 19The importance of setting boundaries
04 Oct 07Linda AndersonMany soloists fall into the trap of saying yes to business that they should really be saying no to. To avoid this happening, you need to understand the importance of setting boundaries in your business. Read more
Comments: 7Six mistakes made at business networking events
19 Aug 07Linda AndersonWhen you consider that business networking events are about establishing relationships, it's surprisingly common to actually alienate those you meet. So how do you avoid making such mistakes? Read more
Comments: 12Customer relations: How to apologise to a client
15 Jul 07Linda AndersonMistakes in business are inevitable, and sometimes your actions will have a negative impact on your customer relations. Now the good news: my advice on how to eat humble pie enables you to admit the error and come out looking good. Read more
Comments: 4How strength of conviction helped me win business
24 Apr 07Linda AndersonSelf-awareness, integrity and being true to yourself are all characteristics of a successful soloist who can win business. This was proven to me recently after I successfully played what I call the "strength of conviction game". Read more
Comments: 10Handling fear in your new business ventures
22 Feb 07Linda AndersonSo you've taken the plunge and are going it alone. Good for you! Commonly, though, new soloists find they get the nerve to start their own new business ventures, only to find that once they're up and running, new anxieties are taking their place. Read more
Comments: 15Overcoming fear of running your own business
23 Jan 07Linda AndersonIt's normal to experience fear of running your own business before starting up. Even those with a strong desire to do their own thing feel this fear, and need to overcome it to move forwards. Read more
Comments: 14Celebrating Christmas solo
08 Dec 06Linda AndersonCelebrations are an important part of life, but are there ways of enjoying the festive season if there's only you in the office? Absolutely! Read more
Comments: 12Setting goals: Turning dreams into reality
31 Oct 06Linda AndersonThere is a big difference between dreams and goals. Here's what to consider when it comes to setting goals and turning dreams into reality! Read more
Comments: 9Business management skills: The art of delegation
19 Sep 06Linda AndersonDelegation is one of the business management skills often neglected by the soloist. You have to do it all yourself … right? Wrong! Learning the art of delegation could alleviate your stress. Read more
Comments: 5Join 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.
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Join us today for a Free Membership or find out more about Profile Membership.