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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?

Have you ever sent a Tweet?
56% - Yes
40% - No
2% - Huh?
Have you ever sent a Tweet?
 

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 | Zern Liew

Zern Liew

Name:
Zern Liew
Forum profile:
Zern Liew
Zern Liew

Zern Liew

Creative strategist

Sydney, NSW | www.eicolab.com.au

I help my clients build beautiful businesses by practically innovating across their Branding, Communications, Processes and Systems. I bring a unique combination of design thinking, empathy, systems thinking and logical thinking to all my projects. Over more than a decade of work, I have delivered a range of outcomes such as ideas, business process improvements, mentoring, brand development, communications strategies, cross-disciplinary design and web applications to a diverse clientele.

I distil clarity from complexity, and help my clients find authentic solutions to their business challenges. I take a long-term, big-picture, and ethical approach to my work. I am passionate about bringing humanity and authenticity to the practice of business. My work aims to build a better world through the transformation of business practice as we know it, one business at a time.

Zern Liew

You create your own universe as you go along - Winston Churchill

Articles by Zern

Are you paying attention?

17 May 10 | Zern Liew

Attention is the new currency. More than ever, customers crave attention and are prepared to pay for it. Are you paying attention? Read more

Comments: 2

Why you should sin more often

23 Mar 10 | Zern Liew

The seven deadly sins were designed as a guide to keeping on the straight and narrow. But sinning can be constructive too – especially in business! Read more

Comments: 14

Eight inspirational business quotes

09 Feb 10 | Zern Liew

Need a little pep talk? Here are eight inspirational business quotes from small business owners around the world, courtesy of Monocle magazine. Read more

Comments: 11

Five excuses for a lack of business vision

24 Sep 09 | Zern Liew

A successful business vision is the ultimate carrot to steer your life’s work by. It should be aspirational and inspiring. Are you inspired by your business’ current vision? Does it bring tears to your eyes?! If not, read on... Read more

Comments: 0

In celebration of small

13 Aug 09 | Zern Liew

The conventional business world is obsessed with big. The prevailing myth is that bigger is better – including the outward appearance of big. The dominant definition of success is that of big money. Read more

Comments: 5

Reduce stress: Get out of the emergency zone

02 Jul 09 | Zern Liew

Does your business seem to run from one emergency to another? Here’s how to reduce stress, get out of the emergency zone and get your business running smoothly. Read more

Comments: 6

Beyond Selling Information

28 May 09 | Zern Liew

The Information Age has turned the intangibles of Data, Information, Knowledge and Ideas into very real careers and livelihoods for many of us. But perhaps it’s time to look beyond selling information. Read more

Comments: 8

Eight common business assumptions

23 Apr 09 | Zern Liew

Over the years, I have heard many interesting beliefs that business people hold about themselves and their business. Here are the most common business assumptions I encounter. Read more

Comments: 10

What is attraction marketing?

12 Mar 09 | Zern Liew

Conventional marketing has been primarily about one-way push promotion. Attraction marketing offers a more authentic alternative. After decades of sanitised hot air, the opportunity to listen to authentic people is a breeze of fresh air. Read more

Comments: 9

Designing written communication

29 Jan 09 | Zern Liew

When working on a piece of written communication it is easy to focus on the words and overlook the design of the message. Here’s how to craft your message perfectly. Read more

Comments: 5

How your work impacts your self-worth

11 Nov 08 | Zern Liew

For those of us who love what we do, our sense of self-worth and work can become intimately intertwined. Read more

Comments: 8

Problem solving: brainstorming on your own

07 Oct 08 | Zern Liew

In response to an earlier article on problem solving, Heather Smith asked me how I brainstorm on my own. So here’s an overview of the brainstorming process and techniques I use. Read more

Comments: 7

Working styles: Profile of a soloist

02 Sep 08 | Zern Liew

My working style is to pretty much work from anywhere: at home, in cafés, client premises, on planes, trains and in busy food halls. As my work encompasses many of my interests, I let it blend into my life more so than would be comfortable for many. Read more

Comments: 12

Seven layout mistakes to avoid

22 Jul 08 | Zern Liew

Over the years, I have noticed common layout mistakes in documents, web pages and PowerPoint slides. Avoid these mistakes and you'll produce more professional documents. Read more

Comments: 20

Eight no-nos of web design

18 Jun 08 | Zern Liew

We all appreciate how a website’s design can help or hinder its effectiveness. Is your site guilty of one or more of these common web design no-nos? Read more

Comments: 34

Do you run a socially responsible business?

13 May 08 | Zern Liew

Running a socially responsible business means consciously managing the social impact of your business - how it relates to you, your clients and your community. Read more

Comments: 8

Problem solving model: Four phases

08 Apr 08 | Zern Liew

Here is an overview of the problem solving model I have used successfully over the years. There are four key phases, each requiring a different set of skills. Read more

Comments: 6

Six useful and inexpensive computer upgrades

21 Feb 08 | Zern Liew

It’s easy to let years go by without reviewing your computer system, even though it provides critical support to your business. As your computer is probably the most indispensable part of your business, it is important to consider computer upgrades. Read more

Comments: 16

Project management: Why projects fail

06 Jan 08 | Zern Liew

As soloists, our work is often project-based. Have you ever wondered why some projects go smoothly and others seem plagued with problems? Here are five reasons why projects can fail and how with good project management these problems can be avoided. Read more

Comments: 15

Communication skills and techniques: Showing empathy

06 Dec 07 | Zern Liew

As part of our lives as solopreneurs, we come across many different people who hold many different view points. To deal effectively with those who have a different opinion to our own, empathy is an important communication technique to develop. Read more

Comments: 5

Creating a professional development plan

06 Nov 07 | Zern Liew

Most large companies provide training and career development support, but as a soloist this is often neglected. Here we look at advantages of both formal and self-directed learning and show you how to create your own professional development plan. Read more

Comments: 4

Do you have a green business?

20 Sep 07 | Zern Liew

The idea of having a green business is very topical at the moment and every change we make to the way we consume resources and reduce waste helps. Here are the green things I do as part of my business practice. What can you do in your business? Read more

Comments: 13

How social capital is good for business

16 Aug 07 | Zern Liew

When social capital, or generosity, is a foundation of your business strategy, it provides huge benefits. It helps build strong relationships with your community and customers, plus when it comes to PR, it beats expensive advertising. Read more

Comments: 4

The basics of logo design

17 Jul 07 | Zern Liew

Your logo is the primary part of your brand identity, so it’s important to make sure it communicates the right message. Here are four key things to bear in mind when looking at logo design. Read more

Comments: 32

Business Branding: The ABC of branding

07 Jun 07 | Zern Liew

ABC, which stands for Actions, Beliefs and Clothing are the basic building blocks of business branding. You have an authentic and strong brand when these three aspects work together harmoniously. Read more

Comments: 8

Get Real: Listening skills and being yourself

12 Apr 07 | Zern Liew

Some soloists like to adopt different identities at work and at home. But if you avoid being yourself or leave a big part of yourself out of our work, you fail to be authentic. Read more

Comments: 16

Do you own a moral business?

11 Feb 07 | Zern Liew

The phrase 'it's just business' is often used to justify morally questionable behaviour. The immense power business wields over the well-being of this planet makes the issue of morality in business more important than ever. Read more

Comments: 8

Managing customer relationships

14 Dec 06 | Zern Liew

To succeed in business today, you need to develop a real relationship with your customers. An authentic approach to managing customer relationships can help you shine through and win out over your competition. Read more

Comments: 5

Exceptional customer service: Having the right attitude

09 Nov 06 | Zern Liew

Every business should care about providing exceptional customer service. But what does that “service” really mean? Read more

Comments: 4

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