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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?
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
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.
You create your own universe as you go along - Winston Churchill
Articles by Zern
Are you paying attention?
17 May 10Zern LiewAttention is the new currency. More than ever, customers crave attention and are prepared to pay for it. Are you paying attention? Read more
Comments: 2Why you should sin more often
23 Mar 10Zern LiewThe 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: 14Eight inspirational business quotes
09 Feb 10Zern LiewNeed a little pep talk? Here are eight inspirational business quotes from small business owners around the world, courtesy of Monocle magazine. Read more
Comments: 11Five excuses for a lack of business vision
24 Sep 09Zern LiewA 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: 0In celebration of small
13 Aug 09Zern LiewThe 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: 5Reduce stress: Get out of the emergency zone
02 Jul 09Zern LiewDoes 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: 6Beyond Selling Information
28 May 09Zern LiewThe 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: 8Eight common business assumptions
23 Apr 09Zern LiewOver 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: 10What is attraction marketing?
12 Mar 09Zern LiewConventional 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: 9Designing written communication
29 Jan 09Zern LiewWhen 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: 5How your work impacts your self-worth
11 Nov 08Zern LiewFor those of us who love what we do, our sense of self-worth and work can become intimately intertwined. Read more
Comments: 8Problem solving: brainstorming on your own
07 Oct 08Zern LiewIn 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: 7Working styles: Profile of a soloist
02 Sep 08Zern LiewMy 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: 12Seven layout mistakes to avoid
22 Jul 08Zern LiewOver 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: 20Eight no-nos of web design
18 Jun 08Zern LiewWe 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: 34Do you run a socially responsible business?
13 May 08Zern LiewRunning 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: 8Problem solving model: Four phases
08 Apr 08Zern LiewHere 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: 6Six useful and inexpensive computer upgrades
21 Feb 08Zern LiewIt’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: 16Project management: Why projects fail
06 Jan 08Zern LiewAs 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: 15Communication skills and techniques: Showing empathy
06 Dec 07Zern LiewAs 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: 5Creating a professional development plan
06 Nov 07Zern LiewMost 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: 4Do you have a green business?
20 Sep 07Zern LiewThe 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: 13How social capital is good for business
16 Aug 07Zern LiewWhen 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: 4The basics of logo design
17 Jul 07Zern LiewYour 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: 32Business Branding: The ABC of branding
07 Jun 07Zern LiewABC, 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: 8Get Real: Listening skills and being yourself
12 Apr 07Zern LiewSome 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: 16Do you own a moral business?
11 Feb 07Zern LiewThe 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: 8Managing customer relationships
14 Dec 06Zern LiewTo 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: 5Exceptional customer service: Having the right attitude
09 Nov 06Zern LiewEvery business should care about providing exceptional customer service. But what does that “service” really mean? Read more
Comments: 4Join the community! It’s free.
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