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 | Kate James
Kate James
Work life balance coach and meditation teacher, Total Balance Group
Melbourne, VIC | www.totalbalance.com.auKate James specialises in working with small business owners in the creative and wellbeing sectors to help them find a balance between creativity and productivity. Committed to personal balance and passionate about social responsibility, Kate assists clients to align personal values and strengths with their life and business choices.
Having discovered mindfulness meditation over twenty years ago, Kate shares the benefits with her coaching clients and also runs regular classes for the general public and corporate groups. Believing that there is no better way to manage stress and create clarity and focus, her aim is to demystify meditation and make it accessible to everyone. She is the author of a series of guided meditation MP3s.
Kate is quoted regularly in the media as an expert in the field of work life balance and is sought after by corporations as a facilitator of work life balance seminars. Kate is a member of ICF and is one of a handful of coaches in Australia to have achieved PCC accreditation.
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful - Albert Schweitzer
Articles by Kate
Six steps to creative success
02 Jul 10Kate JamesAre you a starving artist? A writer in a draughty garret? Newsflash: creative people need to eat too. Here’s how you can be productive, profitable AND creative. Read more
Comments: 3Outsourcing to virtual assistants
31 Jan 10Kate JamesI recently started thinking about ‘what I shouldn’t be doing’ in my business and my new perspective changed my outlook completely. Give it a try! You might find outsourcing to virtual assistants a good option for you. Read more
Comments: 13Why we all need more structure and routine
16 Aug 09Kate JamesOne of the challenges for many soloists is having too much freedom. When you work alone, no one notices when you don’t follow a structure or routine, tidy your desk or get your filing done. But productivity can nosedive if you’re not careful. Read more
Comments: 8Five steps to managing anxiety
17 Apr 09Kate JamesSome of the small business owners I work with are feeling more anxious than usual. This is not surprising as these are unsettling times, so here are five steps to help you with managing anxiety. Read more
Comments: 7Surviving tough times using creative thinking
10 Feb 09Kate JamesIn the grip of tough times, many accept the apparent fact that business is going to be tough for a while. Others choose to believe that challenging times create opportunities for creative thinking. It’s all in the way you look at it. Read more
Comments: 12Ten tips to help you manage stress
19 Oct 08Kate JamesWe all know stress has a negative impact on not only our emotional wellbeing, but it can ultimately lead to a range of very serious physical ailments, too. Don’t wait until you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure or heart disease to manage stress. Read more
Comments: 4How to choose a role model
28 Aug 08Kate JamesA role model is someone who inspires you, whose behaviour you want to emulate. They can be a wonderful source of support, particularly for those working on their own. Read more
Comments: 1Improve your productivity with mindfulness
13 Jul 08Kate JamesMindfulnesss is really just another word for focus. When you focus your attention you can markedly improve your productivity as well as your memory, your ability to think creatively and most importantly, the way you feel. Read more
Comments: 6Ten strategies for a ‘detoxed lifestyle’
04 Mar 08Kate JamesA great alternative to a regular detox program is to create a detoxed lifestyle. This enduring approach allows you to enjoy life’s pleasures, while at the same time caring for your health on a daily basis. Read more
Comments: 11Working at home with kids: When’s the best time to start?
19 Sep 07Kate JamesWorking at home with kids is a great way to balance parenting with a career but it can also bring a host of challenges. What is the best age for your children to be when you start your business? Read more
Comments: 17Finding out what makes your business unique
09 Jul 07Kate JamesI believe when you are willing to put aside your concerns about what other people think and trust your intuition, something magical happens. From there, you can unearth what makes your business unique. Read more
Comments: 5Mindfulness: How switching off can help your business
20 Mar 07Kate JamesThere’s nothing quite like the freedom that goes with being your own boss, but one of the most common downsides is the inability to switch off. The practice of ‘being in the moment’, also known as ‘mindfulness’, can help. Read more
Comments: 2Finding inner calm during a busy day
25 Jan 07Kate JamesFor many busy soloists, the concept of inner calm is alluring, yet elusive. But without the safety net of sick pay or the freedom to have a slack work day without paying the price, taking care of yourself is an essential part of being a soloist. Read more
Comments: 7Join the community! It’s free.
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