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 | Jo Macdermott
Jo Macdermott
Jo Macdermott is the Director of Next Marketing, a Melbourne based agency that specialises in Marketing, Graphic Design and Website Solutions. Jo is a Certified Practicing Marketer, which is the Australian Marketing Institutes (AMI) professional accreditation program for the Marketing Industry. Jo is also a regular writer for the Marketing Magazine and VECCI Business Excellence Journal.
If you are a Melbourne based business that doesn’t have an in house Marketing team, or you are a Marketing Manager that wants better value and turnaround what an Ad Agency can deliver, then Next Marketing is here to help. If you are looking for a consultant who will work hard, provide outstanding communication, make your Marketing budget work harder, if so, then Jo Macdermott from Next Marketing is here to help. Contact Jo today to discuss how Next Marketing can help or view Jo’s client references on LinkedIn.
Articles by Jo
Marketing on a shoestring – case study
18 Aug 10Jo MacdermottThis case study demonstrates how a hair salon used low-cost marketing strategies to attract new customers and more sales. Read more
Comments: 3Designing a logo on a shoestring budget
07 Jul 10Jo MacdermottDoes your brand have the right look and feel? If not, it’s time to get back to basics. Start by reviewing your logo – and don’t let costs hold you back. Read more
Comments: 9Low cost online marketing tools
31 May 10Jo MacdermottIf you love promoting your business on the cheap, these three low-cost online marketing tools deserve pride of place in your marketing plan. Read more
Comments: 4Conducting market research, solo style
23 Apr 10Jo MacdermottAs a soloist on a tight budget, how can you learn about your target market and adapt your product offering accordingly? Here are some tips for conducting market research, solo style. Read more
Comments: 5Five tips for effective networking
11 Mar 10Jo MacdermottEffective networking can help grow your business when you have little money for marketing. Here’s how to do it. Read more
Comments: 7The four-step sales and marketing audit
28 Jan 10Jo MacdermottAre your promotional materials delivering the best possible outcomes? Here we go back to basics to identify the pieces that need refreshing using a four step sales and marketing audit. Read more
Comments: 9Making your small business newsletters work
20 Dec 09Jo MacdermottWith so many small business newsletters around, is it still worth having one? I say yes. I believe both printed and electronic e-newsletters are still valuable and effective – even when produced on a shoestring budget. Read more
Comments: 9Join 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:
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- Network through our Flying Solo LIVE! events and meetups where you can connect with like-minded independent business people.
Join us today for a Free Membership or find out more about Profile Membership.