The Soloist's Manifesto

Extracted from Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business by Robert Gerrish and Sam Leader (Allen & Unwin, July 2005)

A PDF version is available thanks to Karen at Unicorn Graphics.

Throughout Flying Solo we have made frequent reference to what, in our humble opinion, makes for an enjoyable soloist experience. What follows is a summary of these attributes, presented as the Soloist’s Manifesto.

We hope you’ll refer back to this manifesto, using it as a ‘loving your work’ checklist of your own performance.

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN SOLOISM

Unlike employment, soloism allows me to feel liberated not obligated
In Soloville the playing fields are perfectly level.
Work assumes its proper place alongside the rest of my life.
I prefer working in the absence of a formal workplace structure.
Soloism allows me to create my own measures of success.
I have the freedom to be spontaneous.
Soloism enables me to make the most of being myself.
I get to keep my priorities at the top of my action list.

WHY I AM SO SUITED TO FLYING SOLO

I maintain a healthy level of self-confidence.
I’m self-aware and naturally inquisitive.
I enjoy being mentally stimulated.
I strive for authenticity and integrity in all I do.
I’m proactive and enjoy fully participating.
I hold myself accountable and do not make excuses.
I am disciplined and responsible with money.

WHY IT’S SO GOOD FOR ME

I have the freedom to fully express myself through my work.
What I do is totally congruent with who I am.
I feel an overriding sense of freedom each and every day.
I face my future head-on. There’s no hiding.
I do not have to unwind. The pace of my business is the pace of my life.
Soloism constantly stretches and challenges my boundaries and limitations.
Soloism gives me the confidence to hold my ground.

WHAT I BELIEVE

I know that if others can do it, I can do it.
If this is a ‘job’, it’s a damn fine one!
I champion innovation and free thinking.
Live for the present and enjoy it to the full.
I respect the relationship between beliefs and outcomes and channel my thoughts accordingly.
If I’m not passionate about my work, I need to do something else.
With the right attitude I’ll be a magnet for inspirational ideas.
An inspiring vision must always be at the heart of my solo venture.
Being myself is not just good for my soul, it’s good for business.
By loving my work I attract opportunities and promote word-of-mouth referrals.
It’s better to be heard well by one person than forgotten by five hundred.
The secret to managing time is to first know what I’m trying to do with it.

THE WAY I WORK

I run my solo business as I choose.
I set my own pace.
I engage and participate fully in all that I do.
I don’t need permission to take a break from anyone other than me.
I don’t need to follow the example of bigger businesses.
I focus on what I have, not on what I do not have.
I conduct my business from wherever I choose.
I freely share my knowledge and wisdom with others.
I listen deeply to my clients and prospects, developing genuine empathy with them.
I have balance within life and work, not between life and work.
I position myself firmly in the flow of ideas, influences and information.
I like to get the ear of influential people.
I take responsibility for my mistakes.
While I may do what others do, I strive to do it better and do it my way.
I acknowledge the role of research and development in the evolution of my business.
I consider my clients and customers to be my partners.
I attach great importance to the relationships around me.
I work to surround myself with supporters.
I do not binge; I’m consistent in my actions.
I know when and where to focus my energies.
I know the value of my work and charge accordingly.
I have determined my rates and do not work for less.
I do not carry junk and clutter in my work.
I have a clear means of reviewing my performance and do so regularly.
I protect my energy sources by taking breaks.
I put myself first.