Peter is also a partner at www.flyingsolo.com.au, Australia’s online community for solo business owners. Over on Flying Solo you’ll find Australia’s largest small business forums and over 1400 articles from our team of experts. Articles are discussed throughout the week on topics such as starting out, networking, marketing, working smarter and technology.

If you’re one of Australia’s million-plus solo business owners or have dreams of going it alone, you’ll find inspiration, advice and a sense of connection through Flying Solo

Is Twitter a sign of society’s shrivelling attention span and trivia obsession, or does it provide the strict discipline we need to distil our thoughts into focused nuggets?

We’ve previously explored the all-important 30-second elevator statement and discussed the benefits of a catchy one-line business tagline, but with the irresistible rise of Twitter, is it time to perfect the art of communicating in 140 characters?

The idea is not new. Twitterature, a morphing of twitter and literature, is a popular book that reworks the key themes of the world’s greatest books in digestible portions of 20 tweets or fewer.

For example, here’s how they tackle a classic scene from Romeo and Juliet.

“Found fair Juliet. She’s dead, and definitely not faking it! (Didn’t move when I poked her.) Alas, I must drink this terrible brew.”

It has also been reported that Ernest Hemmingway wrote the following six-word story:

 “For sale: Baby shoes. Never used.”

An intriguing and seemingly gloomy story, it sparks much speculation on its deeper meaning.

If you had 140 characters to tell the story of your business, what would you say?

Deep and meaningful or witty and frivolous, we invite you to leave a comment and share your business pitch in a tweet of 140 characters or less. If you don’t have a business, you could share the vision for the business you’d love to have.

I’ll go first by leaving a comment attempting to sum up Flying Solo in one tweet. And then it’s your turn!

Read 139 comments or add your own at Flying Solo

Whether you’re loving, loathing or just knee-deep in building your business, it’s easy to forget that it won’t last forever.

During a recent family holiday, we met up with a couple that we hadn’t seen for a few years. What they’d achieved in the intervening years made me feel like I was standing still!

Turns out that they’d not only built their own house from scratch on a picturesque coastal property, but they’d also created stunning guest accommodation and now run a successful bed and breakfast business. A massive departure from their past careers as sheep and cattle farmers.

While some people do settle into a few roles, for most of their professional lives, many experienced business people I’ve spoken to have pursued several, often wildly different, paths.

And it’s not always just one after the other. Within the Flying Solo community, we find more and more entrepreneurs run a portfolio of multiple businesses at the same time. Also, in his article In praise of blooming late, Robert gives examples of people who are doing their finest work later in life.

While I’ve spent some time in real jobs, as well as having a couple of small businesses, I’ve never strayed very far from the marketing/communications industry. So, while I’m very happy exactly where I am now, it’s still exciting to think that something entirely different is waiting down the track.

Have you considered what you might do for a living if it was in an area totally unrelated to what you do now? It can be both an exhilarating and daunting prospect. It’s that infamous interview question “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Whether you’re starting out or winding down, all fired up or even feeling burnt out, we’d love to hear your career change thoughts and experiences here.

Read 40 comments or add your own at Flying Solo

There is a whole industry built around selling the idea that you can escape your job, earn a six figure income and retire in a few years – all working part-time from anywhere. Count me in!

I’ve done some reading and the promise varies from sales letter to telegraph pole, but some of the common features are:

• It is VERY simple. If they can do it you can too.
• They have access to secrets (usually about seven) that others don’t want you to know.
• You don’t need any experience or special skills.
• It doesn’t require selling.
• It will deliver high levels of passive income quickly.
• It is a ‘turnkey’ system that simply needs to be switched on.
• It requires working a few hours a day on your home computer.
• It needs only a small, highly-discounted, upfront investment.
• There is a strict limit on the number of people they can let in (must be limited space on the e-bookshelf). 

It sounds so simple. So how come the only self-made people I know who have achieved freedom, passive income, early retirement and a pot of gold have worked their butts off for it? For passive income, it sure looks like hard work! 

Hard work, experience, learning, patience… pfft! Isn’t there a shortcut? 

I’m starting to wonder… are you lot all out earning squillions in your sleep without telling me? I suspect you’re off at the beach or in the south of France or whatever, but when you get back, will you let me in on the secret – pretty please? 

But seriously, cutting through all the hype and empty promises out there, I’d love to know what your successful strategies have been for effectively creating new income streams. 

In the meantime, I’ll do my best not to fall for the next telegraph poll.

Read 33 comments or add your own at Flying Solo

Between political correctness and sucking up, butt-covering, politeness and advertising spin, the big and small business world is awash with meaningless conversations and wasted activity. Does honesty in business exist anymore?

For example, during a recent stint back in corporate land, a friend of mine found herself in a group hug chanting a positive mantra to start the day. It was clear that no individual in that circle thought it was a great idea. So how did it come to be?

We often drift aimlessly into dead-end projects, bad ideas, long meetings and subject ourselves to futile conversations because no one is willing to openly speak their mind. Even when their mind’s eye is rolling madly and the voice in their head’s saying “Like that’s ever going to happen!”

Let’s say a colleague or client approaches you enthusiastically to recruit you for a business project that you really can’t see working. There are several responses:

• The politically correct and least awkward thing to say: “That is an interesting idea. Sure, let’s meet up and talk it through further.” Leads to wasted time.
• The thing they’d like to hear: “Brilliant idea! You should put together a business plan.” Leads to wasted energy.
• The truth: “Personally I can’t see this idea working because of x, y and z.” Leads to productive discussion.

I think people worry that speaking out – particularly to those in senior positions – will make them appear to ‘not get it’ or not be a ‘team player’. For me, the fear of causing offence or appearing rude has seen me go along with things unnecessarily for way too long.

But recently I’ve been consciously more direct in all situations. Invariably, I’ve found that people appreciate respectful honesty – in fact in most cases that’s what they’re seeking.

The goal is to peel away the layers of politics and emotion and get to the facts of the matter.

As for the group hug exercise, it may have come about like this. Head honcho says “Boost employee morale!” Head people person says “I read about hugging hormones.” Assistant people person says “You’re so smart.” Training agency says “You are a genius, here’s a quote!” Team leader says “Hugging is in the process manual, so hug dammit.”

Is honesty in business always the best policy, or does a little diplomacy go a long way? Tell us what you really think.

Read 28 comments or add your own at Flying Solo

It’s fair to say that ‘getting out there’ and business networking – online or offline – is not something that comes naturally to me.

Truth be told, if left up to me I’d slouch alone in my home office all day listening to folksy music with headphones on and ignoring the telephone.

So I was obviously euphoric when Robert informed me we were off to mingle with 1000+ business owners at last week’s launch event of Energise Enterprise, Victoria’s small business festival.

I know the drill. Robert swans off to be Mr Big Shot presenter, while I’m left manning the stand.

However, the funny thing is that as much as I dodge them, I always love these events when I get there. It was great to chat with a constant stream of wonderful business owners and entrepreneurs. And the massive business benefits in terms of contacts and promotion are obvious.

For me, the challenge is simply turning up. I’ve found that once you get there, the conversations and connections just seem to happen by themselves.

It’s the same thing with business networking online. Before getting involved in Flying Solo, I’d never commented on an article. And before we started the forums a few years ago, I’d never made a post on any forums, let alone helped look after one.

I’m far from alone in this. Our surveys and feedback consistently reveal an aversion to (okay, fear of) networking amongst small business owners. In fact, generally more than 95% of readers online – affectionately known as lurkers – don’t actively join in the conversation, preferring to listen and learn. Which is, of course, totally fine.

But today, I invite you to take the plunge. If you’ve never or rarely posted anything online, take the first step towards online networking and leave a comment on this article.

To make it nice and easy, simply tell us what you enjoy most about running your own ship and if there’s one thing you’re looking for that will make your life easier, tell us that too and let’s see what the community can do to assist. If you’re a regular commenter, then by all means hop in and show us how it’s done.

So, tell me something I don’t know. I’ll start.

Read 58 comments or add your own at Flying Solo

What is the relationship between money and happiness? I recall research from a few years ago that found that at all income levels, people say they would be satisfied if they could get 20% more.

If our goal is always ‘more’, then we’re destined to spend our careers striving for that elusive extra 20%.

But what if you had a specific goal in mind? What income level would you be satisfied with? And how much are you prepared to sacrifice to get it? The mission then becomes finding the most efficient and satisfying way to generate the income you need, and no more.

If you thrive on relentless work and like the notion of wealth for wealth’s sake, then by all means go for it. But if you don’t, how much time and effort are you prepared to sacrifice to pursue it?

Nothing comes free. Big incomes extract their pound of flesh, and increasing income delivers a diminishing rate of return. After a certain income threshold is reached, more money actually makes very little difference.

In fact, a 2009 survey by the Australian Council of Trade Unions of 2,800 workers found that 75% would be happy to take a pay cut to work fewer hours. It seems more time is what people truly want.

I was mid-draft of this article when I read this inspiring thread in the forums answering the question “Would you start a business if you knew you’d earn less?” I thought Ray summed it up beautifully in his response:

“A good income will not make you happy if you don’t like your job. Not having enough money to live on will make it impossible to be happy. If you can fit somewhere in between you should be very happy.”

Unlike most employees, business owners do have the flexibility to shape their hours and incomes.

For more on this topic downlaod Julia Bickerstaff’s presentation at Flying Solo LIVE! on how to design a profitable business.

It may sound idealistic, but there are thousands of stressed-out execs and business owners earning six figure incomes with no off switch in the pursuit of more – more status, more money and bigger lifestyles.

I admire people who have managed to create the freedom to spend their time how they like, and with who they like. That time might well be spent working, but it might also be spent travelling or doing community work. Success = having the option.

Okay, so I’m a long time off hitting the Bahamas. Maybe if I had 2000% more!

Will you know when enough’s enough? Or does setting a limit show a lack of ambition? Have your say on the relationship between money and happiness.

Read 9 comments or add your own at Flying Solo

A friend recently completed his first successful year as a solo business owner. His synopsis: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Well, there are lots of reasons that stop people starting their own business.

While the Flying Solo community is buzzing with established entrepreneurs, we know that there are also thousands of aspiring business owners lurking, learning and plotting their launch.

A little while back I asked What makes you start your own business? So it now seems fair to explore the reasons that hold back would-be entrepreneurs.

When thinking about my own feelings before starting up, there were half a dozen hurdles in the way:

1. Money: How will I replace the salary needed to maintain my mortgage, my bills and lifestyle? Can I cope without a regular salary, and for how long?
2. Insecurity: Am I good enough? Will people pay for my skills? When I first started, I went for a year or two fretting on client feedback, convinced that every project could be my last.
3. Fear of failure: What if this all goes down in a ball of flames? Will people think I’m a loser?
4. Peer pressure: Starting a business is a path most people choose not to go down. There’s no shortage of people willing to point out the risks and pitfalls. “Why chuck in a perfectly good job?”
5. Identifying a passion: Answering the old “I’ve no idea what to do!” dilemma. It took me a few years, and a few ‘real’ jobs, before I finally realised that writing was the part I really enjoyed.
6. Lack of courage: It doesn’t matter how confident, prepared, experienced or cashed-up you are, there’s no denying that striking out on your own takes a stomach-turning leap of faith.

In my case, it all essentially boiled down to fear.

Some fears are well founded and need to be addressed through education, planning or expert advice, while others are irrational insecurities. The key is to be aware of them, understand the difference and deal with them appropriately.

If you have started your own business, we’d love to hear what barriers you tackled before taking the plunge. If you’re yet to go it alone, what’s holding you back?

Go on, leave a comment. Don’t be scared.

Read 29 comments or add your own at Flying Solo ]]> http://www.businesscopywriter.com.au/2010/07/13/what-stops-you-starting-your-own-business/feed/ 0 http://www.businesscopywriter.com.au/2010/06/02/are-you-lost-for-words/ http://www.businesscopywriter.com.au/2010/06/02/are-you-lost-for-words/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:12:22 +0000 petercrocker All articles]]> http://www.businesscopywriter.com.au/?p=281 by Steve Manning

Words. They’re everywhere. We hear them, speak them and read them all day long. So why is it so hard to write them down sometimes?

Whether it’s an important email, business letter, article, web page or advertisement, most of us have experienced writer’s block at some point in time.

Although you may be a good writer and have an idea of what you want to say, it can be extremely difficult at times to put pen to paper – or should I say fingers to keyboard.

That’s because language is a powerful thing, particularly when you’re trying to connect with someone or persuade him or her to do something. This is especially true with advertising and marketing communication.

So if you’ve never outsourced your writing to a professional copywriter, here are some reasons why you might:

1.  You’re too busy
You may be able to write copy, but when it’s one of a thousand things on your ‘to do’ list, it can be a dark cloud that hangs over your head. So give your copywriting to someone who does it for a living. Get it off your hands and concentrate on the 999 other things you need to do.

2. You know what you want to say, but you don’t know how to say it
A copywriter writes copy for a living, so they know how to find the right words for the task at hand. That’s their job. Let them worry about how to say it and get back to doing what you do best.

3.  You’re too close to the project
When your heart and soul has gone into a project, it’s hard to remain objective. Outsourcing the writing to a copywriter gives you a fresh and experienced set of eyes looking over the job.

4.  You find copywriting frustrating and time-consuming
Give it to someone who doesn’t! Hand it over and revel in the free time you’ve just acquired.

5.  The concept is brilliant but the words are missing
You may have a sensational design concept, but now you need the words to complete the picture. A professional copywriter can provide the final piece in the puzzle to achieve a winning result.

6.  You’ve written the copy but it needs a thorough edit and proof read
This is the perfect time to use a copywriter. They can put the polish on a piece of marketing or advertising material, as well as pick up any spelling, grammatical or structural inaccuracies.

7.  Your existing communication needs a re-fresh
You may have existing marketing collateral, but it’s becoming a little stale and outdated.
A copywriter can spruce things up and put a fresh spin on your message, without a full re-write.

So next time you’re lost for words, why not enlist the help of someone who plays with words for a living?

It may just save you time, money and heartache, plus you’ll get the words you need to attract more customers, connect with their emotions and persuade them to do business with you.

From product design and processes to marketing and language, small businesses need simplicity to prosper. So why is it so elusive?

“Less is more”, “short and sweet” and “Keep it simple stupid (KISS)” are powerful philosophies. They sound straightforward, but are actually tricky for small businesses to attain.

Things start off simple. Innovative products, start-up business models and fresh ideas are generally born into the world polished up and free of baggage. But then they attract the sticky tentacles of complexity. Simplicity drifts into chaos as ‘stuff’ flies in to fill up the vacuum.

I’ve long had an interest in, but never mastered, the elusive art of simplicity. Here are some of the things I’ve discovered:

Less is usually more

The temptation is always to add. More features. More options. More words. More stuff. And before you know it, the strong and focused concept you started with is diluted and confused.

“The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction.” LawsOfSimplicity.com

Simplicity is prioritisation

But less is not always more. You need to identify what is truly essential, and only eliminate that which is dispensable. Ruthlessly prioritise who, and what, deserves your limited time and attention.

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Albert Einstein

Simplicity is honesty

Say what you really think, even if it’s not what others might want to hear. Too much time and effort is wasted skirting around issues that can be put to bed in one open conversation.

Simplicity is leadership

Delegate to good people then get out of the way. Make timely decisions and stick to them without over-analysis. Don’t be afraid to say no to non-essential requests.

Simplicity looks easy

Beautiful design can look effortless. Brilliant ideas seem obvious in hindsight. But they are usually the end result of hours of hard work and years of study and experience.

“An expert is someone who has succeeded in making decisions and judgements simpler through knowing what to pay attention to and what to ignore.” Edward de Bono

Simplicity is an epic battle

No wonder true simplicity is so rare, if not unattainable. It is a never-ending battle against a tireless force.

But the alternative is chaos. And put simply, that sucks. Do you have anything to add (or take away)?

Read 11 comments or add your own at Flying Solo