Freelancer, entrepreneur, contractor… there are many names for those who work for themselves. Flying Solo prefers “soloist”.

Greater technological connectivity, waning job security, globalisation and the rise of project work, have found increasing numbers of people choosing to become soloists. Today, the Australian Bureau of Statistics puts the number of solo and micro businesses operating locally at around 1.8 million, making up over 70% of the total small business sector. 

Flying Solo has been at the forefront of Australia’s “soloism” movement since 2005, building an enviable community of over 100,000 across its social networks. Resources available to small businesses include forums, marketing advice, podcast, a book, and Australia’s largest micro business survey, which cites lifestyle factors such as flexibility and autonomy as the biggest benefits for soloists.

Flying Solo was founded by Robert Gerrish, a small business speaker, presenter and facilitator with experience spanning more than twenty years. Aside from Flying Solo, Robert created the “Work your way” course at soloism.com, has co-authored a business bestseller, and is an in-demand keynote speaker at small business conferences and events. He has also been a commentator on ABC Four Corners, A Current Affair, Sky Business, Fairfax Digital and numerous regional and national radio programs.

Flying Solo says their community includes “business advisors, coaches & mentors, virtual assistants, yoga instructors, designers, landscapers, writers, photographers, tradies, health practitioners, cleaners, finance consultants, bookkeepers, architects, social media gurus, brokers, real estate agents and many more”.

All industries including tourism, training, retail, marketing, finance, hospitality, technology, food, beauty, fashion, engineering, building, public relations and media are represented.

Basic membership to the Flying Solo community is free, providing access to forums, newsletters, webinars, event invites, and an online coaching series called Micro Mastery which has topics like “Get more clients” and “Nailing it online”. Subscription services also include directory listings, social promotion, full page editorial write-ups and one-on-one coaching with Robert Gerrish.

Perhaps the biggest selling point -  Flying Solo's Understanding micro business survey found that a resounding 85% are happy in their ventures, with soloists enjoying household incomes higher than the Australian average.

More information can be found at www.flyingsolo.com.au