420 episodes

The show for those starting or running a one person business, hosted by Cec Busby. With over 100,000 members and stacks of resources, Flying Solo keeps you on track.

Flying Solo Flying Solo

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 60 Ratings

The show for those starting or running a one person business, hosted by Cec Busby. With over 100,000 members and stacks of resources, Flying Solo keeps you on track.

    Rethinking resilience: Emotional wellbeing in a time of uncertainty

    Rethinking resilience: Emotional wellbeing in a time of uncertainty

    Joe Pane is a seasoned psychologist and sociologist who has been aiding businesses and individuals in navigating uncertainty for over twenty years. Pane is the creator of the emotional fitness formula and is an authority on mindset. His new book, Courage To Be You, is filled with valuable advice on reframing feelings around uncertainty for a happier healthier existence.
    Key Topics
    Emotional Fitness and Resilience:
    - Understanding the emotional fitness formula and its five core principles
    - Overcoming desensitization to the term "resilience"
    - Cultivating hope on both macro and micro levels
    - Integrating ambition into meaning for resilience
    Strategies for Emotional Wellness:
    - Engaging in meaningful hobbies aligned with values
    - Implementing morning rituals for emotional fitness
    - Reevaluating busyness and prioritizing impactful activities
    - Setting up positive morning rituals to shift psychological shorelines toward positivity
    Self-Care and Prioritisation
    - Starting the day with "me time" for improved emotional fitness
    - Reevaluating daily tasks and focusing on impactful activities
    - Being loyal to personal values and creating boundaries
    - Prioritizing self-respect and self-care in the morning routine.

    Time-stamped Overview
    00:00 Book on mastering uncertainty after 18 years.
    03:26 Emotional fitness formula for navigating uncertainty's 5 principles.
    06:33 Transition from ambition to meaning; navigating life.
    11:31 Values are emotional compasses influencing decision-making.
    14:53 Creating clean and healthy perspective for resilience.
    18:51 Macro and micro hope: two levels explained.
    21:38 Creating momentum with structure for emotional fitness.
    24:21 Daily reset shapes day, prioritize morning rituals.
    26:55 Set a low bar for entry, prioritize.
    30:12 Initiating a morning me-time challenge for listeners.
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    • 31 min
    Uncovering sales success: Secrets from a sales leadership expert

    Uncovering sales success: Secrets from a sales leadership expert

    Anna Glynn is a sales leadership specialist with a wealth of expertise in navigating the constantly evolving landscape of sales. Anna's new book, Strong, delivers evidence-based strategies to empower sales professionals and their teams with the knowledge they need to succeed.
    Anna shares her journey from selling homemade goods as an 8-year-old to becoming a sales professional in the corporate sector. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and toolset in achieving success in sales, highlighting the significance of resilience, optimism, and strong networks.
    Key Topics
    1. Sales Success Factors
    - Emphasis on off-field factors such as mindset and toolset
    - Importance of resilience, optimism, and strong networks
    - Connecting with purpose as a motivating driver
    - Building and maintaining quality relationships for support and growth
    - Practical strategies for nurturing resilience and an optimistic mindset in sales teams
    2. Leadership and Team Management
    - Fostering engagement and satisfaction to create thriving sales cultures
    - Importance of leadership in driving team performance and organizational success
    - Strategies for hiring and retaining motivated and autonomous sales staff
    - Creating supportive environments to help sales teams thrive during challenging times
    3. Influence and Persuasion in Sales
    - Repositioning influence and persuasion as offering valuable solutions
    - Understanding and addressing customer needs and challenges
    - Nurturing prospects and converting relationships into sales
    - Strategies for closing deals and maximizing sales opportunities
    4. Strong: Anna Glynn's Book
    - Background on the genesis of "Strong" and its focus on sales leadership strategies
    - Information about the book and where it can be found.
    Time-stamped overview
    00:00 Success in sales comes from off-field factors.
    04:10 Sales success: optimistic mindset, strong networks, purpose.
    09:42 Sales teams face increasing challenges, need support.
    13:41 Traits of optimists: positive, proactive, grateful.
    16:45 Influencing customers by offering helpful products/services.
    20:59 Maximize client nurturing for successful, easier sales.
    25:28 Developed strong leadership through positive psychology exploration.
    27:14 Identifying gaps and supporting sales teams effectively.
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    • 29 min
    How to unleash your personal strengths for business growth

    How to unleash your personal strengths for business growth

    In this episode, host Cec Busby is joined by Charlotte Blair, the founder of Strength Partners and author of "Career Unstuck." Together, they dive into the intricacies of internal voices, self-assurance, and the power of community . Charlotte shares invaluable insights on managing limiting beliefs, harnessing personal strengths, and the transformative impact of building meaningful connections. Join us as we uncover practical tools and techniques for personal development and discover the courage to ask for help and navigate career and business obstacles.
    Key Topics
    1. Managing Internal Voices and Emotions
    - Acknowledging and understanding the different voices in one's head
    - Empowering oneself to choose which voices drive one's decisions
    - Developing a growth mindset to learn and grow from challenges
    - Dealing with fight-flight-freeze responses and triggers, as per David Rock's SCARF model
    2. Balancing Aspirations and Priorities for Business Owners
    - Managing limited resources as a business owner
    - Exploring practical tools and techniques for personal development in career and relationships
    - Personal experiences and insights into career struggles
    - Addressing limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome
    3. Building Community and Support
    - The importance of networking and collaboration for solo workers
    - Cultivating connections and networking online
    - Virtual collaboration and increased hunger for connection post-pandemic
    - Transformative power of building relationships and cherishing virtual connections
    4. Using Personal Strengths to Meet Goals
    - Discovering and naming personal values and strengths
    - Identifying talent through activities that bring fulfillment
    - Navigating roadblocks by intentional use of strengths
    - Seeking support systems like mentors and peer reviews
    Timestanped overview
    00:00 Identifying and prioritizing values for motivation.
    04:14 Finding talent through passion and time perception.
    06:43 Solopreneurship requires intentional navigation and outsourcing.
    12:07 Overcoming doubts to write a successful book.
    13:52 Goal, reality, options, and the way forward. Coaching vs counselling for future and past.
    19:24 Overcoming fears and doubts to move forward.
    22:34 Autonomy, relatedness, and fairness influence feelings and behaviours.
    25:42 Coaches collaborate, barter, and find mutual benefits.
    28:50 Connect, reach out, and network effectively.
    33:19 Book offers practical advice and recommendations for change.
    34:36 Overcoming fear and seeking help is rewarding.
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    • 36 min
    Rethinking customer experience

    Rethinking customer experience

    Jaqui Scammell is the CEO of ServiceQ and an expert with over 35 years of experience in customer service. On this week's episode of Flying Solo, Jaqui shares her journey from working at McDonald's to leading major stadium events, to ultimately founding ServiceQ with a mission to redefine service.
    Jaqui unpacks the impact of the pandemic on customer service, the essential elements of leadership, the human touchpoints and emotional elements of service , and the future of customer service in the face of advancing technology - Jaqui has coined this as 5D service. Are you ready to elevate your customer interactions?
    Key points
    Customer Service Challenges and Pandemic Impact
    - Amplified stress and pressure on people affecting customer service
    - Staff shortages and fear magnified existing service issues
    - Importance of crisis response preparation and running real scenarios in leadership programs
    Building Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty
    - The significance of trustworthiness and delivering value to stand out in customer service
    - Trust issues affecting brand reputation globally
    - Loyalty as a valuable currency and the impact of consistent demonstration of trustworthiness
    5D Service Principles for Business Improvement
    - Actioning the 5D service principles from Jacqui Scammell's book without delay
    - Guidance from the book for further support in overcoming challenges
    - Empowerment, confidence, and emotional intelligence in the workplace
    Predicted Changes in Customer Service and "5D Service" Framework
    - Increasing expectations, demand, and competitiveness with technology
    - The significance of human touch points despite the prevalence of AI and automation
    - Practical tips for delivering exemplary service and the importance of psychological safety and well-being in the workplace from "The Future of Service is 5D"
    Timestamped overview
    00:00 McDonald's 'school of business'
    03:49 A service mindset leads to personal growth and gratitude.
    06:47 How to break down big projects into manageable chunks.
    11:41 Balancing technology and human connection in business.
    13:33 The multidimensional human connections in the workplace.
    17:38 Leaders must empower and serve employees.
    22:31 Practical ways to build mental agility.
    25:19 Increased competitiveness, demand, and human preparedness.
    27:04 Leadership programs include running real scenarios to improve decision-making, resilience, and cohesion for handling crises.
    30:38 "Start yesterday. Buy the book."
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    • 32 min
    Understanding your ideal client: Strategies for business success

    Understanding your ideal client: Strategies for business success

    In this episode of Flying Solo, we're joined by business coach and entrepreneur and author Jim Cocks, as he shares his journey from performer to the corporate world to coaching and entrepreneurship. With a focus on understanding the ideal client, the significance of self-care, and strategies for building authentic connections, Jim provides valuable advice for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. Join us as we delve into the importance of mindset, embracing failure, and the importance of trust in client relationships. 
    We also get a sneak peek into his new book Build, Excite, Ignite which reveals how. to beat burnout and build a six figure business in 12 months.
    Key topics
    Understanding the Ideal Client and Self-Care
    - Identifying an ideal client persona for marketing and content creation
    - Seeking direct feedback from ideal clients through market research
    - Importance of self-care and selectively choosing clients
    Pricing, Genuine Connections, and Business Purpose
    - Setting prices based on value offered and building authentic client relationships
    - Identifying the driving "why" behind a business for success
    - Embracing failure as a tool for growth and learning
    Overcoming Challenges and Self-Belief
    - Managing comparison and self-belief in achieving success
    - Combating imposter syndrome with mindset shifts and evidence of success
    Navigating Business Startup and Niche Specialization
    - Initial openness to opportunities while narrowing down a niche
    - Emphasizing the importance of becoming a specialist in a specific area
    Business Evolution and Personal Growth
    - Flexibility and continual refinement of business niche
    - Embracing networking, progress, and change for new entrepreneur
     
    Time stamped overview
    00:00 Transition from performing to corporate, seeking freedom.
    05:32 Entrepreneur sharing story to inspire and empower.
    09:46 Belief in self is key to success.
    10:54 Addressing imposter syndrome by acknowledging and reframing.
    13:47 Startup advice: Say yes, specialize but evolve.
    18:00 Valuing community support for personal and professional growth.
    23:35 Price influences trust and value in services.
    27:07 Take small steps, network, and own change.
    27:58 Simplicity and sharing are crucial for startup success.
     
    Host Cec Busby
    Producer Michael Marren
    Guest Jim Cocks. Find out more about Jim here. Buy his new book, Build, Ignite Excite.
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    • 30 min
    Radek Sali's unconventional business journey: From cinema usher to wellness entrepreneur

    Radek Sali's unconventional business journey: From cinema usher to wellness entrepreneur

    In this episode of Flying Solo we're joined by Radek Sali, a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Swisse Wellness, which he successfully sold for a staggering $1 billion.
    Join Cec Busby, as she delves into Radek's fascinating entrepreneurial journey - from his early experiences working in the cinema industry to his transition into the realm of health and wellness. Radek shares the influence of his parents' unconventional medical approaches and refugee background on his business decisions, shedding light on the pivotal moments that shaped his path to success.
    Tune in as Radek discusses the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that fueled his entrepreneurial spirit, offering invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way.
    Key Topics
    Career transition
    - Initial career in the cinema industry
    - Transition to working at Swisse Wellness and differences observed in company culture and operations
    - Learnings from the cinema industry and how they influenced Radek's approach to business management and leadership
    Business Strategy and Marketing
    - Evolution of Swisse Wellness' marketing approach from traditional vitamin marketing to lifestyle-based product promotion
    - Securing the company's first brand ambassadorship with Ricky Ponting
    - Decision-making process behind working with Ricky Ponting and the marketing strategy shift towards health benefits and lifestyle products
    - Sponsorship of the cricket team and "Dancing with the Stars" to expand consumer base and promote the brand
    - Unique advertising tactics employed by Swisse Wellness, including being voted "most annoying advert" on a radio show
    - Emphasis on the importance of cultural values and principles in shaping the company's culture
    Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership
    - Radek's journey as an entrepreneur and his initial reluctance to identify as one
    - Passion for business and the function of business within society, capitalism, and democracy
    - Foundational skills from studying law, cinema, and politics
    - Learnings from working in the entertainment industry and managing challenges and customer interactions
    - Challenges and opportunities in business, emphasizing openness, authenticity, and accountability within the team
    Influence of Upbringing and Parental Background on Radek's Business Decisions
    - Parents' background in non-conventional medicine and its influence on Radek's approach to business and wellness
    - Aligning business principles with commitment, structure, and cultural values, influenced by his parents
    Timstamped overview
    00:00 Language and law studies influenced career choices.
    05:26 Enjoyed customer interactions, challenges, and problem-solving.
    08:43 Father, professor, mentor, leader in health industry.
    12:19 Swisse organisation growth through brand ambassadorship.
    15:27 How Ricky Ponting became a successful brand.
    18:21 Cricket audience influenced women's product shopping trend.
    20:59 Focus on culture, values, and positive language.
    25:10 Leadership requires commitment, vision, and strong values.
    29:09 Struggling with growth and passion, transitioning out.
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    • 31 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
60 Ratings

60 Ratings

Digital Tanya ,

Many hats

As a solo business owner sone days it can be hard to stay focused and motivated so listening to stories of other business owners is inspiring for my week. Thanks Cec for all the great pods

T1D prego ,

Motivating & relevant to ‘real life’ people

As a sole trader just getting things going again after a few years off, I was searching for an Aussie small business podcast. Finally an inspiring, interesting and motivating one for every day people like me...a great mix to help with affordable and realistic tips amongst the podcasts. Thank you.

BackableNige ,

Great Business Podcast

Entertaining, engaging, informative and practical. A must listen for anyone in business no matter the size or experience. Thanks for the hard work

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