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Profile | Robert Gerrish
Robert Gerrish
- Name:
- Robert Gerrish
- Forum profile:
- Robert Gerrish
- Directory listing:
- Robert Gerrish Associates
Robert Gerrish
Robert Gerrish: small business speaker, writer & commentator
Sydney, Australia | www.flyingsolo.com.auRobert is one of the Flying Solo crew and supports soloists as a coach and consultant. He presents at conferences and networking events and bangs on to the media or anyone who listens, about all things micro.
Regularly working with corporations, franchise organisations, small business groups and associations, his hot topics include how to get the attention of small business, mastering word of mouth marketing, standing out from the crowd and how to get more done in less time.
A tireless self-promoter, he's fast-talked his way onto ABC Four Corners, Channel 9's A Current Affair and Mornings with Kerri-Anne. He presents a weekly video blog for CBS/BNET, writes regularly for News Ltd. titles and has scores of articles published online.
In 2002 he became only the second coach in Australasia to achieve the International Coach Federation credential of Professional Certified Coach.
He co-authored Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business with Sam Leader and Peter Crocker and lives in Sydney with his wife, Jane and son, Jay.
"The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time" Bertrand Russell
Articles by Robert
WorkSmart: Why moving fast can equal failure
14 May 12Robert GerrishRecently I've heard of a couple of instances where hurried behaviour very nearly resulted in the loss of a sale…and that can't be good. Read more
Do I have to do everything?
08 May 12Robert GerrishWhether or not you like Madonna’s music, with over 200 million album sales under her belt, there’s no denying she’s a master chef of the music industry. Ask her about her cooking prowess, though, and it’s a different story. Read more
Comments: 11WorkSmart: Are you sabotaging your success?
30 Apr 12Robert GerrishDiligence and attention to detail are great qualities in a small business owner. But a preoccupation with perfecting process and too much fine tuning can sabotage our success. Read more
WorkSmart: Planning to be productive
16 Apr 12Robert GerrishWe know from our recent research, that ‘not enough hours in the day’ is right up there as a cause of angst for the small end of town, so let’s develop a productivity plan. Read more
So good, it had to stop.
03 Apr 12Robert GerrishAfter four sell out years, we’ve decided to pull the plug on our annual Flying Solo LIVE! event. Here’s why. Read more
Comments: 17Switching off from work
13 Feb 12Robert GerrishA side effect of the 'constantly connected' way of working, is added pressure on the boundary between work and play. In this short video interview, Sacha Crouch has some very practical tips that will help. Read more
Comments: 0The easy-entrepreneur boom
07 Feb 12Robert GerrishIt’s a wonderful thing that we live in a time where the lure of the entrepreneur is at such a high. But is ease of access coming at the cost of creating businesses with staying power? Read more
Comments: 39How soloists can make the best music
10 Jan 12Robert GerrishA couple of months ago I witnessed an incredible performance of a group of musicians performing songs I thought I knew. We can do the same with our work. Read more
Comments: 5Video: How to ask for testimonials
12 Dec 11Robert GerrishIf you've ever struggled to obtain testimonials from past clients, or hesitated to even ask, you need to watch this video. Dale Beaumont has a wonderful 4-step process and it's priceless. Read more
You shouldn’t keep it a secret
06 Dec 11Robert GerrishThere you are, blissfully working away with no boss, no timekeeper and your own unique sense of personal style, deeply immersed in the joys of solitude. But are you forgetting someone? Read more
Comments: 18How to make 2012 your best year yet
08 Nov 11Robert GerrishRight now we’re turning our attention to the year ahead and we’ve decided 2012 will be Flying Solo’s best yet. Here’s what we’re going to do. Read more
Comments: 3Video: How to create and use lead magnets
31 Oct 11Robert GerrishIt's one thing to get traffic to your website, it's another to get visitors to begin an ongoing dialogue with you. In this video, Dale Beaumont tells you how it's done. Read more
Are you really ready to attract new business?
11 Oct 11Robert GerrishIn a conversation with one of my coaching clients this week, I was reminded of a simple strategy I learned years ago, but had filed away in my mind. See what you make of it. Read more
Comments: 22Know your audience: Who’s in the room?
13 Sep 11Robert GerrishAmongst the many insights from our wonderful Independents’ Day speakers was a reminder of the importance of knowing your audience. Read more
Comments: 7Gloomy outlook? Try these actions to stay on top.
16 Aug 11Robert GerrishIt’s impossible to read the news without getting the distinct impression we’re heading for stormy weather. Here’s what you need to do. Read more
Comments: 7Keep your eyes on the road
19 Jul 11Robert GerrishWhoosh! What was that? That was the first half of 2011 racing past in the outside lane. The faster you’re travelling, the more crucial you stay pointing in the right direction. Here’s how to keep your eyes on the road. Read more
Comments: 16Quarterly review: What’s next?
21 Jun 11Robert GerrishEvery quarter, Sam, Peter and I contemplate Flying Solo’s future. We’ll laugh, banter …we may even shed a tear. It’s all part of the fun of a quarterly review. Read more
Comments: 15Reaching those who count
24 May 11Robert Gerrish"Don’t count the people you reach, reach the people who count." It’s a classic saying, but with today’s focus on accumulating followers, has it become outmoded? I don’t think so. Read more
Comments: 12Benefits of doing things differently
21 May 11Robert GerrishDo you ever feel you’re doing the same old stuff, the same old way? If so, you could do well to take a leaf out of the book of the 70 year old Robert discusses in this short video. Read more
Comments: 0Picking up when plans fail
26 Apr 11Robert GerrishWe’ve just had to pull the pin on our live event in Melbourne for this year and we’re not happy about it. Here’s how we intend to pick ourselves up. Read more
Comments: 22Writing emails that get opened
09 Apr 11Robert GerrishEmail inbox full to bursting? Thought so. Sadly your potential clients and customers are in a similar situation. So how do you get your email to stand out? In this short video, Paul Jones has the answer. Read more
Comments: 0Note to self: Slow down
29 Mar 11Robert GerrishOne person in particular needs to get the following message: Me. But if you’re moving too fast for comfort, I’m happy to share. Read more
Comments: 34Boundaries and why we need them
19 Mar 11Robert GerrishIn this short video, Robert explores the importance of establishing boundaries. He uses the rather unfortunate example of a measure he took to banish his young son from his office. Mean man. Read more
Comments: 1“It’s absolutely the pits!” Michael Gerber’s take on soloism.
01 Mar 11Robert GerrishI was stoked to get the man behind the E-Myth into the video studio recently, but in this second interview Michael Gerber shows he’s not one of us. Poor guy. Read more
Comments: 47Key traits of a super salesperson
26 Feb 11Robert GerrishSales guru, Neil Rackham has done far more than most when it comes to researching and understanding the behaviours of a successful salesperson. In this video interview he points out some key traits to assist us. Read more
Comments: 1Making the most of your personal brand
05 Feb 11Robert GerrishIn this video, Robert catches up with Stylist, Speaker and Author, Ben Angel. Together they explore the topic of making the most of your personal brand. Ben's tips may just have you taking a fresh look at how you carry yourself. Read more
Comments: 0Business partnerships: Think outside the jar
01 Feb 11Robert GerrishSchools have gone back and there’s a sense of quiet relief around the household. Particularly for the geckos in our garden. Here’s why. Read more
Comments: 53Classic writing blunders exposed!
22 Jan 11Robert GerrishBusiness writing requires skills different to the ones most of us have been taught. In this video, Robert talks to Paul Jones who reveals five writing failings and how to avoid them. Read more
Comments: 0The joys of uncertainty
04 Jan 11Robert GerrishLike a number of other businesses, Flying Solo operates in a sector that is evolving at high speed. It can be hard to plan for the year ahead when the future refuses to give up its secrets. But that’s half the fun. Read more
Comments: 12Get noticed by journalists
01 Jan 11Robert GerrishFree publicity is priceless, but it can be hard to get a journalist's attention. In this video, Robert talks to Flying Solo contributor Philippa Lowe and discovers just how to get noticed. Read more
Comments: 6The girl with the impossible name
07 Dec 10Robert GerrishHaving recently devoured the Stieg Larsson trilogy, I’m very familiar with hard to pronounce names, but what I just read on a real estate agent’s signboard is surely not good for business. Read more
Comments: 59How to sell in tricky times
18 Nov 10Robert GerrishIn a tough market, determining how to approach sales can be a critical issue. Often we assume it's all about price. Neil Rackham thinks otherwise. Read more
Comments: 5The benefits of being copied
09 Nov 10Robert GerrishIf you’re onto something good, it’s likely that sooner or later someone will give it a go, too. Surprisingly, being copied can be good for business. Here’s why. Read more
Comments: 23Business lessons from cake baking
20 Oct 10Robert GerrishIn this short video, Julia Bickerstaff shares some analogies between baking a cake and building a business. Read more
Comments: 1Why leaving your desk is good
13 Oct 10Robert GerrishIn this video, Robert Gerrish talks about finding the right head space to create ideas. Read more
Comments: 7Authenticity: The perils of the ill fitting suit
12 Oct 10Robert GerrishThe shift to a more personal approach to business makes authenticity more important than ever. How well does your suit fit? Read more
Comments: 13How to become a futurist
08 Oct 10Robert GerrishIn this short video interview, Craig Rispin tells us how to be a futurist. Read more
Comments: 1How to close a sale
01 Oct 10Robert GerrishIn this short video, Steve Herzberg shares some great tips with Robert Gerrish on closing the sale. Read more
Comments: 125 ways to increase your energy levels
14 Sep 10Robert GerrishIf you're suffering from procrastination, or just a growing sense of frustration (even though the precise reason may elude you), it could be time to stir things up a bit and increase your energy levels. Read more
Comments: 18Prioritising tasks: Leaving on a high
17 Aug 10Robert GerrishIf you’re having the kind of day where you effortlessly fill the hours, but don’t get any sense of achievement, I may have the answer, and it involves prioritising tasks. Read more
Comments: 13The Power of Community
20 Jul 10Robert GerrishComing up with the theme for this year’s Flying Solo LIVE! wasn’t difficult. We get daily reminders of what’s possible when like-minded people come together. But what’s in it for you? Read more
Comments: 0The pursuit of productivity
10 Jul 10Robert GerrishAt the core of any successful quest to improve productivity, is a clear awareness of priorities. Read more
Eliminating tolerations: Dealing with unfinished business
29 Jun 10Robert GerrishAre you, like me, surrounded by a myriad of itsy bitsy things pleading for your attention? And are you sick of how this messes with your mind? Try these actions to help with eliminating tolerations. Read more
Comments: 6Social media for business: Why bother?
08 Jun 10Robert GerrishThere’s plenty of justification for using social media for business, but for many, the rush overshadows the reason. Read more
Comments: 23Business lessons from the soccer field
18 May 10Robert GerrishMy son started soccer last year and frankly, his early performances weren’t the best. Then something interesting emerged and today it’s a different story. I see many parallels with business. Read more
Comments: 8Attract better, more lucrative clients
11 May 10Robert GerrishWouldn’t it be wonderful if you could attract better clients and increase your fees? Well it may not be as difficult as it sounds. Read more
Comments: 19The good and bad of cost saving
10 May 10Robert GerrishI recently met a visiting US sales guru who made a great comment about buying habits in a downturn. His observations serve as a good reminder when we are the ones spending. Read more
Business downsizing: When receding beats growth
27 Apr 10Robert GerrishA couple of days ago an email dropped into my inbox from an old client who’d just undone years of expansion. Was he happy to be solo again? You bet! Read more
Comments: 42Outsourcing tasks: Charlie’s an angel
05 Apr 10Robert GerrishJust imagine someone who takes away all the niggling chores that get in the way of success and prosperity. Meet Charlie. We hope to soon and here’s how we’re doing it. Read more
Comments: 15Online promotion: Don't shoot yourself in the foot
15 Mar 10Robert GerrishObserving discussions in our forums is very occasionally an abject lesson in how not to conduct online promotion. I bet we’ve all seen this scenario. Read more
Comments: 24Working productively when there’s a lot going on
22 Feb 10Robert GerrishI like to think of myself as an organised and focused person. I work well with action lists and I’m good at prioritising, but lately things have been spiralling out of control. Here’s how I intend to pull it back and keep working productively. Read more
Comments: 12Older entrepreneurs: In praise of blooming late
01 Feb 10Robert GerrishScan the blogosphere or bestseller list and you'd think that no-one over thirty succeeds at business. Not so. There are plenty of older entrepreneurs. After all, what's the rush? Read more
Comments: 42Projecting the right business image online
11 Jan 10Robert GerrishA very popular area of the Flying Solo online forums is where members invite feedback to a new business concept, website or logo. Those responding with business feedback don’t mince their words and that’s half the magic. Here’s what I’ve learned. Read more
Comments: 3Handling difficult conversations
31 Dec 09Robert GerrishWhether it's dealing with suppliers, chasing clients for money or simply dealing with other business owners, the odd tricky conversation is inevitable. In this video, Hugh Gyton shares some tips on handling them. Read more
Comments: 0Processes and why we need them
24 Dec 09Robert GerrishIf you've ever read small business classic, The E-Myth, you'll be aware that processes and procedures are highly valuable to our enterprises. But you still haven't written any, right? Watch this video and learn how to get started. Read more
Comments: 0Creating a vision board
14 Dec 09Robert GerrishNow is the perfect time to capture your vision for the year ahead by creating a vision board. Read more
Comments: 19New clients: Asking the right questions
23 Nov 09Robert GerrishOne lesson learnt from a decade of coaching is the power and value of questions. Are you asking the right questions? Read more
Comments: 22Business transparency: All puff, no substance
02 Nov 09Robert GerrishPreviously I wrote a piece on common mistakes with online business websites and took a swipe at ugly sites designed purely to hook people in. I copped some flack and was accused by some of being precious and superficial. Read more
Comments: 23The Me Myth
16 Oct 09Robert GerrishIn this brief video filmed at Flying Solo LIVE! I catch up again with Andrew Griffiths. Andrew was our opening keynote presenter at this year's event and what a terrific presentation he gave. Read more
Comments: 0How acronyms help articulation (HAHA!)
12 Oct 09Robert GerrishIt seems increasingly difficult to get far into a business conversation before someone chucks a curve ball question that leaves you tongue-tied. Enter the soloist’s saviour, the acronym. Read more
Comments: 14Cloud computing explained
27 Sep 09Robert GerrishIn this video, I catch up with Zoe Freeman, an online advocate and lover of anything that aids productivity. Zoe explains the meaning and benefits of cloud computing and shares her tips on some stand out applications. Read more
Comments: 0Persuasive writing: how and why it works
27 Sep 09Robert GerrishIn this video, I catch up with good friend and professional writer & trainer, Paul Jones. Paul is a master of persuasive writing and his tips are simple and easy to apply to anything you write. Read more
Comments: 0Coping with isolation
24 Sep 09Robert GerrishIn this video I talk with prolific writer & small business expert, Andrew Griffiths. He shares tips to handle the dreaded feeling of isolation that can permeate our work. Using experiences from the big end of town, Andrew shares some practical advice. Read more
Comments: 3Top five networking mistakes
23 Sep 09Robert GerrishIt's not unusual for soloists, particularly newbies, to network with lots of business cards and the mindset of a super-salesman, but is this the right approach? In this video, contributor and networking expert, Kim McGuinness share her tips. Read more
Comments: 5Self projection: Exposing the real deal
21 Sep 09Robert GerrishListening to comments at the Flying Solo LIVE! event, I was reminded of how quickly others draw opinions from what they see and hear, and what an important role self projection can play. Are you projecting the image you want others to observe? Read more
Comments: 7Building business relationships: Why touching people is good
31 Aug 09Robert GerrishRecently I got a call from one of those super-popular people. You know the type: thousands of ‘followers’, stacks of ‘connections’ and squillions of ‘friends’. Boy did I feel special. Not for long. Read more
Comments: 37Are you a necessity or a luxury business?
10 Aug 09Robert GerrishIf there’s one group of soloists who’ll definitely have noticed a change in business enquiries in recent months, it’s those in the ‘luxury’ business. If that’s you, it’s time for a necessity makeover. Read more
Comments: 20How to bullet proof your business
29 Jul 09Robert GerrishA keynote speaker at 2009's Flying Solo LIVE! Andrew Griffiths has a stack of valuable information to share. Get a taster in this short interview he undertook recently with Robert Gerrish. Read more
Comments: 2Get that sale!
22 Jul 09Robert GerrishIn this video I talk with Steve Herzberg. Steve trains the big end of town and as it turns out, his tips are ideal for us soloists. Happily, we snared him as a speaker at Flying Solo LIVE! 2009. Check him out. Read more
Comments: 2Bring out the best
20 Jul 09Robert GerrishWords and headlines with double-meanings keep my easily distracted mind entertained. Best I explain the meanings of this week’s headline before I charge off on another tangent. Read more
Comments: 8Video: How to get media attention
15 Jul 09Robert GerrishIn this video I talk to journalist, author, entrepreneur & Flying Solo LIVE! presenter Valerie Khoo. A must-view if you want to know what a journo really looks for and get some great tips to spread your message in the media. Read more
Comments: 8Video: The connected business
08 Jul 09Robert GerrishIggy Pintado takes us through the four steps necessary to be a connected business and shares tips regarding the roles of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Read more
Comments: 2Avoiding early adopter anguish
29 Jun 09Robert GerrishIf you regularly worry that you’re missing the boat on some new innovation, or get rattled by the continual brilliance of others, rest assured, you’re not alone in experiencing early adopter anguish. Read more
Comments: 29How to prepare for disaster
17 Jun 09Robert GerrishIn this video interview, I talk to Flying Solo contributor Greg Pritchard on the topic of how to prepare for disaster. For many soloists, most of their valuable information and data is kept in one place and that's the very place where disaster can strike. Read more
Comments: 1How to get published
10 Jun 09Robert GerrishThere can be little doubt that writing and publishing a book is a great way to build your profile and grow your business. Watch this video interview with publishing maverick, Lisa Messenger to better understand what needs to be done. Read more
Comments: 1Personal & business growth tip: Start a network
08 Jun 09Robert GerrishRecently, I delivered a workshop in seven regional locations. It was a great reminder of the distinction between an audience and a network. Read more
Comments: 13How to lead in challenging times
27 May 09Robert GerrishIn this video I talk with Flying Solo contributor John Raymond on the topic of leadership. But as soloists, do we need to worry about such stuff? We most certainly do, John explains. Read more
Comments: 2Website basics: Good design wins!
21 May 09Robert GerrishIn this video, Flying Solo contributor Tristan Boyd discusses the basics of setting up your first website. As you'll hear, succeeding online requires good planning and good design. Read more
Comments: 0A brainstorming session
18 May 09Robert GerrishNot so long ago, some 70 business people gathered to hear me talk. Unfortunately I was still in my pyjamas and more than 500km away. It turned out to be a great brainstorming session. Read more
Comments: 17Writing for the web
29 Apr 09Robert GerrishWriting for the web is not the same as writing for a brochure or magazine. There are many essential differences that you need to consider. Here are 23 simple tips I’ve picked up over the years. Read more
Comments: 4How was your day?
27 Apr 09Robert GerrishYour day at the office has been spent in meetings, then you battle rush hour traffic to get home. On the front porch, your smiling spouse greets you with “How was your day, dear?” Familiar? No, didn’t think so. Read more
Comments: 18How to attract clients
15 Apr 09Robert GerrishMy guest in this video interview is business attraction specialist, Richard Woodward. He works with organisations seeking sponsorship and helps businesses grow their client list. Read more
Comments: 6Video: Networking without leaving your desk
08 Apr 09Robert GerrishHere I talk with Suzi Dafnis, the powerhouse behind the Australian Businesswomen's Network, a national organisation of women business-owners. If you're wondering what social networking can do for your business, this is for you. Read more
Comments: 3Online business websites: Common mistakes
06 Apr 09Robert GerrishHaving started my first business as the last recession took hold, I have some strangely positive recollections. Like how the marketplace rids itself of online business websites that frankly never deserved to be there. Read more
Comments: 49The importance of business development days
16 Mar 09Robert GerrishJust imagine one day a week devoted to growing your business. A business development day devoid of the usual interruptions and distractions. I’ve done it. It works and here’s how. Read more
Comments: 38Measuring business performance
11 Mar 09Robert GerrishIn this video I speak with Stacey Barr about measuring the performance of a small business. How do we know where to focus our effort? By closely observing what works. Stacey shows us how. Read more
Comments: 2Taxi driver wisdom
23 Feb 09Robert GerrishRecently, I was invited to present at a breakfast meeting. In fact, five of us stood up and spoke, but it’s the taxi driver wisdom I got from my cabbie that morning that’s stuck with me. Read more
Comments: 25Tips for getting media coverage
02 Feb 09Robert GerrishAt Flying Solo, we get some valuable media coverage. Not only is this great for our brand, it makes us smile a lot! Here are some tips from our approach to the media that may help you with yours. Read more
Comments: 11KPI's: Don’t stop the good stuff
12 Jan 09Robert GerrishAs we hurtle into an uncertain year, you may be tempted to pull back on some business activities. So how do you decide what gets the chop? By getting clear on your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Read more
Comments: 4Small business forums: Wisdom of the crowd
15 Dec 08Robert GerrishWhen we launched our small business forums, we didn’t expect to have over 900 posts up and running in the first ten days. Numbers aside, it’s what was being shared that was really amazing. Read more
Comments: 3Grow your business: Sack a client!
24 Nov 08Robert GerrishWith all this talk of downturn, why not go against the flow and do something radical to grow your business? A client of mine did and she’s still reaping the benefits. If you work with anyone who drives you nuts, you’d best read on. Read more
Comments: 59The importance of using checklists
03 Nov 08Robert GerrishIt amazes me how many times I come away from a life experience with something valuable to my business. In many cases, the gems are as simple as they are surprising. Here’s one about using checklists that I was reminded of a couple of weeks ago. Read more
Comments: 23Online social networking update
13 Oct 08Robert GerrishA few weeks ago I announced my online social networking experiment. Well, the early results are in and I can tell you they have really surprised me. I see many compelling reasons to delve further. Read more
Comments: 10Words of wisdom: The things people say
22 Sep 08Robert GerrishSimple, memorable words of wisdom can come from anywhere. Here are some personal favourites. Read more
Comments: 30Is online social networking for us?
01 Sep 08Robert GerrishGood question. After some cursory Googling it’s clear the jury’s still out on the value of online social networking. The stampede of early adopters would have us believe it’s a must-have, but is it? Read more
Comments: 39Finding hidden equity in your business
11 Aug 08Robert GerrishI don’t know about you, but I am getting bored with all this ‘downturn’ talk. Next time someone directs the conversation towards doom and gloom, either stick your fingers in your ears or help them find some hidden equity. Read more
Comments: 16Business relationships: How can I help you?
21 Jul 08Robert GerrishIn our business relationships we often tend to focus more on 'what can you do for me?’ rather ‘what can I do for you?’, but is this the best way to create meaningful business relationships? Read more
Comments: 17An effective business coaching strategy
30 Jun 08Robert GerrishIn the process of my work as a coach, I have one effective business coaching strategy that regularly creates a big shift for my clients. The funny thing is, I don’t do a thing. Let me tell you how it works. Read more
Comments: 13The solution to small business challenges
09 Jun 08Robert GerrishOne of the questions we set our 1,770 respondents in our 2008 Understanding Micro Business survey, had to do with the three biggest small business challenges we are faced with. Here’s what we discovered, along with my solution. Read more
Comments: 26Business performance feedback: Gordon Ramsay
20 May 08Robert GerrishSo there I was quietly going about my work when foul mouthed Gordon Ramsay burst in and gave it to me with both barrels. Some of his business performance feedback was hard to swallow. Read more
Comments: 46Client meetings: What am I doing here?
28 Apr 08Robert GerrishI’m as social as the next guy. I love people and I adore lounging around in cafés. One thing I hate, though, is putting on a posh shirt and slogging across town for client meetings only to have my time wasted. Frankly, I’m over it. Read more
Comments: 40Managing deadlines: Avoid deadline dangers
07 Apr 08Robert GerrishDeadlines can work for or against your solo business. How well you manage them depends on how well you manage client expectations. Here’s a way of managing deadlines to ensure your solo business avoids deadline dangers. Read more
Comments: 23Marketing tips for targeting small business
12 Feb 08Robert GerrishWith more than one million businesses in Australia falling into the micro category, it can be hard to attract their attention. This article provides four marketing tips for targeting small businesses. Read more
Comments: 14The easy way to speak to target prospects
11 Feb 08Robert GerrishThis one’s for those who love speaking, but struggle to find an audience; hate speaking, but know people; or simply don’t have anything very interesting to say. It’s a straightforward strategy to target prospects and I think you’ll like it. Read more
Comments: 23Goal setting strategy: Aim high
21 Jan 08Robert GerrishSeveral years ago I took a stab at managing a pop band. They were good musicians. I was an okay manager. Together we failed abysmally. I think I know why. We didn't have the correct goal setting strategy. Read more
Comments: 23Celebrating small business successes
17 Dec 07Robert GerrishIn our solo business, dominated at times by big, hairy goals, it’s easy to overlook the importance and value of smaller business successes. In this exercise, I invite you to stop and answer three simple questions. It’ll only take a minute or two. Read more
Comments: 16Business deadlines: Let yourself off the hook
27 Nov 07Robert GerrishIn December, the world of the solo business owner can go somewhat wobbly. Sound familiar? Thought so. Welcome to what I consider the most uncomfortable few weeks of the silly season. I suggest it’s time to let some business deadlines go. Read more
Comments: 27Money management: Tips for solo businesses
13 Nov 07Robert GerrishRecently I wrote a piece that generated quite a discussion. It was about a soloist who was uncomfortable with money. Here's a summary of your excellent money management tips. Read more
Comments: 3Successful business strategies: Is faster better?
05 Nov 07Robert GerrishIt seems to me that everywhere I look someone is trying to persuade us to accomplish things more quickly. Doubtless there are successful business strategies and products that can help us be more efficient, but is faster always better? Read more
Comments: 11Money management skills: A question of money
15 Oct 07Robert GerrishOh, no it’s happened again. I’ve just finished a conversation about money management skills with yet another person who’s allowed money to wreak havoc. Read more
Comments: 79How do you stop procrastinating?
24 Sep 07Robert GerrishRecently I received an email from Michael, an internet specialist. In it, he described a problem he was having with that old chestnut, procrastination and wanted to know how to stop procrastinating. Read more
Comments: 23The key message everyone should hear
03 Sep 07Robert GerrishIn a typical week the majority of us soloists meet many potential ideal clients. Are you making the most of these meetings by being able to clearly articulate the key message of your business? Read more
Comments: 86Work more efficiently: Five fast failings
13 Aug 07Robert GerrishRecently I've heard of a couple of instances where hurried behaviour very nearly resulted in the loss of a sale…and that can't be good. Here are some tips on how to work more efficiently. Read more
Comments: 5Winning new business: How to avoid the giving trap
07 Aug 07Robert GerrishThere’s you in pursuit of winning new business, all excited by the prospect landing a star client. You’ve spent months, even years, perfecting your policies and procedures and as quick as a flash you shoot yourself in the foot by giving stuff away. Read more
Comments: 13How to appeal to your target market
23 Jul 07Robert GerrishAre you using clear marketing signals to appeal to your desired tagret market? Read more
Comments: 11Are your key marketing messages clear?
02 Jul 07Robert GerrishA recent experience reminded me of the importance of having clear key marketing messages if you want to get the attention of your target market. Read more
Comments: 20Can your business handle the truth?
28 Jun 07Robert GerrishToo often in business we fail to speak the truth. Instead we say what we think people want to hear and act as we're told to act. What would be the impact on your business if your customer’s knew what you really thought? Read more
Comments: 10Do you recognise buying signals?
11 Jun 07Robert GerrishNow I don't want to cause alarm, but to put this week's story about recognising buying signals in context I need to tell you that I started my working career as a used car salesman. Read more
Comments: 5Innovation tools to tame the flow of ideas
21 May 07Robert GerrishMegan Hill's piece on mind mapping that got me pondering the theme of ideas, and in particular the flow of ideas. Read more
Comments: 18Smart marketing: More than the wow factor
01 May 07Robert GerrishThere's much spoken of the need for the ‘wow factor’ in our work and how without it we risk being invisible. But I have to tell you I’m totally over businesses that lead with ‘wow’ only to follow up with…er, nothing actually. Read more
Comments: 18Business partnering: Everyone's a partner
09 Apr 07Robert GerrishWouldn't it be wonderful if businesses truly, madly, deeply, partnered with each other? Read more
Comments: 11Winning new clients: How to get the gig
19 Mar 07Robert GerrishI recently received an email from Sylvia, a coaching client, which prompted me to write on the important topic of winning new clients. Read more
Comments: 5What is your key marketing message?
26 Feb 07Robert GerrishIn my coaching and speaking business I put considerable emphasis on clarifying who is an ‘ideal client’ for me before creating a key marketing message. Read more
Comments: 53Five back office management tips
12 Feb 07Robert GerrishIf there's one thing that can get in the way of a smooth running solo enterprise, it's the lack of organised back office management. Sadly it's not unusual to see a business that fronts up well yet is a disaster behind the scenes. Read more
Comments: 11Grow through your existing customer base
07 Feb 07Robert GerrishThere is real growth potential in a sole trader's existing customer base, but many fail to realise its full potential. Often, more energy goes into attracting new customers than looking after current ones. Read more
Comments: 3Handling stress: Avoid the hemmed-in feeling
05 Feb 07Robert GerrishIf there’s one thing that makes me feel overwhelmed and tired, it’s the sense I’m going to be struggling to get the day’s work done. In my view, few feelings contribute so negatively to our ability to work effectively and our way of handling stress. Read more
Comments: 20Being grateful: What are you missing?
29 Jan 07Robert GerrishOften being grateful is not something we focus on as can be demonstrated by a recent experience I had. Read more
Comments: 22Removing barriers to success
16 Jan 07Robert GerrishSoloists often unconsciously put barriers in the way between them and success. This is typified by what I call the 'feet on the ground' versus 'feet in the ground' situation. Read more
Comments: 4Client management: Refusing work
15 Jan 07Robert GerrishIt would be lovely to think we only ever attracted dream clients to our businesses, but unfortunately we also get the occasional stinker. Here I look at client management and why refusing work is sometimes necessary. Read more
Comments: 35Work motivation tip: Avoid distractions
23 Nov 06Robert GerrishIf your work motivation work is flagging, the chances are distractions are contributing to the problem. Read more
Comments: 5Planning marketing beats binge marketing
21 Sep 06Robert GerrishBy carefully planning marketing you can avoid the grand daddy of all bad business behaviours: binge marketing. All it takes is some regular time allocated to the task. Read more
Comments: 4Niche marketing: the business specialist
01 Sep 06Robert GerrishWhen it comes to working smarter we shouldn't overlook niche marketing and the benefits of positioning yourself as a business specialist. Here are five compelling reasons to do just that. Read more
Comments: 2How to conduct effective meetings
04 May 06Robert GerrishMeetings can prove to be either a positive, fruitful encounter...or a total waste of time. To conduct effective meetings, you need to bring clarity and preparation to the table. Read more
Comments: 4Assessing business performance
14 Dec 05Robert GerrishThis time is ideal for assessing business performance - pondering both how well you've travelled over the past year and how the new year is shaping up. Read more
Comments: 4Can innovation be a marketing tool?
24 Nov 05Robert GerrishIf you're forever hearing great things said about your work, yet not seeing these translate into sales and revenue, it could just be because you've fallen into the innovator trap. Can innovation be a marketing tool? Read more
Comments: 3Making space for generating ideas
16 Oct 05Robert GerrishFresh ideas keep us motivated. But chances are these ideas won't come when you're stuck behind your desk. It is necessary to create time and space for generating ideas and creative thinking. Read more
Comments: 12Target marketing: Being heard amid the noise
25 Sep 05Robert GerrishTo get noticed, soloists should use target marketing and be specific with their message. It's far better to be heard well by one person than ignored by many. Read more
Comments: 2Managing work life balance: Avoid the ‘always available’ trap
14 Sep 05Robert GerrishModern gizmos and gadgets means soloists can be permanently available to their clients. A good thing? Maybe not. Managing work life balance is an important lesson to learn. Read more
Comments: 3Business vision: the importance of long term goals
19 Jul 05Robert GerrishIn our book Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business, Sam and I talk a great deal about the role and importance of holding a buiness vision. Having long term goals can help you make decisions every day. Read more
Comments: 2Networking strategies: Get involved!
06 Jul 05Robert GerrishIt's easy to get lost in your own world in Soloville, so you need to make a conscious effort to put networking strategies in place and stay connected. Read more
Comments: 0Crucial questions for small business start ups
06 Jul 05Robert GerrishNew small business start ups require plenty of planning. Here are five questions that all aspiring small business owner’s need to consider. Read more
Comments: 8Join the community! It’s free.
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Small Business is Australia's fastest growing sector – this business community site was created for those running a small business of one to five people. Here the solo and micro business owner will find small business forums, a small business directory, free resources, help, tips and advice on: starting a small business; working smarter when working from home; effective small business marketing; small business networking; the solo psyche; staying balanced as a small business owner; small business technology advice and small business finance tips.
