Flying Solo

Renowned expert in human behavior, Michael McQueen, explores the complexities of the human mind, the impact of stubbornness, and strategies for understanding customer behavior. He delves into the difference between an inquiring mind and an instinctive mind, the importance of retraining the brain for thoughtful choices, the pitfalls of smart people, and the significance of exposing oneself to different perspectives. Additionally, he discusses the art of persuasion, building trust in business, and techniques for appealing to customers' instinctive mind in marketing.

Kevin Higgins is the executive director at Vantage Performance, and he is passionate about creating more resilient businesses. When it comes to the ins and outs of financing, Kevin is an expert and in this episode of Flying Solo, he shares all the tips you need to know to help you put your business in the best position to access finance. He understands that one of the main challenges in securing funding is the lack of clear visibility and timely information provided to funders. Kevin shares invaluable insights on managing working capital, the role of banks in funding peaks and troughs, and the importance of accurate and well-articulated financial forecasting.Key topicsImportance of a Secure Balance Sheet- Funders rely less on personal assets with a secure balance sheet- Be cautious when giving personal guarantees- Negotiate to remove personal guarantees if possibleManaging Working Capital and Cash Flow- Working capital includes debtors, creditors, and stock- Banks evaluate debt collection efficiency and stock turnover- Maintain a tight cash conversion cycle- Banks fund peaks and troughs in working capitalCreating Accurate Forecasts- Lack of diligence in forecasts can be a problem- Banks and funders perform what-if scenarios- Visibility and knowledge of numbers are crucial- Three-way forecasts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) are importantStrategies for Financial Health- Focus on paying down debt and lowering debt- Strengthen the balance sheet by reducing debt- Evaluate viability before considering funding options Increasing Resilience and Confidence- Resilience increases chances of survival in economic headwinds- Factors of resilience include sales conversion rate, cash flow management, and knowing strengths- Demonstrate resilience for creditworthiness and lower loan pricing- Have a clear business plan and involve the management teamBuilding Trust- Regular communication and honest conversations with funders- Flexibility and trust are important criteria for funders- Develop ongoing dialogue and trust with bankers- Confidence is key in securing fundingTimestamped overview[00:01:23] Funding challenges stem from lack of visibility.[00:04:04] Monitor working capital, improve cash conversion cycle. Sense check assumptions in financial forecasts.[00:08:05] Debtors, debtor days, management team, ideal customers, consolidated creditors.[00:12:01] Test companies' resilience with a score of 50. Low scores indicate possible failure in the future. Improving resilience boosts confidence with banks. Key factors include sales conversion rate and cash flow management. Identify business strengths to avoid overextension.[00:15:33] Focus on paying down debt to strengthen balance sheet.[00:19:12] Successful strategy requires good people and adaptability, knowing numbers.[00:20:59] Accounting packages provide monthly financial reports.[00:26:23] Funders need to be flexible and trustworthy.[00:30:38] Strengthen business, avoid high interest rate loans.[00:32:16] Caution among lenders as economy recovers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friska Wirya, a change management expert, shares practical ways to implement change in businesses of all sizes. Topics include understanding resistance to change, the importance of co-creation, and the role of leadership and culture in fostering innovation. Get ready to transform your business with these valuable insights.

Evelina Bereni is an expert in assisting businesses to be more creative and embrace transformation. In this episode, Evelina will be sharing her insights on the importance of creativity and problem-solving in business, and why innovation should be a part of our everyday routines.We'll be diving into the ProSci methodology, microdosing fear, the power of diverse stimulus, and so much more. This episode is jam-packed with practical tips and strategies to help you take your business to new heights. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Evelina Bereni on this episode of Flying Solo!Key TopicsChange management and innovation:- Introducing the ProSci methodology- Building awareness about innovation- Training people on how to innovate- Importance of active and visible sponsorship for innovationCreativity and stimulus:- Using different stimuli to enhance creativity- Bringing hidden creative ideas to the conscious- Examples of using stimuli in virtual sessions and personal experiencesFailure, risk-taking, and experimentation:- Microdosing fear for enhanced focus- Learning lessons through experimentation and hypothesis testing- Importance of small failures and avoiding colossal failuresUnderstanding customer needs for innovation:- Observing and interviewing customers to gain insights- Understanding barriers for non-consumers- Developing future products and services based on customer insights AI and productivity enhancement:- Running master classes on using AI to enhance productivity- AI augmenting roles, not replacing them- Importance of building AI capability to stay relevantCollaboration and involving the whole business:- Driving innovation through collaboration and buy-in- Valuable insights from frontline employees- Involving everyone who can add value or create changeCapacity, burnout, and work-life balance:- Limited capacity to complete work and its negative impacts- Burnout becoming more common, especially in small businesses- Importance of managing work-life balance and well-beingTime stamped overview[00:02:05] Work overload leads to burnout, affecting well-being.[00:06:17] Use diverse stimulus to boost creative thinking.[00:07:23] Diverse stimulus helps trigger subconscious memories.[00:12:28] Risk taking and openness to failure drive innovation.[00:15:35] Understand customer needs, close accessibility gaps, innovate.[00:20:07] Innovation through collaboration adds value and success.[00:23:29] AI enhances productivity, augmenting roles, not replacing.[00:25:57] Metrics needed for successful innovation processes.[00:28:44] Incremental, breakthrough, and disruptive innovation percentages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tess McCabe is a graphic designer, author, marketing expert, and publisher. She has recently released a groundbreaking book titled Self Promotion Without Social Media. In this episode, Tess shares her insights and expertise on how to effectively promote your business without getting lost in the constant grind of content creation on social media. As a fellow solopreneur, Tess understands the struggles and challenges faced by small business owners when it comes to self-promotion. She provides valuable advice on connecting with customers, building relationships, and standing out in a crowded marketplace. We'll dive into topics such as personal branding, networking, website optimisation, reviews and testimonials, and the power of word-of-mouth. Join us as we explore alternative ways to promote your business and free yourself from the overwhelm of social media.Key TopicsSelf-Promotion Strategies- Understanding target clients and attracting them- Building personal relationships and showcasing expertise- Importance of attending events and networking- Effective communication and tweaking the message- Promoting through website, blog, and newsletter content- Offering lead magnets or incentives to attract ideal clients- Communicating the purpose and goals of the business- Building trust through effective communication- Building relationships with clients and customers Importance of Visibility and Different Channels- Different promotional activities for different types of businesses- Key channels like social media and website- Consistency and professionalism in presenting the businessPaying to Promote Content and Utilising Marketing Avenues- Spending money to create high-quality engaging content- Paying to promote the content for attracting new audiences- Conversations with clients about optimization and marketing strategiesPreparation and Confidence in Self-Promotion- Importance of preparation in self-promotion- Effectively communicating what you do, who you work with, and why- Practicing simple statements for clear communication- Building confidence through preparation- Attending events and bringing support if neededReviews and Testimonials for Promoting Business- Sending prompts to clients for writing reviews- Including client promotions within the review- Placing reviews in portfolio and linking to client's website- Personal anecdotes and stories in the speaker's bookOrganic Connections and Word-of-Mouth Marketing- Personal experience with trade shows and local markets- Side project leading to a client, friend, and colleague- Value of word-of-mouth and social proof- Gathering reviews and testimonials from clientsTimestamped overview00:01:56 Book design, small business support, website design.00:04:22 Struggles with promoting business on social media.00:07:30 Visibility key for business, varies by type. Use multiple channels consistently and professionally.00:11:31 Prepare and practice promoting yourself in networking.00:13:44 Passion, values, trust: keys to entrepreneurship.00:17:17 Client reviews provide opportunities for self-promotion.00:21:43 Interest in ideal clients and how they find you.00:24:55 Networking events help build business connections.00:28:17 Meeting turned friendship and business collaboration. Organic marketing success story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donna McGeorge, one of our favourite productivity experts, and she joins us today to help you prepare for the busiest time of the year. With sales season and the holidays approaching, business owners face increasing challenges in juggling tasks. But fear not, Donna will share loads of practical advice on harnessing AI's power to streamline your processes, optimise your productivity, and ultimately save you time and mental energy. Whether it's using ChatGPT for written communication or exploring the AI features in popular programs like Microsoft and Google, Donna's insights will help you make the most of these tools now!Key topicsAI and Productivity- Use of AI and ChatGPT in businesses to save time and mental energy- Using ChatGPT for business: such as written comms, emails, proposals, and presentations- Time-saving benefits of using Chat GPT for everyday administrative tasks- Integration of AI in popular programs like Microsoft and GoogleProcesses to Improve Productivity- First lever to create time: Streamlining meetings- Importance of quality and effectiveness in meetings- Evaluating your time- Advocating for shorter meetings, such as 25-minute meetings- Importance of defining the purpose and outcomes of each meeting- Purpose-driven meetings over detailed agendasTimestamped overview[00:01:45] Save time and energy with Chat GPT, 37 per cent time savings.[00:05:21] Fewer meetings means more productivity and relief.[00:08:40] Remote vs. office productivity depends on work.[00:10:21] Prioritize high impact tasks for efficient days.[00:14:44] Working at the right level for success.[00:16:41] Prioritize time wisely, focus on important tasks.[00:21:34] Feeling overwhelmed? Write down everything.[00:23:57] Working longer hours doesn't lead to more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now, if you think that transformation is only in the realm of big business, it's time to reshape your view. Transformation is a precursor to innovation, and today’s guest knows all about it. Adam Bennett is the author of Great Change – The Way to Get Big Strategy Done. He’s a former CEO and big four bank CIO, and these days, he devotes his time to management consulting, where he assists businesses of all sizes through transformational change. If you're ready to reshape your business for the better, listen up as Adam has plenty of great advice.Key Topics Transformation in Business- Three elements of transformation: external disruption/opportunity, strategy/choice, action/implementation- The importance of implementation for an effective strategy- Universal principles applicable to small and large businesses- Crucial mindset elements for successful business operation: curiosity, humility, openness to change- The consequences of clinging onto old ways of thinking- The role of ambition and urgency in the organization and individuals- Stepping outside the company's perspective to view the business through the customers' eyes- Aligning business operations to meet current and future customer needs- Gathering customer feedback for valuable insights- Analyzing and acting upon customer feedbackFear and Uncertainty in Business Transformation- Fear stemming from uncertainty and potential job loss- Transformation leading to different ways of doing things and requiring new skills- Importance of honesty, transparency, and directness with employees about potential outcomesLeadership and Management- Definition of leadership as taking people on a journey and adapting to change- Definition of management as dealing with complexity and being efficient- Distinction between leadership and management- Important qualities in leadership: sensitivity to the world, aspiration for transformationSmall Business Operations and Reflection- Need for focus and thoughtfulness in small businesses due to limited resources- Experimentation with strategies to remain competitive- Varying impact of AI on different industries- Recommendation for small business owners to experiment with AI tools like GPT for operation enhancement- Utilizing AI as a complementary tool, not a replacement- Time-saving and expanded thinking capabilities of AI in business management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re a small business owner, chances are there have been times when you’ve put your health and wellbeing into the too hard basket. But today’s guest, Dr Brett Lillie, believes it doesn’t have to be that way.By rediscovering the 'athlete within' Dr Brett says you can rekindle your love for movement and find your mojo to live a happier, healthier life. He joins us today to share some science-backed strategies from his new book Rediscover Your Athlete Within, which will get you moving and grooving again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If presenting to an audience or pitching to clients is part of the bread and butter of your business, then today's guest has some fantastic strategies to share. David Fish is a renowned keynote speaker and author whose new book, What It Takes To Create Winning Presentations, delivers some fabulous advice on how to employ storytelling to connect, engage and convince. If you’d like to become a more effective communicator, listen up as David has a wealth of experience in the advertising industry, working on strategic thinking and creating impactful campaigns for big brands. While his keynote 'Attitude for Altitude' catapulted him onto the world speakers stage with its message of personal growth and triumph over adversity. So buckle up as we this inspiring aviator takes flight on the latest episode of Flying Solo.Key Topics and Talking PointsTelling your story effectively  - Ineffective content delivery hinders the impact of great ideas and strategic thinking  - Emphasis on story structuring and content organization, not just presenter skills  - Significance of structuring and delivering information in business presentations From Blimps to Flying Solo  - David's childhood fascination with blimps and their town's history of airship production  - Career plans to become a blimp pilot disrupted by a bankrupt airship company  - Transition to becoming a pilot and blending aviation with their workStrategic Thinking in Advertising  - Advertising as a means of communication and making brands famous  - Experience in advertising, including strategic thinking and creating television and billboard ads  - The role of identifying the target audience and creating compelling, meaningful contentWhen strategy and passion combine  - Working with companies of all sizes to bring strategy to life and improve communication  - Applying the discipline and culture of aviation to strategic execution in business  - Blending 30 years of marketing experience with a passion for flying and aerobaticsResilience and Personal Growth  - David diagnosis of leukemia and reflection on identity and priorities during treatment  - Discovering the importance of flying and personal growth, setting boundaries, and prioritization  - Sharing their journey to inspire others to reassess their own lives beyond their health experience.Timestamped overview[00:01:15] Fascinated by blimps, wanted to be pilot.[00:06:17] Leukemia diagnosis leads to personal reflection and change.[00:11:40] Cancer patient defies doctors to fly aerobatics.[00:14:48] Aviation's discipline and culture of learning.[00:19:20] Clarity and conciseness are crucial for effective presentations.[00:21:45] Engage audience, tell compelling story, and conclude journey.[00:25:40] Strategy consultant works with companies embracing change.[00:28:50] Positive reflection on transformative past experience.[00:31:56] Unconventional route leads to finally flying a Blimp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest, Fleur Heazlewood, firmly believes in the power of resilience. She understands that resilience is not something innate but rather a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. And when it comes to avoiding burnout and managing stress, resilience is your best friend. Fleur believes building up a resilience toolkit allows you to recognise when stress becomes overwhelming and prevent its negative consequences.In this episode Fluer shares her best strategies for taming stress and avoiding burnout. She sheds light on the impact of stress on our bodies and provides valuable insight into different stress responses. If you're looking for practical strategies for managing stress and fostering resilience, join us today as we explore ways to navigate stress, enhance self-care, and promote overall success and resilience. Get ready to take flight and embark on this transformative journey with us on Flying Solo - your podcast for thriving in a hectic world. Let's soar together!Key topicsStress vs. Burnout- Everyday stress vs. burnout- Symptoms of burnout- Differentiating between stress and burnoutMaintaining Control and Discipline- Feeling out of control in a distracted world- Distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable factors- Taking action on rising costs and financial control- Implementing restrictions and alarms for device controlMorning Routines for Success- Importance of morning routines- 10 to 15 minutes of morning activities for optimism and focus- Examples of morning activities- Clearing the mind and prioritising the dayHealthy vs. Unhealthy Stress- Viewing stress as healthy or unhealthy instead of good or bad- Purposeful stress in certain situations- Short-term stress management and its limits- The need for rest, recharge, and recalibration to avoid burnoutProtecting Personal Time- Negative impact of immediate device and social media engagement in the morning- Prioritizing personal time and mental well-being- Protecting morning and nighttime hours from external influences- Promoting sleep with calm and careWellbeing in the Workplace- Small business owners' responsibility for employee well-being- Legal obligations for a psychologically safe workplace- Minimizing psychosocial hazards in the workplace- Recognizing the impact of work practices and pressuresImproving Sleep Quality- The connection between stress, busy minds, and sleep struggles- Creating a disconnection between work and sleep- Setting a closure for eating habits to improve sleep quality- Engaging in activities that help the mind prepare for restRefreshing and Recharging- Ineffectiveness of relying on holidays for rest and rejuvenation- Exhaustion and delayed holidays due to the pandemic- Making daily refreshment and recharging a priority- Planning and scheduling regular holidays for well-beingTimestamped overview[00:02:30] Recognise stress, breathe, and be compassionate.[00:06:41] Different stress responses, no right or wrong.[00:09:26] New mindset: Prioritise health over work.[00:13:59] A short morning routine can boost happiness.[00:18:11] Tips for better sleep: limit work, no late-night eating, relax before bed without screens.[00:21:25] Protect your personal time; limit device use.[00:26:01] Healthy stress is helpful; chronic stress is harmful.[00:28:48] Burnout: exhaustion, disconnection, and loss of efficacy.[00:31:48] Recognise burnout, prioritize, seek support, change work habits.[00:35:46] Different preferences and risks in work, flexibility appreciated, some need office time, important to have conversations about well-being.[00:39:01] Disable notifications, regain productivity, focus on deep work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices