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Flying Solo

Flying Solo

Written by: Flying Solo
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 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.© 2026 Private Media. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction, distribution, or use of this podcast, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Careers Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • Preparing your business for sale: Insights on exit planning with Simon Bedard

    Preparing your business for sale: Insights on exit planning with Simon Bedard
    Apr 16 2026
    Today we’re diving into a critical topic that many business owners overlook—your exit plan. After pouring years of passion and energy into your business, have you thought about how you’ll eventually move on? Simon Bedard is a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience guiding owners through the exit process and author of "Exit Like an Expert." Bedard reveals why the biggest challenge in selling a business isn’t the market, but lack of preparation—only 20 to 30 per cent of businesses that go to market actually sell. So, we’ll explore the mindset shifts needed, the importance of planning ahead, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to maximise the value of your business when it’s time to say goodbye. Whether you’re thinking about selling soon or just want to prepare for the future, this episode is packed with essential advice on creating a smooth and rewarding exit. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Why business owners need exit plans 05:39 Closing down a small business 08:56 Reducing owner dependence 10:15 Making a business attractive to buyers 16:17 Types of buyers explained 17:09 What buyers look for 20:41 Advice for selling a business 25:44 Preparing your business for sale 29:16 Seller remorse and post-exit regret 33:03 Preparing for a business exit 34:27 Closing and next steps Key topics 1. Exit Planning for Business Owners Many business owners neglect to plan their exit, leading to complications or missed opportunities when it’s time to move on (00:15, 05:02). Only about 20-30% of businesses that go to market actually sell, largely due to lack of preparation (00:37, 02:23). Starting exit planning early gives owners more control over outcomes and allows for smoother transitions (05:04, 22:39). 2. Risks and Challenges in Selling a Busines Smaller businesses are harder to sell due to higher risks and difficulties obtaining funding (02:45, 02:55). Owner dependence—when the business relies heavily on the owner—makes transition difficult for buyers (09:05, 09:40). Concentration risk, such as relying too heavily on one customer or supplier, can lower the business’s value and turn buyers off (11:57, 19:02). 3. Buyer Perspectives and Value Drivers Buyers are primarily interested in the future earning potential of a business, not just its past success (17:00, 18:00). Strategic buyers look for synergies, like technology, IP, or key clients that fill gaps in their own business (15:49, 16:10). Factors like recurring revenue, diversified client base, and robust operational systems are attractive to buyers (11:02, 18:00, 18:21). 4. Emotional Aspects of Exiting Many owners feel emotionally attached to their businesses, which can lead to “seller’s remorse” or failed deals at the last minute (14:36, 29:16). Some owners prioritize legacy and the future of their employees or business mission over getting the highest price (14:49, 13:49). Planning for life after business—having purpose or activities lined up—helps avoid existential crises post-exit (30:44, 31:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • From million-dollar mistakes to marketing mastery with UNTMD Founder Maria Kathopoulis

    From million-dollar mistakes to marketing mastery with UNTMD Founder Maria Kathopoulis
    Apr 9 2026
    Maria Kathopoulis has firsthand experience with the frustrations of marketing spend that fails to deliver results. After investing $250,000 in agencies across two businesses without seeing the returns, she took a bold new approach—launching UNTMD, a consultancy that flips the traditional agency model on its head and prioritises tangible revenue and real outcomes over vanity metrics. Maria shares her journey from costly missteps to scalable growth, exploring why understanding your business metrics, knowing your customer, and demanding accountability from your marketing partners is more important than ever. Plus, discover how AI is transforming marketing strategies for solopreneurs and small businesses, and learn practical tips for maximising your budget, no matter how lean. Timestamped overview 00:00 Frustration with marketing spend 05:18 Rebuilding and marketing the app 07:08 Learning business metrics and marketing 13:37 Focusing on what drives profit 15:45 Common business mistakes and misconceptions 19:33 Marketing strategies for different industries 23:21 Using AI to empower businesses 27:06 Using AI for business growth 30:27 Using AI to streamline tasks 34:32 Focusing on high-yield channels 36:25 Challenges scaling and building teams 39:39 Keys to business longevity'' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Rethinking networking: How to make real business connections

    Rethinking networking: How to make real business connections
    Apr 2 2026
    Karen Dennett is a business and enterprise teacher, mentor, and founder of Hello Monday. She sits down for a chat with Flying Solo to explore why traditional networking doesn’t work for everyone and how a new approach is needed. Karen shares her journey from corporate teaching to building communities rooted in friendship, support, and vulnerability. In this chat we unpack the “ick factor" of performative networking, and discuss the importance of psychologically safe spaces, and practical ways to cultivate genuine relationships that foster sustainable business growth. If collecting business cards and small talk leaves you cold, tune in for fresh strategies to connect with like-minded business owners and build a community where you belong. Key topics 1. Rethinking Traditional Networking Many soloists and small business owners find conventional networking events exhausting and performative 00:24. Traditional networking can leave individuals feeling inadequate, isolated, or excluded 02:19. There's a growing shift toward building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts 00:41. Friendship-based communities offer a more authentic and supportive approach 00:53. 2. Building Psychologically Safe Communities Vulnerability and authenticity are essential for creating safe spaces 08:29. Leaders set the tone by sharing their own challenges and experiences 08:45. Safe environments allow meaningful conversations, enabling members to be themselves 10:07. Fun activities and open-ended questions foster trust and openness 18:21. 3. Practical Steps for Friendship-Based Business Connections Use local venues like coffee shops and community groups for casual meetups 10:49. Avoid communities with high fees or performative expectations 11:36. Focus on curiosity about others, listening, and letting people feel seen 12:54. Create criteria to select suitable communities (location, goals, industry focus) 16:03. 4. Benefits of Relationship-Driven Networks These communities lead to organic business referrals and collaborations 22:20. Enhanced trust and credibility from ongoing, genuine conversation—not just exchanging business cards 23:07. Sustainable growth means new leads, improved development, and mutual support 23:55. Personal and professional growth is fostered through skill-sharing and encouragement 24:09. Timestamped overview 00:00 Rethinking networking for small businesses 05:37 Finding support in business 08:41 Creating a safe, supportive space 10:49 Building community at coffee shops 14:44 Building trust and finding your tribe 19:05 Setting intentions and building impact 20:13 Creating goals through shared reflection 24:28 Balancing in-person and online connections 29:02 Building confidence and networking 30:45 Rethinking traditional networking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
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