Following a career in marketing and design - culminating with the sale of our small creative agency to industry giants, Saatchi & Saatchi - I launched Flying Solo in 2000. The community grew to a membership of over 120,000 before we sold to Kochie’s Pinstripe Media in 2017. Today I help others build viable, profitable small businesses through keynote presentations at conferences and events. Please watch my showreel by clicking on the image below or download my speaker bio.
The ideal audience
My focus is on supporting solo and small businesses, in particular those seeking to improve energy and optimism; attract more customers, and work more productively. I typically present to Networking Groups, Franchises, Business Chambers, Trade Associations and regional communities.
Testimonials
"The feedback from Robert’s small business breakfast presentation was 100% positive. I would rate him as one of the top presenters on Business in Australia today." Suzanne Kiraly, Small Biz Intelligence, Canberra
"Robert was our keynote speaker at an event staged for around 80 independent landscapers. He engaged the audience effectively and demonstrated a great understanding of their business and ours." Craig Rich, Operations Manager, Alpine Nurseries, Dural
"Robert presented at our small business breakfast event and kept the audience fully engaged and motivated. He scored an outstanding 9.3 out of 10 in the feedback forms." William Adames, Community and Business Engagement Ku-ring-gai Council
"Robert was the keynote speaker at our annual AAPO conference. His presentation was fun, entertaining and most importantly, informative." Wendy Davie, President, Australasian Association of Professional Organisers
“The sort of session that would have you claiming your spot in the front of an event if you knew he was up next.” Rachel Alt, CopyCon attendee
"A warm, engaging, creative presentation that combined clever humour with thoughtful insights." Kate Toon, CopyCon
“Thank you Robert for being a pleasure to work with throughout the whole process and delivering on your commitment to delighting our event delegates.” Andy Paterson, Group Marketing Manager, Intuit Quick Books.
Past clients
Australasian Association of Professional Organisers, keynote at 2 Annual Conferences (2004 & 2021)
SA Business Conference, Gawler (SA), opening keynote.
Scenic Rim Business Group (QLD), breakfast keynote.
NSW State Government, host of a series of small business videos and regular speaker at regional events (20+ to date).
VIC State Government, series of 4 talks with small business groups working within the Educational Sector and small regional business support tour.
St George Chamber (NSW), “Buy Local” campaign launch.
First Class Financial Group (bookkeeping franchise). National & International Conferences, Presenter & MC . To date 7 repeat bookings from 2014 and pre-booked for 2022 and 2023.
CopyCon Conference, opening keynote for 2 consecutive years (VIC & NSW)
Chambers of Commerce (QLD) Breakfast keynotes (3).
Kindermusik, USA Keynote for Australasian Conference.
BDO Tax & Advisory conference keynote (QLD).
Intuit QuickBooks Connect Conference, break out session (NSW).
Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) Annual Small Business Summit, 4 presentations to date. Nationwide.
The City of Sydney, Host of small business event series.
NBNCo, small business themed keynote (NSW).
PayPal, Australia-wide tour with 12 keynote presentations.
+ Presentations for Visa, Canon and Suncorp and over 50 online presentations over Zoom, Skype or WebEx with audiences from 150-1500.