Tradies In Business: Recent Episodes
Warrick Bidwell and Nicole Cox
Whether you're a plumber, electrician, builder, motor mechanic, landscaper, tiler, glazier, painter, carpenter, concretor or any of the myriad of trades and contractors that keep the world running, this podcast has been produced with you in mind. Your hosts, Warrick 'Waz' Bidwell and Nicole 'Nic' Cox, were both born into tradie families and have first hand experience of the gut busting, money stress and pressures that trade businesses can place on their owners and their families! Nic and Waz strongly believe in the opportunity that exists for all tradie business owners to create a flexible, financially secure business for now and for their families' future. Waz and Nic interview guests on a range of topics such as marketing, finance, human resources, legal issues, mindset, motivation, physical and mental health, industry updates and more! They love a laugh and a good story so tune in for a unique look at how to 'get off the tools' and break the cycle of financial hardship and stress to create the trade business you really wanted!
Steven Daniels spent years grinding through the construction industry before burnout left him physically unable to get out of bed. That moment pushed him to study positive psychology and coaching, and he's now the founder of Align 56 Coaching, running retreats and workshops for construction business owners and their teams. Steven and Nic talk about why so many tradies wait until they hit the wall before making real change, the stigma around mental health in construction, why relationships and community matter more than any self-development book, and how business owners can start giving themselves permission to rest before burnout forces the decision for them.
Learn more about Align 56 Coaching & follow Steven in Instagram & LinkedIn.
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Lauren never set out to run a caravan hire business, she started out as a gymnastics coach before life threw her a curveball: her husband Greg's arm injury, exhausting hours away from her kids, and eventually a leap of faith into a lap around Australia in a caravan. What began as a way to fund the rego turned into Outback 2 Sea, a business built on giving other mums the same break, restoration, and permission to just let their kids be kids that her family found on the road. Lauren opens up about wearing every hat in the business, finding her voice in a male-dominated space, and juggling family with a business that can't ever cancel a booking, and the community support that helps her push through the overthinking to trust her own decisions.
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Being flat out busy doesn't always mean you're winning, and most business owners avoid looking at the numbers that would prove it. Nic chats with Angus Gasbarri from Earnt Advisory about auditing where your time actually goes, why charge-out rates and margins are the two figures doing 80% of the heavy lifting for your profit, and what's ahead for tradies this financial year. Plus, an invite to the free Bulletproof Your Trade Business workshop on July 21.
Save your seat for the free workshop HERE.
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Joel Pritchett, from The Property Tradies, is a former plumber turned property investor and buyer's agent who built a 5-property portfolio before the age of 25. In this episode, Nic sits down with Joel to talk about how tradies can start building wealth through property, the common mistakes they make when choosing where to buy, why location does 80% of the heavy lifting, and how to find and use a good buyer's agent. Joel also shares how his business Property Tradies is helping tradies and FIFO workers get into the market with the right strategy, and what the recent budget changes could mean for investors going forward.
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Steve Rooney is no stranger to the Tradies in Business podcast, but this time he's back with a plot twist nobody saw coming. Fourteen years of running his own landscaping business, a community of mates, hard lessons in business partnerships, and a whole lot of head noise led Steve to one of the biggest decisions of his life. What he chose next will surprise you, and the reasoning behind it might just make you rethink what success in business actually looks like.
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Running a trade business 700km from home while raising a young family on the coast is no small feat, but for Nick Allen of NJA Electrical, it's exactly what he built over 13 years in remote Western QLD. Nick shares what it's really like earning trust and loyalty in a town of just 200 people, where your reputation follows you everywhere and relationships run far deeper than just a job and an invoice. From flying in and out of Blackall to working a two-week on, two-week off roster, to taking on his first employee so the business could keep running while he's home, Nick walks through how he structured his work around his life. He also opens up about the eventual move inland to Dalby, trading coastal living for more space, lower cost of living, and a lifestyle that finally matched where his heart had always been.
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The federal budget has landed and for most tradie business owners, the news is not good. Nic brings in Angus Gasbarri, founder of Earnt Advisory, an accountant who has built his career working closely with trade and construction businesses, rounding out his expertise with a background in mortgage broking. Together they talk about the biggest budget changes affecting tradies and small business owners, covering negative gearing, capital gains tax, and the new minimum tax on trusts. What these changes mean in real terms and why now is the time to pick up the phone and call your accountant.
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HR mistakes don't always look like mistakes; sometimes they look like efficiency. Nicole sits down with Kristy-Lee Billett, CEO of People Powered Business and founder of People Powered HR, who brings 20 years of experience helping small businesses build great teams without the chaos, the confusion, or the crippling contracts. Together they unpack the growing risk of using AI for people management, why ChatGPT confidently quoting fictional legislation is more common than anyone wants to admit, where AI can genuinely help in your business, and what tradie business owners are quietly getting wrong with employment contracts, award compliance, and conditions of employment, often without realising it until it's too late.
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Starting a trade business can feel like a massive leap, especially when you’re not sure if you’re ready or where to begin. This week, Nic sits down with one our our Tradiepreneurs, Josh Prineas from Ecostream Plumbing, a plumber who backed himself and went from side jobs to running his own business in just two years. They talked about Josh’s journey into the trades, the moment he decided to go all in, and what those early stages of business actually looked like. From pushing through fear with marketing and networking, to learning the hard lessons around perfectionism, hiring, and setting boundaries, it’s a real look at building a business from the ground up and what actually moves the needle.
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Avoiding your numbers doesn’t make the pressure go away, it quietly makes it worse. Daniel Palmer from Bold Wealth talks about why so many tradies put off getting on top of their finances, how that avoidance impacts long-term wealth especially super, and what actually changes when you face it head-on. Daniel also shares why having the right people around you matters, how to protect your income, and how to make clear financial decisions that support where you actually want to go.
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Moving from being on the tools to leading a team is where many tradies start to feel the pressure, and it’s often the people side of the business that creates the biggest challenges. Nic Stephen from You Who shares what effective leadership actually looks like in a trade business, and why most “people problems” come back to how leaders show up. The conversation covers adaptive leadership, building trust through vulnerability, and how curiosity and better questioning can shift conversations and outcomes with a team. It also breaks down passive-aggressive behaviours, avoiding tough conversations, and how to create healthy conflict that strengthens relationships rather than breaking them down, along with practical ways to reflect, reset, and lead with more clarity day to day.
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Most tradies don’t need more marketing.. They need clarity on what actually works. This week, Nic is joined by Rhys Clay, Partner and Head Geek at Kaha Digital, to strip digital marketing back to the essentials for service-based trade businesses. They unpack vanity metrics, overpriced packages, and the common traps that keep tradies stuck, while highlighting what genuinely drives results: a strong Google Business Profile, the right kind of reviews, trustworthy photos, and in many cases, a simple one-page website. If you want more phone calls, better-quality inquiries, and a clear online plan without the fluff, this episode will reset how you approach your digital presence.
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Australia’s growing trade deficit isn’t just a headline, it’s something business owners are feeling every day. Nic chats with tradie turned Workex founder Ian Cooper to unpack the real pressure on the ground, from a 48% apprenticeship churn rate to ageing workforces and stretched safety systems. With experience spanning trade school, food and beverage manufacturing, project management and entrepreneurship, Ian shares how those frontline challenges led him to build Workex Solutions, a digital compliance and reporting platform designed specifically for tradies. The conversation talks more about smarter safety processes, streamlined SWMS and permits, and how practical technology can reduce admin while protecting crews on site.
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Feeling stuck on the business hamster wheel, working hard but never quite getting ahead is where Daniel from Dreamscapes Landscapes & Garden Solutions found himself before he took the leap, asked for help, and started seeing real change. Nic sits down with Daniel about his first 12 months in business, the early grind of taking any job to make payroll, learning pricing and systems the hard way, and moving from solo operator to confident leader. Daniel shares what finally pushed him to seek support, how vulnerability and community changed everything, and why building a business that supports your life (not consumes it) matters more than ever, with plenty of honest lessons for tradies at any stage of the journey.
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Solar installs get all the attention. But what happens after the panels go on the roof is where many trade businesses are quietly leaking opportunity. In this episode, Nic sits down with Daniel Lazarus from Industrias to unpack the overlooked role of solar maintenance and why it’s becoming one of the most stable, scalable business models in the industry. They talk about recurring revenue, labour-based growth challenges, white-label services, and how maintenance creates long-term client relationships instead of one-off transactions.
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Paperwork alone does not keep people safe on site. Systems do. Nic sits down with Gareth Davies, Managing Director of SafeAssure, to break down what practical and effective safety really looks like in a trade business. They explore why so many safety documents fail once the work starts, and how to build simple systems that tradies actually understand and follow on site. Drawing on real world incidents and decades of industry experience, Gareth explains how the right safety foundations reduce risk, clarify expectations, and create consistency across teams and subcontractors. The focus stays on what genuinely keeps people safe and what protects a business when something goes wrong.
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In this special episode, Nic invites you for a stroll down memory lane, sharing how the TIB podcast began, the unexpected moments that shaped it, and the evolution from early guest chats to Real Tradie Stories, F#ck It Friday, and the daily TradieRonaCast episodes. It’s a warm and honest look at the journey and the community that has grown around it, wrapped up with a little nostalgia and a reason to stick around right to the end.
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When December starts piling on the pressure, most tradies slip straight into survival mode. Nic digs into why the lead-up to Christmas feels so chaotic for so many business owners and offers simple, real-world shifts you can make right now to steady your cashflow, set clearer boundaries, get your crew aligned, and protect your energy heading into shutdown. The goal is to help you finish the year feeling more in control and far less overwhelmed.
REGISTER HERE for the free workshop to turn chaos into control before Christmas.
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What does it really mean to be a man today? Nic sits down with John Broadbent, author of Man Unplugged, to unpack the pressures, confusion, and disconnection many men face. From business collapse to personal rebuilding, John shares his own story and the lessons learned through men’s groups, rites of passage, and connection. This is an honest chat about self-worth, leadership, and legacy—and why understanding “men’s business” might just change the way you show up at work, at home, and in life.
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Real change starts when you stop performing and start unbecoming. Nic sits down with Dr. Ash Moreland, neuroscientist and founder of the Re-MIND Institute, to unpack the hidden programming that keeps tradies stuck half on the tools and half in business. They explore identity, purpose, and the cost of hustle on marriages, kids, and mental health, then map a simple path forward: awareness, education, transformation. You’ll hear how to spot imposter syndrome, let go of control so you can delegate, and replace numb-out habits with healthy boundaries.
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Think running a race team is hectic? Try rebuilding a 10,000-horsepower engine between rounds while managing a plumbing crew back at work. In this episode, Nic chats with Adam Wright from Snap-On Tools and drag racer and business owner Phil Read. Together, they reveal how Snap-On’s national initiatives and Phil’s multi-generation racing legacy collide in the fast lane. From balancing business and burnout to supporting a greater cause, they share the story behind Snap-On’s partnership with the McGrath Foundation, and how pink tools, pit-side fundraising, and teamwork are helping fund vital cancer care nurses across Australia.
You can donate by buying pink Snap-On tools and merch from your local van or visiting the Snap-on Tools Fundraising page.
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Think you need to grind 80-hour weeks to keep your business afloat? Nic chats with builder Brendan Wyllie from Str8Edge Construction about his leap from apprentice to business owner, and the mindset shift that took him off the tools and into true leadership. He shares honest lessons on tricky clients, the power of documenting everything, and why consistent quoting keeps work flowing. You’ll hear how coaching, systems, and trusting his “mini-me” tradie helped him build a reliable team, steady cash flow, and more time for family (and a few triathlon sessions).
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Rock bottom moments and honest conversations aren’t just character building, they are game changers. Nic is joined by her son Blake, whose journey from freezer warehouses to million-dollar eCommerce sales and back again shaped the lessons behind his current venture, Wispix AI. They chat about what happens when ego gets in the way, why community matters, and how tradies can use AI to streamline admin, automate calls, and boost profits. From turning site voice notes into job reports to building consistency in quoting, Blake shows how practical AI can be. You’ll hear how a “generalist plus AI specialist” combo protects profit and frees up family time.
Learn more about Wispix AI & connect with Blake here.
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Rats in the office? That’s one thing. But running your trade business with the wrong structure? That could cost you everything. Nic is joined by Dan and Tim from the Two Drunk Accountants to talk about something every trade business owner needs to get right: your business structure. Whether you're a sole trader just starting out or you're eyeing off a company setup, they break down the pros, cons, and hidden traps you need to know. They also share their now-infamous “Ratgate” office saga, which turns out to be a perfect reminder of what happens when you ignore the warning signs.
You can also catch Dan & Tim in their podcast: Two Drunk Accountants Podcast
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What if the thing holding your business back isn’t your team, but how you’re leading them? Mick Scotney, ex-sparky now CEO & Founder of Awakened Business, shares what it really takes to build a team that runs without you doing all the thinking. He unpacks how to step out of the daily grind and into true leadership, from letting go of control to building systems that support growth. Mick scaled his business from two to over eighty staff by focusing on people, culture and structure, creating a team that could thrive without him in every detail.
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From chemistry labs to high-vis on-site, Reece’s path into the trades was anything but typical. Now running one of Australia’s most unique trade businesses, Wardrobe Refractories, he’s navigating emergency breakdowns, tight compliance, and the challenge of building trust with casual crews. With a clear focus on shifting from self-employed to true business owner, Reece shares how systems, structure, and mindset are helping him lead with more clarity and control.
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When Tyson Blanch bought the business, he knew it had potential, but he didn’t expect it to grow so fast. In this episode, Nic and Tyson talk through the journey from solo tradie to team leader, building a thriving workshop with multiple staff and more freedom at home. Tyson reflects on the power of asking for help early, leading with vulnerability, and learning to step back so others can step up. It’s an honest look at what it really takes to grow a business that works for you, not the other way around.
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Finance broker Anthony Hopson from Urban Broker brings a unique perspective to money management, blending his background in banking with breathwork to help tradies shift how they think and feel about money. Nic chats with Anthony about why brokers can offer more flexible options for self-employed clients and how unspoken beliefs about money, often formed in childhood, can lead to stress, poor decisions or conflict. They talk about breathwork as a tool for emotional regulation, especially in business, and how grounding yourself can lead to clearer thinking, better lending outcomes and healthier money habits.
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What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn’t your pricing, team, or strategy.. but your mindset? Nic chats with mindset coach Di Russell about the real reason many tradies feel stuck even when they’re doing all the “right” things. Di shares her personal story of rebuilding after loss, running a multi-state business, and the lessons she’s learned about self-worth, identity, and success. This episode will challenge and encourage you to rethink what success actually looks like and how to build a trade business that brings more joy, not just stress.
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After four decades in the trade, Miles knows a thing or two about building a business that lasts. Nic chats with Miles about his journey from apprentice to owner of Astley Electrical, and the lessons learned along the way, from business partner breakups to leading a values-driven family team. They unpack the systems, culture, and mindset that make up “The Astley Way,” and why professionalism, respect, and continual learning matter just as much as technical skill. Whether you're stepping off the tools or planning for your legacy, this one’s full of real-world wisdom for every tradie in business.
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If you’ve ever felt like your brain’s a chaotic mix of too many ideas, unfinished tasks, and caffeine-fueled energy bursts, you’re not broken. You might just be wired differently. And that can be a massive advantage. Skye Waterson from Unconventional Organisation knows this first hand. Diagnosed with ADHD while completing her PhD, she’s since helped business owners across the world turn that chaos into clarity with tools that actually work for neurodiverse brains. In this episode, you’ll learn how to spot the signs of ADHD (even without a diagnosis), why traditional advice often fails business owners with ADHD, and how to build focus, routines, and team systems that actually stick.
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Struggling to make sense of online marketing for your trade business? In this episode, Nic chats with Brandon Willington, from Where U, who breaks down his no-fluff approach to digital marketing using his 3Cs method—Clicks, Conversion, and Conversation. From setting up ads on Meta and Google to building landing pages that actually convert, Brandon shares practical tips for tradies who want real results without wasting cash. They also chat about CRMs, AI tools, and why you don’t need a big agency—or even your face on camera—to succeed online.
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Nic and Waz sadly see too many couples who are disconnected, join them as they explore how this happens and share their tips on finding your way back
TWL038 re-run
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Nic and Waz talk through how a job title can help your parnter begin to understand how much you do within your tradie wife role.
TWL036 re-run
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Running a niche trade business comes with its own set of challenges, and Dan Boscolo from Timeless Staircases knows this firsthand. From starting as an apprentice to leading his own stair-building business, Dan shares how he grew his business while staying true to his craft. He also shares how support from the TIB community helped him tackle cash flow issues and why keeping his passion for skateboarding alive has been key to his work-life balance.
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Leadership can be tricky for trade business owners trying to guide their teams. Nic chats with Dani Ferrier, founder of Lead Like a Legend, about how to tackle leadership and tough conversations in the workplace. With years of experience in hospitality and wilderness guiding across 8 countries, Dani brings a fresh take on communication and leadership as she explains why we often avoid difficult conversations and shares her “Pace Pace Lead” framework to handle them better. Dani also talks about giving positive feedback and how cultural factors like tall poppy syndrome can make it challenging. Her advice encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability, improve communication, and build stronger, more motivated teams.
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We're introducing a new weekly episode where Nic will be joined by Waz to discuss the difference of opinions we all have in relationships!
TWL032 re-run
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In just on 5 years a couple of chippy mates, Ed Ross and Dan Allen, have built a small empire in the workwear space. Perhaps more impressively, they've also set up and run their own mental health organisation that delivers free counselling and support to blue collar workers around the country. With more than $700,000 of free counselling services rolled out to over 4,000 tradies through their not-for-profit, TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), these lads are taking massive action when it comes to the mental health of tradies everywhere. We chat with Ed about their journey and some of the challenges they've faced behind the scenes of this very eye-catching business!
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This instalment of Real Tradie Guys is a cracker. Not only is our guest a Kiwi, a heavy diesel fitter, a West Australian and a TiB Tradiepreneur... he's also a competitive wood chopper! Ben started his business recently like so many other tradies, after deciding he wanted the freedom, flexibility and financial rewards of being self employed. Ben has done things different to many though and he shares his secrets to being profitable and balanced just 3 months after kicking off his new venture!
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Amii Jones epitomises many 'tradie wives'. She's incredibly humble about her role in her family and business and tends to understate how much she contributes to the smooth running of both. We had a fantastic chat to one of our rock star Drawing Board members about how she's managed to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', influence her husband to make positive change, overcome her self-doubt, harness her strengths, embrace the title of Business Manager and more. Amii also gives some insight into the power of community and the Tradies In Business Drawing Board (now Tradiepreneur Program) with Waz and Nic. Finally, we celebrate her and husband Brendon achieving the massive goal of buying their first house! This is a cracking episode with one of our favourite tradie wives.
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Mar-kuh-ting... that's how Waz sounds it out anyway. While marketing is done to DEATH on just about every podcast known to man, Waz and Nic find a bloke who's got it down to just one page! Although he wrote a whole book on the subject, Allan Dib reckons the best marketing plan fits on a page. We think that's a good way to keep it simple and get it done. See if you agree!
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Feedback is just information...right? Sometimes it's just not that easy. Waz and Nic give each other some feedback and discuss whether and when it's ok to give feedback to others. Oh, and how to (maybe) accept it!
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As the year rushes toward its end, Waz & Nic chat about the power of timing and how it plays a key role in business and life. With the holiday season fast approaching, they share insights into why waiting for the “perfect moment” often leaves you further behind. Whether it’s team morale, client relationships, or your own wellbeing, they explore how doing nothing can lead to bigger challenges. If you’re feeling the pressure or just ready to stop stalling, this is a nudge to take action and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.
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If you’ve ever thought about bringing an apprentice on board but felt a bit lost in the process, you're not alone. Jeff Cooke from Apprenticeship Support Australia is here to clear up the confusion and myths around hiring apprentices. He breaks down the process, addressing common concerns like the initial learning curve, wages, and legalities, and provides clarity on the evolving financial incentives. Jeff’s advice makes it easy to see how apprenticeships could benefit your trade business.
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Looking to buy a home but feeling blocked by strict bank requirements? Ryan Gair, founder of Rate Money, shares how his team helps self-employed tradies overcome the obstacles banks often set. Ryan reveals why traditional banks’ rigid loan requirements can be tough for people with variable incomes and explains how Rate Money’s tailoured lending solutions, like low doc loans, are designed to meet the unique needs of self-employed borrowers. Get practical tips on building good credit, using family pledge loans, and finding a trusted financial advisor to help make homeownership a reality.
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As the holiday season approaches, trade business owners face the challenge of avoiding the dreaded Christmas hangover. In part 2 of this Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic shares how to keep your marketing game strong amid the pre-Christmas rush. Discover the importance of staying connected with clients through emails and social media while others may go quiet. Plus, learn simple strategies to keep you top-of-mind, especially in industries that keep rolling during the holidays.
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Christmas is around the corner, and with it comes the typical chaos that can catch trade business owners off guard. In this first part of the Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic share some practical tips to help you prepare for the rush and avoid common pitfalls, like cash flow gaps that hit hard in the new year. From handling last-minute jobs to creating a cash flow forecast that actually works, there are valuable strategies to keep your business—and your sanity—on track through the season.
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Ever faced issues because you didn’t have a written agreement with your clients? Alex Solo from Sprintlaw shares practical tips on securing your business structure, locking in key contracts, and protecting your brand name from the start. He talks about how clear, written contracts can save you from headaches down the line—whether it's dealing with non-paying clients or unfinished jobs. Alex encourages business owners to be proactive about legal protections—after all, it’s easier to prevent problems than to fix them.
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How do you balance growing a trade business with family life and long-term goals? Rhys and Renee from Functional Air share their story of building a successful business while juggling the demands of parenting and personal aspirations. They talk about the importance of getting the right advice early, avoiding bad habits, and how hiring additional support transformed their work-life balance. Plus, they reveal the hard lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the surprising ways they've kept their business moving forward without burning out.
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Can a business really grow too fast or too big? Waz and Nic take on the question of whether it’s possible to expand too fast or get too big for your own good. They challenge the common fears around growth, pointing out that the real issue usually lies in shaky systems and lack of preparation. They also share why it's important to set clear boundaries, stay aligned with personal goals, and avoid taking on too much too soon.
You can also book a free chat with Waz & Nic to know how to grow your business sustainably, boost profits, and free up more of your time.
Connect with Tradies in Business!
In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube, explore our website and join our Facebook Group.
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Running a trade business can feel chaotic, but it’s not always about needing more systems—it’s about improving the ones you’ve already got. Waz and Nic are breaking down how refining your existing processes can lead to more efficiency and less stress. From sales and operations to managing clients, they are sharing practical tips for streamlining your business without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking to tweak small tasks or revamp your entire workflow, they’ll guide you through making changes that actually stick. Plus, they offer a free session to help you take the next step toward a more organised and balanced business life.
Connect with Tradies in Business!
In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube, explore our website and join our Facebook Group.
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When it comes to hiring, focusing on leadership and soft skills can make a real difference in building well-rounded and effective teams. Do you agree? Leah Mether, a Communication & Soft Skills Specialist, joins Waz & Nic to chat about communication, leadership, and the importance of soft skills in today's workplace. Leah shares her insights on courageous communication, owning up to mistakes, and the impact of genuine apologies. She emphasises self-awareness and emotional regulation, especially for leaders, and shares inspiring stories about hiring for human skills over technical know-how. Tune in as we explore the essential soft skills that set true leaders apart and learn how investing in these abilities can boost success both personally and professionally.
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Ever find yourself puzzled by why your profit doesn’t match your bank balance? Or wonder why there never seem to be enough hours in the day? Waz & Nic are answering the top three questions trade business owners ask the most. Plus they clear up the difference between profit and cash flow, share practical tips on managing your time, and discuss the common feeling of being on your own with business challenges.
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For this special episode, Waz and Nic chat with Ben Hulsbosch, aka "Bin Chicken," who’s won the "Top of the Trade - Sole Trader" award two years in a row at the Tradies in Business Excellence Awards. Ben shares his journey from heavy diesel contractor to award-winning business owner, offering practical tips on crafting standout award submissions. They explore how entering awards can boost confidence, align goals, and celebrate small wins. Ben also emphasizes the importance of letting your personality shine through in both your business and your submissions.
Click HERE to submit your entries for the Tradies in Business Excellence Awards. Submissions close on September 15th, 2024.
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Many business owners shy away from planning for the future and protecting their assets—like figuring out what happens to your business when you pass away. Vanessa Emilio from Legal123 brings her law and finance expertise to guide us through the essentials of will preparation, the importance of updating your will after major life events, and the key legalities tradies need to include in their quotes. Join Waz and Nic as they discuss simple yet powerful steps to safeguard your business and ensure your wishes are respected, while addressing common fears and misconceptions around legal planning.
For more information, click here for helpful resources and potential discounts on services with Legal123.
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Waz & Nic share personal stories on parenting and personal growth, from breaking away from negative family patterns to reflecting on the joys and challenges of being later-life parents. They discuss the power of a positive mindset, the importance of venting emotions, and the balance between caring for others and financial sustainability. They also explore how choosing a positive outlook as a parent can impact family dynamics and child development. How do you think a positive mindset influences these areas?
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Waz & Nic sit down with Dr. Gina Cleo, a habit change expert who’s here to challenge everything you thought you knew about breaking bad habits and creating lasting change. Dr. Cleo emphasises that making consistent, small changes is more effective than an all-or-nothing approach. They also touch on the significance of authenticity and vulnerability, particularly in the age of social media, and how these qualities can lead to genuine connection and personal growth. From managing time better to dealing with discomfort and embracing personalised strategies, you'll find practical insights to help you change your brain, break those bad habits, and get what you want.
Grab a copy of Gina's lates book 'The Habit Revolution' here.
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Feeling the weight of the tradie life? August is National Tradie Health Month so we’re cutting through the noise and getting real about the challenges tradies face. Waz & Nic talk about the daily stress, isolation, and overwhelming workload that many tradies endure—because simply knowing there’s a problem isn’t enough.. We need practical solutions, and that means focusing on more than just the physical. Emotional and mental well-being are just as important, and finding a supportive community can make all the difference.
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Ever tried taking a holiday only to have work crises follow you? Many trade business owners experience this. From the struggles of phones that never stop ringing to team mishaps when the boss is away, the list could go on and on.. You might also believe that only you can manage your trade business, but empowering your team can lead to amazing results. Time off starts with trust and structured systems & procedures.
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Waz and Nic sit down with the incredible Maggie Dent to explore the challenges men face in today's world. Maggie, passionate about helping boys transition into adulthood, clears up misconceptions about trade careers and advocates for recognising the value men bring to fields like education and tech. She discusses the different stages of growing up, the need for flexible workplaces, and balancing fatherhood and personal fulfillment.
In addition, Maggie has recently released her latest book, Help Me Help My Teen—which provides clear advice on handling sensitive topics like technology use, sex, drugs, mental health, and identity. Tune in for Maggie’s personal stories and practical tips on creating supportive, judgment-free environments at home and work.
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Let's explore the cultural phenomenon of "tall poppy syndrome"— where highly successful people often get criticised, and see how it affects tradies thinking about entering business awards. Waz & Nic talk about how these awards can do more than just give you a nice plaque; they're a surprising but powerful way to boost motivation, get marketing benefits, and even make some extra money.
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Dreaming of getting rich quick through real estate? Matthew from Rosie & Rosie chats with Waz & Nic about revealing the truths and challenges behind property investment and the pitfalls that many first-time investors stumble into. Matthew also touches on the nitty-gritty of finding suitable properties—using client briefs, real estate alerts, and leveraging industry contacts for those elusive off-market opportunities. Plus, know more about the government incentives, the impact they have on house prices, and a proven strategy for property investment.
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Are arguments with your spouse turning into war zones? Join Nic and Waz as they share insights on handling disagreements effectively while ditching the "winning" mentality. Learn how to truly listen, understand your partner's perspective, and find common ground, even when you don't see eye-to-eye. Because in healthy relationships, it's not about winning or losing, it's about growing together.
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Today is all about one of the most annoying aspects of putting yourself out there: trolls. Yeah, those not-so-cute, not-so-fuzzy internet pests who live for bashing your posts. Have you or your business ever been trolled on social media? How did you deal with them without losing your sanity or your business reputation? Join Waz & Nic as they chat about their recent troll encounter, how did they deal with it and some tips on responding like a pro.
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Have you tried using ChatGPT in your business? Join Waz & Nic as they chat with Donna McGeorge—who penned a book on this ever-evolving technology—as she talks about why it's important to be mindful of cybersecurity when using AI, similar to how we protect our personal and financial info. She clears up some common misconceptions about AI and shares how she’s been using ChatGPT herself. Stick around to learn some practical tips on getting the most out of ChatGPT and avoiding common mistakes.
Grab a copy of Donna's ChatGPT Prompt Sheet HERE.
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What would it be like to trade the warm, bustling city life for the frozen, isolated beauty of Antarctica? Connor Gordon, a tradie business owner, made just that switch. Leaving his carpentry business in Canberra, he ventured to the icy expanse of Antarctica. Connor shares why he made such a bold move and recounts his surreal first moments in this extreme environment, where the cold and tough conditions make every task an adventure. He also talks about managing interpersonal dynamics in a small, isolated station, where the team relies on recreational activities and morale-boosting events to stay connected.
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Have you ever thought about the opportunities you might have missed by not hiring sooner? In this episode, Waz and Nic tackle the big question of when to hire staff—breaking down the common fears and excuses that hold trade business owners back. From understanding the financial clarity to reaping the benefits of adding a team member, they cover it all. Whether you're considering your first hire or expanding your current team, get ready for practical tips and insights designed to help you grow your trade business with confidence.
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Known for his genuine motivational approach, Trevor Farmer from Topcatz explores the essence of leadership and finding a higher purpose at work. Drawing from his own experiences overcoming challenges, he emphasises the importance of keeping sight of your goals and the role of mindset in overcoming fear. Join Waz & Nic as they touch on Trevor's personal life, including the profound influence of love, overcoming victim mentality, and the importance of genuine introspection for personal growth.
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One of the scariest thing to do is making change in your trade business—specially raising your rates... “What if I lose clients? What if no one pays?” There's these ideas that money changes people, and having more money makes you an a**hole or those sorts of ideas. But the truth is: clients who value quality are willing to pay for it. Join Waz & Nic as they help you get paid what you're worth through some processes and resources to help you adjust your rates and reframe your trade business.
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Do you find it challenging to cut through the noise and make your job ad stand out online? You're not alone. One of the key highlights is the importance of making job ads 'sexy' to stand out in a cluttered online space. Waz & Nic will talk about some recruitment strategies that'll make your job ads pop and attract the BEST candidates! From catchy headlines to engaging body text, and even adding videos, Waz & Nic covered it all to help you get top-notch tradies.
If your current approach isn’t working, switch it up and get hands-on help at our Get off the Tools Workshop in Melbourne on 30 May 30! Shoot us a message in Facebook or Instagram or hit up our website for details.
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One of the things we usually hear from trade business owners is they're stuck in the endless cycle of 'Where do we start' or 'What do we do next?' Whether you're overwhelmed by the sea of potential changes or just uncertain about your next step, Waz & Nic will help you explore the three key areas that every trade business owner should focus on to evaluate your business’s current status across various operations. From cash flow fixes to systematising your operations, it's all covered!
And if you still find yourself scratching your head and unsure of which direction to take, you can book a brainstorm session with Waz & Nic to help direct your steps towards tangible improvement.
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Why do some tasks fail despite clear instructions?Waz & Nic are breaking down the ins and outs of delegation vs. abdication in your trade business, and how common abdication is specially in trades where accountability is key. If you're a trade business owner, mastering this distinction could make a significant difference in your operational success and team performance.
If you would like to know more about our Get Off The Tools Workshop on the 30th May, you can message us in Facebook or Instagram or contact us through the website.
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Curious about how businesses manage to stay compliant with ever-changing laws and regulations? From sharing her experiences running a compliance training business to cracking the code on balancing work and family, Deborah Coram, a seasoned professional in compliance training, shares her practical wisdom and valuable insights on how effective training can empower you and your trade business to operate ethically and responsibly, even in a fast-paced, digital world. Join Nic & Waz as they have a chat with Deborah about the ins and outs of staying on the right side of the law in your tradie business. Plus, get a sneak peek into what the future holds—could training be turning into a game?
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What does it take to grow a YouTube channel from zero to hero? From green keeping to becoming a full-time content creator and savvy online entrepreneur, Ben shares his inspiring journey and the secrets to his thriving YouTube channel and online business—Lawn Tips. With an impressive 140,000 subscribers and a top video hitting 4 million views, Ben shares his insights on creating and posting content and how adding entertainment value to his lawn care videos make them engaging and relatable to his audience. Don't miss out as Ben shares valuable lessons and advice for anyone ready to take a risk and chase their dreams—even if it means stepping out of the mainstream.
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How can you build a brand that goes beyond the product and truly resonates with people? Well, let's take a peek behind the scenes at Totally Workwear's journey as Troy shares how they've shaken up the workwear game, not only by transforming the industry but also by standing up for the hardworking folks who wear their gear. From forging strong partnerships to keeping focused on delivering outstanding customer experience, they are keeping the momentum going, especially as they continue to expand their already impressive network of 90 stores. After all it's not just about what you wear, it's about gearing up for success in your trade.
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Running a successful building business and maintaining a healthy personal life is possible and that's what Liam and Samara demonstrate in their business and family life. In this episode, Liam and Samara share the importance of communication and boundaries, both at home and at work, the immense value of personal time, and the courage to seek help in a male-dominated industry. We also get the inside on how they manage both work-related and relational tensions, the necessity of delegating tasks, and their belief in building a support network that extends beyond the workplace.
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Ever wondered what it takes to transition from being a builder to a building certifier and then a successful business owner? Tune in to Real Tradie Stories as Waz & Nic sit down with Scott Wrigley and chat about the importance of seeking outside feedback, embracing coaching, and the challenges faced by trade business owners. Scott shares insights on personal growth, the role of business coaching, and the need for continuous learning in the construction industry.
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The saying goes, never argue with an idiot because they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. The same could be said about arguing with clients... or the licensing bodies! Today's guest is a former builder turned consultant who learned the hard way how important paperwork and awareness of your obligations are. This applies to all trades but especially those with longer contracts for construction or installation works. Get an industry veteran's insights into how to avoid legal battles.
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Waz loves camping. Nic... used to but now not so much! Find out why Nic's fallen out of love with her caravan and what's wrong with caravan parks. Waz tries his best to turn it all into a business lesson. Not sure he succeeds this time though!
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Saying no. It's a skill many of us wish we had but are either too scared to use or unsure how! In today's quickie episode, your hosts run through some simple, actionable tools you can use to say no when you know you should instead of saying yes when you know you shouldn't!
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We have another chat to Ryan Wilson who, back in 2017, founded 'Free Trade Day'. Free Trade Day is an initiative that helps those less fortunate with basic tradie services, free for a day! Ryan's also an electrician and business owner and since we last spoke here on the podcast, he's had some interesting lessons. We share them with you on this episode as well as take a look at his business and charity journey over the past few years. Oh, and Ryan sets us straight on the truth about electricians and the cars they prefer to drive!
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Nic pops on her tin foil hat and tunes it in to the conspiracy channel today. What's REALLY going on with the NRL going to Las Vegas and what's it got to do with your kids and your family?
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There have been some changes to employment law in Australia that could affect trade business owners. Nic and Waz run through some of the key changes that you should be aware of and how they might impact your business and your bottom line. For more specifics, click HERE to chat with our mate Kristy-lee Billett.
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When Rakesh Nairn's family fell on their face in business, he decided to educate himself and avoid the same mistakes. He's gone on to work with some of the country's biggest accounting firms and now runs his own practice along with our mate Jackson Milan from Aureus Financial. While this topic can be drier than the millennium drought, Rakesh manages to get us laughing as well as delivering his tips on how to avoid the 3 big mistakes tradies in business make. Oh, and he wears a t-shirt and hoody so tune in and find out what you should be doing differently with your own accounting, tax and business finances.
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We all complain about stuff. It's natural to feel like a rant or a vent at times. Problem is, many of us complain but don't do anything about changing the situation! And what about when you complain about something you can't control? What are you supposed to do then? Nic's got a suggestion that might shock you!
Click HERE if you'd like to book a chat with Nic & Waz
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Do you struggle to come up with content to share on your social media pages? You're not alone... most trade business owners are confused, scared or just overwhelmed about sharing images, videos or posts to their business feed. Nic and Waz give some quick, actionable tips on what you CAN share so you can get started right away, stay consistent and potentially attract more of the clients you want.
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Other than a cool name, Dante St James has a ton of experience using social media for business. He happens to be one of a small number of Meta contractors here in Australia so he gives us the inside running on using the platform wisely. When people are mostly on Facebook and Instagram to watch videos of Kim Kardashian, how the heck do you get prospects to see your business content? We ask and answer these questions and many more that could save you a whole lot of doom scrolling and get you more business!
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Waz has a very sensitive 'being taken advantage of' nerve and lately he's been feeling a little triggered. Find out what online shopping has to do with his rant today and why Nic thinks something should be done about crappy service.
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Make variations profitable again! Nic and Waz drag another episode out of the back catalogue and give you the short version (tough for Waz to do!) For the full ep, head to TIB161 How to avoid headaches when clients change their mind
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You're in business to make money. More specifically, you should be in business to make a profit. Profit first, then cash and we all love cash right? Problem is, many tradies think increasing profit is complicated, confusing and hard. The truth couldn't be more different. Nic and Waz talk through some of the super simple things you can do to get your business machine pumping out more profit. They share some of the 50 or more simple ways you can do this so you can have more of the freedom you want from your business. Plus, they've created a free guide to the top 50 ways you can pull on your levers... grab it HERE.
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Coxie goes to town on Australia's favourite TV show. Waz offers his best advice on getting over it and then we're pretty sure they end up off in the weeds, offering coaching advice to you! Tune in to another Fire Truck Friday episode for a bit of a rant, some deep and meaningful thought and a few laughs.
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Up or down... what's your bet? Aussies have been hit by some horrendous interest rate hikes in the past year and it's starting to land hard for trade business owners. As clients tighten their purse strings, leads are slowing and cash is not flowing as much as it was. Some are saying rates are going to come down but what if they don't? Are you prepared?
If you'd like to know more about our Cashflow webinar, just send us a message through our website or DM us at Facebook or Instagram.
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Grab your girl-gang (or mates), head to yoga and then, release the puppy-dogs!! Huh? Yep, puppy-yoga is a thing and Waz tries to understand it. Plus, Nic and Waz chew the fat on friendships, getting away with mates and why having a girl-gang is an important part of life. Oh, and puppies. Puppies are awesome.
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Marketing can be a complex, confusing and often expensive part of running and growing a tradie business. The best marketing plans aren't necessarily complex, confusing OR expensive. In fact, back in 2019 we spoke with Allan Dib, author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan about simplifying marketing and marketing plans. Nic and Waz give you a quick summary of that ep today but if you want to dig deeper and get all the tactics, listen to the original at TIB034 How to market your trade business with Allan Dib from The One Page Marketing Plan
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It's all well and good to chase the most profitable work, or the biggest dollar jobs, but at what cost? What if you're going after the wrong clients and the wrong work without even realising it? Waz and Nic show you why your why should drive your marketing. Why? Because you might be sacrificing fulfillment, sustainability and longevity if it isn't.
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It's a bit of a rant. It's a bit of a plea. Waz and Nic get sick of hearing about tradie business owners putting everyone else first. While it might seem like you're just 'serving others' and doing what's necessary, it could also be a selfish act. There's a better way to serve your family, your clients, your peers... and that's to serve yourself first! Disagree? Listen to our argument and see if you change your mind!
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Back in January 2018 we had a chat to Jason 'Gibbo' Gibbs, a journalist, dad, Crossfitter and writer. He shares some tips from the pros on how to use stories to get buy-in from your audience... literally! To listen to the original episode go to TIB011 Using stories to get more customers with Jason Gibbs from The Chronicle
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After the past 4 years, you'd be familiar with the burnout that has affected many business owners. Tradies in business have copped it even more it seems with some specific issues hitting them post-Covid. What you might not realise is that your burnout issues can be greatly reduced by changing your marketing. This will require a change in thinking from you as a tradie business owner, but it could be the secret your looking for. If you want to feel less stressed, less used and abused and more appreciated in your business, listen hard to this episode with Nic and Waz as they take a different angle on marketing.
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Yep. F#ck It Friday returns. Today Nic is back on the horse, ranting about the treatment tradies seem to keep copping from the media. As usual, Waz has an opinion on everything and together, your hosts try and come up with something useful and perhaps a little entertaining for a Friday episode!
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In a new episode format, Nic and Waz go back through the dusty archives of over 600 episodes here on the podcast and pick one to summarise and serve up to you as some helpful tid bits. Today, the pair jump back onto the 'how do we get the next generation to work better' conundrum and hit you with the simple problem:solution:action. If you want to listen to the full episode as well, you can find it here...
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Today we're talking AI (Artificial Intelligence). Seems the whole business world is going troppo over this latest tech advancement and Nic and Waz decided it's time to share their insights. Should you be excited or worried about it? Does it have a place in a tradie business? What might the opportunities be and how could you harness them? Check it out and see if you can tell whether this episode was recorded using AI or the real Nic and Waz!
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Waz and Nic chat with Cal MacPherson from Youngblood Men's Mental Health. They have an honest discussion about the challenges of discussing mental health and its critical importance, especially since Cal's mate tragically completed suicide. This event deeply affected Cal, and he's now dedicated to providing a space for men to openly share the burdens they're carrying. They explore the importance of breaking the silence on topics that are often avoided, such as supporting your friends when they're opening up, and why Cal is so committed to assisting others. Cal speaks candidly about the need to be genuine, to drop your defenses, and to ensure there's a safe environment for men to express themselves without fear of judgment. Cal offers valuable guidance on recognizing when a friend is in distress and how to support them. They highlight the importance of having emergency contact numbers readily available, the benefits of physical fitness for mental clarity, and how their podcast aims to continue the conversation and provide mutual support during challenging times.
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If you're as old as Waz, you'll remember what some refer to as the golden era of rugby league in Australia. No Australian rugby league player had a greater influence on fitness than Balmain lock forward Wayne Pearce. A non-drinker and non-smoker, Pearce's strict adherence to exercise and diet helped to modernise the game as he became a role model for younger players and fans. Pearce quickly rose to the Balmain captaincy in 1982, a position he held until his retirement. The Tigers reached the finals seven times during his reign, which included heart-wrenching grand-final losses in 1988 and 1989. These days, Wayne leads teams in the business world and shares his wisdom on what makes a winning tradie business team and how you can lead anyone to success.
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What happens when you rent 500 utes out to tradies? You get to learn a LOT about how the winners are winning and the learners are learning! Tim Cullen from TradieSpec kicked off with a mate and a ute just over 5 years ago. Since then, they've grown TradieSpec to a fleet of more than 500 vehicles. We get the inside running on some of the different ways to equip yourself with vehicles in your business without needing to own them. Tim also shares his insights from working with 2,500 tradie business owners!
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Yep, Happy New Year! While Nic and Waz both enjoy a celebration and catching up with friends and family, they're not buying into the whole 'new year new you' B.S. that seems to fill our social media feeds every January. Not only does it not work for almost anyone wanting to change their results, it actually distracts us from what really leads to different (and better!) results in business, relationships and life in general. Tune in to our first ep for 2024 and check out our slightly different intro, slightly better jokes and see if you can pick up on our hint at the segway Waz has in store for you!
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As Nic and Waz head off on the annual TIB refresh period, they want to leave you with a few final thoughts as you go into your own holiday season (hopefully you ARE taking some time off!). Thanks to all our listeners for another awesome year and we're excited about some changes and new stuff we're bringing to the podcast in 2024. Merry Christmas!
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Reputation is key when it comes to attracting and retaining clients. Contrary to what you may think, reputation is also a lot more than just 'doing a good job' or 'being polite'. In the age of information, your reputation is as much about managing what is said (or not said) about you as it is about delivering what you promised. Birdeye is one of the world's leading platforms to coordinate and manage your reputation in the digital age and we chat with Tony about word of mouth, using AI and how to take some simple steps so you're ahead of your competitors in the reputation stakes.
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We all get a bit mindless sometimes. Especially those of us with children when it comes to swearing. While some of you might not use rude words (please share your secret with us!), for many of us our language is quite unconscious. That is, until that time our young kids served it back to us and made us aware of our use of the _____ word! Business can be like this... mindless habits that we're not aware of can create outcomes we don't even want. Nic and Waz dig in to some of these habits AND how you can replace them with more mindful habits that serve you and your family.
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It's a common story we hear at Tradies In Business - a trade business is short of work so they desperately do something they should have been doing all along... marketing! Nic and Waz chat to James about how marketing has changed in the last 20+ years, what the fundamentals are regardless of your business size and the 2-3 tactics every business should have in place, all the time!
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For what must be the 9th year in a row on the show, Nic and Waz share their top tips to avoid ANOTHER year of Christmas period stress and headaches! Plus, they share some ways to make 2024 a smoother startup than it otherwise would have been.
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Imagine being a teenager, starting your apprenticeship, working in the family electrical business expecting to learn from your dad and then finding out he has a serious illness and can't work anymore? Tammy Vos found herself in this exact situation before she'd finished her electrical apprenticeship and before she'd had a chance to achieve her world travel goals. What happened next is nothing short of inspiring, with Tammy jumping into the driver's seat in her dad's electrical business, finishing her apprenticeship and taking on the role of General Manager. In just 6 short years, Tammy has achieved all these things plus grown her Instagram to over 15,000 followers and provided support and mentorship to women in the trades everywhere! Have a listen to this impressive young woman who is simply 'getting it done' and creating positivity as she does.
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Possibly the number 1 killer of trade businesses is lack of cash. So anything that helps tradies in business invoice (and get paid) quickly can make a huge difference to your stress levels and overall business results. Nic and Waz chat with one of the newer players in the 'software as a service' (SAAS) space - NextMinute. Targeted specifically at builders and longer term project trades like landscapers, NextMinute was actually built by a software expert (not a former tradie!) so it's been very well thought out. Check out some great general tips on invoicing, cash flow and job management and also find out what sets Next Minute apart from some of the other players in the job management software space.
But that's not all! We've got some cool NextMinute resources for you!
Want to see how NextMinute stacks up? You can compare NextMinute to some of the other job management software on the market through Compare Competitors.
If you are seriously considering a new app to help manage your jobs & projects, you can download their Software Comparison Matrix for a full list of questions & and considerations.
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The list is seemingly endless when it comes to the admin 'stuff' that goes with owning and running a tradie business. From paying bills to quoting, replying to enquiries to ordering materials, raising invoices and even social media and team management there's no shortage of 'little things' to take up your time! Add that to the need to be on site for at least part (or all!) of your day and it's often hard to keep your head above water. Nic and Waz and the TIB team have been working hard on a new solution to your admin problems. In today's episode they take a look at the how and why of offloading some of these tasks as well as a sneak peek into their latest offering to tradie business owners.
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With more episodes than any other Trade Business podcast, we've covered some ground here at Tradies In Business! While in some respects this is 'just another episode' of the show, we thought it would be cool to take a wistful look back at the journey that's been the Tradies In Business podcast. We're excited to bring another 600 episodes along with more cool services over at TIB for those of you wanting to get support to create a business that serves your lifestyle.
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Ever wished there was a simple, low-cost and quick way to reduce your stress levels, quiet your busy brain and feel more grounded and less burned out? Wim Hof has been extolling the virtues of 'cold exposure' and breath work for many years but it hasn't been til more recently that his practices have really become popular. At our recent Tradiepreneur Blokes Retreat in Sydney, many of our clients spent time with Jimmy Tranter, a Wim Hof trainer, and we're fortunate to have Jimmy on the podcast to share with you the why, how and what of cold exposure, breath work and the benefits these practices can bring to anybody willing to give it a go. The best part? You don't even need to get into an ice bath to experience some of the positive effects!
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Can accountants and business coaches play in the same sandpit? If you have an accountant, is there even a need for a business coach? Do accountants have personalities? Are Coxie's jokes even funny? So many questions and so little time! Waz and Nic answer all these questions and more in today's episode with Dan and Tim from the Two Drunk Accountants podcast. These blokes are good mates and also business partners and they might just surprise you with some of their thoughts on business, accounting and ... ahem, those business coaches.
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Enter the Tradies in Business Excellence Awards HERE and show off your top-notch trade business. But hurry, submissions close on the 24th of August.
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When you love numbers and patterns as much as today's guest, it makes sense that you'd choose a career in finance right?! Shane Moore Has taken a personal talent and used it to help thousands of tradies over the years. As the founder of TradeRisk, Shane and his team sort through the maze of choices when it comes to all things insurance and Shane shares some of his insights into how to choose a good broker for your business. He also shares a couple of interesting stories from the industry as well as his own secret personal hobby that might surprise you!
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There's a saying that goes something like, "If you do something you love you'll never work another day in your life". Today's guest at Tradies In Business is a classic example of that idea. Joel Barnett has a true love and passion for landscaping. So much so he started his own podcast on the topic! Joel has also won numerous awards at the Melbourne International Flower Show and has created gardens for Channel 10's 'The Block' so he knows a thing or two about high standards and high pressure! Find out why he's chosen to stay on the tools and how that's actually lead to more success for this real tradie guy.
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Ever had a mate suggest that maybe you should run for politics? You know, put your speaking skills to good use?! Today's guest actually went from career plumber to public relations to finding himself as a member of the NSW parliament! While Nathan Smith certainly has a story or two to share about his journey through politics and his various other roles, he now heads up the NSW Master Plumbers Association. Nat is passionate about our apprentices, small business and giving the trades the recognition and support they deserve and spins some awesome yarns with Nic and Waz today.
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If you think this is the start of one of Nic's jokes you'd be forgiven. This story couldn't be more real though. After losing his eye in a site accident, Aaron Wilton-Jones went on to become a skydiving instructor, launch and grow a successful car detailing business and now a video content creation expert. He also teaches other people how to achieve success in their auto detailing business... and all after losing his own dad to a rare cancer in the past year. This young man is truly inspirational and pretty funny as well so enjoy our personal chat with him!
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Brad Young is a laid back, unassuming bloke who seems like your typical tradie business owner. He owns a boat (onto his 4th one!), likes a beer and wears a hoody in the office. Don't be fooled though! This tradie guy has built and continues to grow a national business with more than 100 staff. Perhaps more eye opening is the fact Brad from The Grout Guy is just getting started! Find out Brad's thoughts on school, staff and all things business in this Real Tradie Guys episode.
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Finding staff can be a hassle. One of the most frustrating aspects is where to advertise the position you have available, not to mention the cost of some of the 'major' platforms available! What if someone came up with a tradie-specific platform for job seekers and employers to both find each other on!? Well, look no further as today's guest has done just that! Renee Boardman has sunk her own time and money into solving a problem most trade business owners have - where to find good staff. Find out why Tradies In Business is getting behind the Trade-O platform. To find out more and grab your 30 day free trial, CLICK HERE
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There's no denying we're entering some 'interesting' times in Australia's economic history. With 12 interest rate hikes now there's a lot of consumers and businesses feeling the pinch. It may even seem like there's not much you can do to change any of this. We're here to tell you there is PLENTY you can do though. Unless you'd rather stick your head in the sand of course...
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There are many parralells between success in sport and success in business. Dedication, commitment, hard work, ability to get back up after a fall and many more! Today's guest has built on his trade skills (no pun intended, he's a sparky!) and turned pro mountain biker seemingly overnight. What people don't see though is the 10+ years Mike has put in to his sport, mindset and self development that's recently won him a Crankworx gold medal!
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Superannuation can seem confusing, restrictive and perhaps even a bit pointless. Especially if you're in a small-medium business where cash flow is king and making voluntary contributions may be at the bottom end of your list of things to do with your money... Today's guest is very experienced when it comes to superannuation having spent 20+ years in the industry. He reckons there's more opportunity for tradies in business than many would believe so tune in to see if you're taking advantage of everything you can!
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In just on 5 years a couple of chippy mates, Ed Ross and Dan Allen, have built a small empire in the workwear space. Perhaps more impressively, they've also set up and run their own mental health organisation that delivers free counselling and support to blue collar workers around the country. With more than $700,000 of free counselling services rolled out to over 4,000 tradies through their not-for-profit, TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), these lads are taking massive action when it comes to the mental health of tradies everywhere. We chat with Ed about their journey and some of the challenges they've faced behind the scenes of this very eye-catching business!
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We're on a run of 'real tradie' stories lately and this one is a treat. While we try not to have favourite Tradiepreneur clients, this bloke is on the short list if we did! Steve 'Roonz' Rooney has seen a challenge or two in business and life. We dig a little deeper in our interview than we usually get to do with Steve and talk about some of the toughest lessons this tradie has had to learn... and how he's bounced back as a result.
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EOFY. Four letters that have struck fear into the heart of many a trade business owner (and accountant!) Nic and Waz take a look at the EOFY panic, misinformation and realities... and put out a challenge to you that could save you thousands of dollars!
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Aimee Stanton’s not your average tradie. She's a Plumber turned Entrepreneur and Tiny House Builder.
In 2017 she Cofounded Tiny Stays with her brother Ben – a company that builds off-grid Tiny Houses and rents them out as short term accommodation in Victoria. Aimee is also launching Zadie Workwear, a Women’s Workwear Brand later this year. Aimee believes that growth occurs when you are willing to step beyond your comfort zone. In 2017 she proved it by walking 600km solo from Melbourne to Canberra!
Aimee has even appeared on Australian Survivor and House Rules and shares some fantastic insights into what makes her life such a joy!
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It's been a while since our last "Real Tradie" story and we're stoked to share another one of our Tradiepreneur's stories on the podcast. Nick Allen grew up in 'the bush' and now runs a successful electrical contracting business that services an area almost the size of Tasmania! Nick has learned some valuable lessons about problem solving, communication and customer expectations and with the arrival of his first child recently, has some big goals ahead!
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Someone smart once said "there is nothing permanent except change". HR law and policy is certainly no exception! If you employ team or are thinking you might, you MUST listen to this episode. Our great mate Kristy-lee from People Powered Business is back on the show with a look at the most recent changes to HR laws in Australia. These affect EVERYBODY and some of the changes could cost you dearly in fines if you don't have your ducks in a row. Check out the episode and then head over to peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au to find out how you can take care of the HR side of your business for less than $100 a month!
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WARNING: This episode discusses very emotional topics including tragic loss of life. Please use discretion when listening. Safety is a big issue. It's one that gets talked about a lot and it seems as though the government are doing plenty to keep workers safe on site. As we know, looks can be deceiving and safety, or the lack of a safe work environment is still a massive problem in Australia. Today's guest tragically lost her son to a workplace incident just a few days after his 18th birthday and she's now on a crusade to save others from this heartache. Find out more about Patrizia's story, about her son and about the impact unsafe work practices can have. Don't be fooled... safety is an issue for each and every one of us, even if we're not involved in an incident ourselves. You can help the foundation by donating here. And for speaking engagements you may reach them here.
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While it's easy to blame certain clients for wasting your time, being difficult or worse still, taking advantage of you, there IS something you can do about it. The first step is to take responsibility for your own processes (or lack of them!) and how you ended up working with 'that' client in the first place. The second thing to do is figure out a way to say "no" to the time wasters, tyre kickers and D-grade clients before you make the mistake of sinking hours of your time and $$ into them. Nic and Waz run through some practical steps to help you avoid the sh*t clients and take control of your customer list once more.
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Nic and Waz are talking again about the ongoing grumblings in the marketplace regarding the recession. With interest rate rises continuing, materials prices still volatile and many tradies seeing a slow down in consumer spending and projects being put on hold, how can you protect yourself from the effects in YOUR business? Whether you think the economy is slowing or not, in this episode we'll show you how to set your business up for more certainty regardless!
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One of the biggest time-sucks for any tradie in business is the financial admin... invoicing, reconciliations, paying BAS, paying bills, quoting and chasing payments. Our guest today has many years experience in the banking industry and in fact, was behind the launch of one of the first mobile banking apps for a major bank here in Australia! Since then he's gone on to launch his own apps with Thriday being his proudest achievement to date. Michael is passionate about getting rid of financial admin from small business owners' lives so we hope you enjoy learning more about Thriday as much as we did!
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Our childhood experiences can be so formative for our adult preferences. That's especially true when it comes to travel and holidays. Our guest today spent many years as a defence force kid and saw lots of Australia that many of us probably don't even know exists. That's influenced his life as a tradie as well, seeing him work as an electrician in rural and remote areas. Not surprisingly perhaps, Luke from The Offroad Tradies now runs off road tours for those of us who might be less confident, less equipped (or both) but still want to experience 'The Bush'. Luke shares some heartwarming stories, interesting insights and a few travel tips in today's Real Tradie Stories episode.
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Nic and Waz jam on some thoughts around the possible economic downturn. What is likely to happen? What will be the impact on tradies? Can you do anything about it in your trade business? Check out what the gang at Tradies In Business think about this whole thing! Register here for the upcoming free webinar: How to Reduce Cash Flow Stress.
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Nicole Davidson knows a thing or two about conflict. After a number of years in the legal industry she's seen a few stouches! These days though, Nicole teaches and helps clients reach better outcomes from negotiations. It's the old thing about prevention being cheaper and often faster than the cure so listen in as Nicole shares how to get to 'yes' in negotiations, what the top 3 skills are to become a better negotiator and how to debrief interactions so you get better outcomes with your customers, team and maybe even your loved ones!
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Jim Penman started out mowing lawns in the 70's. Before brush cutters were a thing for edges (remember those mongrel edging wheels?!) These days, Jim is one of the OG's of franchising in Australia as well as a grandfather, an entrepreneur and a wealth of knowledge about how to grow and adapt in business and life. We chat to Jim about his opinion of modern trade business owners, how to create raving fans from customers, what to do if you don't have the best education and whether doing a great job is enough these days.
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Nic and Waz take a look at why more people don't make plans, what makes a good one, and what they're doing to help trade business owners nail it in 2023. Grab the details of their upcoming events to help you plan for profit by listening in and then hitting the website at www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au
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Have you heard of 'Mr Beast' on YouTube? Google this... "MrBeast income"... you'll be amazed. Now look at his age! Ok, while we're not here to teach you how to make mega bucks from YouTube, we ARE here to share some insights into how to use this platform to boost your discoverability online AND get you in a different headspace when it comes to the sort of content you could (and should!) be creating for your trade business. Check out what this real tradie AND YouTuber has to say about the topic. Mind, blown!
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We chat to our serial-guest, Dan Pollard the founder of Fergus job management software today. This episode bounces around a little as we delve into topics such as how to get your team working better, knowing your business numbers, navigating the upcoming recession and the #1 thing to focus on in order to create business success. Phew! With Dan's usual pull-no-punches perspective this episode should give you plenty to think about.
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Are leaders born or made? Is it better to lead than manage? Just some of the questions we get asked by listeners when it comes to building a team that delivers results. Another area tradies seem to struggle is creating a strong culture within their teams so we brought Amanda Rosazza the PopCoach on to talk about her insights into these issues and more.
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We're rolling out the expert interviews on the show at the moment! Today we chat with our favourite solicitor, Helen Kay from Rise Legal. Helen answers some of the burning questions you (should) ask like - What are the basic legal protections someone should have in their business? Should you have an agreement in place with all your clients?
Do you have to have a subcontractor agreement? Helen also discusses some of the costly mistakes tradies make and how to avoid them.
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Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and all the wishes of the season! A huge thanks to you... our listeners for a great 2022. Check out our Christmas traditions and fond memories in this quick episode to round out the year!
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Arrgh! Accountants! Why do they have to make everything sound so complicated? Don't you wish they'd use simple language and just give you the right advice to help you run your business? Today's guest agrees 100% and as an accountant himself, Isaac French finds it just as frustrating as you! He's created one simple number that tradies can track so they know at a glance how they're going. He's also made plain language part of their values and in this episode shares his top things that trade business owners MUST know to avoid financial trouble.
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If you're like many of our listeners and fellow tradies in business, much of your business is quite literally 'in your head'. Trying to explain to others how to do the things that need to be done can be quite challenging. Today's guest is a whiz at helping to get that knowledge out of your head and into a format that makes it easier to manage and train your team, make your customers feel comfortable and even delegate more of your tasks to others! Sam Winch is a former RTO owner, retail management specialist and now online course creator. She's got some factastic tips on how to leverage what you know so you're not stuck 'on the tools' and repeating yourself forever!
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There are plenty of things that can annoy us and at this time of year especially, it's easy to react to the reactions of others. Carpark rage, customer deadlines, unpaid bills... there's plenty to get us fired up BUT do you need to react the way others do? Nic and Waz copped some abuse this week from an angry follower and they have some lessons on how to choose joy this holiday season and not fall into the trap of reacting mindlessly to others'
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You probably know how important insurance is. You may have made a claim yourself or know someone who has. Perhaps you've also notice premiums increasing of late? Either way, we want to share a few unknown, insider tips and tricks to (hopefully) help you reduce your premiums, increase the chance a possible claim is paid and even better - avoid needing to claim on insurance at all! Rami Fahmy from Nsure grew up around risk and has a personal understanding and experience of the true cost of business loss... he shares some super helpful things you can do now to protect yourself without spending money!
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[NEW NUMBERING! We decided that just because Nic wasn't here for the first 280 episodes doesn't mean we shouldn't share how many episodes the show has been around for!]. Now... have you ever been 'nice' to a client? A supplier? A subby? How'd that work out for you? Often it results in you getting screwed over and we look at how to avoid this without upsetting your clients! Also, there's a hidden cost to being nice and Nic and Waz unpack some tips on what this is, and how to reverse it.
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There's plenty of so called experts telling us we need to "let go" of stuff in order to reduce stress... but how do you actually achieve that? Joe Pane says that "to let go of anything, you have to change your relationship with your thoughts" and he unpacks this fantastically in today's episode. With so much suffering around us, Joe explores the opportunities we each have to reduce this, deal with life's uncertainty, improve our relationships and ultimately find more fulfilment and meaning regardless of how much money's in the bank or what you house looks like. Find out how to raise your emotional intelligence from the creator of The Emotional Fitness Formula himself!
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Chrisco figured this out years ago. Start planning (and saving) for Christmas on the 26th December THE YEAR PRIOR! That way you avoid the embarrassment of Aunty Beryl's pavlova being the only dessert on the table to feed 14 people and every bon bon having the same coloured hat. Christmas can be just as stressful as a business owner, especially if you've left your preparations to the last minute. Insufficient cash flow, too much work on, impossible deadlines, cranky clients, staff wanting to take leave and no way to know how to manage it all! We unpack some simple things you can do NOW so you avoid the usual Christmas headaches.
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Know your numbers. It's one of almost every business coaches' mantras. Perhaps you've heard it from your accountant too. Any way you look at it, know which numbers to measure AND monitor in your business can often mean the difference between winging it... and staying in control. Your trade depends on numbers for almost everything - measurements, volumes, times and so on and your trade BUSINESS is no different! Nic and Waz share the top 5 (or 6!) numbers every trade business owner must know if they want to get predictable results.
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In the 21st century none of us suffer from a lack of information. In fact, it's quite the opposite! Some believe the overwhelming amount of information, opinions, data, marketing and perhaps propaganda contributes to many people's feeling of confusion when it comes to making sound decisions! This is no more apparent than with the state of health of Australians and most people in the world today. With diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses still increasing at alarming rates, why don't more people change? Today's guest is a scientist, nutritionist, forensics expert and a former drift car builder and small engine mechanic who is on a quest to answer these questions and more and help mums especially to crack the code to personal wellbeing.
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With another high profile sportsperson losing their life recently we feel it's important to tackle, again, the mental health and suicide issue. August is Tradie Health Month and Nic and Waz dig deep into what continues to be a confronting, confounding and continuing problem for society. NOTE: We discuss concepts such as suicide and mental illness and want to make sure you have contact details for support services. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mates In Construction on 1300 642 111 or reach out to us here at Tradies In Business via our socials or website.
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Tipping. It's not very Australian. You might be surprised to learn that quite a number of our Tradiepreneur clients actually get tipped by their customers! And we're not talking $10 on a $5000 job. We've heard of $300 tips on a thousand $ job! The good news is it's not that hard to create a situation like this for your own business and Nic and Waz share some inside info from the Tradiepreneur community on just how to do it.
Want to see the hosts live? Brisbane and Sydney still have tix left so head to www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au/live to register for your free seats!
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With a couple of character building weeks under their belts, Nic and Waz share openly and honestly how they've been feeling about and dealing with their emotions! Part therapy for your hosts, part entertainment and hopefully part learning, today's FIF should tick a few boxes for most of you!
Remember, you can still see the crew LIVE in Brisbane and Sydney if you haven't registered yet. Go to www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au/live
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If you want it done properly, do it yourself. You've probably heard at least one business owner say that of late. Maybe that's your mantra too?!! But how is this belief actually serving you and will you be thankful for it in your final days? Nic and Waz unpack some practical ways to overcome this thinking AND to start outsourcing simple tasks to free up more time and give you more of what you REALLY want.
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Many songs have been penned about change. From David Bowie to Peter, Paul and Mary (ok, Waz is showing his age here) and many more. Fortunately, Waz does NOT sing a song about change today but what he and Coxie DO cover is how you can not only set your business up for the changes that may be coming (interest rate rise anyone?), but to thrive in what could be a tougher climate these next couple of years.
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Have you noticed that some couples working together just seem to 'gel'? If you're one of them then that's awesome! Whether you are or not, do you actually know how to deliberately create alignment with you significant other? How do you actually 'agree to agree' and navigate some of the seeming endless challenges facing partners working together (and just doing life together)? Nic and Waz have had a few rodeos between them in this regard and have invested hundreds of hours reading, learning and observing others finding a way to successfully align with their partner. Find out about our upcoming World Tour of Australia!
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Aren't they? Do all dogs bite? Are all millennials impossible to work with? Are all politicians actually liars? We answer these very important questions and more in today's FIF episode! P.S. If you want to catch Nic and Waz on their Australian World Tour... CLICK HERE for more info.
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There are so many free offers around these days. But are they all actually free? Sometimes there's a catch and many of us are afraid of the good old 'stitch up'. It begs the question though... what might you be missing out on because of the fear of a hard sell or pitch fest at a free event or to get a free download? Is it all that bad? Nic and Waz pull this apart in light of their FREE Australian World Tour that's about to kick off... If you want to catch Nic and Waz on their live tour... CLICK HERE for more info.
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When you're in the middle of the Tasman Sea, half way between Australia and New Zealand, and a huge shark is trying to roll you out of your kayak, what do you do? What does an expedition like this teach you about leadership, business and yourself? And what on earth (or sea) can any of us learn from a bloke like James and his mate Jonesy? Nic and Waz have a fascinating chat to one of Australia's top adventurers and dual Guinness World Record holders to find out how those of us at home can benefit from lessons learned at sea and on the Antarctic ice.
Remember: you can come and meet Nic and Waz, your hosts, during our upcoming 'Transform Your Trade Business' Australian World Tour! CLICK HERE for details
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It might come as a surprise to learn that the big banks in Australia aren't actually interested in your banking. Sounds like a bit of a riddle huh? Most of the banks in Australia make most of their money from lending, NOT from running business and savings accounts. This means they're not really creating or selling banking products that serve us, especially given the advances in cloud based tech and new financial products available. Dan Cannizzaro is the founder of an exciting new platform called Parpera which means "fair wallet" in Latin. Dan has spent half his life studying and working in finance and money markets and is on a mission to make banking, and handling money, cheaper, easier and less stressful for small business owners around the world. We chat to this Melbourne lad about the things the banks don't want us to know, the opportunities available to us right now, and how to cut down the stress and headaches surrounding things like cash flow, invoicing, paying bills, tax reporting and more. Dan is making the Parpera app available for an exclusive 90 day free trial to TIB listeners. Just download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and use code 90DFTRADIE to get your free trial and stop bowing down to the big banks today!
Cal Robinson knows a thing or two about working with, and mentoring, millennials. Firstly, he's 23 years old! Second of all, Cal has built an entire business that works with teenage boys and young men to help them find self esteem, confidence, meaning and purpose. He's also experienced first hand the loss of his physical and mental health, the pressures created by social media, society and even particular religious beliefs. Cal is a young man with an amazing story who will open your eyes to a new way of seeing the problems our younger generation face daily, and why those of us with a few more years under our belts could just be the key to change.[Remember to check out Parpera and grab your 90 day free trial exclusive to TIB listeners. Enter code 90DFTRADIE when you download from the App or Play store!]
How do you manage stress and overwhelm? We cover this topic a fair bit on the podcast but it's a conversation that needs to be had often. With so many 'awareness' campaigns running about mental health, what about actions that can prevent burnout and break down? Nic and Waz run through some ideas on how to put down some of the load. PLUS we have an exciting new product that you can try for free, exclusive to Tradies In Business listeners. Download the Parpera app and use code 90DFTRADIE to get your 3 months free access.
We get it. You're a cool cat. You feel good up front on the mic, thrashing out a tune on your Stratocaster and spitting flames into the microphone. It feels good for the crowd to be staring at you in admiration, lapping up your rhythm. But what if you're actually the one holding the band back? What if things could be even better than this? Well, throw away the rock and roll imagery and come on a different journey with us. One that leads to you putting down the lead singer name badge and instead enjoying the fruits of a wildly successful trade business. One where you might entertain the possibility of NOT being the 'main (wo)man'. Keep listening to the podcast and click here if you want to pop in your application for our Tradiepreneur program.
Want to change? Want better results? Want more lifestyle? Want less stress? Sounds like a cool brochure for business coaching huh?! Well, in reality, everything you want is just a mouse click away, so why don't you have it already? Excuses. BS stories you tell yourself. Oh and beliefs. Limiting ones. Waz and Nic get out the laser pointer and its aimed at you (yes you). Have a listen then CLICK HERE to stop the stories and take action.
Ever feel like the life of a business owner is a string of meetings? Even if you don't spend lots of time in meetings, they can still chew a ton of time and often seem like a waste of... well... time! When you're already busy, how on Earth do you fit everything in? Today's guest will show you how to change your meetings and time habits to not only fit more in, but have more free time for... you!
When today's guest was a child, he recalls looking out the window of the family mansion, over the fence, to see someone so desperate for water they were siphoning it out of one of the tanks on his property. Fast forward more than 20 years and experiences like this during his time in South Africa still drive Nick Dogulin to strive for success. Not for himself, but for the 80% he aims to donate to people less fortunate than him. We have an amazing chat about maintaining perspective in our own lives and also touch on some different perspectives in marketing as well.
With more than 2 years of Covid-chaos under our belts, you'd think we'd all have a handle on how to deal with the challenges that keep getting thrown at us as business owners. Many are still finding it tough to deal with the uncertainty, disruption, frustration and emotional and financial toll of this 'new world' we live in. Today, we share a story from one of our Tradiepreneurs that highlights how much control we really do have, despite it seeming quite the opposite.
With Easter comes a string of long weekends. For employees at least! For many tradies in business though it means even more work to catch up on, cash flow strain and an additional burden to lifestyle. All while your staff are enjoying themselves at your expense! Rather than cry in your beer or chardy, we've got some tips on how to create your own financial oracle or crystal ball. This can help you prevent, rather than try and bandaid, the problems in the first place. Be sure to check out the "Chaos To Control Challenge" here (https://tradiesinbusiness.com.au/chaos-to-control-challenge/) and grab your free business tool pack worth over $1,000!
The past couple of years has seen our fair share of chaos, both in business and in our personal lives. While we're seeing increasing levels of government control it seems at the same time, we're losing control of our finances, our costs, our staffing and perhaps even for some of us our mental, physical and relationship health. To keep doing what Nic and Waz love to do best... which is support tradies in business, we've got a couple of great ways you can turn things around for your business and lifestyle. One is the Thryv small business grant program we announced recently and the other is a new 'challenge' that Nic and Waz are running soon. More details inside! Visit here to know more about the Thryv Grant: https://www.thryv.com.au/small-business-grant/
It's been a long while since a F#ck It Friday episode and in today's instalment, Nic & Waz share some stuff that gets them pretty mad ... including industry revenue figures and some dramas revolving around the media making tradies seem like they're sharing in the $360 Billion construction industry; but honestly, where the sh*t did the money go?
We're excited to be supporting the Thryv Small Business Grant initiative and were lucky enough to chat with Elise Balsillie, the 'big boss' of Thryv Australia. Elise has been with Thryv for more than a decade and has seen many changes (and challenges!) for small business in Australia in that time. While some of the ways we communicate with customers may have changed (goodbye fax machines!) the fundamentals of a successful business marketing and operations plan remain - find the right clients, deliver a good product or service and then keep in touch with them as well as in touch with your finances. Thryv's software platform can do all this and more so listen in to find out how to get your business running more smoothly PLUS how you could pick up $15,000 in cash from Thryv! Nominate your business here: https://www.thryv.com.au/small-business-grant/
This instalment of Real Tradie Guys is a cracker. Not only is our guest a Kiwi, a heavy diesel fitter, a West Australian and a TiB Tradiepreneur... he's also a competitive wood chopper! Ben started his business recently like so many other tradies, after deciding he wanted the freedom, flexibility and financial rewards of being self employed. Ben has done things different to many though and he shares his secrets to being profitable and balanced just 3 months after kicking off his new venture!
We chat with Aussie surfing legend, Tom Carroll, not just about his journey through surfing including back-to-back world titles but also about his success habits, battle with addiction, recovery and reinvention. Tom has been to the top and the bottom in life and now supports others striving to balance their results in life with health, family and fulfilment. Tom has some incredible insights into what it takes to achieve high performance in any endeavour and how to balance that with our own wellbeing.
Most of us love to WATCH videos but not many of us actually like being in front of the camera. You probably know, or have heard, that video is THE tool for marketing your business these days but perhaps you're stuck like many when it comes to making your own video. Our expert guest today is a former army sniper, an award winning television cameraman, an author and now teaches business owners like you how to simply and quickly use VIDEO to market yourself and your business. It's easier than you might believe!
With the flooding hitting Qld and NSW in March 2022, tradies have scored another kick in the teeth trying to improve their businesses. Nic and Waz are offering free business coaching for those affected. Details in this episode on how to access it.
Do you set goals? Or do you find them to be a waste of time? Maybe you've missed so many over the years that there seems little point. Perhaps you're like some who set goals religiously and chase them down consistently, living a full, inspired life? Ok that second scenario sounds a bit OTT but it's actually pretty fun! Waz and Nic reckon they can help you make goals relevant again... and if you already set them, there's some pointers in this episode on how to make them work even better, especially if you want to get off the tools! Check out our free Get Off The Tools Workshop HERE
Today's guest is a young tradie who has learned some important lessons about loneliness, lockdowns and love! Along with his wife Kobie, Damien Godden has started and grown Shift Electrical services to be an award winning Sydney business... all during the Covid-19 pandemic! He shares his insights into customer service, the importance of systems and how, with outside guidance and feedback, anyone can make a successful trade business.
Some people say 'going with the flow' and accepting how things are is just being weak or lazy. Images of long haired, headband wearing 1970's hippies are often stuck on memes to represent the "Just chill maaaan" attitude. The reality is though, a concept called radical acceptance can form a healthy part of stress management and personal and business growth. Find out how to make this part of your own approach to situations in life. JOIN THE GET OFF THE TOOLS GROUP HERE
Take the Get Off The Tools Test Here. Now, to the episode... Waz had a bit of a 'learning experience' lately with a business he purchased from. He's dying to share his insights with you and Nic is excited to sit through him having a whine! (not a wine although that may have helped) Jokes aside, there's some important tips here for anyone who's faced some challenges in their business and life the past year or two... and found it tough to avoid using that as an excuse with your customers.
You can join the free FB group, Get Off The Tools, by clicking HERE. Fear of failure stops many people from achieving many things. Nic shares a recent observation regarding a questionable media headline titled "Dylan Alcott Fails To Win His Final" It's media like this that perpetuates our negative association with not getting to our desired outcomes, not living up to others' expectations and more. Waz and Nic unpack some techniques you can use in your life and business to avoid the fear, feel like you're enough (already) and to take the action you 'know' will lead to positive change, regardless of what others think!
Most tradies dream of getting off the tools (GOTT) some day. Yet this goal, more than any other, seems to be incredibly elusive when it comes to actually achieving it! There's many reasons why it doesn't happen the way you want... but maybe there's a monster under the bed that nobody has found yet? Nic and Waz take a look at what getting off the tools means to you... and whether this is actually why you're not getting there! If you'd like to find out YOUR score and how close you are to GOTT... CLICK HERE
Overworked and underpaid. It's the life of a self-employed tradie right?! Sadly, it's a true story for many business owners who seem to work the hardest and get paid the least (oh and take the least holidays). The solution is to "work smarter", they say. "Sack yourself from the business", they say. 'They' must be pretty clever... except reducing work hours often doesn't .... work! What if you're not actually over working but in fact... ineffective at recovering? Nic and Waz delve into this unique perspective that could get you on a different track, and fast!
We're talking money (again) in today's episode, but this time it's with a difference. Today we're looking at how our attitudes, habits and language affect how much (or how little!) money we have in our lives with our guest Jackson Millan from Aureus Financial. Nic and Waz hear from Jackson about the path to creating wealth and becoming that lovely four letter word.. Free! Jackson is young, excited and wealthy! He shares some insights on the system that hundreds of clients, especially tradies, are using to create long lasting wealth and financial freedom in their lives.
Our final 'vault' episode for our 2021 review is an interview Nic and Waz did with Dan Pollard, founder of Fergus job management software. Dan was a tradie himself .... and knows a thing or two about success... and failure. Having lost everything more than once and the ensuing dark days he experienced, Dan has a perspective on business that is not widely spoken about. Having turned his business and life around to now be the founder of the award-winning app, Fergus, Dan shares his insights on numbers, staff and the other aspects of a great trade business.
Number 2 from 2021 Top Episodes: Change is hard. It's uncomfortable, it's scary, it's time-consuming. Ok, we know you know... and we also know that most of our listeners and members WANT to change... but how do you get past that sticking point? What do you do when you're on the start line of making change, ready to go and.... you stall?
While Nic and Waz take a break from the microphone, we're rolling out our most listened-to episodes of 2021... First cab off the rank is this one on overwhelm! It's tough to deal with overwhelm when you're not even sure how to recognise it. In these times with lockdowns, work restrictions, materials delays and more it's not surprising that there's more than a few business owners feeling the pressure. Nic shares a powerful insight into how to recognise whether you're in a state of overwhelm, what to do if you are and how to prevent it in the future. If you're wanting to make change but don't know where to start, book a free chat with Nic and Waz HERE
If Christmas is so awesome, how come so many of you get so stressed?! While the few days of Christmas can certainly be filled with wonderful times, there is a also a lot of stress, angst and frustration that surrounds this annual event. Nic and Waz examine an old principle that is especially relevant in dealing with some of the negative aspects of Christmas and share some tips on increasing your levels of joy!
We're helping you with your prepping... not for doomsday, for 2022! With the challenge running at the moment to make 2022 your best year yet, Nic and Waz drop by with some more tips on claiming your free advice 30 minute prize. We also pull the blanket off 2 more exciting podcasts AND update you on our result at the Australian Podcast Awards.
Aaarrgh! December is here! Yep, it's that time of year when clients lose their minds, suppliers go missing and we consider cancelling the whole Christmas thing! Never fear, Nic has a tip to help you regain control this December and make your Christmas more cinch than Grinch! Oh, and here's the link to watch the webinar we talked about WATCH NOW
First, to register for the Best Year Yet challenge CLICK HERE. Next, to find out how to make 2022 better than this year (probably not hard for some of us), listen in! Seriously though, there's a few things we all can do to improve our results and Nic and Waz run through them in this episode. Waz also explains why his knees are swollen and what washing your ute has to do with getting a 30 minute power session with the dynamic duo.
Can you believe it? Waz can't... 7 years today of the Tradies In Business podcast! Nic and Waz take a quick look back over the past 2,555 days and encourage you, our listeners to do the same. While you're being all misty-eyed and reflective with us, why not tell us what YOU want to hear on the 'show' in the next 7 years? Hit us at www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au or on our socials and let us know. Please?!
Alright, so you've decided it's time to open your mind to growth, change and the possibilities of a better trade business, family and lifestyle. So how DO you choose a business coach or mentor? And what the heck SHOULD they do for you (or with you)? With more than 20 years coaching and mentoring experience between them, Nic and Waz attempt to answer these questions and more, and help you make a great decision about the next step in your business journey. If you've still got questions, be sure to join the free Tradies In Business Facebook group HERE.
With many trade business owners busier than ever, it's almost inconceivable that there are significant numbers of business failures at the same time! How can this be? Nic and Waz take a look at the 'busy going broke' phenomenon and what it has to do with having, or not having, a coach on your team. We also unpack the idea that coaches are only for sporting teams and whether there's a place for coaches at all!
Silver bullet or rusty nail? Tradie tech, in the form of job management systems and software, is often seen as the magical solution to getting time back, running business more smoothly, delivering better customer experiences and even making more money... but is it? Clinton and Scott from TradiePad give us the ins and outs of how to make job management systems (JMS) work for you after you've worked out which is the right one and when is the right time to pull the trigger! CLICK HERE to get more details on the webinar and TradiePad's services.
There's an easy way to elevate yourself and your business. To get more clients, more social media attention, more revenue. Yep, all you have to do is criticise others in your industry, point out their flaws and just generally publicly tear them down in order to raise yourself up. Um, so we need to say, please don't do this! We had the sarcasm button stuck on our keyboard! Sadly though, it seems many business owners jump to exactly the above strategy in order to 'get to the top'. Nic and Waz reckon there's a better way that's good for all of us in the long run. Here's how to follow a different path.If you'd like to hang with others who are 'raising each other up' head over to the Facebook group HERE
It's magic! At least it seems that way sometimes. Some trade businesses just seem to attract the 'right' kinds of clients. You know, the ones who pay on time, don't ask stupid questions, understand that good things come to those who wait.... and then there's your clients! The ones who often ghost you when it comes time to going ahead with the quote you've put hours into. Worse still, the clients who give you the nod often want everything for cheap and they want it fast. So how do you change all this? Nic and Waz reckon they have the magic answer for you!Head over to www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au/free to get your tools and magic wands
Nic and Waz attempt to tackle a worrying issue amongst trade business owners that's got nothing... and everything.... to do with the really big 'C'. There's no jab for this affliction though so it's worth finding out what you can do about it yourself.
Break downs happen. Usually to machinery. Often because it isn't serviced or maintained as well as it should have been. People are the same. If not given down time, maintenance and regular care and attention, they break down. Literally. Either we choose the how and when of our down time and maintenance or The Universe/God/Great Spirit/etc decides for you. Problem is, when we ignore the need for time out, the breaks come in the form of a lump of 4x2 to the head. Find out some simple things you can do to avoid that! Join the September Challenge HERE
Nic and Waz ponder the 'day of...' culture we seem to have where awareness campaigns seem short term. There's also an apparent focus on acute, crisis care services rather than a preventative and educational approach to mental wellbeing and the loss of it. We share some simple steps you can take to make your own mental wellbeing a simple, daily practice that could keep you from slipping into the dark corners that so many find themselves in. Head to our FREE STUFF page to grab the #tib30challenge kit mentioned in the episode
August was national Tradies Health Month and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Mitch McPherson from Speak Up Stay ChatTY. Mitch started this not-for-profit after his younger brother took his own life back in 2013 and has devoted his own life to raising awareness. More importantly, Mitch is teaching others how to recognise the signs that someone close to them might not be 'Ok'. NOTE: This episode discusses adult themes so maybe best to keep little ears away. We also provide numbers for relevant support services should this conversation bring up unwanted feelings for you.
Relationships are hard. Especially when they're with people who have different beliefs and values to us. Sometimes, we forget that we see others through our OWN lens, our own set of beliefs and values and that that person sees us through theirs! What if there's a way to break down some of these barriers and find more understanding with our staff, our customers, spouses, even our kids? Nic has some powerful insights and Waz has an opinion (of course). To get more understanding of yourself, head over to www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au/free for some tools you can use
Yep. It's another episode about change. Well, with spring bashing on our doors why wouldn't we talk about a bit of a clean out? The way we think, act and emote determines our results so it makes sense to focus on this a LOT! Spring also means Christmas is just around the corner so it's time to start planning for that and what it might look like in this new world. Remember, to make a change to the time you waste quoting, hit the free webinar at www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au/live-webinar
Nic and Waz give more details on the TiB 30 Challenge and how YOU can get involved. They also take a look at how small, non-business activities and goals play a part in getting BIG results in business and in your personal life. As usual, there's some Waz-isms, Nic Naks and a bit of waffle sprinkled amongst the good stuff. To download your #tib30challenge calendar and activities CLICK HERE
Size matters. There, we said it. When it comes to celebrating and locking in your wins it's important to start SMALL. Most people dismiss small achievements and instead, focus on the big wins... but Nic and Waz have some insights that might change your mind.
One of our Tradiepreneurs (G'day Ed) shared an analogy to rival Waz's recently. It was to do with golf and what short and long putts have to do with the way you approach change in your business and life. Rather than always going for the big putts or the hole-in-one, if we start with smaller '1 foot putts' we can build our confidence and this can lead to greater progress (to find out more about the Tradiepreneur program, book a free chat with Waz and Nic HERE). Nic and Waz take their usual off-the-wall look at an often talked about principle and explain it in a way we think makes sense!
While Waz shops for leg warmers on Etsy... Nic is doing something useful and putting together our next Tradies In Business challenge! Yep, September sees us kick off the #tib30challenge where Nic and Waz invite you, our listeners, to be a part of history. Ok, that might be overstating it but if you're feeling a bit of busy brain, got a covid-coat wrapped around you, are stiffer in the back/knees/hips than a lump of 3-week-old cheese or can't seem to picture yourself in last year's swimsuit then join our 30 day challenge!Head over to www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au/free to grab your list of 15
Don't stop. Never give up. Keep going. These things and more are said as so-called motivational slogans to a generation (or three) taught that you have to work hard for what you want and you have to work for a long time to get it. What happens then, if you're not seeing the results you expect? How do you know when quitting is actually a GOOD thing? Nic and Waz take a look at the how-to, not just the what, of staying power. They also unpack the question, maybe it's time to quit?
We're not sure how, but we've just passed 500 EPISODES here at the Tradies In Business podcast! Thanks to all of you who support the show by listening and have even appeared as guests. Waz takes the opportunity for a freestyle waffle to celebrate!
When the clouds are dark and you're in the midst of a storm, how do you regain some sort of more balanced perspective? How do you make choices when all choices seem pre-determined? Nic and Waz take a light hearted look at seeing things from the outside-in PLUS another opportunity for some merch... Waz shares a first for him as he ticks off something he's wanted to do his whole life. If you share a video of you doing the same, we'll send some merch to the 1st 3 people to tag us on socials!Oh and if you want the link as mentioned in this episode, HERE IT IS so you can book a chat.
Waz and Nic share a bit of what's been going on in their week, talk some crud (again!) for a Friday ep and make a plea for help to you, our listeners!
Nic and Waz share a bit of their own personal feelings about the current state of play in the world
HR gets talked about a lot on this podcast and in general. It's something you really need to have sorted or you're exposing your business to more risk than necessary. What if you could also use the boring HR stuff to motivate, lead and generally show care to your team members? And what if that meant they were more engaged, productive, loyal and great to work with? Well, it is possible and we talk to Kristy-lee Billett from The Footprint Group about how!
If you're like many of our listeners and Tradiepreneurs you're striving to create a better business and a better lifestyle for you and likely your family. Unfortunately, many of us get so busy, stressed, time-poor and overwhelmed that we don't make time or space for our health. Without our health, the business and lifestyle we've worked hard to create isn't actually worth much at all! So what can you do, if anything, to improve this balance?
Today is a Covid-free day at Tradies In Business. Waz and Nic are keeping their promise to have an episode where they don't talk 'shop', Covid or anything to do with improving business and lifestyle. Today's all about the dad-jokes (and mum-jokes) and we're rewarding one listener with some merch if they share theirs via Instagram!
We don't know... is it laziness? Or is there some ulteriour motive? It seems some sections of the media are STILL using tradie-bashing as a way to get... what exactly? Waz and Nic get a bit ranty and a bit sweary in an episode that also looks at mindless consumption of media, making a difference and being willing to BE different.
It's tough to deal with overwhelm when you're not even sure how to recognise it. In these times with lockdowns, work restrictions, materials delays and more it's not surprising that there's more than a few business owners feeling the pressure. Nic shares a powerful insight into how to recognise whether you're in a state of overwhelm, what to do if you are and how to prevent it in the future.If you're wanting to make change but don't know where to start, book a free chat with Nic and Waz HERE
We're continuing with a bit of a theme. This time looking at the generation gaps... how DO you work with the generation behind you, or even ahead of you? We're told (by the mainstream media) that 'The Millennials" are hard to work with. But are these broad generalisations true? And even if they are, how on earth do you navigate this as an employer and business owner?Remember to screen shot the episode and share it to your Insta feed, tagging @tradiesinbusiness with your opinion plus, if you're keen to make change in your business but don't know where to start, book a free 15 minute chat with the hosts of the show HERE
How on earth do you work with people you're different to? With such a diverse range of personalities, beliefs, values, ethics and morals in the world today, how the heck do you 'gel' with those around you? Do you even need to?! Waz and Nic look at staff, customers, business partners and what to do when someone you're dealing with is just 'different' to you.
After Nic's "Karen" episode recently, Waz tries hard not to share his opinion on.... everything! We also take a look at pain and pleasure and whether it's ok to seek comfort or if 150 wall balls is really worth it.
After Waz's quick trip to the big island (the mainland!) for a family emergency, we're back with the duo's thoughts and tips on dealing with a Covid-world. Coxie sticks up for some local school kids, Waz goes deep on the topic of judgement and the pair turn a rant into a business and life lesson for a hump day rant-athon!
Being forced to do anything is not nice. When we feel like we have no control over so much of our lives lately, what do we do with the stress and emotion that flows from this for many of us? Waz and Nic take a look at some simple things that might help blow off some steam.
When so much seems uncertain it's helpful to work out what we can, and can't, control. Making a plan for when (not if) conditions change can put you back in charge and perhaps make things seem a little less crap.
As SA goes into another lockdown while this podcast episode was literally being recorded, we feel it's more important than ever to share some of the stories from the past 18months. One such story is a business that was on the brink of closure going into the longest lockdown we've seen so far being Victoria's 111 day stretch. Adrian shares his insights, personal trials and perhaps some hope for the future of us all in 'the trades'.
With the latest lockdown in Sydney and the direction that all construction is also stopped, Nic and Waz want to start some different conversations than the ones we're seeing in many forms of media. We'll come at you daily until the trades are allowed to return to work in one of Australia's largest cities!
For years we've been told to keep work life and home life separate. To literally quarantine our time between the two and for years business owners have struggled to actually achieve this. What if it's just not realistic? What if, rather than creating some sort of mythical boundary between our work and our life... we acknowledge that it's all one and the same? What if it's about our headspace rather than some life coaching hack? Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
Coxie and Waz love a good Friday riff and today they're shining the rechargeable worklight on taking a stand about an issue you might have, having an opinion (and should you?), taking the p*ss and how to do it properly. Or should you even do it at all? Answering life's great questions and providing a bit of Friday entertainment because... who needs another C___ update on the radio anyway?! Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
If there's one thing Waz loves more than coffee and Coxie more than a good glass of bubbles, it's a listener success story! Even better is a listener who's gone on to become a 'Tradiepreneur' - a trade business owner who's ticking their own boxes. Whether it's getting time back to spend with family, sorting out cash flow issues, getting the business running with less stress or all of the above, our Tradiepreneurs are a shining example of what's possible with hard work and a willingness to embrace change. If you could use some positivity in your life this week, wrap your ears around this episode. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
How DO you do it ALL? As a Tradie Wife/Partner/Spouse you're possibly also a mother, bookkeeper, house keeper, cook, delivery driver, medical first responder, Uber driver, tutor, systems developer, IT guru, counsellor AND pet carer. So how on earth can you be Wonder Woman while preserving your sanity, dignity and sense of self? It's not easy, but Waz chats with our resident Builder's Wife to find out how she's managed to do it herself and support many women to do the same. To book a free chat with Waz and Nic click here... https://calendly.com/tradiesinbusiness/free-podcast-business-diagnostic-session
It's a concept that strikes fear into the hearts of business owners (and salespeople!) everywhere. Increasing prices or raising rates. We immediately break out into cold sweats and shallow breathing at the prospect of losing half our clients, being peppered with objections from prospects and finding cashflow and profit even more challenging. While this is one possibility of course, Nic and Waz have more than a decade of experience and observation to the contrary. But how, you ask? Well, it's simpler than you might think. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
We reference this episode a lot in conversations with our Tradiepreneur clients so we thought it would be worth bringing it back to the top of your feed! If you are serious about getting off the tools then have a listen to Adam Sand from Roofing Business Partner. In particular, Adam has worked out how to find and retain the right employees in arguably one of the toughest labour markets around... the USA. Keep an eye out for the latest Tradies In Business webinar as well, where we take a look at how to find and retain your own dream team. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
One massively overlooked area of marketing in many trade businesses is repeat purchasing and customer loyalty and retention programs. With many companies solely focused on winning new business, the customers we had last month or year sometimes get neglected. From a chance meeting in an Uber to more than 50,000 users on their reminder platform, David Wareing from repeatbooking.com.au has learned a ton about getting customers to come back and buy again. And again. And again! We take a look at some simple tips to literally mine the diamonds in your own backyard and save yourself some money and time on new customer acquisition. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
Safety. Most of us admit it's important. Critical even. Yet many of us in business are mystified as to how to 'do safety' properly, how to make it more than just paperwork and more importantly, how to get our employees, subbies and other support team truly engaged in safe attitudes and behaviours. The team at HazrdCo have developed some tools that make safety simple and best of all, a part of running a good business on a day to day basis. Find out why it doesn't have to be as hard as you think.
It's no surprise to many of our listeners that there's a looming problem for trade businesses in Australia and New Zealand. With the massive spike in housing activity thanks to the cash splash from the government, there's now a serious materials shortage on sites around the country. We take a look at how this is playing out for trade businesses and how, coupled with rising wage costs, the time is now to look hard at your cash flow and overall business fitness. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
We're hitting the road (ok, the skies) and heading to Sydney for the 1st Tradies In Business LIVE meetup since, like, ever! Waz and Nic will be live and in person at beautiful Coogee Bay to hear from you about how the materials and labour issues are affecting your business. There'll be a sneaky beverage on the bar for you and we're gunning for some industry reps to come and share their thoughts and tips on making the most of the current market conditions so get on over the Facebook and grab your ticket! Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
Shortly after his daughter's first birthday, Jason Sotiris noticed his little girl acting ill. Several visits to 4 different doctors resulted in a trip to Westmead children’s hospital where after days of testing they found she had a rare type of cancer, Langerhans Cell Hystiocytosis. The only way to deal with it, was for Jason to stand up for her, knowing she was barely able to walk. She had a 20% chance of survival. Sitting by her hospital bed he thought about what he could do to help her. Jason noticed how difficult it was to change her whilst she was connected to the iv drip and monitors. His 3yo son provided the inspiration needed when he dressed up as Batman saying he was going to rescue his sister. Jason called his childhood friend, Yusuf, and together the two tradies, over many late nights, after defeating all odds, have created something which they hope will help make the lives of sick children that little bit easier.
We all know systems are THE way to create a successful business. Well, we heard it somewhere from someone who said so... even author of The e Myth, Michael Gerber told us... but where to start when it comes to actually CREATING systems that work for small business? Today's guest has devoted his whole business to solving this problem for you. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
In another episode focused on change and how to make it in business and life, Waz and Nic take a look at the stories we tell ourselves. Especially the ones we tell ourselves that keep us 'stuck', afraid and uncomfortable. With many business owners feeling alone and isolated in their struggle, we shine the light on some client stories and techniques that might help you 'fight the tiger' in your life!
Do you have unfinished projects around the home? What about your to-do list... is that completed at the end of every week? Maybe you feel like you have a thousand things to 'remember' in your head? Plenty of people struggle with finishing what they've started so you're not alone! Problem is, it could be leading to bigger issues in your business and personal life. We share some insights that might help you make a surprising change.
It seems a lot of people think business success comes from luck, inheritances, natural talent or all of the above! While it can often appear as though this is the case when looking at those who have succeeded, today's guest is here to tell you why nothing could be further from the truth. Dan Pollard knows a thing or two about success... and failure. Having lost everything more than once and the ensuing dark days he experienced, Dan has a perspective on business that is not widely spoken about. Having turned his business and life around to now be the founder of the award-winning app, Fergus, Dan shares his insights on knowing your numbers, staff and the other critical aspects of a great trade business.
You've probably seen the graphic showing the 2 circles, one being your comfort zone and one being way outside it... and that's where the magic happens? Problem is, so many people are stuck in their comfort zone and they don't even realise. They either think they've gone outside their comfort zone but haven't or worse still, they've convinced themselves that there's too much risk to move to discomfort so they stay put. What many don't realise is there's a hidden cost to staying comfortable and Waz and Nic shine a light on this cost and how to recognise it in today's episode.
Yuk. Cyber crime. It just feels so icky when someone makes a fraudulent transaction on our card or copies our Facebook profile and tries to set up a fake account. If it's never happened to you then you can count your lucky stars... and take some action now so that it (hopefully) never does. It's more than just our online banking and social profiles at risk though and sadly, many business owners are VERY exposed to loss, inconvenience and worse. Our guests from Cynch.com.au share some simple, low or no-cost ways to secure your digital self... including your mobile phone!
As a former CrossFit trainer, Waz saw countless people come to the gym wanting to get fitter and stronger, only to have them leave and say "I'll come back when I'm fitter and stronger". What the? It's true. many of us don't want to start something new or different until we've already mastered at least some of the skills or made some progress. Even though we know it's not rational, it's hard to overcome the desire to 'fit in' or not look silly when we're embarking on change... and yet it's the change and the new activity that will get us the results we say we "just have to do ourselves"! Nic has some powerful insights into how this is linked to our vulnerability and whether we're willing to go there...
In the era of 'everyone gets a prize' is there really any point to business awards? Waz and Nic have both entered, won and judged business awards and have some interesting and perhaps surprising lessons from their experience. Are awards worth the effort to enter? Are they just a w*nk? Do they actually do anything for your business whether you win, lose or draw?
Nic and Waz know a thing or two about change. And pain. And fear. Not only have they experienced a ton of these things in their own lives, both business and personally, they've worked with thousands of business owners and individuals over the last decade who have 'hit the wall'. So many people find it so hard to 'make a decision' when faced with uncertainty and a multitude of choices. How on earth do you choose between two difficult options? Waz and Nic share their own, and their clients', insights into how to move forward when you feel stuck.
We think it's time trade business owners were celebrated, not criticised! We also think it's time there was a business awards for ALL trades together, whether you're a plumber, tiler, builder, cabinet maker, landscaper.... even an asbestos removal specialist... we should all be coming together as trade business owners to raise each other up. Waz and Nic are excited to announce details of exactly that! The Tradies In Business Excellence Awards. Listen in for the details and find out how you can get some cool swag too!
Everyone loves a quickie... a quick coffee, a quick nap, a quick sambo and even a quick... business tip episode! Waz and Nic love a quick one and this is their first of a few quick tips on topics that seem to drag on for many trade business owners. TIME!
How many times have you walked past something and shook your head in disbelief, "How could anyone do such a poor job?". What if that was what you were doing in your own business, not with your trade work, but with your teamwork? Giving critical feedback is one of the least favourite (ok, most disliked!) tasks on a business owner's plate... and yet it could be undermining your entire effort to grow/change/improve. Waz and Nic explain why, and HOW to do better at this.
Change is hard. It's uncomfortable, it's scary, it's time-consuming. Ok, we know you know... and we also know that most of our listeners and members WANT to change... but how do you get past that sticking point? What do you do when you're on the start line of making change, ready to go and.... you stall?
Hint: they're not related. Well, not in a positive way. Being busy is often touted as a justifaction for a person's value, of whether they're 'doing enough to get ahead' and yet, in more than a decade of coaching and mentoring business owners, Waz and Nic have observed a very different pattern. It's often the LEAST busy owners that are the most EFFECTIVE. It's this effectiveness that delivers results to them, their team and most importantly their families. How? Tune in as Nic and Waz take you through some very powerful tools you can use to make the shift from busy to successful.
With the Christmas rush behind us and the new year well and truly underway, Nic and Waz thought it was worth having a look at deadlines and how they mess up our progress. The fear of missing deadlines and the perceived consequences can lead to all sorts of issues, not least of which is triggering our fight, flight or freeze response. The problem is, this is the exact opposite of the state of being that we need in order to choose and execute change! Waz and Nic share their insights from more than a decade of observing and working with business owners in another 'deep dive' episode.
With less than a fortnight of 2021 in the bag we've already seen some of the madness that became a signature of 2020. Some people have found it hard to stay out of the online criticism, rhetoric and distraction that goes with these relapses. In today's episode, Waz and Nic share some ways you can avoid becoming a victim of the external factors present in this Covid-world and focus on what you CAN control.
The Tradies In Business Cashflow Challenge starts on the 18th January! Waz and Nic share their post-Christmas financial-hangover cures. We also take a look at the top ways to make 2021 DIFFERENT. Waz and Nic and the Tradies In Business team are working on an exciting initiative this year. One that aims to recognise achievement for ALL trades, not just building or kitchens! Plus, we announce our inaugural Tradies In Business conference and how you can get involved.
What's your #word to describe 2020? Many of us could think of some interesting ones, that's for sure! So, what's your wish for 2021? Nic and Waz take a look back at 2020 and share their 'word', reminisce about their favourite episodes, things that didn't happen that they'd planned on and how you can do the same to ensure 2021 has more positivity than the last one too!
Merry Christmas! 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least and Waz and Nic have recorded a Christmas message for all our listeners here on the podcast. Waz even (almost) manages to avoid turning it into a teaching episode! Wishing you all the very best for the season from the entire team here at Tradies In Business.
Have you had enough of lists yet? Naughty and nice lists, shopping lists, gift lists, who's-sitting-where-for-dinner lists. We've got another list for you but we reckon this one will help you make the most of Christmas 2020. These 3 simple things can help you avoid client hassles, finish 2020 stronger than a Glenn Lazarus try and maximise your down time so you kick off strong in 2021.
You're no doubt familiar with the work safety campaign stating, "safety is no accident". It seems that while safety on site has been a major area of attention, funding and awareness over the last couple of decades, what we've ended up with seems to be just a mountain of paperwork and not enough real change on site. Today we chat with a couple of blokes who are changing all that and especially for small business owners and employers just like you. Rather than simply another CYA approach, Risk Talk aims to change attitudes and behaviours on site while also making the burdern for employers less. We think anything that gets everyone home safely and in one piece is worth a look.
Even before Covid-19 and the global changes to the way we work, stress and anxiety for business owners was a reality for many. While we've interviewed a number of guests on the podcast discussing this topic, few have explained the what, how and what-to-do of dealing with 'business owner anxiety' better than today's Real Tradie Guy. Alistair Hutton shares some personal experiences and lessons about the physical signs of stress, the importance of time out, the incredible transformation he achieved with the help of his Business Coach and a surprising admission about a change he's made in his life. This is another cracking Real Tradie Guys episode!
Almost everybody wants to know the answer to the 64 bazillion dollar question... "How do I get more work from property managers?" In today's episode, Waz and Nic chat with Kylie Walker of That Property Mum and iThinkProperty. Kylie is a Property Manager and mentor and shares her secrets, insights and lessons on how to work with and retain property managers for your trade business. It can be a lucrative source of business so listen in and take notes!
Today's episode is a bit of a mixed bag. If you've ever experienced stress in business or life, have experienced feelings of overwhelm or anxiety OR you've wondered if you actually have any content worth sharing then today's episode is for your ears! Our guest today is a former high-level football player turned professional jiujitsu instructor who is now a content creator and marketer for a trade business. Odell Harris has been through quite a bit in his life and he shares some amazing insights into what it's like to realise you have anxiety, how he overcame it and what all this has to do with creating and sharing great online content. Strap yourself in for another cracking episode.
Amii Jones epitomises many 'tradie wives'. She's incredibly humble about her role in her family and business and tends to understate how much she contributes to the smooth running of both. We had a fantastic chat to one of our rock star Drawing Board members about how she's managed to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', influence her husband to make positive change, overcome her self-doubt, harness her strengths, embrace the title of Business Manager and more. Amii also gives some insight into the power of community and the Tradies In Business Drawing Board with Waz and Nic. Finally, we celebrate her and husband Brendon achieving the massive goal of buying their first house! This is a cracking episode with one of our favourite tradie wives.
After some solid coaching sessions with premium members, Waz and Nic dig in to some of the issues they've been seeing repeatedly. One of the big ones is business owners avoiding the 'tough conversations' with certain people. Staff are often top of the avoid-at-all-costs list when it comes to confrontation and sadly, Waz and Nic see many blokes struggle in this area. They take a look at the reasons behind it, the effects on employers and perhaps most importantly, the effects on families.
Buy it once. It's a mantra many in business try and educate their customers on... but what are we like at following our own advice? Waz and Nic have worked out some ways to tell if you could benefit from some focus on this area of your life. You might be surprised to learn a bit about your hosts' behaviours when it comes to underpants, tool purchases and what all this has to do with self-worth, pricing and dealing with staff.
Many people think business is all about marketing, systems, sales, finances, data, time management and more. They're right, business is about that stuff but it's mostly a collection of people so it makes sense to get better at business, we need to get better at the people stuff. Today's guest is the author of the book 'People Stuff' and has a wealth of experience as a leadership trainer and speaker. Zoe escaped Canada to come and live in Australia and now shares her wisdom and insights with teams and employers around the country. She has some fantastic tips for leading your team, whether that's 1 or 100 people.
Do you suffer from Goldfish syndrome? What is success REALLY? There's a secret to getting what you want and it starts with working out what that is. Do you actually know what you want from YOUR business? Your life? Waz and Nic ask sooooo many questions and luckily, they also show you how to get the answers to these so you can create clarity in your actions.
Waz and Nic hit record on this episode without really knowing where it would go... it's not just their usual rabbit hole... they get pretty deep into how we tend to think about problems the same way, how to recognise when we are, how to change that, and why you even want to know!
One of the top 10 questions Waz and Nic get asked by business owners new and existing is "what should I do when starting a trade business?" We dig into the 5 key things you need to do BEFORE you start marketing and taking on clients... and some of them might surprise you! Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
What would happen if, after one bad experience, we never did that thing again? We take a slightly light-hearted look at what Waz refers to as 'the dishwasher syndrome'
We all know that maintaining and servicing our tools is important to keep them running well. There's a tool that we all have at our disposal that has the biggest impact on our business but many of us don't even realise. We're also notorious for neglecting it, overworking it and chucking it to the side without a second thought. It's ourselves. The business owners and leaders. Find out what Waz and Nic have to say about this bad habit.
Waz and Nic reckon you should do it. They've been doing it this week. That's right... posting videos online. Not just any videos though. Videos about your business, your values, your trade. We're running our video challenge in the Tradies In Business Facebook group and it's not too late to participate. Head over to the group and we'll help you get better at video in a safe space!
How do you know which is the best marketing to do for your trade business? Before we can answer that question, we need to understand what the truth is behind all marketing... and it might be different to what you thought. Take a look inside marketing with us in today's episode where we journey back in time to Freud and the birth of the 'not enough' syndrome and how it drives almost all buying decisions. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book!
Famous people get paid more and more often. Well they did pre-Covid we reckon. It's widely accepted that video is one of the best ways to drive recognition and engagement. Just think about the last time you watched a video. It was likely not that long ago! Waz and Nic have a way to help you increase your fame and hopefully your fortune too!
Waz rants about his key fob. Coxie shares a secret about 1 star reviews. We try and work out if people actually care anymore and how you can do better at this in your trade business.
In another instalment of our most popular series, we chat with another Real Tradie Guy. Tom Frauenfelder from Ground Up Projects chews the fat on his journey from school to the ski fields, carpentry to electrical and lots in between. As a 70.3 Ironman athlete Tom also shares his thoughts on 'finish line feels', transference of skills from other areas of life to business and what it takes to succeed.
It's Monday so what better way to kick off the week than with some random thoughts and updates from Tradies In Business? Nic and Waz revisit the diversity discussion and announce a couple more initiatives for listeners and group members aimed at making the most of the last quarter of 2020.
We've been banging on about this for a while now. Maybe you should try it before you knock it? Fail to plan plan to fail blah blah blah it seems like we're a bit of a broken record about planning lately. Well, we plan to STOP talking about planning for a while, especially because we won't be doing a session like this again til 2021! Today's episode is a few reasons why you need to take this seriously. Plus, Waz catches Nic in 'the act'!
With Covid-19 putting an end to overseas travel for a while, Nic and Waz compare their thoughts on overseas travel, holidays, how to relax and whether simplifying our leisure time could lead to less stress, better relaxation and more time on our hands.
Is it true? Are all builders actually #@%$#%#$?? Of course not. Yet many people utter phrases like this without even thinking about what they're saying. You could replace 'builder' with anything these days - divorced dads, Broncos supporters, politicians and more but the truth is, not ALL of those groups are bad. Just because we know of a negative experience doesn't make it true 100% of the time.
Remember the Paul Kelly song, 'From Little Things Big Things Grow'? The song title gives a big clue to the little things that Waz and Nic discuss in today's episode. Often when we're trying to make change or get results in business and life we go looking for the biggest impact we can make, which leads us to look for the biggest things we can do. Trouble is, these are often scary, difficult, time consuming things AND they don't always deliver the change we're looking for. We examine a different way to approach change and it could be worth a try.
Once upon a time we used to celebrate diversity of opinion, experience and interests. Have we lost this in recent times? If we have, how might this have effected our innovation and progress, especially in business? Waz and Nic take a deeper look at this topic, as well as those weird 5 toe shoes...
Sometimes we get bent out of shape about things over which we either have no control or little way to influence. Despite that, countless hours and amounts of energy get expended on wishing things were different or better. What if there was a way to accept things as they are without actually giving up? Waz and Nic share their own experiences on this and some tips on how to shift gear and move on!
Waz and Nic manage to draw some looong bows at times but today has to take the cake. Nic shares why this is her favourite time of year and the duo explain what golden points, penalty tries and AFL have in common with each other... and with getting results in your trade business!
It's a funny name for something very important and actually quite simple. This practice in your business could save (or make!) you thousands of dollars in extra profit. Waz and Nic are astounded at the number of trade businesses that don't do this though. Listen in to find out how and why you need to start back costing in your trade business too.
Getting your message across can be tough. With so many different things to take care of in your business, how do you get people to understand you and act on what you ask (or tell) them?
Today is RUOK Day 2020. While it's traditionally a day to encourage us to reach out and ask someone close to us if they're "ok", this year the focus is on what's next. Often, we ask "RUOK?" but aren't necessarily ready for what comes next. What if the person we ask actually ISN'T ok? Nic and Waz give you some tips on what to do (or not do) next and make sure we're all supporting eachother through some of life's tough times.
Christmas is a time for pavlova, back yard cricket and presents. For many business owners though it's also a time of financial and emotional stress. With staff leave, customer deadlines and volatile workloads it can be quite the opposite of the idealistic images we have about the Silly Season. Waz and Nic unpack some things you should be doing right now to ensure Christmas 2020 is one to remember... for the right reasons.
Right up there with public speaking is the fear for many of 'networking'. You know, talking to strangers about what they're doing and how you might be able to work together. There are so many opportunities to meet more people who are just like you, that often are happy to work with you, share their learnings with you, connect you with others who can help you and just generally be good 'business friends' you really have no excuse for staying hidden! While many of us feel weird about working with others, the upcoming TIB90 Business Action Session with Waz and Nic has the potential to really set you up for the next 90 days... Waz and Nic take you through what happens at these events and how it could actually change your life for the better.
Ever heard the addage "you get what you focus on"? Well, whinging is a sneaky behaviour that many of us don't even realise we're doing. Worse still, some of us even do this online, on social media! Waz and Nic have a whinge about whingers...
Time and again at Tradies In Business we hear of the 'horror' stories of clients requesting variations, and the headaches that arise. From simple disagreements to full scale war, lost profits (losses!) and relationship stress. Mid-job changes can be a source of pain and frustration but Waz and Nic talk about how you can fix that AND make variations an opportunity for all parties.
How do you deal with a crisis? The best way is to prepare for it long before it happens! We chat with a long time listener and first time 'caller' in New Zealand about his real tradie experience with hard lock downs during Covid-19, how he prepared for it without even realising and what he realised about himself once he had to deal with the restrictions. It's a great chat with one of our NZ cousins and not just for his accent.
Business can be tough, complex and busy! It's hard to figure out all the things you need to implement, keep them running and still find some sort of balance, especially when you work with your life partner. Today's guest is a young couple who have worked out how to work together, bring up their two kids and do it all without killing each other! You might be surprised at what Renata has to share and what her answer is to the question, "What would you do differently if you could go back in time?"
Waz and Nic are back after a bit of a break. Today they dig into the issue of emotions - sharing them, shpwing them, whether they're weakness, which ones are appropriate and some personal insights from their own lives.
Sometimes you can't avoid the potholes of business, life, relationships... so it's often helpful to simply look ahead and be able to brace ourselves for impact! Cash flow and finance is really no different and the good thing is, there's lots you can do in your trade business to predict and prepare for cash flow and other money 'potholes'. Waz and Nic share a few insights from members on how you can do this for your own situation.
Coxie's Asian noodle experience, arguing with clients and lack of ownership. The dynamic duo dive down the rabbit hole of extreme ownership, taking responsibility and why it seems so difficult for so many.
It's one of the biggest downsides to owning and running a trade business. Money stress. It can cause a ripple effect through relationships, mental and physical health and the wider impacts on our communities. While it's talked about a lot, there's so much information available about improving cash flow and money issues that Waz and Nic decided to break it down into the three simplest ways they have seen make a difference for thousands of trade business owners around Australia and New Zealand.
With so much to focus on in life and business, sometimes it's helpful to focus on your focus instead. Confused? Well, Waz and Nic might be too but they have some solid tips for refining your focus and reducing the overwhelm.
Sometimes you just have to throw your hands in the air and say "_____ it! I'm not doing that anymore!" So often, Waz and Nic have seen this actually improve things and create some space for a new perspective, a release of pressure or a shift in thinking. Maybe it's worth giving it a go yourself?!
Waz and Nic go on a bit of a ramble today. Well isn't that new! They talk neighbours leaving manure on your lawn. They also discuss emotional dam walls, removing people lobbing grenades and surrounding ourselves with people who can strengthen the wall against the cracks.
With Victoria going 'back' into stage 4 restrictions thanks to Covid, Waz and Nic reboot the daily TradieRonaCast for 5 days a week at least. Today we take a look at what to do to avoid the merry-go-round woes and whether we're really back where we started. Perhaps it's more of a spiral, upwards we hope!
Let's face it... change is hard. Yet we're living in a world where change is happening every day whether we like it or not. Nic and Waz talk to a guest with a difference on today's episode and while he's very much from a blue collar background, as a biodynamic farmer, Charlie Arnott isn't your typical tradie! Charlie has transitioned from an old model of traditional 'extractive' farming practices to a regenerative agriculture model. This has meant some tough lessons and a need to let go of old ways of doing things. Something many of you can identify with!
Not all feedback comes from a customer survey. In fact, some of the most useful feedback comes from simply listening to your customers and those around you, even if they don't realise it. Waz and Nic take a look (or a listen) to some ways companies fail big in this area and also let you in on some of their own listenings to you!
B2B or business to business marketing and sales presents some unique challenges for trade business owners. How to get more of it, how to retain it and how to blend it with B2C work as well. Waz and Nic reckon it's pretty simple though and they share their insights into how to tap in to this potentially lucrative market.
We're on a roll with a string of RTG episodes of late and this is a great chat as well. Oliver Fullerton is a man with a plan, but it wasn't always this way. He talks of the struggles to find an apprenticeship when he was leaving school, how he had to change tack and how that's now lead him to a trade business, helicopters AND a dog food company!
Andrew and Briohny from Accelerate Auto Electrics literally started out with Andrew as a sole operator, lying under cars on the side of the road with oil dripping on his head. Fast forward about 10 years and they now own and run a multi award-winning, 7 figure auto electrical business with almost 20 staff. Most recently, Andrew has signed a deal with a national product manufacturer involving more dollar signs and zeros and an even greater online presence. Andrew joins us on this episode and shares his story as well as his top 3 tips for business and more...
It's a recurring theme when it comes to making change in life and business. Whether you're trying to improve your cashflow, your calorie count or your clock watching, change can be hard! One of the biggest blocks though is avoidance and today, Waz and Nic take you through some ways to get your head out of the sand and into action.
It's time for another Friday episode and today, your hosts wonder what's with the thing where we keep working with 'those' clients? We also share some simple ideas on how to say no, without actually saying no!
Quoting is a necessary part of running a successful trade business. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most time consuming tasks! With a simple change, you could potentially save many hours quoting (and losing) work. You could also make a big difference to the quality of clients you end up with. Waz and Nic lay it out for you in this episode.
What if you couldn't do the trade you were passionate about because of a medical condition? We chat to another real tradie guy about his journey through disappointment, learning to adapt and going on to create a 7 figure business despite his setbacks. Adrian also speaks candidly about how to shift your identity from 'tradie' to business owner and the things that helped him the most.
Many trade business owners are couples. In whatever shade or flavour that takes in 2020 it still remains a challenge for 2 people doing life together... to also do business together. Whether both 'in' the business or not, one of the sad parts of business stress is that it can drive couples apart. Waz and Nic delve into some super simple ways you can reconnect with your S.O. (significant other, in English) and get things back on track. It can be easier than you think!
We get it, you're busy. You've got kids. A business. 7 cats. A migraine. We would too. Does that mean your reasons are enough to not change? To not attend? To not have a go? Only if you choose to allow them to be 'ok'. Waz and Nic share some tough love around making change and the excuses we tell ourselves. They also share some simple steps that can get you out of the story loops that keep you where you are in your trade business.
Waz and Nic are pumped about TIB90 but why? What is it? Why you should know and why you should be there!
Goals can often seem overwhelming and hard to achieve, making them tough to even set in the first place. Waz and Nic have a little trick to share that might help you avoid the fear of setting goals, by focusing on something totally different as a way to knock them over! They explain what it is, how it works and how you can apply it to your trade business.
Sometimes we need to let go of some things before we can pick up anything new. Improving a trade business is no different but how? How do we simply let go of the things that are holding us back? One of the simplest ways to do this is to have a plan and we show you how to do that in today's episode.
Hope is right at your feet. But can you actually pick it up? While many have lost hope in the past 3-6 months Waz and Nic delve into the why, how and what of restoring hope, picking yourself back up from wherever you are and finding the strength and meaning to strive again today.
You've no doubt heard the adage that failing to plan is planning to fail. That's all fine but HOW do you plan for business success? While it sounds sounds simple enough, many people find it difficult or even impossible to come up with a plan that WORKS. Nic and Waz share some simple tips and have come up with a very simple way to ensure your next plan is a good one!
Nic and Waz take a look at sources of enquiry and the supposed holy grail of leads - word of mouth. It's almost a badge of honour to say your leads mostly come from referral or word of mouth. But could this be a risk to your business and what else should you know about this mystical source of new clients?
Ever been the victim of your own analysis paralysis? Sometimes we get into a thought loop about a decision, change or strategy and end up doing... nothing! Waz and Nic talk about how to get unstuck and get going.
It feels great to blame someone (or something) else for your behaviour sometimes. While we don't advocate for victimhood in your trade business maybe you can blame the Rona for a change to your routines and stop working on a Monday? Or a Tuesday? Or a Wednesday?.....
There are some things you just shouldn't do on social media as a trade business owner. Nic gets a bit ranty in this episode where the duo shine the light on one of the biggest things you should avoid online.
When you've worked in your trade for a while you get familiar with the right tools for the right job. They can mean the difference between a great job, on time... and a headache that takes forever to go away. It's the same when you're a business owner... there's tools to make life simpler, quicker and easier and some of them are free. Unlike The Builder's 7 wheelbarrows!
Wouldn't it be nice if there was a simple, one-size-fits-all solution to all your problems in business and life? There's plenty of silver bullets being sold by plenty of people and businesses... but do they really work? Nic and Waz dig into this topic and uncover some interesting perspectives.
With the end of financial year in Australia drawing near we take a look at the how, why and when of planning. Some simple plans can mean the difference between a great outcome and pooping your pants... literally! Nic and Waz also unveil their upcoming event, TIB90 and what it's all about.
The telephone is a part of doing business and yet it can be the source of so much stress and anxiety when it rings! Missed calls, voicemails, interruptions and distraction all add to our stress as business owners with a phone. Nic and Waz delve into this ongoing problem for tradies in business and some tips on how to deal with it you may not have thought of.
The podcast has passed more than 100,000 downloads thanks to you. Nic and Waz chat today about taking a break and ways to do it without heading to Roma! They also discuss how to keep your cup full of 'good stuff' that doesn't involve ice-cream, alcohol or anything else that makes you more padded and less well in the longer term.
The dirty 'D' word of working with builders. In the 3rd and final episode in our 'get some lovin from builders' series, we take a look at defects. How to manage them, how to avoid them, communicate about them, rectify them and actually to turn them into an opportunity when it comes to working with builders!
Professionalism means different things to different people. We dive into what it looks like for builders wanting it from their subbies. Whether you're a primary contractor or a sub trade today's episode lays out the key aspects of why and how professionalism is critical to your business.
We take a look at how subbies can get a slice of the upcoming building grants offered by federal and state governments. While many feel this will only benefit builders, Waz and Nic show you how you could tap into this lucrative market as a sub-trade too.
What's a professional league player and a business owner got in common? Today's guest is another great example of a professional in one field (pun intended!) transferring skills to another area in life - business. David Myles played for the Nth Qld Cowboys, Gold Coast Titans and NZ Warriors and now, he's taking it forward in a different arena - trade business ownership. David shares some awesome tips on his #1 marketing strategy for franchisees at GutterKnight, the 3 attributes of successful business owners and the one thing his sporting career has done to change his life.
With questions still being asked of us here at Tradies In Business about 'what do you do?' Waz and Nic run through your options to change your business for better. Plus the usual commentary on things like public holidays, the Royal family and the weather.
Sundays are for - invoicing, paperwork, getting ready for the week ahead. Right? Wrong? Where did the idea of weekends come from, is it still relevant and what's with the pineapple thing anyway? Plus, a special offer for podcast listeners from Waz and Nic.
There's nothing worse than a disingenuous message saying "we care about your call" only to not receive a call back. Well, maybe Waz's internet is worse. The dynamic duo delve into excuses in a Covid-world, bank knock-backs and some tips on being genuine in your business.
Change is hard. You know that. What can also be hard is watching someone you know try and change... and get stuck. Staying patient, being supportive and being there for them can be tough when the path to change for that person seems sooooo simple. Nic and Waz have some tips for dealing with a scenario like this and for how to change your own situation if you're the one who's stuck.
Nic and Waz share their observations of the way different people respond to the Covid-relaxations and some of the recent government policies aimed at stimulating the economy. Which camp are you in?
Waz gets excited as Tassie catches up to the mainland easing Covid restrictions... but are the relaxations actually a good thing?
Matt Bruce from MJB Bodyworks has learned a thing or two about bouncing back. From losing a big chunk of his anatomy to surviving the GFC and The Rona. Matt is crushing it in an industry that's not even classed as a 'real' trade and he has some no nonsense advice for other tradies wanting to improve.
Coxie talks about her big epiphany on the weekend and how to get the f#@k out of your own way
Sundays are for... random thoughts from Nic and Waz like different names for eggs, hose coiling tips and favourite ways to butter toast!
Waz nd Nic believe there are some unsung heroes in trade businesses everywhere... and we celebrate them in today's episode. Waz also puts Coxie on the spot... AGAIN!
We find out Nicole's childhood nickname AND Waz has some serious stuff to share about his co-host
Waz and Nic take a look at the power of how we speak to our team members, partners and especially our apprentices. What if how we speak about others is setting us up to attract negativity to our lives?
A warning about getting complacent and dropping the ball in your business now that things are returning to some version of normal... for some of us anyway!
Are you setting expectations with those around you without even realising it? If you've ever had a client or colleague disappointed with your performance (pun intended) then perhaps you've fallen victim to this. Nic and Waz take a look at some of the things we unwittingly do that make it almost impossible to make some people happy.
So often trade business owners get told (and sold!) that they should be 'getting off the tools' and if they don't then they haven't achieved success (yet). Waz and Nic challenge this notion with some interesting thoughts about what success REALLY is about.
It's many years since Waz had a hangover. Ok, maybe not that many. He compares war stories with Nic and more importantly, Nic and Waz try and figure out if it is actually possible to do 'nothing' when we're not working.
Waz and Nic have at least one thing in common - they're both Powderfinger fans! They discuss old school music, concert fails and their favourite board games... Nic's might surprise you!
We all get stuck when confronted with change sometimes. How do we help those around us to confront our fears and excuses and actually move through it? Waz and Nic want to know your stories and strategies for helping Stuck Man (or woman)!
Waz and Nic have had 'one of those weeks' and while they managed to keep to the daily RonaCast schedule, it was by the skin of their teeth!
Succeeding in life is hard enough without becoming a parent in your teens while starting a trade! Today's guest not only succeeded but became the CEO of a number of businesses and recently sold one for a large sum of money! Have a listen to this Real Tradie Story with a twist... at the beginning!
They did it! An episode in less than 5 minutes! Waz and Nic took up the challenge and succeeded. We're not sure it was worth it though. Oh, and they talk about the Powderfinger concert too
We want to know what your 3 GOOD things have been since Covid-19. Anything at all. Hit us up on Facebook or via the website and let us know your top 3.
Some of us seem to attract crappy outcomes in business and life despite our best efforts. Waz reckons he knows why but isn't sure if the current methods are working.
FIST Day and Waz and Nic explore some more rabbit holes like who controls the internet, how to find like-minded tradies, speeding up change in life and what is The Drawing Board
The team respond to some feedback and talk about more of the issues facing us all in the Rona times
Another insurance episode we hear you say? YES! This time, we take a look at general insurance for things like tools, public liability and so on. While it seems pretty straightforward, Waz and Nic constantly come across tradies paying too much or having the wrong policies... or both! We chat with one of the world's largest insurance brokers about the pitfalls and key aspects of making sure you're protected and also not wasting your insurance dollar.
We take you inside another premium member session delivered to our Trade Desk and Drawing Board members. This one is our weekly toolbox meeting - helping our subscribers stay focused and revved up for another week! Have you joined yet? Do it now while it's still free.
Mothers' Day Special. It's 2020 in a new-Rona-world so Nic and Waz take a look at different ways to celebrate that special mother, bonus mother, wife, partner in our lives.
Yep, we went there. Not intentionally but then again, Waz and Nic do a lot of stuff that wasn't intentional! A bit of fun for a Saturday and Mothers' Day Eve! Nic gives all the blokes a few tips on what to get, and not to get, your mums this Mothers' Day... and how to make sure there's a bit of action as a reward.
Waz has had a bit of a tough week with his ongoing education about relationships. Perhaps some builder's bog will fix it?
Fridays can be a bit of a custard show... so why do we get so bent out of shape about Fridays on a Thursday?
Back to the daily TradieRonaCasts... only this time Waz tries to get serious about business stuff
Ever failed at anything in life? Business? Like many of us, our guest today has failed at a few things as well. As the owner of a busy plumbing business, Dan Pollard made a decision. One which set the wheels in motion to creating one of Australia and New Zealand's leading trade business solutions and one with an unexpected set of outcomes. This interview has it all - business learnings, personal insights, a few laughs and even a few tears... Waz rates this as one of his top 3 interviews on the show so check it out and let us know what you think too!
The duo are usually pretty good at changing tack more than a yacht in the Sydney to Hobart... but today is next level stuff for Waz and Nic. See if you can make it to the end of this TradieRonaCast!
Can you believe it? Waz and Nic finally manage an episode where they get to the point in under 10 minutes and we reckon it's worth every second!
Sometimes as businesses we give standard responses to things we might do well to think a little deeper about. Waz and Nic look at lifetime value - what is it and why you should consider it before answering a prospect enquiry. Coxie voted with her dollars and perhaps your clients are too.
We love our 'real tradie story' episodes and today is no exception. Our guest this time runs a successful painting business but has a background in... wait for it... freestyle BMX! As usual, Waz finds a way to take the mickey out of our guest AND to segway like a pro. Thankfully, Nicole keeps it all on track and uncovers some gold with Mitch from Sterling Coating.
With Queensland getting ready to relax some of the Covid restrictions, Waz and Nic take a look at our old ways of living vs the Rona-way. Waz also takes the opportunity to poke the bear and get Coxie fired up about the Covid app, differences of opinion and self-righteousness online
Do the days all feel the same to you? What's the difference between Tuesday and Sunday these days? Yeah, we're not sure either but Waz and Nic reckon they've got some ideas for you.
Lest We Forget. Nic and Waz talk about giving thanks, sacrifice and various other rabbit holes.
Coxie takes the lead in today's episode and drops the bomb before Waz has even finished waffling. There's a worrying pattern of behaviour with some members of the trade industries and the duo try and work out why, who and how to stop it. Oh and Waz manages to rhyme again. Super exciting stuff...
FIST Day special about motivation, movies and making a difference - does it all need to be positive? And what's with Tarantino films anyway?
Ok, we missed a day. We're human... we make mistakes... well, Waz does! Seriously though, we're sorry to mess up your week and miss our DailyTradieRonaCast episode BUT we make up for it today. We hope. Sorry.
We share a live Toolbox Talk with our Trade Desk members to help you come up with better ways to run your team, and get into the best headspace for another week!
With authorities spending so much time enforcing quarantine, isolation and other social distancing rules it's easy to focus on what we're all doing wrong and not when we do something right! How does this flow into our families and businesses though?
We're talking cows today, although we expect Waz will be rabbitting on about them for a while yet! With all the Rona stuff, have you stopped doing things that matter to you? Waz and Nic take a look at ways to change that.
Waz gets his ranty pants on today and digs into Covid excuses while Coxie brings up some questionable practices from some of the major companies in Australia. Seems a bit unAustralian to us!
Waz introduces the new member of the TIB team. The crew give you a way to score some free merch AND help out a fellow tradie in business in today's daily 'RonaCast' episode.
It's not bad, it's just different. How to embrace new habits. How do we interpret the rules? Plus a challenge from Waz...
Don't you just hate Mondays? While today is Easter Monday and a public holiday for many, the crew look at ways to beat the Monday blues. Nic also has an idea for how Tradies In Business can help train your staff... and it's free!
Waz is FINALLY out of 14 days quarantine and can't wait to buy unleaded. Coxie has an alternative to chocolate but we're not sure it's a good thing.
The team take a look back at the week and discuss all sorts of things, none of which have anything to do with said virus! They also work out that time isn't kind to everyone...
Special Good Friday edition... what's your tradition? Waz and Nic take the day off... and you should too! But how do we do Easter now that we're stuck at home?
How come you haven't joined the Trade Desk? We ask the question PLUS we take a look at a new way of doing more...by taking stuff away.
How to work at home...new time blocking methods and a hump day special look at kids + business in these new times
Waz spills his guts and Coxie saves they day in today's episode of the Tradies In Business daily Tradie Rona Cast
It's Monday... and Waz and Nic are talking food, drink, habits and how to keep some positive ones ready for the rebuild. Should you just eat the ice cream or not?
It's Sunday... and Waz and Nic still aren't taking a break! With daylight saving coming to an end Waz can finally stop being confused. Well, about the time at least.
We load up our second instalment in the daily Tradie Rona Cast episodes. How long can they actually keep this going?!?
Our special podcast sessions begin for the 'Rona season! Quick chats with Waz and Nic every day to keep you in the loop, stay focused, give ideas and tips and hopefully get you chuckling occasionally too!
It's not often we get to speak to a trade business couple on the show so we were excited to have Nick and Jess from Esplin Building Group chat with us. In this Real Tradie Storie, we find out what it's like to start your own construction business, the dangers of comparing self to others in business and personally, what's wrong with the industry, how massive setbacks can be a blessing and what personal values have to do with running a successful building company. It's a big one so strap on the headphones!
As the situation unfolds in Australia, many trade businesses are starting to feel the effects of people's fear and panic. Perhaps even their own! We take a look at what you can do to make the most of the current conditions and maybe even use this time to prep... not for the apocalypse but for the REBUILD!
Waz shares his thoughts directly with you on the crisis unfolding and how to not just survive, but potentially thrive, in your trade business in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nicole shares her thoughts directly with you on the crisis unfolding and how to not just survive, but potentially thrive, in your trade business in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We understand it can be tricky sometimes to manage communications may it be with your spouse, business partner or even your staff. Today, we have Tom Bell of Tomorrow Manto talk about men, women, leadership, and feelings and how to do this whole human relationship a bit better.
Internet has been the fastest and most accessible resource for everyone. But, how reliable are the information we are seeing from it? How do you fact-check the information from the internet? Or you don't? Internet made a lot of people easy to judge other people, a business, or a situation with just one review or subjectively-written article. Waz and Nic shares their own experiences and how they fact-check information.
Unless you've been living under a rock, or queuing up for toilet paper, you would know that Covid-19 or coronavirus is sweeping across the globe. While nobody seems certain of the medical and health impact of this virus, one thing is for certain - the economic and business impact is REAL. If you're not prepared for the shock waves to hit your trade business you'd best take a listen to this episode as Waz and Nic lay out a strategy to minimise (and maybe even capitalise) on the latest round of human hysteria.
Have you experienced that your accountant tells you that you made a profit but there's no cash? What happened?! In today's episode, we talked to Katie Marshall, author of Profit First, to get a clear understanding on how profit turns to cash and to improve our cash flow.
Waz and Nic are at it again with bad jokes, a bit of a rant and a proper discussion about how to be authentic without forcing it in today's social media society.
You probably know that video is the grand daddy of all content strategies, especially when marketing your business. Did you know that it's also a fantastic way to convert sales in your trade business? How about using it to increase the number of clients who upgrade? Who refer others to you? Or who simply stay as clients for longer? We chat to the founder of Bonjoro, a super cool platform and app that makes sending personalised videos to your prospects or customers an absolute cinch! Matt Barnett shares his journey from surfing in hail storms in Scotland, to tech-company founder in Sydney and why you really MUST be using video to personalise your customer engagement.
Due to this digital age, tradies were forced to create online presence to remain competitive and grow their business. Learn from Steph of Tradies Get Online how to get your trade business online, connect with your customers, and transform your business.
Waz and Nic often have deep and menaingful conversations when they get together. The team decided it was time to share some of their conversations so here's the first episode of Filosophy Friday! For the first episode, Waz and Nic go out on a limb and see if they can pull apart, and make sense of, some of the worrying trends they're seeing in society. Be sure to join the conversation and let them know what you think at www.tradiesinbusiness.com.au
One of the hardest things about getting young people into the trades is finding them somewhere to 'make a start'. Often, with little experience and a less developed resume or application skillset, young tradies are coming up against it when looking for their start in their career. We chat to a guy who's developed a service aimed at solving this problem for young tradies AND at helping employers find the right apprentices and trainees for their business at the same time. Sounds like a win:win and we're sure this will spread to the rest of the country real soon!
Do you know what is an illegal phoenix? Illegal phoenix activity. Illegal phoenix activity is when a new company is created to continue the business of a company that has been deliberately liquidated to avoid paying its debts, including taxes, creditors and employee entitlements. Learn more about illegal phoenix - what it is, how to spot one and what to do to avoid not getting paid for the work that you've done for another company.
How do you see yourself when you retire? Are you confident you'll be able to live a comfortable life after retirement? Let's find out from today's guest, Owen Hume, he'll be sharing tips on how you can prepare for your retirement.
There are a lot of hacks, formulas, and shortcuts you'll hear and see on the internet. You may have tried some of those. But the question is does it work? Waz and Nic busted the greatest myth in being a successful business owner. Listen up as you might be one of those who believe in this BIG myth!
What's your biggest asset? Is it your home? Your family? Your health? Think of it this way - what would happen if you couldn't work for 3 months...could you pay your bills? Your mortgage? Your kids' school fees? Sadly, many people don't understand how or even that they can protect the income that they rely on every day. As part of our series with the crew from BUSSQ and Skylight Financial Solutions, we talk to an expert on all things personal insurance. You might be surprised how simple it all can be!
It seems that everyone has either had one or knows someone who has and yet the question remains - how do I get the most out of my mentor or coach? With so many to choose from and various programs on offer, how on Earth do you pick the right one for YOU and then actually get what you paid for? Waz and Nic have been coaching and mentoring tradies for over 10 years so they share their insights (and stuff-ups) to help you answer the sixty four thousand dollar question...
Waz and Nic have had enough. They're sick of the segregated and fragmented nature of the trades and they've decided that, after much complaining, they should actually DO something about this! Mark the date 10-10-20 in your diary because this will shake up the trades in Australia...
Lots of businesses are talking about 'cause marketing' and how it can change the way you represent yourself to your target audience. Ok, that's the fluffy definition out of the way...cause marketing is really about getting your brand out there by doing good stuff for communities, not-for-profits and the like. It's a good old fashioned win-win scenario. Not only have today's guests built a very successful business via cause marketing, they've written a book about it! Not just any book, a 'Business Audio Theatre' production with real actors and sound effects. Keep an ear out for some of the clips in the episode and head to the website to grab your free chapter from one of America's biggest wine label creators.
We all know that people lose their minds at Christmas time but Waz and Nic have some MORE ways to survive this Christmas period... just in case you missed the 7 ways episode!
What do you think? Good use of taxpayer dollars or cheap (but expensive) vote-buying exercise? Head over to the Facebook group for Tradies In Business and tell us what YOU think!
Some people have all the luck... and some take a little while to learn their lesson. Today's real tradie guy episode is with a bloke who's an example of both! Josh Waddington has had some hard knocks and hard lessons and thankfully, he's now leading other young tradies to do things differently and learn from his mistakes. Thanks to Blude Dog Training, Josh is now giving back to the industry and young people alike.
Steve Lewis is a no-B.S. kind of guy. He also believes websites and 'copy' should be the same! Today's episode is a fantastic chat about all things trades, customers, speaking plainly and getting website and social media clicks to make your phone ring! Waz and Nic rate this as one of their top 10 guest interviews so have a listen to see why!
Waz and Nic dig into a sometimes confronting subject of what to do or say if someone says "no" when asked if they're ok. We're all told we need to ask but how many of us are truly equipped to handle what happens next?
Wouldn't it be cool if you could pay someone to take risks for you? To take the fall off your mountain bike or attend that crappy meeting with a disgruntled customer. The reality is, you can! Maybe not the mountain bike and the avoidance of conflict but you CAN pay companies to take certain risks for you. Think crashing your car or losing your house or the risk of having your tools stolen. There are some risks that have even greater consequences than losing property - like losing the ability to work, that could cripple your business and your family. Waz and Nic chat about ways you can protect yourself from risks to income, health and losing your financial security in the first of a series of episodes on personal risk insurance.
How can such a fantastic time of year cause so much stress for so many? Every year that goes by seems to bring tighter deadlines, more issues to deal with and a raft of unreasonable client demands. Rather than go chug a carton of egg nogg to help cope, why not check out today's episode where Waz and Nic share their top 7 tips for making the silly season stress-free AND get you ready to refresh and hit the New Year with everything you've got!
A question that gets asked often in the Tradies In Business community is, how do you know when to quit your day job and go 'full time' in your trade business? Waz and Nic take a look at this in today's FIF. The gang also revisit charge rates and how (and whether you should!) raise them. Oh, and there's the usual Friday toilet humour!
As they say, whoever 'they' are, there's only two certainties in life... death and taxes. Oh and maybe the fact Waz will always laugh at his own jokes. Anyway, the duo tackle taxes today and speak personally with Marcus Chew from the Australian Taxation Office. Marcus is a Director of Small Business and explains what the Taxable Payments Reporting System is, why you need to pay attention to it, how it could benefit you and why we should all be doing the right thing!
The title says it all really. Who could be surprised that Waz gets ghosted as we're pretty sure it isn't the first time! Plus, the gang reckon they've got a cracking idea for talk-back radio and they need your help to make it happen...
We talk about mental health a bit here on the podcast because it's a subject close to our hearts and it's also a massive issue for ALL Australians. One company is taking mental health, and that of it's employees, so seriously that they've got their own in-house mental health advocate and he's our guest on today's real tradie guy episode! James Hill not only fills the role of Mental Health Advocate for Energy Queensland but he's also a tradie AND recently won the individual award for services to mental health in Queensland during Mental Health Week. James shares his own story (and struggle) with mental health, his experience with suicide, how he's changed during it all and some real-world tips for anyone dealing with stress, worry or other more serious issues.
**[As always, be sure to contact Lifeline on 131114, Beyond Blue at www.beyondblue.org.au or any of the other fantastic organisations if you feel like you or someone you know could use some support.]
Waz and Nic love to hear stories from guests on the podcast. From marketing gurus to mental health advocates, finance whizzes to neurosurgeons. There's been hundreds of guests here over the years. One thing that doesn't happen all that often is hearing Waz and Nic be interviewed themselves! Recently, Waz was invited to be a guest on the TradeMutt podcast - 120 Grit. Dan and Ed from TradeMutt have built a business around their very unique workwear, but their mission is to start conversations and change the way we view mental health, especially in the trades. They boys got Waz on the other side of the mixing desk recently so we thought we'd share it with you here on Tradies In Business as well. Waz talks about his own journey, his relationship with his dad, experiences in business, with failure and what drives him to work with Nicole Cox here at Tradies In Business.
Waz and Nic were recently interviewed on the Bright Spenders podcast with Anthea Falkiner. We thought we'd share the chat with you as there's some great tips on how to diversify your trade business income, surviving (and thriving) in a recession or downturn, identifying your niche and how to get customers buying from you more than once. Some of the audio is a bit quiet so apologies for that but it's worth the listen as there's some chunky stuff in this conversation!
It's a question we get asked often here at Tradies In Business. The answer might seem obvious to some and you might think it involves responses like "marketing" or "hiring good staff" and the like. With more than 20 collective years working with trade business owners and small business, Waz and Nic reckon it's none of those things and their insights might surprise (and upset!) you...
Warning! Waz and Nic go off on even more tangents than usual in this FIF episode! The crew are talking time-wasting, watches, curly cord kinks and more...
In the final of our 3 part 'Builder special' series, we take a look at problem clients and how to avoid them. Sadly, some jobs just seem to go South and for many builders it's a mystery as to why! Nic and Waz unpack the anatomy of a nightmare job, what the causes could be and how to rectify and avoid them in future. Even if you're not a builder there are some great lessons and tactics in this episode to avoid those horror jobs that get you wondering why you even bother with this gig!
Don't you just love moving house? No. Neither do we. Which is why Coxie was amazed by the dealings she had with a removalist recently when planning to relocate her entire house full of stuff! We also dig into some of the hate for online businesses and see if there's a way to turn this around... Waz has a great example of a local business who's tackling it head on.
We love a good Kiwi joke. What we love even more is a Kiwi who's doing great stuff in their business and today's Real Tradie Guy interview is a classic example. After recognising a gap in the market, James Berryman along with his very patient wife Linda, launched their own niche business... installing rangehoods! James talks about how this came about, some hard lessons along the way, some of the milestones achieved and the secret to doing all this without any formal business training. James and Linda are 'Trade Desk' members too so you get to hear what some of the Tradies In Business VIP members are up to. Sweet as!
In the second of our three part series focused on the builders, Nic and Waz look at some more simple (but not easy) changes that you can make to avoid some of the headaches with finding and converting quotes into paying jobs. With many hours spent quoting and adjusting quotes and trying to win clients, only to be told 'you're too dear' we thought it was time to unlock some secrets to changing this for good!
What's more intimidating than running an automotive mechanical business? Buying one off your dad...when you're his daughter! Check out the latest of our 'real tradie' series with another inspiring woman, Lydia Stjepanovic.
Can you imagine doing your trade training not once, but twice!! Our guest Mal Barnes from Chek Air had to do when arriving in Australia from the UK. Mal and his wife Jill run a successful air conditioning business but in order to get his Australian qualifications, he had to work all day and then attend Tafe at night. Join us as Mal shares his highlights from his time in the industry as well as some fantastic tips on how to have a great team!
What's worse than not getting paid for a job? Not getting paid because YOU didn't do the paperwork or manage your systems better... Today we chat with Malisa from MBooks about more than just bookkeeping. While it's invaluable to have a good bookkeeper on your team, Malisa talks us through the pitfalls (and horror stories) of retentions in the construction industry. What they are. How to get them right. And how to get paid when they're due! If you're unsure about this area of your business then you should listen and take notes from today's episode, and make sure you grab the cheat sheet on retentions from the Tradies In Business website and the podcast show notes.
What do you do when you're a girl, and you're handy? Create your own business called Handy Girl of course! Now with more than 15 women all working on the tools as handy-people, Kim is looking at taking her business national! Not only is Kim an inspiring business woman working in a male-dominated field, she's helping give women a shot at striking the balance between motherhood, work and doing something they enjoy. She's got a great story and is another of our awesome 'real tradie wives'... with a difference!
Ever wondered what it takes to don the big foam mascot suit for a footy team? Well, wonder no more because Coxie and Waz interview 'Buck The Bronco' otherwise known as Justin Geange. Justin's a former Qld Rail plumber and got the gig in the big horse suit for the Brisbane Broncos more than 10 years ago! In that time he's also been on one of Australia's top talent shows, changed career and sadly, made an attempt on his life. Justin's story is bigger than all that...kind of like the man himself! He now works for Mates In Construction and spreads the message of keeping an eye out for our mates when it comes to mental health and suicide. This is a funny, heartwarming, sobering and inspiring Real Tradie Guys episode with knowledge bombs and one-liners aplenty!
Waz and Nic continue the FIF theme of not being a wanker... this time by doing the right thing with your insurances and especially income protection. WAY too many trade business owners (and tradies in general) don't know enough about and don't have enough cover for the times where they injure themselves or get sick and can't work for an extended period. The impact of this on the business and their family can, in some cases, be catastrophic. The guys share some tips, bust some myths and give some insights on how to deal with this issue effectively and take care of your responsibilities.
This one's just for all you builders out there. One of the pet hates of the builders we talk to is the amount of time you put into quotes only to be shunned by your prospective clients for a cheaper price, seemingly 'better' quote or some other unknown reason. With Nicole's experience as The Builder's Wife and Waz's years of working with building companies and in the industry himself, we decided it was time to share our learnings with you on this topic. This is a 3 part Builders' Special Series, starting with how to win 100% of your quotes!
Nicole and Waz were always taught that "nobody likes a big-noter". Because of that, neither of them have ever done a good job of sharing their success stories. Sadly, many trade business owners are the same! They're doing amazing work, have happy clients and yet... they struggle to post about it on social media, put client testimonials up or to even just be confident enough to tell people how good they are at their trade!This is a big issue and Waz and Nic see if they can come up with some answers. PLUS, there's the chance to get your hands on some great Tradies In Business merch for free! Check out this episode to find out how you could be sporting a new TiB shirt or cap!
We are loving the 'real tradies' interviews that have shown up lately here at Tradies In Business HQ. Today's guest is no exception. Wojtek Stainwald is the son of Polish migrants and his last memory of his home is being woken up in the middle of the night as a young boy... to flee Poland and cross the border for a new life. From there to his new life in Australia, Wojtek has developed a 'no bull' attitude and approach to business, staff, money and relationships. And while Wojtek is a straight talker he is also very much in tune with what it takes to become an award winning builder with the GJ Gardner group, a loving husband and father and an occasional dirt-bike rider! You'll also find out this tradies top tips for how to get more work from builders. Enjoy!
Staff can be tough to find, lead, motivate and retain. Waz and Nic have had their fair share of positive and... learning... experiences with team over the years, both in their own businesses and with their clients and members. Find out the lessons they've picked up over the last 10 years or so.
What do you do when your dad needs help with the finances in his business? Well, you become his business partner of course! After he experienced some rather tough business lessons, Nicole Hurkens' dad took her on as his business partner. Nicole is a whizz with the numbers and finance side of the business as a CPA accountant so she helped really turn the business around! While doing so, she's also had to come to terms with her father's illness and manage a family AND a second business. Another inspiring story from one of our real tradie wives, with a difference!
Mar-kuh-ting... that's how Waz sounds it out anyway. While marketing is done to DEATH on just about every podcast known to man, Waz and Nic find a bloke who's got it down to just one page! Although he wrote a whole book on the subject, Allan Dib reckons the best marketing plan fits on a page. We think that's a good way to keep it simple and get it done. See if you agree!
When it comes to the school of hard knocks, people seem to either take the lessons and move on or they get stuck in their past. Today's real tradie guy has certainly moved on which is an incredible feat given the knocks he's had in his life. From living on the streets at age 16, to learning a trade and building a business and now living on the beach with his fiancee (and their cute French bulldog), Vetea will surely inspire you to take a look at your own life in a new light.
Waz discovers his new productivity tool isn't working and Coxie confesses to not achieving her ONE goal for the day...
As a kid Jonathan was fascinated with radio and television. He started out his career at the age of 12, selling air time for advertisements to his mates' lemonade stands in their street! Since then he's spent more than 15 years in television and journalism and now, Johnathan shares his insights with business owners on how to create great stories, videos and how to make them go viral. If you've thought at all about using video for your business (and you should be!) or you're currently using this medium to communicate with customers (and you should be!) then THIS is an episode you don't want to scroll past.
Nobody likes being stood up...and today, Waz and Nic get stood up by guests not once, but twice! So they didn't waste their coffee, they decided to record an episode digging into this issue instead.
Wowee! Waz and Nic knew their 'real tradie wives/guys' episodes would make for some great stories but this one's a cracker! Katrina Hamilton not only stands beside her tradie-man in their glazing business, she's the mother to their young family, a psychology graduate AND is running her own business at the same time! This really is an episode about how to work with your partner, juggle multiple balls and do it all while maintaining a marriage and some sanity.
Waz and Nic discuss the meaning of broccoli, the power of words and what on earth is a twitcher? Just another typical FIF from the dynamic duo!
We chat with another of our "Real Tradie Guys". This time it's Pete the Plasterer. Pete's seen some ups and a whole lot of downs and has some jaw dropping stories to share! He's also an impressive bloke. Despite everything he's endured and lost, Pete has come out with an incredible mindset and a bunch of wisdom. He shares plenty of truth bombs in this episode that you definitely want to listen to without distractions.
Ever dismissed a frustration or problem in your life with "first world problem huh?"?? The crew unpack what's going on when we say this and try and figure out if 1st world problems are even problems at all!?
We've decided it's time. Time to talk to the REAL tradies in business teehee. Seriously though, with so many tradie wives standing beside their tradie partners, we decided it's time to highlight some of the amazing stories, learnings and perspectives our tradie wives have to share. First cab off the rank is our very own Nicole Cox, who is literally The Builder's Wife!
Most of us are terribly confused by the whole BIF Act, in fact many of us don't even know what it is and how it can help us in business. Fionna from Aitchison Reid joins us in today's episode to take away some of the confusion around what you need to know to ensure you get paid. Be sure to listen right to the end for your special offer.
We all need to do it. Most of us suck at it. Saying no is an important skill that can grow your business, save you time, reduce your stress and give you back your sanity!
Ever wished you had a great team of people, all pulling together to achieve the common goal for your business? We chat to a real tradie who's worked as part of a team just like that... on a Sydney to Hobart winning yacht! Ed Wray from Mackellar Electrical crewed on one of the divisional winning yachts in the 2018-19 Sydney To Hobart. Ed shares his experience but also how his life's challenges, heartaches and triumphs led to the starter's gun on Boxing Day 2018.
Do you fake it? If you are you could be doing it wrong! Nicole comes clean about her faking and Waz has some tips on how to do it positively...
Ugghh. Budgeting. Finances. Cash flow. Bills! Who doesn't nod off at the idea of a spreadsheet to track your spending? Could be why so many of us suck at it (and worse, don't do it at all!) While most of us know that having a budget is important, few of us actually do it and do it well. Our guest today knows first hand what it's like to get yourself into the financial poo and like so many of the experts on the Tradies In Business podcast, she decided to create a solution that she now shares with others! Check out what Anthea from Bright Spenders has to say on the topic including why she said Waz's introduction was the worst she's ever had...
Hate paperwork? Waz and Nic hate this more...another ranty pants episode from the gang!
What did you want to be when you grew up? Our guest today didn't want to be a fireman but that's exactly what he ended up doing! After many years as a 'Firey', Brent Clayton saw how many people wanted to become, and struggled to succeed at becoming, a fireman (or woman). So he did what any solutions focused person would do... he started a business to train people for successful application and entrance to the fire service. Brent has pretty much seen all the mistakes people make when applying for a job so he's got some awesome insights into how you can choose, screen and select the right candidate for your trade business.
For your friend to call? For the rain to stop? The weather to warm up? Cool down? The kids to grow up? Seems we're all waiting for something... and THEN we'll be happy. Find out what Waz and Nic are waiting for...and how to make tasty, salty nuts.
You don't normally think of real estate as being funny. Our guest on the show today would have to be one of Australia's funniest real estate agents and he's using video to generate some impressive stats on social media. As well as being a comedic genius (our words, not his!) Dan Lee has a real head for marketing and he shares some amazing tips into how to use social media, and video, to kill it online.
Need we say more? Waz and Nic, solving the world's BIG questions. Well, sometimes at least!
This is the episode in which Waz makes a great sweeping statement about posing in a pair of pink boots on the work site!! We are talking with Stacey from She Wear about PPE for women and why it became a focus and then a business for her.
Waz and Nic 'go there' today and talk... politics! Waz also sends out a bit of a war cry to tradies around Australia to stand up and make a difference
All good Australian stories start in the pub, and the journey for Paul Sharpe from Easy Payslip started with a great story involving some mates and a few beers. Come join us as we talk about schooners, spreadsheets and payslips AND solving your payroll headaches with a single touch!
Everyone loves a good party. Especially Nicole! She's a ninja at planning and hosting kids' parties (have a listen to the episode for stories of some of her best), but we really want to know how to throw an awesome adult party...
Ryan Wilson from Free Trade Day shares his emotional story of how he came to create 'Free Trade Day' that over the 3 years it's been running, has gone from a viral Facebook post to something quite spectacular!
Need we say more? Waz and Nic lift the lid on this old riddle and see if they can solve it. Plus, Waz realises he might have made a mistake with the wedding gift he gave his wife recently and the guys share the deets for the upcoming Launch Party!
One of the biggest stress causes for tradies in business is cash flow. Closely tied to that is trying to get paid by people who owe you money! Today's episode shows you how to literally bulletproof your business! We cover PPSR, how it applies (and doesn't), the importance of t's and c's as well as how to make sure you (almost) never have to worry about being taken by a client or contractor again!
Arrrgh! How on earth do you manage distractions? Coxie thinks she has the answer but Waz isn't sure his battery will survive long enough. Maybe he should just get the lead and plug it in? Another typical FIF from the crew!
Trigger Warning: Mental Health discussion. Occasionally you have the opportunity to meet amazing people doing amazing things. Our interview with Sophie Aubry will have you reflecting over your own life thinking about how you can do better and be kinder. Sophie is about to head out to walk 1000km solo along the W.A. coast! You'll have to listen to find out why. Keep an eye out for snakes Sophie!
How do you choose a new hairdresser? Seems Coxie has a story about an expensive hair do that all started on social media. Waz decides pics of raw sewage would make a great marketing idea. Just another typical FIF from your hosts!
Full of gold nuggets! If you are serious about getting off the tools you can't miss this episode. Adam Sand from Roofing Business Partner has gone from building his own multi-million dollar roofing company to assisting other tradies build theirs. With insights on everything from marketing and sales to finding and retaining the right employees Adam has cracked the code! Want to know how he did it? You'll have to listen in of course. Findout more about Adam at www.roofingbusinesspartner.com
How do you relax after a busy day on the tools or in the office? Waz and Nic have some unique ideas on how to do it...!
There is nothing like a true tradie story and this week, we are taking you into the background of Samios boss Garry Wade. Garry has worked in just about every part of Samios from a delivery driver all the way through to now working as the Executive General Manager of the company! Join us as Garry gives us his top tips on what tradies need to do to make a successful trade business, how persistence pays off and more. We might have even offered him a job!
Nobody can deny that mental health is a big issue. But are we doing the 'right' things and what else needs to change? Nic and Waz share some very personal stories today in an attempt to understand better what can be done.
With print media declining and the rise and rise of online platforms like social media, YouTube and the like, you'd be forgiven for thinking that writing is also not as relevant. The opposite is true when it comes to your business with websites, social posts, customer materials and email marketing all being critical to the success of your trade business! We chat with journalist and professional writer, Emily Toxward, about the secrets to great content, how to write like a pro and some of the do's and don'ts when it comes to your web and other online content.
It seems everyone's offended these days. About everything. All the time. What's with that? Make sure you join the conversation and tell us what you think over at www.facebook.com/groups/tradiesinbusiness !!
Ever heard of a concreature? They are legendary in the construction world, but are all concreatures alike? Join us as we talk to Paul from Dolley Concreting about running a successful concreting business. Paul is as humble as they come, has a fantastic attitude and is keen to share what he sees as his lessons so far in business including (but not limited to) the secret to building a loyal and hard working team, how to deal with price competition and what makes a good deadlift...
Advertising on Facebook can feel like a money pit, especially if you are not sure what you are doing. But did you know there are some fantastic ways to advertise on Facebook for FREE? Social networks such as Facebook provide our businesses with simple way to market ourselves. When used well, it can give us the opportunity to position us as the experts in our fields that we are, providing our customers the chance to trust us before they work with us. Cate Scolnik from Sane Social Media is here to share some of her Facebook advertising secrets, that are either low cost or better still, FREE!
What is it with the whole 'sex sells' thing? Is it still relevant (or appropriate?) Waz and Nic flirt with death, offending each other and some innuendo to see if they can get to the bottom of this issue... all puns intended.
Feedback is just information...right? Sometimes it's just not that easy. Waz and Nic give each other some feedback and discuss whether and when it's ok to give feeedback to others. Oh, and how to (maybe) accept it!
Quoting. It's time consuming, demoralising and unavoidable! Happily, quoting and estimating can be simple, rewarding and fast! Today's guest is very experienced in estimating and has taken that knowledge and developed an app that 'does it all'. Well, almost. Check out her 10 step estimating process AND make sure you go to the Tradies In Business website and register to become a beta tester of the app for free!
Need we say more? Yep, we're talking 'trolls'... the social media variety. Not the cute and kinda weird looking dolls from 30 years ago.
The fitness and gym industry as a massive one. For decades we've been told we just need to exercise more in order to lose weight and stay healthy. Turns out they weren't necessarily telling us the truth. Despite Australians spending mega bucks on gym memberships, boot camps and dieting challenges we're one of the sickest, fattest nations on Earth. Today's guest debunks some pretty big myths and literally shares with us "what to eat" in order to fit back into those old Levi 501's!
Waz and Nic take a look at some case studies and try and work out what is being done, what needs to be done and what you think should be done about some of the issues in the industry. Make sure you head over to the Tradies In Business group on Facebook and have your say! www.facebook.com/groups/tradiesinbusiness
Humans have told stories for thousands of years. We used to use them to pass along knowledge of where to find food, whether another tribe was coming to steal our potatoes and how to get more miles out of a pair of leather sandals. With the advent of technology and books our stories are more elaborate and perhaps more entertaining. We still have a love or perhaps even an addiction for a good story so why not tap into that to improve your business? We figured that who better to talk to about story telling as a way to improve your business and your relationships with customers than a journalist?! We're joined by the sports editor of one of the largest regional newspapers in the country. Jason Gibbs also happens to be a good mate of Waz and a handy CrossFitter to boot so he's got some unique perspectives on what makes a good story, how to get in good with your local journo and how to submit articles to your local newspaper!
Hiring an apprentice can be such a huge opportunity for a trade business...and a huge headache! Figuring out how to find, develop and retain great apprentices has launched many businesses to the next level... and sadly, broken a few as well. Nicole was fortunate to be on the judging panel for the 2018 HIA Apprentice of the Year awards and in today's episode we catch up with the winner to find out what the secret is to hiring and leading a young apprentice. There's some great lessons from a 21 year old with his head firmly screwed on.
Is it ok to get angry? Should we all just learn to be nice? Waz and Nic try and figure out if anger is good or bad and do it all without getting cranky!
Some wear it as a badge. Others despise the practice. Most of us hate being on the receiving end of it. Waz and Nic talk about being a tight arse and whether it's a good thing or something else!
Ever tweaked your back putting your shoes on? 'Tradie Back' is a real thing and comes from years of bending, lifting, shifting and generally working hard. Often it shows up when we do something simple, like putting on a pair of shoes or getting the shopping out of the car but it's far from simple when it comes to the pain, limitation and frustration that ensues. The treatment of back pain is a multi billion dollar industry and a lot of the misconceptions centre around surgery being the 'only fix'. Today's guest busts a bunch of myths and falsehoods about your back pain, how to treat it and more importantly, how to prevent it... all without cutting you open or pumping you full of drugs!
Do you take a break at Christmas? Waz and Nic dissect the silly season and how you can use it to your advantage.
Hands up if you love networking! No? Don't worry, even if you're good at it there's a fair chance you don't love it. Which could explain why many of us don't do it! Despite knowing that networking is a powerful way to get more business, find subcontractors or builders to work with and to raise the profile of our trade business, many of us still avoid it. There's always the online versions of course, like LinkedIn, but are our desired contacts really on there and is the platform really suited to trades? Fortunately, Josh Sprague and his team at Good Work have put together a digital networking and job finding platform JUST FOR TRADIES! It's growing rapidly and is really changing the way tradies are networking, finding jobs, finding subbies and raising their profile. Best part? It's free! Find out more about how this came about, what it could do for your business and how to get involved by pressing "play"
Clients are always right. Waz and Nic go toe to toe on this one in another F#ck It Friday episode.
Super (or superannuation) can be a bit of a dry topic. Today's guest will change all that and share some important insights into why you should be thinking about super, even if you're not planning your retirement! BUSSQ offer some awesome extra services for people in the trades and want you to feel super about your super!
Aaargh! Why does everyone want everything done BEFORE Christmas? What is this crazy phenomenon? Waz and Nic try and figure it out for the good of humanity!
PPC or pay per click advertising has been around for a number of years and yet, it seems even more of a mystery than it did when first launched! Too many businesses waste money on their PPC, especially Google adwords, through simple misunderstanding and poor execution. We talk to a Google Adwords expert about ways you can stop wasting your hard earned and actually get PPC generating enquiries AND customers.
Sometimes it seems like if a little bit is good... then a lot would be awesome! Whether it's going to the gym, eating ice cream or working in your business, doing (or having) more seems like the sensible thing to do. You might be surprised to learn that this may not be the case! Hit play on another F@ck It Friday episode where Waz and Nic try and figure out if there really can be too much of a good thing.
What on earth is EQ and how can it help you manage, lead and inspire your people? Whether it's you, your family, your community or your business team, Karen from Peoplealignment is about to bust some myths, share some strategies and show you how to get your team firing on all four (or however many there are) and kicking some serious goals!
Staff are such a PAIN! Aren't they? Seems to be a persistent comment/complaint by so many employers so Nic and Waz decide to open Pandora's box and talk about the whys and wherefores of dealing with your most-needed and much-maligned resource!
We've come a long way since the days of housewives and working men... or have we? It seems tradie wives are often overlooked in the push to get 'tradies' off the tools. Often the anchor to tradies in business across the country, tradie wives can be seen taking care of marketing, bookkeeping, invoicing, scheduling, filing, ordering, banking, payroll and more! And that's before you even think about kids, household duties and the other pressures of being a modern tradie partner! In this episode we chat to Verity Hare, the founder of Tradie Wives, which has grown to more than 4000 members in just 6 months! We take a look at what challenges tradie wives are facing in a modern trade business and how to do a better job of supporting them.
In this F#ck It Friday, Waz and Nic practice safe podcasting... well, not really as they still speak openly and candidly about safety on site. Is there a problem like the media would have us believe? Have we got safe worksites now that the extensive legislation framework is in place? Or is it, as some stories would point to, left to the primary contractor to carry the burden of responsibility for safe work practices and worse still, when something goes wrong? Lot's of questions that we'd love you to add your answers to via the Facebook group or website!
Running a trade business takes so. Much. Time. From invoicing to marketing, staff records, customer relationship management, email handling, payments and more the list goes on. Making the jump to employing someone in your office to handle all the 'stuff' can be daunting. Today we chat with Karin O'Grady from Virtual Soda. Karin talks about how you can get more stuff done WITHOUT employing another team member. With the rise of technology there's a new breed of support staff available to you virtually. Find out how you could put this into place in your business and get back your fizziness!
In this FIF episode we delve into the prevalence of violence in the workplace, worksite, our culture and whether it's as big an issue as the media would have us believe. What are your thoughts?
HR seems to cause a lot of headaches for employers and trade business owners. It's confusing, stressful, risky and often expensive. The worst part is... it doesn't need to be this way! Waz and Nic talk with Kath Tierney from Career Embassy. Kath has found a way to cut through the lingo and confusion and make HR simple and affordable to get right. Listen in to find out how to get access to her HR kits for less than you think!
AND THE WINNER IS.... Ever wished it was your name being read out at the end of that sentence? For some of us the idea of winning a business award seems out of reach, especially when you think about the Read More The post TBS203 How to enter and WIN business awards with Mel Leyshon from Awards Agency appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Oh dear. You see, this is what happens when a couple of podcasters and content creators drink too much coffee. Well, that was just me (Waz), Nicole was only on the chai tea. Anyway... we did it. We used the Read More The post F#ck It Friday No.1 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Well, after more than 200 episodes and over 4 years at the mic it's time for a change. No, no, hold onto your chiko roll... I'm not leaving the show! What I AM doing is stepping things up a notch. Read More The post TBS202 CHANGE IS COMING! appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
SEO is super important and super hard and expensive to do. You'd think that was true, based on the comments and complaints of many of our listeners and my Tradie Wingman clients. The reality is, SEO can be quite challenging to Read More The post TBS201 DIY SEO in case you're an IDK on Google with Kate Toon appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Did you know it's Australian law that every worker in a workplace must have access to a first aid kit? Did you also know that a work vehicle is deemed to be a 'workplace'? I chat to a former guest Read More The post TBS200 BONUS! How to get a FREE vehicle first aid kit from Brenniston appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Wow. There's not much more I can say about hitting 200 episodes of the Tradies Business Show podcast. After more than 4 years as co-host and now host of this show I've lost count of the number of awesome people, Read More The post TBS200 HUGE MILESTONE and a very special guest on Episode 200 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
I reckon there's more fishing analogies used for business than any other. So here's another one! But before I go into today's thoughts... I want to let you know about the Tradies In Business Facebook group. It's where all the Read More The post TBS199 A quick one - Is marlin or mullet best for you? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
If you're like most tradies, you probably get a lot of your business from word of mouth. Here's a question for you though...what the heck is that, exactly? Is it spontaneous referrals? Raving fans out doing your selling for you? Read More The post TBS198 Unlocking the secret to more word of mouth with Robert Gerrish author of The 1 Minute Commute appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
What's worse than cold calling? Fingernails on a blackboard? Shutting your finger in the car door? Calling to chase debtors perhaps? It's certainly up there on the list of things business owners dislike doing but it's sadly one of the Read More The post TBS197 How to get clients to pay you with James from Bill Chaser appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In today's episode I chat with Daniel Simone of Simone Homes AND his new podcast, The Build. Daniel is a builder, a businessman, an employer, a husband and a father. He's seen some ups and downs and through it all Read More The post TBS196 Daniel Simone talks building a family, a life, a business and a home appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
An Australian and an Irishman walk into a bar... only in this case, the bar is actually a Skype chat and it's today's episode of the Tradies Business Show
Adapt or die. It's a pretty blunt maxim for life...and business. And with the pace of change in today's digital business landscape, how on earth do you keep ahead of the wave in your trade business? Well, one such building Read More The post TBS194 How to innovate in your trade business with Laura from 8 Homes appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We all know that to be a great marketer you have to be one of 'those' creative types. Wrong. To be a great marketer you need to be great with data. You've also got to be good at analysing, testing, making Read More The post TBS193 How to King Kong your marketing with Sabri Suby appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
You're going on a date. You want to make sure you look good. After all, first impressions count, don't they? Sure they do! You fix your hair, wear your best shirt or skirt, maybe clean those shoes, perhaps pop on Read More The post TBS192 How to stand out from your competition with Josh from Printed Workwear appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Safety first. It's something we use a bit tongue-in-cheek these days but it's so important. A bit of the old 'plan for the worst, expect the best' doesn't go astray when it comes to safety on site, in the workplace Read More The post TBS191 Michael Boltman from Brenniston First Aid talks happy wives, business failure and knowing your strengths appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
"Aaaarrgghhh! They've put the window in the wrong place!" If you've ever built or renovated a home you might be familiar with those words...or words like them! Almost everyone has a horror story from that time they renovated the bathroom, Read More The post TBS190 How to avoid a building or renovating disaster with Amelia from Undercover Architect appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Unless you've been living under a rock you'd know that social media, and Facebook especially, gets a lot of eyeballs a lot of the time! My guest today has been on the show a number of times and Nick May Read More The post TBS189 Getting a 15 times return on Facebook ads and NOT doing what you've always done with Nick May from Walls By Design appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
My guest today is a man on a mission...with a moustache. His name is Adam Valastro and while his moustache doesn't officially have a name, his business certainly does. Travelling Tradies was created by Adam, and essentially, that's what he Read More The post TBS188 Travelling Tradies - use your trade to score free overseas travel appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
No doubt you're familiar with the stress of changing job, career path or perhaps an evolving role within your own business. How do you think you'd handle the shift from being a highly trained member of the Australian Army to Read More The post TBS187 A former soldier shares his lessons on business, marriage and changing identities appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Here's a riddle for you - do customers want the cheapest price, the best quality, the fastest delivery or the best experience? The answer is easy. They want it all! The post TBS186 Price vs Value and Miracle Sandbags with Andre John appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
You've heard it all before, right? You NEED to be on social media. You NEED to go where your potential customers are hanging out. So you started a Facebook page, posted your logo and a picture of your ute Read More The post TBS185 A carpenter turned online entrepreneur talks social media for tradies appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's amazing how easy it is to forget where we've come from. We're all so focused on growth, progress and striving for more that we often neglect our past. Today's episode of the show sees us take a look back Read More The post TBS184 Where are they now - Andrew and Briohny 2 years on appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
"You can't get good staff" How often have we heard that old chestnut? How often have you said it? Sadly, it's partly true and in this modern era attracting and retaining good people to your team is a key to growing Read More The post TBS183 How to build your dream team with Aleki from Alfastream appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
With more than 150 episodes in the bank for the Tradies Business Show, I thought it was time to go back through the archives and see what some of our past guests are up to. The first of these is Read More The post TBS181 Where are they now? - James from Paintway appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We've come a long way as a society in the past few hundred years (or more). Huge advances in technology, healthcare, working conditions and our treatment of groups such as women, children, immigrants and so on. Sometimes, we see the Read More The post TBS182 Are we too PC and what is it costing us? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
I don't often get the opportunity to speak to authors, much less those who come from the trades and blue collar industries. Even rarer is the opportunity to interview women who've owned a trade business, built it from scratch, sold Read More The post TBS180 Lynette Gray talks Women In Workboots, pay equality and selling a business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
The post TBS179 Jason Spaull talks about resilience, the skills shortage and tradie bashing appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Bugger. I hate being sick. Problem is, I've got nobody to blame except myself! I know that it usually happens when I deviate from my own 'rules' about taking care of myself. Sometimes it's emotional stress (hard to avoid) or Read More The post TBS178 Waz gets sick for tradie health month appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Pip Seldon is on a mission to change lives in a way that uses information and education about the benefits of including whole, real food, mindfulness and everyday movement in our lives. The post TBS177 Nutrition, movement and mindfulness with Pip Seldon from the Healthy Tradie Project appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Waz is back with new episodes, a fresh guest list and even more great content to help you get off the tools and into true business ownership. The post TBS176 Welcome back to the show! appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today we are joined by Justin Falk, Founder of recruitment startup TalentVine and discuss whether it is worthwhile to hire a recruiter to find your next team member. In this episode we also cover: What to look for in a good Read More The post Should you use a recruiter? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today on the show today we answer Shane's question on How to get more referral work from builders. If you would like to ask a question on the show held over to the Send us A Voice Message section on Read More The post Listener Question: 9 steps to getting more referral work from builders appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Ever feel like you and your significant other don't even speak the same language sometimes? Working with your spouse in business can be challenging at times, to say the least! (Related: Real Tradie Story: Thomas Joinery - a successful husband Read More The post Growing your business AND your marriage. Tips on working with your spouse appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today we discuss the benefits of niching your trade business, when to know its time and how to know which niche you should tackle. (Related: 5 Things CrossFit taught me about business ownership) Want a copy of the niche worksheet that can Read More The post How to niche your trade business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we go under the hood of your Facebook Insights statistics tool and how to use that data to better understand your followers and the best content to be posting on your Facebook page. The post Deep Dive Episode - Facebook Insights appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today we get our crystal ball out and look to the future to see what marketing will have the biggest impact for tradies in 2017. We talk about the impact of video, communications between different software, email marketing and of Read More The post 6 marketing predictions for tradies in 2017 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today we tackle the age old question of on charging those merchant credit cards fees. This episode is proudly supported bridge app for tradies. New Bridge App feature - Accept payment via Credit Card without any fees! Payments up Read More The post Should you charge credit card fees? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today Michaela goes on a rant listing the things she wants to stop doing this year and hopefully the listeners will want to as well. Download your own STOP list here (no OPT-IN Required) This episode is proudly supported Read More The post 10 things to STOP doing in 2017 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today Warrick and Michaela share some tips on getting the most from your summer break away from your business. This episode is proudly supported by Bridge: Break-up with paperwork today and run your business on the go with Bridge. Bridge Read More The post TBS167 Simple hacks to help you take a break from your business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We all know how important it is to be a great communicator. But when it comes to what makes a great communicator some of us are perhaps a little in the dark... In today's episode, we speak to body language Read More The post [Greatest Hits] Using your body to win more quotes with Allan Pease appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Have you noticed how everything old seems to be new again? Well, perhaps not hypercolour undies but we've certainly seen some things from 'the good old days' come back in fashion. Unlike hypercolour and big hair, there ARE some cool Read More The post TBS164 Old skool is the new skool appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Apps. They've taken over the world (or at least our technology devices). With so many on the market how do you decide which is the right one for your business? And do we really need another app that's going Read More The post TBS160 Bridging the gap - an exciting new way to get rid of paperwork appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
"You've got mail!" Remember when that was exciting? Hollywood even made a movie about it back when email was new, cool, exciting and fast! These days, mention the word 'inbox' and it's enough to fill people with dread, drain the Read More The post [Greatest Hits] Ten Tips for Managing your Email appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's been a tough year for Warrick after losing his dog and also the break up of his family unit. Read more about his journey Dogs and Divorce: 3 lessons I learnt from both This episodes is a quick chat about Read More The post TBS159 Dogs and Divorce - staying present in your life appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Do you remember how lonely it was when you first started your business? Maybe you still feel that way! Well, if you didn't already know, there are 70,000+ other solo and micro-preneurs in Australia that form an online community called Read More The post [Greatest Hits] Living a life less frantic with Kelly Exeter appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
When will this end? Why can't I catch a break? What did I do to deserve this? Ever had those questions in your head? Perhaps even said them out loud a time or two? Well, you're not alone. It's common Read More The post [Greatest Hits] When will things get easier? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Once you've decided to grow your team and employ another (or your first!) team member, the next challenge is finding them! With much competition for good tradespeople and office staff, the old avenues don't always attract the right people. Read More The post Creative ways to find good staff and subcontractors appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today's Episode features Michael Garrone from Business Depot who shares his tips for a sustainable and fast growing trade business. It's exciting. Sexy. Fulfilling. Nerve wracking. Growing your business is one of the most talked about, strategised over, strived for and Read More The post 5 mistakes to avoid when growing your trade business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Gone are the days of hand writing quotes onto carbon copy paper and mailing them to your prospects. Well, the should be gone! Incredibly, many tradies are still using handwritten quotes and hard copy proposals to win work. We Read More The post How to take your proposals online and convert more sales appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
With so much focus on the consumer service, new housing, renovations, body corporate and commercial markets for trade related work, you could be forgiven for thinking local government contracts are not worth chasing. Perhaps you think there's too much competition for council works? We talk to Paul Hodgeson, Economic Development Manager for Ipswich City Council, about why many tradies are overlooking some big opportunities in their own backyard. He shares his insights from many years working within local government and the construction sector as well as some exciting opportunities for tradies in the Brisbane and west regions. Don't despair, even if you're in Sydney or Melbourne there's some great tips on how to throw your hat in the ring for some lucrative contracts in your local government area. The post TBS155 How to tap into local government opportunities appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Who doesn't love a bit of low hanging fruit? Sometimes we're so intent on climbing to the top of the tree that we miss the easy pickings down low. Ok, enough with the analogy. Seriously though, there are some simple things that often get overlooked when it comes to boosting your tradie business. Many of these are free or low cost but can add thousands to your bottom line. Better than some sneaky rum in the fruit punch we reckon! The post TBS154 19 Low hanging fruit ideas to boost your business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we share another Real Tradie Story. This time it's Tony Richardson from The Tidy Painter. Tony is a regular listener to the show like many of you but this time, Tony decided to actually implement our advice! He shares some exciting numbers with us from executing a simple 'reboot past customers' strategy. In fact, Tony converted the leads he received into jobs worth almost $10,000! Tune in to find out what he did, including the actual email text he used! The post TBS153 One of our listeners gets off his bum and takes our advice appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
People buy from people so you website is all corporate and professional it may not be appealing to their emotional buying triggers. We talk about the 5 tips to creating a killer About Us that will get the phone ringing Read More The post TBS152 How to write an engaging About Us page appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Staff. It's a subject that makes many a business owner tremble with fear, rage, frustration and sometimes even excitement! In today's episode we turn to an unlikely source for hiring and firing tips - Hardcore Pawn on Foxtel's A and Read More The post TBS151 We turn to a reality TV Pawn Shop Show for hiring and firing advice appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
What do you do when you're stuck on a problem? Well, if you're a Tradies Business Toolkit member you post a question and get it answered! Jokes aside, we had a Toolkit member looking for input recently on creative ways to attract, remunerate and retain contractors. We decided to do a private, 1-on-1 session on the condition that Gen let us record it...and share with you! Tune in as we discuss pricing models, contractor agreements and even dealing with injuries and return-to-work. The post TBS150 Creative contracting - we share a Toolkit private session appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Remember when large companies had 'complaints departments'? It's almost like they were inviting people to have a whinge. Nowadays we have different terminology in some of the big corporates. Terms like customer fulfilment division and customer satisfaction department get closer to Read More The post TBS149 Wazza gets cranky about customer service appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Marketing can be time consuming and labour intensive but it doesn't need to be.
With the advent of cloud based marketing automation platforms like MailChimp, Infusionsoft and ActiveCampaign to name a few, it's entirely possible to send personalised, tracked emails and marketing campaigns to your prospects PLUS stay in touch with your clients and share valuable information with them.
All without leaving the comfort of your racing-car-office-chair! The post TBS148 How marketing automation could increase your conversion by 85 percent appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Ever feel like you're 'going it alone' in your trade or contractor business? Sometimes it can be tough as a sole trader or small to medium enterprise (SME). Not only are you on the ground doing the 'work', you also have to take care of your marketing, sales, finance, planning and still keep a smile on your face PLUS have some sort of personal or family life. Phew! Despite how you might feel sometimes, you're definitely not alone. In fact, Flying Solo is a community of solo and micro-preneurs that share very similar issues every day. 90,000 of them in fact! We have an inspiring chat with Robert Gerrish, the founder of Flying Solo and a man passionate about small business, success and living a life of meaning and fulfillment. The post TBS147 What tradies can learn from 90 thousand solopreneurs appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Sadly, more Australian men die from suicide each year than from cancer. Perhaps even more tragically, construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work. For our young workers, the facts are that Read More The post TBS146 Talking suicide prevention with Jorgen from Mates In Construction appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Hug your haters - it's the new way to improve your customer service and get the jump on your competition. Most people hate getting negative feedback or 'constructive criticism' especially when it's about our businesses. One question we get asked a lot here at the Show is "how can I get less bad reviews from customers?" Well, we lift the lid on customer complaints, bad reviews and all the other scary customer feedback you might receive and in fact, talk about why you should embrace your bad reviews! Better still, we talk about how to turn an unhappy customer into a raving fan... The post TBS145 Why you should hug your haters and love bad reviews appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In less than 15 years Facebook has gone from a college campus social club to a global database connecting billions of people. Like it or hate it, there's a fair chance at least a few of those people are your Read More The post TBS144 Why Advertise on Facebook? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
They say the only constant in life is change. So why are so many of us so scared of it? It seems one common way to avoid change and the amazing benefits it so often brings, is to get stuck on doing things 'perfectly'. This manifests in the form of control behaviours like clinging to menial and low-value tasks ourselves (think: doing your own bookkeeping or spending hours on designing your own letterhead). Rather than get bogged down in self-fulfilling behaviours that keep us from the real work in our businesses and lives, wouldn't it be better to delegate or outsource the small stuff to someone? Part of the resistance often comes from the old "but they can't do it as good as me" syndrome and Michaela talks to Waz about a friend of hers in just that situation. The guys share some tips and stories that might help you to avoid falling into the same trap... The post TBS143 Fear of change and taking imperfect action appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you'd know there's a Federal election going on in Australia this weekend. What you might not know is that Michaela happens to be a politics nerd and loves election time and all the shenanigans Read More The post TBS142 Michaela gives an election update with Matt from the Site Shed appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
When we started the Tradies Business Show we hoped that at least a few tradies would listen, get some value and implement some of our ideas and strategies to improve their business and their life. What we didn't anticipate was that people would not only listen, but listen to every. single. episode...! Mike Piercey from Cornerstone Landscapes is one such listener. Not only that, Mike decided to start his very own trade business after hearing some of our rantings. He's gone on to create a successful, growing (pardon the pun) landscaping business and shares with us his journey. We love our real tradie stories episodes and this one's no exception. Listen in as Mike talks about some of his big lessons that are relevant whether you're just starting out, or well established in your business. The post TBS141 Real Tradie Stories with Mike Piercey from Cornerstone Landscapes appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today's podcast guest features Nic from popular The Builder's Wife blog. You'd be forgiven for thinking that blogging is kind of old hat. With literally millions of them online these days it's somewhat hard to believe that they have any Read More The post TBS140 Real Tradie Stories with Nic The Builder's Wife appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
What do dentists and tradies have in common? They both get paid to use their tools...yeah, pretty lame but Google wasn't any better for a dentist joke! In today's episode we have a chat with a difference. Rather than Read More The post TBS139 We talk to a former dentist about what it takes to get off the tools appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
What's that smell? Yep. It's your attitude...it stinks! Ok maybe that was a bit harsh but you get the idea right? Sometimes our state of mind gets a bit on the nose and not surprisingly the results showing up in your life can start to look (and smell) the same. We take a look at 3 simple things you can do TODAY to change your attitude and get your results back on track. They might just turn a bad day/week/month/year around and get you on the way to getting off the tools. After all, that's why you went into business isn't it? The post TBS138 3 Simple ways to improve your attitude appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Local area marketing has become high paced, high tech and sometimes high stress! Today's guest joins us all the way from Karratha in remote Western Australia and brings with her a unique perspective on some 'good old fashioned' local area marketing. Read More The post TBS137 Tips to master your local area marketing appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Love it or hate it, there seems little doubt that Facebook is here to stay! With usage still growing, it's an integral part of our lives. For businesses, it can be confusing and perhaps a little scary as a marketing tool but one thing is for sure, if you're not using it, you're missing out. As far as bang for buck goes, Facebook kills most other strategies so you really need to think seriously about how you're using it for your trade or contractor business. We're not talking 'buying likes' either. In this episode we answer our first listener question (really? it took you guys THAT long to ask us a question?!) and delve into the 'how much is enough' query. The post TBS136 How much should you spend on Facebook ads - A listener question answered appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Cowboys. They're everywhere. At least that's how it seems sometimes when you're running your business and seem to come up against lower priced, less experienced, inferior quality tradesmen. Problem is, the same is true for almost every other industry and the Read More The post TBS135 Technology Update with Clinton from TradiePad appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
If you're in business with your 'significant other' then chances are you've had some sort of disagreement or altercation. The same can be said if you've got long term employees, business partners or key stakeholders that you deal with on a regular basis. It seems to be an accepted part of a long term relationship with another human being that emotions will sometimes get in the way of 'adulting'. Sadly, these dynamics can become so ingrained and so restrictive that relationships break down. Michaela finally convinced Wazza to open up on the show about his own relationship breakdown. Not because he wanted to and not to simply 'out him' on the show, but there are some valuable lessons and insights for all of us from Warrick's experience. We hope you can take something from this revealing chat with Warrick...and potentially avoid some painful lessons of your own. The post TBS134 Three lessons from Wazza's big split appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Sometimes when I'm alone...I Google myself. It's a bit of a joke but in reality, you should Google yourself (and your business) to see how you rank, what comes up AND whether your site really is mobile responsive. Google has been giving preference in rankings for mobile responsive sites for a while but they're about to tighten this up further in the coming months. This makes it even more important to ensure your website is truly mobile responsive (as opposed to having a dedicated mobile website). With a large percentage of searches being performed on mobile devices and tablets, do you really want to be missing out on enquiries because a prospective client couldn't be bothered 'pinching and panning' on their small-screen device? We thought not, so today we chat to Matt Jones from Tradie Web Guys and The Site Shed podcast about what you need to do to stay on top of these changes. The post TBS133 NEWS FLASH Google Mobile Responsive Website Changes appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Time for another real tradie story! This time we're chatting to Gerard Liddy from Dynamic Business Partners. Gerard works with business owners as their coach and mentor but it wasn't always this way for Gerard (or G Rad as he's affectionately known!). Gerard began his working life as an electrician working for the Brisbane City Council but spent a lot of time around poo. Not because he particularly liked it but he was working within the waste water division at the good old 'poo farm'. As well as seeing all sorts of things arrive at the sewerage plant, Gerard's seen the inside of some big businesses in sales and business development roles and today he shares his insights from over 20 years on what makes a successful small business. The post TBS132 Real Tradie Stories with Gerard Liddy from Dynamic Business Partners appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
There's nothing like politics to stir up some big debate and even bigger emotions. We've steered clear of political debate here at The Tradies Business Show but we thought it was time to man/woman up and stop avoiding this important area of being in business. Rather than just grab your stereotypical, middle aged, middle class, caucasian male member of parliament, we thought we'd talk to the youngest ever member of Australian parliament. Wyatt Roy also happens to be the Assistant Minister for Innovation and the first of his farming family to complete high school. With a degree in economics and a passion for helping people, Wyatt really is busting some paradigms about our 'pollies'. He talks to us about his desire to have less government in our lives, his thoughts on Australia's internet speeds, the reforms to the building industry and much more! This is up there with one of our best interviews so put your preconceived ideas aside and listen in. We reckon you'll have a new take on our elected representatives after this chat! The post TBS131 The youngest ever member of Australian Parliament Wyatt Roy talks innovation appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Adam Franklin is the founder of Blue Wire media and the author of 'Web Marketing That Works' and he joins us today to talk about exactly that...marketing on the interweb...that works for tradies! Adam is all about keeping things simple, within your budget and more importantly, getting you results. He's one of Australia's (and the world's) big guns in the online marketing space and speaks at conferences and seminars around the world. He also has built a massive (and we're talking tens of thousands kind of massive) database of subscribers over the past 8 to 10 years and he uses this to generate substantial business for himself and his affiliates. Adam shares his tips for applying this to your trade and contractor business, as well as what to avoid if you're on a tight budget or timeframe. The post TBS130 How To Do Web Marketing That Works with Adam Franklin appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
With the easy access to information in our modern age, it can seem like there's almost too much knowledge on how to be successful and achieve your goals. Where do I start? What's the best strategy for me? Am I doing enough? Who do I trust? How do I know if I'm on the right track? Shut up! Get up! And give it a go! No, we're not shouting at you...this happens to be the title of the book written by today's guest on the show. As confronting as these words may seem, this is some of the simplest, most practical advice we've heard from an expert in ages! Justin Fankhauser started his locksmithing business with $5000 and a station-wagon - and with no understanding on how to run a business. In ten years TopLock Locksmiths became a seven-figure business. Sometimes, all you need is to stop analysing, agonising, worrying, testing, forecasting and simply shut up, get up and literally give it a go. Only then can you truly figure out what's working and what's not. What's best for you, for your business and for your life. Listen in as Justin Fankhauser, or 'Fanga' as he's affectionately known, shares his story of how he overcame the odds stacked against him, as he trained himself into getting up and making the change he needed to live a successful life. The post TBS129 Shut up, get up and give it a go with Justin Fankhauser appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Plastering. It's right up there with painting...and unblocking sewers as jobs people love to hate. Well, that's Wazza's opinion anyway! If you've been a regular listener to the show, you'd know that Australia's most important tradie is Duncan, Michaela's husband! Recently, Duncan had a plastering job lined up (yes, he's a plasterer) and his subcontractor didn't show up at the last minute...so we donned the tradie clothes and offered to help out! All in the name of content creation of course. (Secretly we think Wazza just wanted an excuse to wear a blue singlet) Anyway, listen in as we ask Duncan what it's like to get good help, how we actually did on the job site and his #1 tip for tradies... The post TBS128 Labourers for a day - we help out the most important tradie in Australia! appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Round and round and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows! For many of us, this is an apt description of our lives. Busily racing from this appointment to that customer to another meeting before rushing home to be late for dinner (again) and then hastily kissing the kids (and maybe the better half) goodnight, only to repeat the whole process the next day. And the next. And the next. With all the talk of productivity, effectiveness and getting sh*t done you'd be forgiven for thinking the answer to your problems was more of the same. Learning how to fit more in. Well, it seems our guest on today's episode has come up with a better way. Kelly Exeter has 'been there done that' when it comes to being busy. So much so that she actually had a pretty serious breakdown a few years back when it all became too much. We chat to Kelly about her second book, Practical Perfection, which launched today and how Kelly's model could just be the secret to you leading a happier, more balanced and enjoyable life. The post TBS127 How to get out of overwhelm and off the hamster wheel appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
You probably thought about it for ages before you finally took the plunge. Maybe you had a bit of a dabble first, just to test the water? Or perhaps you were one of those people that just dove right in? Apart from trying to come up with as many swimming puns as possible for this post (our guest is a lifeguard), we actually had a great chat to someone who's about to start their first trade business. Nathan is a lifeguard but he's also a qualified tiler who's about to jump into the deep end of business ownership! We talk through some of the key things we think he needs to take into account before he hits the ground running plus Wazza manages to exceed his usual high standard of dad jokes! The post TBS126 Real Tradie Stories - Lifeguard Nathan Curran is about to dive into business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Employers. Employees. A battle royale. Well, you'd think that's what it was all about with the way some of us carry on! There seems to be a divide between employers, bosses, business owners, whatever you want to call them and employees, staff, workers or team. The amusing part of this is that we all start out as employees and many of us then go on to own our own business and become employers. Somewhere in there, we all lose touch with the others' needs and wants and somehow, end up fighting and literally hating on each other! Well, it is possible to have a great team. To work for a great boss. Even to have both in the same business at the same time! The post TBS125 How to avoid employer-employee suffering appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Websites. We all have them (or at least you should!) but not all of us get a return from our investment in them. It's tough to know what the 'right' thing is to focus on with your online strategy sometimes. Read More The post TBS124 3 Things you can do to get your website making money NOW appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's been a long time coming but we've finally got Nick May from Walls By Design back on the show. Nick's been a busy boy and as well as updating us on the latest results he's had with his painting business, Walls By Design, he shares his secret sauce strategies for crushing it on Facebook. Nick has been able to generate a 12 times return on investment on Facebook marketing but the best part is he's done it all with almost no prior knowledge of Facebook campaigns. He's also created most of his posts and ads with his smartphone! Nick gives us his step by step approach to booking tens of thousands of dollars directly from Facebook PLUS he drops a couple of clangers at the end of the episode to really harness the power of this social platform. Make sure you share your experiences with us via the website or our own Facebook page. The post TBS123 - How to get 12x ROI on Facebook Ads with Nick May appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
If you're a tradie and you're in business you've no doubt spent countless hours and dollars chasing more clients, more revenue and more profit. You've probably also heard the sayings about 'the diamonds in your own backyard'? Well, there's an often overlooked strategy to grow your revenue that is exactly that. Rebooting past clients. If you've been in business for more than a few months you'll have clients who used you once, then you never heard from them again and... let's be honest, you never bothered to talk to them again either. Shame on you! Seriously, you took their money, possibly said thank you and then ignored them? Sounds a bit like a one night stand (of sorts...apart from the money changing hands!) Anyway, what if you went back to all your past clients and asked them if they'd like to come back and use you again? What if some of those people said 'yes'? They already know you, are familiar with your great service and quality, so 'selling' to them is heaps easier than to a new customer who's never dealt with you before. Cheaper too! In this episode, we give you some simple strategies for reactivating your past clients, saving yourself a bucket of cash on marketing strategies and giving your top (and bottom) lines a quick boost. The post TBS122 How to reboot past customers and get them coming back appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's exhausting. You tell a fib and then you have to remember what you said to whom so you can cover your tracks. Sometimes it's as simple as just glossing over the facts to avoid conflict with someone. Other times it's perhaps a little more serious, like telling a customer that the supplier was out of stock when really, you forgot to order the parts! We take a look at our tendency to fib, lie, withhold facts or whatever you want to call it and how it could be having a serious effect on your health, your relationships and perhaps even your bank balance. The post TBS121 Stop telling lies before you get found out appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Stuff. It's everywhere. It's in your closet, your filing cabinet, your garage, your hard drive, your bathroom, under the sink, at the back of the freezer. Worst of all, there's often an abundance of stuff in your head. Many of us accumulate all kinds of stuff in our lives. Both the physical and emotional stuff can become clutter and it's this clutter that often keeps us from implementing new ideas, taking on opportunities, or adding another motorcycle to the garage. Well, you can never have too many toys (or tools) right? Anyway, jokes aside, it's quite liberating and also very productive to clear out the clutter once in a while and make space for new opportunities, customers, profits! Michaela shares her top tips for simplifying your life and your business in this episode of the Tradies Business Show and shares her 'theme' for 2016. The post TBS120 How to declutter your business and create some space for a great 2016 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
These days, Brett Mills can literally do the 'Toyota jump' with joy at the health of his team. There's a strong culture, great work ethic, community spirit and so many more positive aspects that make working at Ken Mills Toyota almost as good as driving off in a new Landcruiser. Well, almost. It wasn't always this way for Brett, who took over from his dad, Ken, quite some years ago. Brett has had to work hard on creating this culture and the results that come from it and in this episode, he shares those tips and insights. We also get the inside running on how to get the best deal on your next car, PLUS the future of car technology and entertainment. Oh what a feeling...! (sorry, Warrick still thinks his jokes are funny) The post TBS119 Oh What A Feeling - A Toyota dealer shares his secrets to a winning team appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Ever had a blue with your husband or wife about business? Better yet, do you work in (or on) your business with your spouse or significant other? If you answered 'yes' to the second question then chances are the answer to the first one is 'definitely!' Unfortunately, mixing business with marriage can be a volatile combination so we dragged Wazza's co-host from Throw Buddha On The Barbie into the Tradies studio to share some tips on a happy life and business partnership with your significant other. The post TBS118 Jay Frew talks Husband and Wife business partnerships appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Never give up. Never, ever give up. We're told repeatedly that this is the key to success and yet sometimes it can also be our downfall. Knowing when to 'quit' can be tough but can also lead to greater success then sticking at something. Rather than flogging a dead horse, if we have the skill (and the guts) to make the decision to move on we can often free ourselves from the suffering and exhaustion that goes with staying on the wrong path. Michaela opens up about a very tough and very personal decision she had to make recently. It might surprise you but there are some great lessons for those of us wondering. 'am I on the right path?' The post TBS117 Knowing when to quit - Michaela lifts the lid on a big decision appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Imagine spending your whole life working towards a dream only to have it shattered on the eve of seeing it come to life? Well, Selina Scoble experienced just that at the 2000 Olympics. As an Australian Olympic Volleyball team member, Selina badly sprained her ankle the night before the opening ceremony and her Olympic campaign. Doctors told her she couldn't play but with some incredible determination and a meeting with the late Peter Brock, she went on to play 4 of the 5 games! Fast forward 10 years and Selina had to face the loss of her home in the Brisbane floods. Listen in as she shares her secrets to dealing with these events and how that can help you in your trade business. The post TBS116 Changing course- Selina Scoble on dreams, intention and losing everything appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Michaela's back from retrieving her escaping dog and shares an update on her experience with the company that actually called her back! The guys also take a look at one marketing trick that can take away buying resistance from your Read More The post TBS115 UPDATE: The escaping dog gets trained appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Wow. This episode is a cracker! If we'd scripted this it wouldn't have gone nearly as well. Jeremy Watson from Alexander Watson Insulation has instantly become the Tradies Business Show poster boy. He shares with us his story and insights on: going into, and out of, business with family; the importance of financial reports and budgets; apps that save you time AND make you more money; plus, how he dropped $90,000 from his annual wages bill for just $4,000 a year investment! The post TBS114 Real Tradie Story: Jeremy from Alexander Watson Insulation appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Stood up by both Michaeala AND today's guest, Wazza decides to go it alone on the mic. It got him thinking about some simple tips on how to make sure you're on time, more often and also how to make Read More The post TBS113 How to be punctual and dealing with no-shows appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
When will this end? Why can't I catch a break? What did I do to deserve this? Ever had those questions in your head? Perhaps even said them out loud a time or two? Well, you're not alone. It's common to feel like you've killed the proverbial Chinaman sometimes in your trade business but fortunately there's something simple you can do about it. Change your mind. Yep. Just change your mind. There's no quick fix, secret sauce strategy to dealing with staff issues, customer complaints, supplier slow downs or any of the other challenges you face, and will continue to face in your business. There is one simple way though to stop stressing so much. Stop feeling so beaten down and worn out. Change your mind! Don't believe us? Try it, but listen to this episode first so you learn how to do it properly! The post TBS112 When will things get easier? A simple guide for tradies appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's D Day. Dog day that is. Michaela's destructive dog, Ella, has finally chewed her last couch. Or has she? In this episode, Waz and Michaela take a closer look at dog training, marketing and what the heck all this has to do with you running a better trade business. Waz also shares a story of some local area marketing he saw that worked so well, the business pulled down their website! At least that's what we hope happened... The post TBS111 Cats, Prozac, escaping dogs and why you could be you wasting your leads appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Planning seems like a luxury to many but time and again we see business owners who fail to hit their goals, largely because they didn't have a plan! Waz and Michaela took time out recently to work on (exciting!) plans for 2016 for the Tradies Business Show and Tradies Business Toolkit, among other things. It got them thinking, what if people simply don't know how, or why, to plan? Well, they share their own tips on why, how, when and what to plan so you can get cracking now and make 2016 a truly great year in your tradie business. The post TBS110 Why you MUST take time out to plan appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In an industry of stereotypes one woman has made a mark. You'd think the daughter of a plumber would want to do anything but plumbing when she was old enough. That's exactly what Bec from The Plumbette did though, join her father in their family plumbing business! As well as being a lady tradie, Bec had an eye for marketing and business so she helped her dad improve their already solid business. Unfortunately, Bec was faced with a tough decision recently and we chat to her about how she handled this big shift, what she's up to now and why blogging is one of the top strategies for any trade business. The post TBS109 Real Tradie Story: Bec from The Plumbette appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Coming up with a name for a new business or idea can be tough. Nic and Alex de Bonis thought long and hard about the name of their new app before settling on - Wurble. "It was about the only thing we could come up with that wasn't already registered" they said! In any case, it's a memorable name and is certainly an app every tradie should be checking out (and downloading... it's free!) With backgrounds in IT and marketing, this brother and sister duo have come up with something unique for the tradie market to help: tradies connect with other trades in their area, industry and to complement their trade
market their projects to the public
share ideas amongst their peers
and so much more
We think these guys have nailed it (pardon the pun!) and we'd love to get your feedback too. Check out the website at www.wurble.com.au or better still, go to the app store for your device and download the app. It's free! The post TBS108 Nic and Alex de Bonis talk Wurble appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In case you've somehow missed the biggest sports news in ages, Ronda Jean Rousey is an American mixed martial artist who just had a twelve fight winning streak broken. She was the first UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion and was undefeated in her first twelve fights. She has won eleven of her fights in the first round and in 2015, Rousey was ranked number one of fifty Most Dominant Athletes Alive. So what happened? Well, she got knocked out in the second round of her most recent fight in Melbourne by Holly Holm. By all accounts, Ronda has taken the loss quite badly and is even claimed to be receiving treatment for depression! What's this got to do with business? Well, we load up the cliche machine and let loose! Seriously, there are many lessons to be drawn from this story about winning mindset, handling defeat and failure, preparation and more. Step into the ring as the guys start swinging with the analogies, anecdotes and (dodgy) gags! The post TBS107 What you can learn from the Ronda Rousey knockout appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
If you hate quoting, or even if you don't but wish you could simply get more of those quotes accepted then you need to listen to this episode. There's an often overlooked strategy that almost every trade business could put in place that has frequently doubled the conversion from enquiry and quote to customer. Waz and Michaela take a look at how you can implement this strategy in your tradie business and also talk about the riskiest decision Waz ever made! The post TBS106 Double Your Conversion Rate With This Simple Strategy appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
When's the last time you caught a taxi? Most of us have experienced the long queues, crap service or worse still, no-shows from taxi cab companies that seem to treat us like cattle rather than customers. I little while ago, a new player entered the 'on demand' transport service. They don't own a single vehicle, have no staff, pay no licensing and are giving the taxi industry a real shake up. If you've not heard of them, you might want to try them next time you need a ride... Uber are really setting a new standard for how to get around. Rather than simply look at this business from the outside, Waz and Michaela decided the best way to learn about their incredible model was to sign up and become an Uber driver! In this episode, Michaela shares her lessons from being am Uber driver and how you can apply them to your tradie business to literally create your own market within a market, no matter how long your competitors have been in control. The post TBS105 How To Innovate In Your Industry - Lessons From An Uber Driver appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Work-life balance. We all want it. But what the hell is it, and can it even be achieved in this day and age? In this episode of the Tradies Business Show, Waz and Michaela dig deeper into this concept (and argue a bit!) to find out if this holy grail of business ownership exists. You might think the answers are simple but think again...and listen in to find out! The post TBS104 Is Work Life Balance Possible or is it BS? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
To celebrate the Melbourne Cup today in Australia, we try and draw as many links between horse racing and business success as possible. Certainly some lessons in here and some laughs about how corny we are! The post TBS103 Betting on your business - the Melbourne Cup edition appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Ever wished there was a simple formula to getting your trade business to succeed? Well maybe this is it. With just 2 steps to success, Taryn from Hivizco (great play on words Taryn!) has taken her clients from 'beigeness' in Read More The post TBS102 How to have a highly visible trade business with Taryn Thomas appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Fair Work. Those two words are enough to send shivers through the toughest tradie's body. If you've ever employed staff, you've probably had to let somebody go at one time or another. If so, you may have had the spectre of an unfair dismissal claim hanging over you, even if it was only in your mind. It's a real risk when employing people but it doesn't need to be the big, scary monster it's made out to be. There are things you can do to not only protect yourself in the event you do have a claim but to prevent it getting to that stage in the first place! We talk to Matt Bell from Murdoch Lawyers about some of the simple things you can do to prevent or at least minimise Fair Work issues with your employees. Murdochs specialise in construction and trades and Matt really knows his stuff. The post TBS101 How to avoid a Fair Work claim with Matt from Murdoch Lawyers appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We made it. One hundred, not out. To be honest, we never even thought about getting this far with the Tradies Business Show. It's been an amazing journey so far (yes, we're continuing!) and we're super excited about all the cool guests we've had on the show, the real tradies, the hot seat victims and the random rants and ramblings of Waz and Michaela along the way! Wazza has been saving up some bloopers since the early days and to celebrate our 100th episode, he's put them together for your listening pleasure. We had a great laugh at these and we hope you do too... Oh, and thanks for listening! Without you, there wouldn't be a show and it's for you, our listeners, that we do what we do. Thanks for sharing your stories with us and be sure to spread the word. We plan to be here for at least another 100 episodes. Now, if only we can teach Michaela to use the microphone... The post TBS100 One Hundred Not Out PLUS The Blooper Reel! appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
"You've got mail!" Remember when that was exciting? Hollywood even made a movie about it back when email was new, cool, exciting and fast! These days, mention the word 'inbox' and it's enough to fill people with dread, drain the colour from their face and get their blood pressure spiking. There's even a term for it - inbox fatigue. While we're not here to get you to inbox zero, we do have some tips for managing your email inbox so it's less overwhelming and gets back to being a great business tool. Tune in as the guys take you through their top 10. The post TBS097 Ten Ways To Manage Your Email Inbox appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Our most popular episodes are when we chat with 'real tradies' who are implementing the things we talk about on the podcast. This time it's Taryn and Dave Thomas' turn from Thomas Joinery and Shopfitting. In just 7 years they've gone from a startup to having 12 employees and numerous large contracts. Dave and Taryn share with us: How they made their hiring decisions
The key ingredients to their success
How they almost went under and why
Why Dave needs to let go and
The number one reason Dave works so hard!
We really enjoyed chatting with these guys and we're sure you'll enjoy listening as well. The post TBS099 Real Tradie Story with Thomas Joinery appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
What? Oh sorry, just checking my Facebook notifications... Happens a lot and not just for me! (Yes, as the editor of the show, I get to write the truth here! Wazza) I'll admit it, I do check my social accounts Read More The post TBS098 Is social media killing your productivity? Wazza is getting banned appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
"It's better to give than to receive" Ever hear that line when you were growing up? Well, this little book will bust open a few myths about giving, sales, win:win and more. It's written in the form of a parable (which Michaela loves...not!) so it's easy to take the lessons. Like any good business book, there's 5 Laws - for this title, it's the Laws of Stratospheric Success (bit wanky but worth remembering them) and the authors do a good job of giving simple examples of how to apply the principles in your own life and business. If you've ever wondered how your own generosity and abundance could actually lead to increased business, profits and cashflow while still having integrity and compassion, this book will make it clear! The post TBS096 Book Review: The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Plumbers unite! Ok, maybe that's a bit extreme, but the Master Plumbers Association sure are working hard to bring plumbers together. Why? Well, plumbing can be a complex, compliance-heavy game and without adequate support, plumbers could find themselves on the wrong side of local and state governments. Not to mention the wrong side of your customer's cheque book! Master Plumbers are also working hard to ensure unlicensed operators are dealt with and discouraged to ensure the tradies doing the right thing aren't disadvantaged. Even if you're not a plumber, this episode has some great tips about industry associations, why you should seriously be joining if you're not already a member and the importance of systems and procedures in your trade business. The post TBS095 Industry Spotlight with Penny Cornah from Master Plumbers Queensland appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It feels good to make others happy. They smile, you smile. All is good with the world. But what if we told you making other people happy could be bad for your health? Pleasing others is something we're probably taught as kids but some of us take it a bit far. So much so that we can end up putting others first all the time and sacrificing our own happiness in the process. This can lead to burnout, resentment, poor performance and even the opposite of pleasing - aggression. In today's episode the guys take a look at this sneaky little habit and how to recognise your own tendencies in this area. Plus, Waz and Michaela give some tips on how to strike a better balance so everybody smiles. The post TBS094 Are You A Pleaser? How To Tell And What To Do About It appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
You've probably heard the definition of insanity before... doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome? Sadly, many of us actually do this without realising it and in today's episode we take a look at a story that illustrates this point. Wazza also gets back into using his favoured analogies so order is restored! The crux of this episode is learning to recognise the real problems in your business and your life and solving them. All too often we end up blinded by problems that aren't really at the root of our issue and therefore we waste time and resources trying to solve something that doesn't change our situation. At least not for the long term. The post TBS093 But Things Will Be Different This Time appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Margin. GP. Markup. Gross Profit. Net Profit. Revenue. Sales. What the heck do all these things mean and are they even different? Unfortunately it's a question not every business owner can answer. In fact, no many business owners can tell the difference between all these, how they relate to each other and how they all lead to one very important outcome: CASH! We put together a quick episode to (hopefully) give you some more clarity about margin and markup in particular as they have a huge impact on how much money you make on materials and labour. Knowing the difference and how to calculate them will also help you quote jobs correctly so you don't find yourself working for clients for free... or worse still, paying clients to work for them! Warrick has also put together a margin/markup calculator you can use to help figure out your pricing and whether you're on target. You'll find it in the Tradies Business Toolkit so head on over and grab this handy tool for just $1* The post TBS092 Markup Margin And What They've Got To Do With Your Bank Account appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It can be terrible to be stuck in an abusive relationship. Even mental, emotional abuse can be debilitating and paralysing. But what if there's only one person in that relationship and the abuser and the victim are both yourself? It's a sad reality that many of us are in the habit of 'kicking our own a*#e' when we mess up. From something as simple as dropping our keys or breaking a glass to more significant events like losing money or making a poor choice about an employee or a customer. It's an all to common practice to beat ourselves up, berating ourselves for our 'failure' or poor performance. So what? Well, if you spoke to a spouse, partner, employee or friend the way you speak to yourself, would they tolerate it? Would you expect them to? Listen in as Waz and Michaela talk you through recognising the signs and some tips on how to break the cycle... and start being kinder to yourself and the others around you. The post TBS091 Could You Be In An Abusive Relationship? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's out. Warrick has been having an affair on Michaela. Better yet, we get Wazza's new podcasting flame on the Tradies Business Show to spill the beans! Seriously though, Wazza and Jay are launching a new podcast called Throw Buddha Read More The post TBS090 Buddha, BBQs and How To Lead A Team with Wazza's Mate Jay appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Holidays. You remember what they are right? Sadly, many tradies don't take too many holidays but in this episode we look at some ways you can increase the chances of a break this Christmas. If you already shut down over Christmas we also talk about how you can make this Christmas break more enjoyable, both financially and from a time and distraction perspective! The post TBS089 How To Get Ready For A Real Holiday This Christmas appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode of The Tradies Business Show you get twice the value...and we have twice the fun! We put one of our listeners in the Tradie Hot Seat for a bit of a grilling (all done lovingly of course) but Andrew from Midas Maroochydore and Accelerate Auto Electrics has achieved some amazing stuff in the past few years as well. We take a look under the hood of this two-businesses-in-one setup and find out how Andrew and wife Briohny have got things running sweetly since they bought the Midas store from it's second failed owner in as many years! Andrew started out more than 10 years ago as a sole trader, auto electrician running around in his van. He now employs 13 staff, has one of the most prominent workshops in his region and, at the time this episode went to air, was close to securing a major partnership deal with one of Australia's leading motoring bodies... In spite of his success, Andrew still suffers some of the same ills as many of us in business so we 'help' him deal with these, live in the studio! The post TBS088 Double Trouble: Real Tradie Story PLUS Hot Seat with Andrew from Midas and Accelerate Auto Electrics appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Do you have a 'bucket list'? A list of things to do before you die? If you do, perhaps some of them seem a bit far fetched, or don't actually motivate or inspire you to do anything differently on a Read More The post TBS087 40 Things To Do Before You're 40 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Fathers. We all have one. Some of them even make dad jokes worse than Wazza! For this Fathers' Day 2015 episode we venture into the family home of Warrick's dad, Roy, to talk about his 50 odd years as a tradie including: what's changed about the industry, good and bad
how tradies could improve their businesses
the biggest lessons Roy learned growing up in the 50's and 60's
and what embarrassing moments he has to share from Warrick's childhood!
Not all of us are fortunate enough to have our dads still with us so if you do, try asking him some of these same questions and no matter the answers, be glad he's your dad. As Roy said, "que sera, sera"... The post TBS086 Fathers Day 2015: Warrick's Dad Roy Talks About 50 Years As A Tradie appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Social media can be a bit overwhelming but as a Tradie it's a powerful tool to help you grow your brand, your connection with customers and naturally your business. Most of us are fairly active on Facebook but many of us are yet to really harness the power of Instagram. In case you didn't know, Facebook actually owns Instagram so you could be forgiven for thinking there's not much point being on both platforms. In reality, Facebook is becoming quite crowded with businesses and their associated marketing so it's becoming increasingly difficult to 'be heard'. Instagram, on the other hand, is still largely untapped by mainstream businesses and can be used very effectively to build a presence and share your 'stuff' with followers and customers. As it's more of a visual medium than Facebook has become (some describe it as Facebook for pictures) Instagram really does lend itself to things like before and after shots, inspiring projects, design ideas, pics of your team members (or you!) and so much more. You can really showcase your business and by using hashtags (#) people can find your images based on a simple search. The post TBS085 Why Tradies Should Be Using Instagram with Kym from KOG Marketing appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
When was the last time you held a weekly team meeting? You know, with your entire team? If it was more than a week ago then you're missing out on some very powerful leverage from your staff. After all, they're the ones who have the potential to really drive your business improvement and growth. If you want to get the most from your people, you need to lead them, develop them, inspire them and guide them. One very effective way to make all this easier is to create a strong culture in your business and some solid communication skills. The post TBS084 The Anatomy of a Winning Team Meeting appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
One of Tradies Business Toolkit members posted the following on the private Facebook Group which I am sure many of our listeners can relate to: Some awesome episodes in that lot to guys, well done! But one in particular stands out Read More The post TBS083 How To Not Compete On Price appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Seems like a simple answer - "yes". Wazza doesn't agree and shares the reasons why as well as some rules you can apply to all your marketing, whether it's the local footy club, the coasters at the surf club or Read More The post TBS082 Should You Sponsor The Local Footy Club appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Our of Tradies Business Toolkit members asked if it is ok to donate money to charity in return for customer reviews - this is a hot topic we get asked a lot so we thought we will settle it once Read More The post TBS081 Should You Bribe Your Customers For Reviews? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Have you ever though about how easy it is from customers to actually buy from you? In today's episode we ask you to take a walk in your customer shoes and see what it is like. Plus we argue whether Read More The post TBS080 Waz and Michaela Talk Making It Easy To Buy Part 1 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In today's Real Tradie Story we talk to a guy who's replacing steel and timber beams with.... plastic! Yep, Keiren Welzel from Kombo is a former engineer who's bringing reinforced polymer beams to the Australian construction industry and changing the Read More The post TBS079 Real Tradie Stories with Keiren Welzel from Kombo appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We couldn't believe it either, but it's true! A Queensland private school surveyed it's students to find out what industries and professions they wanted represented at their careers expo recently and there was some strong feedback from the students that they didn't want any trades represented. While we haven't been in contact with the school to find out why, we did discuss this issue in today's episode and wonder what our industry bodies are doing to ensure they have representation at careers expos. The post TBS078 A Private School Says NO To Tradies At Their Careers Expo And We Want To Know Why appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Bunnings. They're the hardware store we hate to love. They represent perhaps everything a tradie strives not to be - impersonal, cheap, unhelpful and huge! While we might loath these giant businesses and the effect they're having on local retail hardware stores and other businesses like them, you can't ignore the fact they do some stuff pretty well... like content marketing. What? The post TBS077 How To Beat Bunnings At Their Own Game (Plus Our 1st Periscope Episode) appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today's guest has been with the same company since he was 14 (and no, he's not 21 now!) After 28 years with McDonald's, Matt Grut has amassed an incredible amount of knowledge about the company and how it works. He's the owner of 2 busy Macca's restaurants here in Australia and can flip a burger like nobody's business! While you might think this interview has little to offer a tradie business owner, think again. Matt's perspectives on issues affecting every business owner are incredibly insightful. The post TBS076 What I Learned From 28 Years At McDonald's with Matt Grut appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's a valid question, especially in these times of smart phones and cheaper call rates to mobiles. But what of the humble fixed (land) line? Does it still have a part to play in a business' communications offering to customers and suppliers? Well, this question was posed inside a large community of business owners on social media recently and the responses were... well... let's say they were passionate! There seemed to be quite a bit of emotion around this debate (seriously? They're just phone numbers!) and we thought we'd examine this question a little further on the Show. The post TBS075 Should You Have A Fixed Line Or Mobile Phone Number For Your Business? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Have you ever been for a run and thought, "I should really do this more often...like every day"? Well, apart from being a successful entrepreneur, Adam Leishman has been running for 400-odd days straight PLUS lost over 40 kilograms in that time. He's also got more than 30, 1300-numbers to help track his marketing and roughly 20 ABN's, all keeping his different business interests in order. The post TBS074 20 ABN's|30 1300 Numbers|40 Kilograms|Adam Leishman Shares Some Inspiring Numbers appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
You can't see yourself swing. Someone famous said that, we think it may have been Tiger Woods...or maybe it was his coach. Either way, it's hard to know if you've gotten into a bit of a 'victim' mentality because it's hard to observe yourself. Problem is, living your life as a victim really messes with your results, happiness and the happiness of those around you (if they can stand to be with you!). So sit down, tune in and take note - we're here to help you figure out if you've slipped into some limiting behaviours AND what to do about it if you have. The post TBS073 Are You Being A Victim? How To Tell And What To Do About It appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
You'd think that if you had built an entire business on the back of fixing TV's in prisons that you'd pretty much have a job for life! Well, after many years of just that, Joy Leishman and her husband were feeling a bit jaded with the whole industry and, while sitting at their kitchen table one night, talked about what their ideal business would actually look like. Fast forward some 18 years and the Leishman family now hold the enviable world wide patent for the 'Ozilite' flameless cigarette lighter. With orders coming from almost every country on the globe, Joy talks about how they went from climbing ladders in maximum security prisons to install antennas to now manufacturing and shipping their innovative product right around the world...often without ever talking to their customers! The post TBS072 From Fixing TVs To A Worldwide Patent with Joy Leishman from Ozilite appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
What do you do when you want to start a franchise but don't like mowing lawns? You start Hire A Hubby of course. Brendan Green knew he wanted to build a franchise that serviced homeowners around Australia (and overseas) but didn't think mowing lawns was the way to go. So after some research and observing a gap in the market for general, odd-job type services for Aussie homeowners, Brendan founded Hire A Hubby almost 18 years ago.
Today, Hire A Hubby is one of Australia's top franchises and has hundreds of 'hubbies' around the country, as well as New Zealand and soon the UK as well.
Brendan has learned a thing or two about business, trades and customer service over the years and he shares his lessons and tips for success in today's episode.
So whether you want to grow an international franchise or simply be the best in your backyard, check out Brendan's insights on:
using technology
the simple things that (almost) guarantee success
the importance of balance and taking time out
almost losing everything and how to turn a negative into a positive
The post TBS071 Hire A Hubby Founder Brendan Green Talks Technology, Time Management And Balance appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we strap another tradie into the Tradies Business Show hot seat! This time it's James Tarbuck from Paintway - a family owned painting business in the busy regional city of Toowoomba, Queensland. James gets a grilling on Read More The post TBS070 Tradies Hot Seat with James Tarbuck from Paintway appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
The post TBS069 The 5 Most Common Pitfalls When Starting Out In Any Business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Do you read the 'fine print' on agreements you sign? No? Well, it doesn't mean you shouldn't have them on your agreements with clients. In fact, those tiny letters at the bottom of invoices, quotes and contracts could save you Read More The post TBS068 Getting Your T's and C's Right with Larry from Ledgerguard appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Have you ever had 'one of those days'? We're sure you would have. Well, we have them to and in today's episode we talk about what to do when you have your next crappy day so you bounce back better Read More The post TBS067 Doona Days and Titty Girls appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
For many of us, having a serious car accident and not being able to work in our chosen trade again would be pretty tough to come back from.
But for Steve Hatchman from Aspect Cabinetmakers, this gave him even more motivation to broaden his skillset and, of all things, start his own cabinet making business! Not only that, Steve has gone on to create a million dollar business with more than 10 staff and providing cabinetry to some of SE Queensland's largest builders as well as retail and commercial customers... all at the ripe old age of 29!
Listen in as Steve shares some of his big learnings throughout his journey as well as his tips for:
overcoming the fear of growing
hiring and firing staff
finding the time to enjoy life while still succeeding in business and
how to keep a positive frame of mind when things get tough
The post TBS066 Real Tradie Stories with Steve Hatchman from Aspect Cabinetmakers On Hiring and Firing, Outsourcing and Recovering From A Car Crash appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Do you remember how lonely it was when you first started your business? Maybe you still feel that way! Well, if you didn't already know, there are 70,000+ other solo and micro-preneurs in Australia that form an online community called Read More The post TBS065 Flying Solo, Creating Your Best Year Yet and Living A Life Less Frantic with Kelly Exeter appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Have you ever heard the saying, "the only ships that sink are partnerships"? It seems that partnerships, either life or business, are the cause of many an argument and unfortunately many of those arguments end up with expensive legal and court battles.
Today's guest shares his tips to avoid some of these arguments, as well as costly mistakes with leasing commercial property. He should know, Aaron Griffiths is a commercial lawyer specialising in partnerships, contracts and leasing and has dealt with hundreds of clients over his 10 plus year relationship with 'the law'. Aaron shares his insights on:
what to do if you have a disagreement with your business partner
the sorts of things to include in partnership and joint venture agreements
how to avoid getting into a fight in the first place
the sorts of terms and conditions you can expect, and should ask for, when you lease a property for your business
and what IS the difference between a lawyer and a solicitor!
Aaron also talks about his ping pong career and shares some personal stories about his time as a road worker...
The post TBS064 How To Avoid Partnership Arguments and Leasing Headaches with Aaron Griffiths from Onsite Law appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
When Stuart Hamblen wrote the lyrics to 'This Old House' in 1954... he must have wished for a business like Hire A Hubby to come and do those odd jobs before he 'went to meet the saints'! In today's episode, we talk to the 2014 Hire A Hubby franchisee of the year, Jim Kelly. Jim shares his story of how he came to be a franchisee, what it took to be number 1 and some of his tips for hiring the right team, working less hours in your business and more on your business and ultimately, how to have more time to do the things you love! Jim's just a regular Aussie bloke who's got big plans for his business and is well on the way to kicking some pretty big goals already. The post TBS063 Real Tradie Stories with Jim Kelly from Hire A Hubby Talking Knock Backs, Building A Team, Surfing More and Working Less appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Wazza's at it again...on a rant about little things. Maybe it's because he's quit coffee (although we're sure he was spotted sneaking around behind the studio with a cup of International Roast) or maybe he's bumped his head but today's episode sees his voice go up a few notes! Jokes aside, we see too many businesses missing the small things and having a big impact on their results. Things like spelling someone's name right for example... The post TBS062 RANT About Getting The Small Things Right appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
The post TBS061 10 Simple Ways To Improve Your Customer Service In Under 10 Minutes appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We've said it before and no doubt we'll say it again - one of the key differences between being (and staying) self-employed and on the tools...and running, building and enjoying a true, tradie business is having a great plan. Before Read More The post TBS060 Why You Should Be Excited About Business Plans with Alex Glassey from StratPad appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Michaela went to the Philippines recently...yeah, I tuned out about then as well! Hang on a minute though. Apart from taking a well earned break, she went to hang out with some pretty serious entrepreneurs who were talking all things outsourcing, online marketing, content marketing and building a business that really does work 'without you'. Guys like Chris Ducker, James Schramko, John Lee Dumas and more all shared their insights and experience. Pretty sure a few cocktails were consumed as well... It was called Tropical Think Tank and apart from her incredible grand entrance (listen in to find out how she got the attention of the entire crowd!), Michaela brought back some really useful tips for you in your tradie business. Tips on how to get more done with your time, creating more gratitude in your life and the best way to deal with emails are just a few of the great tidbits Michaela managed to smuggle back into Australia in her boogie board bag. Oh hang on, different country... The post TBS059 Lessons Learned From Tropical Think Tank 2015 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Food. It's fuel for our bodies, pleasure for our tastebuds, medicine for our ills and a great way for families and friends to connect. As a former restaurateur and professional chef, Ronsley Vaz, host of the top-rated Bond Apetit podcast, knows lots about food, nutrition and how to feed our bodies. Even more interesting than Ronsley's love of food and nutrition is his back story - he's a former engineering-student-turned-chef and after building up a successful restaurant in Brisbane, turned up one day to find himself literally locked out of his business! This forced Ronsley to rethink his whole life and future direction and nowadays he's a personal chef to high powered entrepreneurs, host of Australia's #1 food podcast and the brains behind Podcast Revolution. Ronsley shares some of the lessons he's learned through his colorful journey in business and in life as well as one of his passions - giving back, through the B1G1 initiative. Tune in to find out why there's more to food than meat and three veg... The post TBS058 Locked out of your business, giving back and the one thing every successful entrepreneur does with Ronsley Vaz appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
On the latest episode of TBS we ask your questions to QBCC Commissioner Steven Griffin. Make sure to check our previous episode with the QBCC Commissioner about the new role QBCC are playing for the trade industry. For more information check out Read More The post TBS057 The New QBCC Update with Commissioner Griffin Part 2 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Ever wanted a steady stream of leads from your suppliers? Today we talk to Wayne and Libby from Beaumont Tiles about what it takes to be preferred supplier and its not as hard as you think. Websites mentioned in Read More The post TBS056 How To Get More Referrals From Your Suppliers with Wayne and Libby from Beaumont Tiles appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Check out our quick summary of the 2015 Australian Federal Budget. There's some good tax breaks and other incentives for small business and Mark Brown of Ambition Wealth joins us to give his summary of what it all means for us. The post NEWS Federal Budget Summary May 2015 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard of the 'Paleo Diet' or...you're actually a caveman. No, we're not giving dietary advice but... with all the interest (and media attention) around this particular lifestyle we thought it would be worth chatting to someone who knows a thing or two about it - Jai Hobbs, the founder of the Paleo Cafe franchise in Australia. Apart from talking about sugar, dairy, grains and healthy eating, Jai has also built a pretty amazing business! If you're at all interested in growing your business (whether or not you intend to follow a Paleo lifestyle!) then Jai has some great tips about the power of a brand, getting clear on your why and what to do if you find yourself growing 'too fast'. The post TBS055 How To Franchise Your Business, The Power of Branding and Knowing Your Why With Jai Hobbs founder of Paleo Cafe appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
You know the saying, a picture tells a story, right? Well, when we're dealing with customers and running a business it's truer than ever. The way you look tells your customers, suppliers, competitors and staff a story about you, your business, your service and so on. And we're not just talking the way you look. We're talking vehicles, uniforms, stationery, website... It's a much-overlooked area of marketing and promoting a trade business...the pictures of you and your team. They say so much to a prospective customer, especially when you realise that people don't buy from companies or businesses...they buy from people. More to the point, people buy from people they like (and trust) and if they're sitting on their couch or at their dining table looking at your website, and a photo your 9 year old kid took on your iPhone to upload the the 'About Us' page of your website...what does that image say to your potential client? The post TBS054 Why Your Image Says More About Your Business Than Your Words with Jason Malouin appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We all know how important it is to be a great communicator. But when it comes to what makes a great communicator some of us are perhaps a little in the dark... In today's episode, we speak to body language Read More The post TBS053 How To Use Your Body To Get More Clients with Allan Pease appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Ever feel like you're 'stuck' in your business and can't seem to move past a certain point? In this episode of the Tradies Business Show Warrick and Michaela take a look at 3 of the most common things that get Read More The post TBS052 How To Identify The Three Things Blocking Your Business and What To Do About It appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Growing a business can be stressful, especially when you don't have the capital required to finance your expansion. Worse still is the pressure that comes from cashflow restrictions and the difficulty getting funding from traditional sources when things have already Read More The post TBS051How To Finance Your Business Growth with Andrew Allen from FIFO Capital appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Well, we made it. 50 episodes since we first sat in front of our shiny new microphones and uttered those words... "welcome to the Tradies Business Show". It's been a fantastic journey (so far!) and we've learned a lot. We'd also like to think the show keeps getting better and we've got more planned for the next 50 episodes... But... Before we get too misty eyed and way off track, let's focus on what this episode is all about! We thought it would be fitting to interview the man behind the meeting behind the Tradies Business Show - David Dugan. Dave was the guy that introduced Warrick and Michaela to each other so technically, if it wasn't for David Dugan, you wouldn't be reading this right now. David's specialty is helping clients create profitable partnerships, also known as alliances or referral relationships. He's the go to guy if you want to secure steady leads from partners who could also benefit from being associated with your business. The post TBS050 Creating Profitable Partnerships with David Dugan appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
"He bowled a flipper which the 12th man smashed over cover before it was fielded by silly point who ran out the non-striker before the delivery was declared a no ball!" Unless the person you're talking to knows the language of cricket, that sentence probably made no sense at all! When trying to explain a game and even more importantly to play that same game, a working knowledge of that game's language is very important. The same applies for the game of business. If you're a business owner and you'd like to improve your score in the game then you better know the language of business. That language is accounting. The post TBS049 Making Accounting Sexy with Ben Walker from InspireCA appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Apparently, people still read books. Who would have thought? Jokes aside, there are some great books that you could read to help you in your mission to build a great tradie business and we thought we'd save you some time Read More The post TBS048 Tradies Book Club Chapter 1 'Peaks and Valleys' by Spencer Johnson appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
If you've got a business then (hopefully at least!) you've got a website. But is it a good one? Is it converting visitors into customers and if it isn't, do you know why? In today's episode we talk to Jon Read More The post TBS047 How To Create A Killer Website with Jon Hollenberg from FivebyFive appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Thongs. Not necessarily an acceptable choice of safety footwear but according to Michaela, they can be like walking on pillows. But how much should you spend on a pair of thongs? And are all thongs created equal? While these questions Read More The post TBS046 The Great Debate Round 1 (The Thongs Episode) appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
[smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/thetradiesbusinessshow/SPECIAL_ANNOUNCEMENT_Tradies_Business_Toolkit_Launch.mp3″ ] IT'S FINALLY HERE! We've been banging on about this membership thingy for weeks now...and we're excited to finally be able to open the doors to you as a listener to the show. We even came up with Read More The post SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Tradies Business Toolkit Launch appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Leads. Enquiries. Quotes. Calls. Prospects.
Let's face it, you can't have too many. Even if you have plenty, it'd be great to have better quality prospects. The best business systems, pricing, team and service in the world is pointless if the phone just won't ring!
So, apart from the usual suspects to market your trade business like websites, social media, networking, direct mail, email marketing and so on, what's a simple (and quick) way to get the phone ringing and the email dinging?
HiPages.
Now before you go off on a rant about some of the negative experiences you've heard about HiPages (formerly Home Improvement Pages) and other, similar services, have a listen to the co-founder David Vitek. He 'gets it' when it comes to tradies in business and they've just allocated their millionth customer job...that's right, over 1 million client jobs allocated to tradies around the country, with bigger and better things to come!
Apart from talking about how HiPages can help you give your lead generation a shot in the arm, David also talks about:
his predictions for the trades and how this could be your biggest win...or something else
why quoting will be a thing of the past
what customers tell him they really want from tradies
the number 1 rule for running a great trade business, and
stats on the number of homes in Australia and why the trades are in a position to cash in
The post TBS045 How To Get More Leads with David Vitek from HiPages appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today Warrick goes on another rant after trying very hard to open a bank account. Lots of lessons for you on how easy it is for customers to buy from you. The post TBS044 What You Can Learn From This Bank's Crap Service appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Ever found yourself having a conversation with someone, only to realise they haven't heard a single word you've said? Worse still, you see that they've been secretly looking sideways out of their sunglasses either at their phone, the cars going past or the hot girl/guy walking past?!
Well, you're not alone. While technology has certainly improved our lives in numerous ways, one undesirable side effect is our decreasing attention spans...
Sorry, just checking Facebook while I wrote this (Dad-joke?!)
The short of all this is, well, that our attention spans are too short and it's leading to problems with:
Kids' education
employee results and satisfaction
Our relationship with our spouse/partner
quality of production on site and in the workplace
stress and anxiety levels and so on and so on.
We chat with Martina Sheehan from Mind Gardener and co-author of the book 'One Moment Please' about the problem of short attention spans and lack of focus, how this is affecting our business and personal life and of course, what we can do to start to change this.
The post TBS043 How Paying Attention Will Change Your Life with Martina Sheehan appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Social Media. It's a part of our lives nowadays and even more so it's a part of doing business. Most of us are on Facebook, some of us are using Twitter, Instagram and maybe even Pinterest but what about LinkedIn? Seen by many as the professional person's Facebook, many tradies steer clear of LinkedIn thinking they'll be unlikely to find any customers on there...and it's certainly no place to post those pics of the big fish you caught on the weekend! Rather than dodge it, LinkedIn can be a very powerful online networking and connection tool for tradies in the know. In this episode we talk to the author of 'Secret Sauce' Adam Houlahan about why tradies really need to take another look at LinkedIn and how to make sure your profile is up to scratch. The post TBS042 LinkedIn For Tradies with Adam Houlahan appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
So in Episode 39 we seem to have left you hanging. After our undercover chat with Andy the Advertising dude, we neglected to tell you what you could be doing after we'd pretty much told you everything you shouldn't be! Well, here's the special response to those special people that gave us feedback (you know who you are). After much deliberation, debate and a few coffees and hot chocolates (we'll let you figure out who has what), we've come up with 15 strategies you can implement for under $100. We chose these because they're some of the quickest or simplest to implement and will get you seeing results in a short space of time as well. The post TBS041 - 15 Ways To Market Your Trade Business For Under $100 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In today's episode, Warrick and Michaela take a look at the worrying trend of consumers and the media 'bashing' tradies. All we seem to hear are stories about how bad tradies are at the simple stuff The post TBS040 Help Us Stop The Tradie Bashing! appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
So big news for Tradies regarding an upcoming Google Update. Google recently announced that if your site is not mobile friendly it will not rank in search results on mobile devices. This is big news for trade websites that haven't Read More The post TBS Newsflash Number 1 | Google Update appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
This episode is so top secret we can't talk about it...you'll just have to listen! The post TBS039 Undercover Tradie with Andy The Advertising Executive appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We chat with Paul Hodgson, CEO of Construction Skills Queensland about
trends in the construction industry,
what areas you should be looking to get skills in,
what it's like to be a brickies labourer, and
why getting up to speed with tech is critical for your business
The post TBS038 Industry Trends with Paul Hodgson from Construction Skills Qld appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode of the Tradies Business Show we head out into the suburbs to find out what some of the general public think of our tradies. Good? Bad? Ugly? Well, our first guest from the streets is a fish and chip shop owner and she has some great feedback for tradies on customer service, wowing your customers, how to get more work and even how to score a free lunch! There's also a surprise recipe at the end of the interview! But be warned...it's not for the faint hearted... Oh, and we announce an exciting addition to the Tradies Business Show so listen in! The post TBS037 How To Create Raving Fans With Kimberley James appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
The post TBS036 Real Tradie Stories with Wayne and Libby Marsh appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Social media...it's a part of business these days. Mostly, it's a great way to promote your business, connect with and engage your customers, share stories and generally to create a community around your tradie business. But what happens when someone Read More The post TBS035 How To Deal With Negative Feedback On Social Media appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
It's the bane of tradies the world over - the dreaded customer phone call. They always seem to ring when you're up to your elbows in... well, whatever it is you're normally up to. You have to drop everything, answer the phone and then it's either a tyre kicker, telemarketer or worse still, a supplier chasing payment.
Why won't everyone just let you do your job?
Well, the problem is, these calls also make you money and it's a challenge to work out the best way to answer the phone, who should answer it and how to deal with the enquiries when you get them.
In this episode, Warrick and Michaela go 'undercover' and call 10 tradies at random to see how they measure up against the 3 key phone answering standards:
Answer by the 3rd ring
Say 'hello' with a friendly voice AND state the name of the business called
Tell the caller their name, something like "...this is Bob"
Listen in to see how our tradies faired and whether Warrick and Michaela's predictions are accurate.
[Note: Time on the phone was kept to an absolute minimum and the tradies were simply told we had the wrong number to let them get back to whatever they were doing quickly]
The post TBS034 Undercover Tradie - How Do You Answer The Phone? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Do you wish someone could tell you if your bank was really looking after you? How do you know if they're giving you the best deal? Should you finance your next vehicle through the dealer?
In this episode, we answer these and many more questions about finance, borrowing to grow your business, vehicle and equipment purchases and more!
Join Jon and Tammy from Loanwize as they uncover some of these tips to help give you the upper hand when it comes to finance and lending:
Why not all banks are the same
How to solve the problem of your vehicle being worth less than the payout on your loan
What is a balloon payment and how big should it be?
Why use a broker and how to play the banks off against each other to get you a better deal!
The post TBS033 Secret Tips To Beat The Banks with Jon and Tammy from Loanwize appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Staff. They're your ticket to freedom as a trade business owner and unfortunately, seem to be a source of many headaches as well. Once the fear of actually hiring someone new is overcome, one of the biggest headaches tradies in business suffer is finding, recruiting and retaining the right staff. While it may seem like an exercise in pot luck, there is in fact a process to follow that will increase the likelihood of you finding someone who is a great fit for you, your business and your customers. And no, it doesn't start by placing an ad in your local newspaper. The first step is to actually write (yes, on paper) the job description for the role you're filling. Then you need to carefully craft the ad, work out the best place to run it and screen the applicants to get your final candidates for a group interview. Yes, we said group interview! Listen in as Warrick and Michaela go through the critical steps to getting the hiring process right. Oh, and keep an ear out for another of Warrick's (terrible) 'dad jokes' [groan]... The post TBS032 How To Attract And Retain The Right Staff appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Have you ever had one of 'those' jobs where you knew it was going to go pear shaped from the start? Where you wished you'd listened to your gut instinct and told the customer you were booked out, or too dear or something?! They can be a real nightmare when it comes to your customer service standards and making sure your name isn't tarnished as a result. Well, in our first installment of 'What Would Wazza Do?' we take a look at a situation just like this where a tradie took on a job that was doomed from the start. We also discuss some ideas for how to deal with this and how to avoid a similar customer service disaster next time...and an argument with your spouse! The post TBS031: What Would Wazza Do Vol1 - How To Avoid Customer Service Disasters appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Tired of working your butt off and getting paid the least in your business? Maybe you feel like you're working for free on some jobs?! Well, the simplest way to improve this equation and put a little more profit into your account each month is to raise your rates. Aaaaaarrrggh! We hear you scream. You'll stop winning work and there'll be nothing for you to do! That's certainly the fear held by many tradies in business (not you of course, right?). Well, the reality is somewhat different (the fear part anyway) and often raising rates can help take a tradie from barely making wage to actually making a decent living... without working any harder and often, without having to deal with the 'D' class customers! Listen in as Warrick and Michaela talk about how to raise your rates AND do it in a way that means you won't lose all your customers. The post TBS030: How To Put Up Your Prices Without Losing Your Customers appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we're joined by Julie Cross - mother, entertainer and most of all an amazing storyteller. Julie is one of Australia's most sought after presenters and caused something of a social media stir recently with her 'bikini post' on Facebook that scored 143,000 likes in just 24 hours and a reach of over 3.5 million! More than anything, Julie will share with you why a positive mindset and strong self belief are some of the key ingredients to not only a successful business, but a successful and fulfilling life as well. Julie shares her own personal story of nursing her husband for 4 years after he had a stroke, losing him just 6 years ago and how her son's diagnosis with autism around the same time shook her resilience. Grab a notepad and pen (and maybe a box of tissues) as Julie entertains us, moves us and above all inspires us to take responsibility for the way we all think and feel. The post TBS029: Julie Cross on Why What Other People Think Of You Is None Of Your Business appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today we talk to Timbo Reid, host of Australia's number 1 marketing podcast, Small Business Big Marketing.
We're both fans of Tim's podcast and actually credit Timbo as being one of the catalysts for us starting our show.
Tim is a guru when it comes to marketing a small business and a tradie business is no exception! In fact, Timbo reckons that Tradies have a great opportunity to improve their business through smart marketing that doesn't cost a cent. With over 200 interviews with successful small businesses under his belt, Timbo shares his tips on marketing a tradie business like:
paying attention to the little things
creating 'wow' moments with customers
taking action on customer feedback
showing people you care
freely sharing your expert knowledge as a way to show your expertise
and much, much more.
There really was marketing gold dripping from the Tradies Business Show ceiling in this episode so jump in and take a listen!
The post TBS028: Tim Reid Talks Marketing Your Tradie Business For Free appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Free quotes. It's what you have to do if you want to get more customers, right? Problem is you spend half your time quoting instead of doing chargeable work, only to be told by the prospect that "we're still deciding" or "we didn't realise it'd be that much" or perhaps the worst "we've decided to go with someone cheaper"! Well...it doesn't have to be this way. In today's episode we take a closer look at the practice of offering free quotes to prospective customers and how it could be affecting your trade business. We also share the story of a tradie who moved to charging for quotes and the results might surprise you! The post TBS027: Should You Charge For Your Quotes? appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
If you're a licenced contractor you've no doubt questioned the worth of paying that fee every year. What do you even get in return for your money, apart from increasing levels of scrutiny and regulation? Well, in Queensland it seems times are changing. The 'old BSA' (Building Services Authority) has been replaced by the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission). It's now run like a business with a board and it's own decision making powers and stand alone funding model. Heading up the QBCC is Commissioner Steve Griffin, who is passionate about ensuring licensees get more than just a piece of paper and a set of rules to adhere to. Listen to our interview with Commissioner Griffin and you'll find out his thoughts on handling disputes with customers; getting more from your marketing; simple business systems to help you leverage your time and more. We literally came away feeling inspired about the future of tradies in Queensland and you don't get that from a regulator every day of the week! The post TBS026: Lifting The Lid On The New QBCC With The Man Himself - Commissioner Steve Griffin appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Nobody likes spending money on insurance. What's worse is that insurance for tradies can be quite expensive compared to a lot of other industries.
In this episode we talk with Ross Forbes from Tradesure about how insurance for tradies doesn't need to be expensive and also how to get it right so that in the unfortunate event you need to make a claim, you're actually protected the way you need.
Ross has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to insurance and has been in the insurance industry for 30 years. Tradesure only provides insurance for tradies and specifically, can help to cover:
tools
vehicles
contracts
public liability
and even travel insurance for the next trip to Bali!
Why risk losing your tools through theft or damage and the potential to not be able to work, when for as little as a cup of coffee a day you could have them replaced in days?
Listen in as Ross also shares a secret to getting cheaper car rental premiums using their travel insurance. You've got to love that!
The post TBS025: How To Make Sure You Don't Lose Your Tools or Your House with Tradesure appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
How do you set prices in your business? Is it scientific, intuitive or something else?
In today's episode Warrick and Michaela look at:
why you shouldn't be basing your prices on your competitors
how to make sure you make a profit on your work
relate your pricing to your personal goals
whether you should mark up materials used or not, and more.
The post TBS024: How To Set Your Prices appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Still using a paper diary in your business?
Well, today might just be the day to throw it away!
In this episode, we talk to Clinton Cowin from TradiePad about:
his transition from Tradie to Tech-adviser
how cloud technology allowed him to step away from his plumbing business but keep it running
whether you should be using iOS, Android or Windows Mobile devices in your tradie business
the top things you should be doing with technology, and
some simple apps and tools you can start using in your business today!
The post TBS023: How To Get 10 Hours A Week Back Using Cloud Technology with Tradiepad appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we interview Michelle House - The Money Maven, about how to improve the relationship you have with money AND how that can help you with more than just your business... if you get our drift. No? Still not clear? Well, when it comes to husbands and wives, getting better with your money talk can definitely improve the bedroom conversation. Clearer now? Michelle also shares her tips for budgeting better, saving more and just generally how to be more comfortable with the folding stuff (and how to be smarter with the fantastic plastic) The post TBS022: How To Improve Your Relationship With Money With Michelle House appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Warrick and Michaela chat with Nick May from Walls By Design in another of their 'real tradie stories'. Nick is a painter, podcaster and lover-of-canned-soup, based in Denver, Colorado.
Nick shares many stories and some great tips on:
How to differentiate yourself from the competition
How to attract the right staff for your business
joint ventures and referral partnerships
creating customers for life, and more!
Warrick also attempts to intro this episode in an American accent...have a listen and let us know how well he went (or didn't!)
The post TBS021: Real Tradie Stories with Nick May from Walls By Design appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
n Episode 20 of The Tradies Business Show Warrick and Michaela dive deeper into what it takes to stick out from the crowd. How do you get the attention of your potential customers and get them to choose you over your competition?
Find out how to:
use guarantees to increase conversions
take what you're already doing and turn it into a marketing opportunity
get away from discounting as a means to attract customers
save time and money by not working with the wrong customers
The post TBS020: How To Stick Out Like Prawn's Eyes appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We chat with Paul Bidwell (no relation to Warrick) from Master Builders Queensland about the building and construction industry and the trends and opportunities one of Queenslands largest industry associations sees for 2015.
Paul also shares:
tips for how to be an industry leader
some of the benefits of Master Builders membership
what sectors are likely to do well and
how to tap into the opportunities for tradies in the coming year
The post TBS019: How To Lead Your Industry with Master Builders Queensland appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we take a look at how to smash 2015 and make it a great year for your business but more importantly, for you and your family.
Warrick and Michaela put goal setting under the spotlight and talk about:
How to give yourself a fighting chance to achieve your goals
Making sure your goals relate to your personal lifestyle and aren't just about business (and money)
What to do if you don't reach your goals and targets and
Who you should include when picking a point to aim at
Warrick also shares some information about his upcoming free webinar - How To Smash 2015, where he'll take you through a simple, 5 step process to make sure your business supports your quality of life.
The post TBS018: How To Smash It In 2015 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
They say you're only as good as your last performance, so it makes sense to review each year in your tradie business when the full time siren sounds on December 31st!
In this episode of the show we discuss:
The importance of locking in our key lessons from the past year
Our own learnings and what we plan to do differently next year
How to improve your quality of life and results using a simple score card (click her to download it)
Some of the small things that can generate great results in your business
How to increase prices AND get more customers!
The post TBS017: Was It Good For You? 2014 In Review appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
What's your biggest asset?
Your house? Your car? Your tools?
Perhaps you said your health and you'd be pretty close. The reality is, your biggest asset as a trade business owner is your ability to generate cashflow or earn an income. Without your income, how would you:
Pay your mortgage if you have one?
Put food on the table?
Pay for kids' schooling?
Buy clothes, take holidays or just generally enjoy life?
Worse still, even if you can't work due to illness or injury, your employees still need to be paid, your registration, licenses, creditors and the list goes on.
We talk about one of the driest topics on the planet in today's episode - life insurance.
The post TBS016: How To Protect Your Biggest Asset appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We talk to Tony from H2Pro Plumbing - an award winning plumbing business that literally 'gives a crap'!
Tony and his wife Tristan have found some unique ways to not only market their business but to contribute to the local community by 'giving a crap'. They're supporters of a charity that uses toilet rolls for their fund raising...
We also talk with Tony about:
the power of entering business awards and not just if you win
how social media can transform your marketing
why having a business mentor is a no-brainer for tradies, and
the secret to planning for your success
The post TBS015: Real Tradie Stories - H2Pro Plumbing appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Zig Ziglar said, "The only thing worse than training employees and losing them is to not train them and keep them"
We talk to Wade Grundon from Face To Face training about some of the benefits of providing training like:
winning more tenders or contracts by having qualified staff
improving productivity
reducing staff turnover by providing a work/career path
using training to incentivise employees
PLUS, there are some extremely generous government subsidies and cash bonuses available to Australian employers (subject to eligibility criteria) who train existing or recruit new staff.
The post TBS014: How To Get The Government To Train Your Staff For Free appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
We record our first 'on location' episode...at the pub! We enjoy a quick counter meal after recording a guest interview on site and discuss the importance of time out from your trade business and how it can help you:
increase your chance of hitting your goals in 2015
recharge your batteries so you perform better, for longer
allow you to rethink what worked and what didn't, and
actually enjoy the things you work so hard for all year!
To find out more about Michaela's 'business babysitting service' go to www.tradiesva.com.au/business-babysitting
The post TBS013: Why Leaving Your Business Could Actually Improve It appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
There's a saying that 'you are who Google says you are' and that's certainly true for your business. If you're not on the front page for search results then you're pretty much nowhere with more than 80% of people selecting from these 'page 1' listings. In this episode we talk to Jim Stewart from Stewart Media about some simple things you can do to help your SEO (search engine optimisation) efforts and Google search rankings. We also debunk some SEO myths and give specific tips to help you. The post TBS012: How To Get Your Website Found On Google with Jim Stewart appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Yep, we're talking sales! Mention used cars, real estate or mobile phone plans and the first thing that comes to mind are pushy, selfish salespeople, right? Problem is, as business owners we're all in sales regardless of the role or industry we're in. So how do you attract and convert more customers, without being pushy or salesy and falling into those negative steroptypes? We share some strategies in this episode to help with just that. The post TBS011: How To Sell More Without Being Salesy appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
The first of our Tradies' Hot Seat victims is Helen Yost from the all-girl plumbing business The Plumbettes. Helen asked for help via a social media group to deal with the Christmas slow down experienced by many tradie businesses.
We invited Helen into the studio for a live consultation and looked at some simple ways she could generate some more leads quickly, convert more of those leads into customers and do it profitably and without spending a ton of money on advertising.
We covered strategies and topics such as:
defining your target market
measuring the effectiveness of your marketing
networking
alliances and how to make them work
social media strategy
the use of free PR to get traffic to your site
and so much more!
The post TBS010: Tradies Hot Seat with Helen from The Plumbettes appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today, Warrick and Michaela go on a bit of a rant. We're not sure if it's the heat or the extra shot of coffee but your hosts express their frustration (and concern) at businesses who don't return phone enquiries, don't do what they say they're going to do and make it hard for their customers to buy from them. We outline two simple things tradies can do to increase their topline revenue without sacrificing any of their bottom line profits. A true win:win! The post TBS009: 2 Ways To Grow Revenue Without Spending A Cent appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today we interview Sharny Kieser who, along with husband Julius, has authored 13 books on fitness including
the worldwide bestsellers FITlosophy 1&2, Healthy Junk, Fit, Healthy Happy Kids and Fit, Healthy, Happy Mum. They have 5 children and live on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Find out more by heading to their website
http://www.sharnyandjulius.com
Sharny talks with us about:
-How to keep fit when you're tired after a long day on the tools
-Eating right for energy, stamina and a good looking bod
-Balancing work, family, exercise and meal planning, and
-Some simple tips on keeping your relationship hot!
The post TBS008: How To Have A Healthy Body, Mind and Bottom Line with Sharny Kieser appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today we're talking marketing and how to get more 'bums on seats' in your business. There are some simple ways to market your business that don't require much, if any, spending. We'll show you how to:
-Increase your marketing without increasing your spending
-How simply recording where your enquiries are coming from can help save you money... and make you more!
-The difference between marketing and advertising
-Why size really does matter...
The post TBS007: How To Market Your Business and Get More Bums On Seats appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we talk everything cashflow and announce our new sponsor - MYOB and their PayDirect solution. MYOB's Head of Product Matt Mulligan talks about his top three tips for managing cashflow and how changes in technology are helping to give tradies their Saturdays back. The post TBS006: Improving Your Cashflow With Matt Mulligan From MYOB appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
Today's episode is all about taking over a 30 year old family business and turning it into thriving modern day plumbing operation. Our special guest is Sunshine Coast local plumber Ben Perren from Adrian Perren Plumbing. What you will learn: - how to successfully take over the family business
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how technology can help save you hours a week with your job management
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importance of networking to grow your business The post TBS005: Real Tradies Stories - Ben Perren, Adrian Perren Plumbing appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode you will learn the second half of our 'Dirty Dozen', the 12 critical things you need to have in place to build and run a great Trade and service business. The post TBS004: Dirty Dozen: 12 Ways To Create A Top Tradie Business - Part 2 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode you will learn about the first 6 of our 'Dirty Dozen'. These are the 12 critical things you need to have in place to ensure you build and run a sustainable trade and service business. The post TBS003: Dirty Dozen: 12 Ways To Create A Top Tradie Business - Part 1 appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
In this episode we talk to Adam Ellis from Allied Drafting Services about how to: find and develop a great team, deal with challenges in your industry especially around pricing how to make money by being a bit different and Read More The post TBS002: Real Tradies Stories - Adam Ellis appeared first on Tradies Business Show.
This first episode is all about learning what the Tradies Business Show mission is as well as finding out who the hell the co-hosts of the Tradies Business Show are - Warrick Bidwell and Michaela Clark. PLUS we share one thing that you can start doing today that will lead to massive results in your trade and construction small business. The post TBS 001: Welcome to the Tradies Business Show appeared first on Tradies Business Show.