Insert Vince Vaughn from Old School saying “ear muffs ear muffs” lololol. 

The Christmas run in is real!! 6 weeks to go. Crazy hey?!? 

So often in the busy-ness of business it’s incredibly easy to make a bad decision / mistake. 

For instance, sending the wrong person to the right job, having the wrong person in general, a quick quote that’s not thought through enough, a phone conversation when it should have been an email and so on and so on. 

We know the best decisions are made with a clear headspace. And we know that sometimes you have to slow down to speed up. 

So go grab a coffee / beer / kombucha and grab the headspace that you need. 

Your business needs you to be thinking clearly and enjoying the compound effect of multiple good decisions in a row. 

Also FYI… if you haven’t already, go back and have a listen (or even a re-listen) to our pod series “Your Smile Fades In The Summer” which contains your checklist / must do items for you to have you best December / January period ever. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Keywords

decision-making, headspace, great decisions, time management, careful planning

Takeaways

• The best decisions often come from a clear headspace.
• Taking extra time can lead to better decision-making.
• It's important to check schedules and tasks before making decisions.
• Great decisions require careful planning and consideration.
• Small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in outcomes.
• Decision-making is not just about big items, but also about the details.
• A good decision can be compared to fine-tuning a process.
• Investing time in decision-making pays off in the long run.
• The right tools and checks can enhance decision quality.
• Mindfulness in decision-making can lead to greater success.

Summary

This conversation emphasizes the significance of having a clear headspace for effective decision-making. It highlights that great decisions often stem from careful planning and attention to detail, rather than just focusing on major items. The discussion encourages taking the necessary time to ensure that all aspects of a decision are considered, leading to better outcomes.

Titles

• Mastering Decision-Making
• The Art of Thoughtful Choices

Sound Bites

• "Great decisions are found in the headspace."
• "It's about taking the extra time."
• "Check the schedule, check the tasks."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

Ok you know the song. It’s from one of the greatest movies of all time Step Brothers. 

It goes like this… “boats n hoes boats n hoes gotta have me my boats n hoes”. 

And omg… LOL. What a movie. What a time to be alive. 

But the song got me thinking, what have you “gotta have” in your business? 

So we started a series. We start it with part one (obvs), welcome to the discussion on site necessities. 

We asked around some of our mates and compiled the answers for your listening / viewing pleasure. 

And let us know, what are your “must haves” on site? 

Lessgoooo xxx 

Keywords

construction, collaboration, critical pathways, project management, building process

Summary

The conversation focuses on the importance of collaboration among team members on construction sites and the significance of understanding critical pathways in project management to ensure efficient workflow and prioritization of tasks.

Takeaways

• Collaboration is key to successful project execution.
• Understanding the critical pathway helps in prioritizing tasks.
• Awareness of the build pathway is essential for efficiency.
• Effective communication among team members enhances workflow.
• Prioritizing tasks can prevent delays in construction projects.
• Roughing in and fitting off must be strategically planned.
• Site management requires constant awareness of ongoing tasks.
• Team collaboration can lead to better problem-solving.
• Construction projects benefit from clear role definitions.
• Critical pathways can change based on project needs.

Titles

• The Importance of Collaboration in Construction
• Navigating Critical Pathways for Project Success

Sound Bites

• "Make sure you're of collaborating with all the people on site."
• "Are we roughing in upstairs or fitting off upstairs?"
• "Downstairs is priority, bathrooms is a priority."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to On-Site Essentials

Wasssuppp lords! 

On today’s session of “Sunday School” we have none other than Josh Ford aka Fordy aka The Ford Lord aka the unofficial god / deity of starting businesses and social media. 

Ford gives us a pretty thorough run through of Capcut and how he uses it to edit his videos for New Age and Lock Out + Live etc. 

In the modern world of social media if you’re producing a lot of content there is nothing quite like gripping it and ripping it (ie knowing how to do it yourself). 

If you’re starting out taking it in house will save you a lot of $$, and if you’re business is performing this will keep the brand authentic and your unique messaging strong. 

And if you’re scared to put yourself out there on the line aka the internet? 

Key point: life is too short to be worried about what anyone thinks of you or to lose any sleep over people who don’t support you wholeheartedly.

Side note: This is a session best watched infant of a screen rather than driving. 

Hope you enjoy! xx 

Keywords

podcast, video editing, content creation, social media, filming techniques, renovation insights, audio quality, POV filming, editing tools, business growth, video editing, CapCut, copyright music, social media marketing, B-roll, multi-camera editing, branding, Instagram, video effects, professional media

Takeaways

• Video content is essential for brand building.
• Investing in good equipment enhances video quality.
• Consistency in filming orientation is crucial.
• POV filming can capture engaging content.
• Editing apps can simplify the video creation process.
• Social media is a powerful tool for networking.
• Captions can significantly increase viewer engagement.
• Audio quality is as important as video quality.
• Understanding your audience helps tailor content.
• Experimenting with different content types can yield unexpected results. Navigating copyright issues is crucial when using music in videos.
• CapCut offers a user-friendly interface for video editing.
• Filters and effects can significantly enhance video quality.
• Creating engaging content requires attention to detail and creativity.
• Exporting videos properly is essential for managing projects.
• Multi-camera editing can streamline podcast production.
• Incorporating B-roll footage adds depth to video content.
• Collaborating with professionals can elevate media quality.
• Social media is a powerful tool for brand building.
• Effective marketing strategies can lead to business growth.

Titles

• Mastering Video Content Creation
• The Art of Filming and Editing

Sound Bites

• "It draws people in to know who you are."
• "You can just tell she's more bubbly up."
• "It's good to have those links for sure."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup

02:56 Renovation Insights and Coaching Perspectives

05:15 The Importance of Video Content

07:36 Choosing the Right Equipment for Filming

09:33 Enhancing Audio Quality for Videos

12:40 Building a Digital Presence and Networking

15:35 Content Creation Strategies for Specific Industries

18:25 Utilizing POV Filming Techniques

21:12 Editing Videos Effectively with CapCut

24:29 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

40:35 Video Editing Tools and Effects

46:08 Adding Captions and Enhancing Engagement

50:12 Incorporating Music and Audio Adjustments

54:29 Using Filters and Visual Effects

01:00:16 Adding Logos and Text Animations

01:06:15 Editing Techniques and Exporting Videos

01:10:17 Syncing Multiple Clips for Podcasts

01:13:19 Utilizing B-Roll and Overlays

01:20:31 The Importance of Professional Media Collaboration

01:24:06 Engaging Your Team in Content Creation 

01:27:13 Building Your Brand Through Social Media 

01:33:44 Leveraging Professional Photography for Marketing 

01:36:26 Navigating Client Permissions for Showcasing Work

01:41:55 Marketing Strategies and Google Ads

Let’s face some facts, unless you have a serious chip in there will probably be a fair bit of work in getting your business (aka client base) off the ground. 

Common chips in include taking over a family business, having builder friends, having friends in high places in schools, knowing people in the commercial space, dating a contracts admin (lol), marrying a realtor or a real estate receptionist, having good family contacts and so on. 

These chip ins will be able to give you work, and not just one off jobs but repeat jobs, well into the future and maybe forever. 

If you don’t have these chip ins, you will need to find your way through to get to the ideal clients. 

Time in the game is one of the ways to find your way through the weeds. Once you have some time in the game you will hopefully have a good understanding of pricing and numbers, solid client base, a good reputation, more relationships, more reviews, a better social presence, and you will have probably completed some better / bigger jobs (and so on and so on). 

Put very simply, time in the game essentially means that you have completed more jobs, more people have seen you around and more people will know about you. 

And the more people that know about you the more opportunities you will have, so long as they respect you and know you consistently provide a good product obvs. 

I think most peoples businesses hit their straps around the 5 year mark. 

Can it happen sooner? Of course! 

Can it take longer? Hopefully not too much longer tbh coz the sweat stage of business is very hard. 

So we discuss all this, and more, in the pod. 

Enjoy xx 

Keywords

success, business, tipping point, pricing, reputation, time in the game, defining success, balance, entrepreneurship, growth

Summary

In this conversation, CrowDog and Cam discuss the nuances of success in business, exploring the subjective nature of what it means to be successful. They delve into the tipping points that can make business easier, the importance of pricing and reputation, and the role of time in the journey of entrepreneurship. The discussion emphasizes the need for balance in life and work, and the significance of defining personal success.

Takeaways

• Success is subjective and varies from person to person.
• There is no clear tipping point for success; it evolves over time.
• Pricing and reputation are crucial factors in business success.
• It's better to be quiet and profitable than busy and broke.
• Time in the game is essential for understanding business dynamics.
• Comparison can hinder personal growth and happiness.
• Healthy competition can motivate and inspire growth.
• Defining your own version of success is vital.
• Balance between work and personal life is crucial for long-term success.
• Building relationships and networks can significantly impact business growth.

Titles

• The Tipping Point of Success in Business
• Understanding the Role of Pricing and Reputation

Sound Bites

• "Run your own race."
• "Stay healthy in the head."
• "Enjoy, go boost today."

Chapters

00:00 The Tipping Point of Success

10:05 Understanding Pricing and Reputation

18:36 Time in the Game: The Journey of Business

24:02 Defining Success and Balancing Life

Ok so don’t let the title fool you or upset you, this is designed to bring up a very important topic: should you partner be doing the admin? 

So let’s face it, 5% of the time your partner doing admin works every time! Lolololol. 

We have put this pod together because we see too many people get their partner in an admin role without considering that the dynamic isn’t doesn’t work, their partner isn’t trained in it, isn’t interested, doesn’t enjoy it, could earn more money elsewhere, it’s an unrealistic expectation with the kids schedule, we are planning on having more kids, my kid doesn’t sleep (omg), my kid missed nap time again and so on and so on. 

The reality is you should have a weapon admin. You deserve a weapon admin. Nay, you need a weapon admin. 

You need an admin that is a blessing to your life. An admin that frees you up to do what you do best. An admin that is trained, talented, keen, goes over and above, and stays around. 

For some of you, that’s your partner. For most of you, that’s not. Either way, it’s ok. 

If having your partner in the office is working, great!! If not, great!!

Set the tasks, set the times, ask if it’s working, communicate well, communicate often, and run the best business you can. 

Oh and blink twice if you are ok lolololol. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Keywords

partner involvement, business admin, relationship dynamics, emotional boundaries, communication, skills assessment, opportunity cost, partnership success, business roles, family impact

Summary

In this conversation, Crowe and Cameron discuss the complexities of involving a partner in business administration. They explore the importance of setting clear boundaries, evaluating skills, and understanding emotional dynamics. The discussion emphasises the need for open communication and the potential impact on personal relationships. They also highlight the significance of assessing the long-term viability of such arrangements and the necessity of confronting challenges head-on.

Takeaways

• It's okay for it to work, it's okay for it not to work.
• Consider a trial period of three to six months.
• Clear KPIs and task lists are essential.
• Evaluate if the partner's skill set aligns with the tasks.
• Understand the opportunity cost of involving a partner.
• Emotional boundaries are crucial in business partnerships.
• Open and honest communication is necessary for success.
• Assess the long-term viability of the partnership.
• Mistakes in business can affect personal relationships.
• Regular check-ins can help maintain clarity and direction.

Titles

• Navigating Partner Involvement in Business Admin
• Setting Boundaries and Expectations in Partnerships

Sound Bites

• "It doesn't have to work."
• "Is it their skill set?"
• "You need to factor both people in."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Partner Involvement in Business Admin

02:49 Setting Boundaries and Expectations

06:04 Evaluating Skills and Opportunity Costs

08:55 Emotional Boundaries and Communication

12:03 Assessing Long-term Viability

14:50 Final Thoughts on Partner Dynamics

On this episode of the pod we have Sam Ackland from Alpha Tradie, Build Clean + Delta Temp. 

Sam and I have been back + forth over online sorcery (aka insta DM’s) over the past few months and we felt it was about time to jump on a pod and hang out for an hour or so. 

We discuss branding, marketing, organic content, product, charge out rates aka the age old debate of “$120+ per hour” (lol), the coaching industry, accounting, finances, company culture, raising up people from within plus much more. 

For me personally this was a huge step forward in bringing the coaching industry a little bit more together and breaking down my insecurity of having one of our “competitors” on the pod. 

Hope you enjoy xx 

Keywords

organic content strategy, brand building, key person of influence, team representation, finished product

Summary

In this conversation, Sam from Alpha Tradie discusses the importance of an organic content strategy centred around the concepts of head, heart, and hands. He emphasises the need for authenticity in branding and the significance of showcasing real people and finished products rather than resorting to gimmicky viral content.

Takeaways

• Focus on authentic content rather than viral trends.
• Position yourself as a key person of influence.
• Showcase your team to build trust.
• Highlight your finished products in your content.
• People connect with real individuals, not just brands.
• A curated feed should include real people.
• Avoid gimmicky content that doesn't represent your brand.
• Engage your audience with relatable content.
• Balance head, heart, and hands in your strategy.
• Content should reflect your brand's true identity.

Titles

• Mastering Organic Content Strategy
• Building Your Brand with Authenticity

Sound Bites

• "Don't try and create the viral bullshit."
• "How do you position yourself as a key person of influence?"
• "People buy from people."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Life and Business Ventures

00:26 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth

00:50 The Importance of Apprentices and Team Dynamics

The Sir Mix-A-Lot references are back and far out are we in for a good time here or what. 

In the first “Baby Got Back Charged” we discussed if you back charge employees or not (spoiler: we think not). 

The second iteration references when business gets back charged by the client. 

The insecure business owner says ”I’m sorry baby I didn’t mean that I think they are excellent back charges” Happy Gilmore style. 

The egotistical business owner says “NO WAY GET STUFFED STUFF OFF” as they put some poo in a bag and light it on fire on the clients doorstep. 

The neutral business owner says “the electrical gods work in mysterious ways”. 

But what is the actual answer? Is there an answer? Are some back charges warranted? Are some unreasonable? Can some have been avoided? Can all have been avoided? Are all business relationships good? Can I hold onto all business relationships forever? Do I really have to collect poo and put it in a bag? 

We discuss all this, and more, inside the pod. 

Enjoy xx 

Keywords

music, work culture, backcharging, client relationships, communication, business insights, problem-solving, long-term relationships, trade industry, business strategies

Summary

In this conversation, the hosts explore the significance of music in work culture, particularly how it influences productivity and creativity. They delve into the complexities of backcharging in business, discussing the importance of clear communication and understanding client relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective problem-solving strategies and the value of nurturing long-term relationships over short-term gains in business.

Takeaways

• Music can enhance productivity and creativity in the workplace.
• Understanding backcharging is crucial for maintaining client relationships.
• Clear communication is essential in resolving disputes with clients.
• Long-term relationships in business are more valuable than short-term profits.
• Mistakes are inevitable in business; how you handle them matters.
• Clients deserve to be heard, even if they are not always right.
• Effective problem-solving requires understanding the root cause of issues.
• Building a culture of accountability can improve team dynamics.
• Regular communication can prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
• Investing time in relationships pays off in the long run.

Titles

• The Role of Music in Business Success
• Backcharging: Navigating Client Disputes
• 
  

Sound Bites

• "I like big butts and I cannot lie."
• "Mo money, mo problems."
• "You want a swift resolve."

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Music in Work Culture

04:45 Understanding Backcharging in Business

14:51 Navigating Client Relationships and Communication

26:24 Resolving Issues and Building Long-Term Relationships

While the title is no doubt a play on Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1992 classic “Baby Got Back”, in this pod we take it back a few decades and draw inspiration from The Rolling Stones’ song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. 

A common question we get around here is “do you back charge employees when they make a mistake?” 

After all there is parking fines, falling through ceilings, crashing cars, turning up late, cutting holes in the wrong spot, damaging tools, leaving torches in a roof, broken ceiling tiles with no spares (omgggg), among many many other items. I’m sure you could add a few more to the list!! 

Ok so back to The Stones. 

“What We Want” is nothing to go wrong ever, people to take accountability and pay for their mistakes (either in time, energy, money etc), our staff to take responsibility for all their work and action, and so on. 

“What We Need” is to understand that nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, we have insurances, we need to build a solid culture and that means we can’t kick and scream and carry on, to give our staff a safe space to bring things up, and so on. 

We also need to give ourselves a reality check is someone is consistently costing us time, money, clients, staff, energy, headspace, and so on. 

So what is the answer? Do you back charge sometimes? All the time? No times? Rarely? Every second full moon? 

The answer, we discuss, in the pod. 

Hope you enjoy xx 

Keywords

back charging, employee mistakes, workplace culture, accountability, business ethics, communication, risk management, learning from mistakes, employee relationships, business success

Takeaways

• You can't always get what you want, but you might find you get what you need.
• Everyone makes mistakes; it's part of being human.
• Creating a culture of accountability is essential for business success.
• Back charging employees can be ethically complex.
• Communication of expectations is crucial in preventing mistakes.
• Mistakes should be seen as learning opportunities.
• The risk and reward of business are intertwined.
• Setting clear boundaries and expectations helps mitigate issues.
• Mistakes can highlight areas for improvement in business processes.
• Fostering a supportive environment leads to better employee retention.

Sound Bites

• "You can't always get what you want."
• "We've all made mistakes."
• "Learn from the mistakes that you make."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

03:03 Mistakes in the Workplace

05:49 Ethics of Back Charging Employees

08:54 Creating a Culture of Accountability

11:54 Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

14:49 Communication and Expectations

17:44 Risk and Reward in Business

20:54 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Such a pleasure to have Tommy + Ford back on the pod again and all be in the same room with an audience! 

A few of the Sparky Coach members set aside two days this week and invested into ourselves hearing great workshops from great speakers on great topics such as emotional intelligence, mental health, leadership + setting a clear business plan. 

It was so much fun to get around each other, learn, laugh, swim, gym, surf, discuss nerdy electrical things, rage about Makita vs Milwaukee (lololol) and talk about the electrical industry well into the night. 

On this pod (our first live one) we discuss cost plus work, mental health, factory renovations, sales strategies, building relationships, personal relationships, networking + much more. 

Also huge shout out to Ford and the work he is doing running charity events like the Ox which raises funds and awareness for DIPG. 

Also mega shout out to Billy Lawrence who looks great on zoom but is 1000% taller, musclier and sexier in real life. 

What a time to be alive! 

Enjoy the pod xx 

AI Generated Keywords

live podcast, sales strategies, renovation challenges, cost plus, charity event, electrical industry, e-commerce, product launch, customer relationships, business growth

AI Generated Takeaways

• People pay for it. Don't discount yourself.
• Selling comfort is more effective than selling products.
• Honesty in sales builds trust with clients.
• Cost plus can lead to unexpected challenges.
• Building relationships is key to business success.
• Community involvement enhances brand reputation.
• E-commerce ventures can diversify income streams.
• Live events create unique engagement opportunities.
• Personal growth is essential for long-term success.
• Choosing the right partner impacts overall happiness.

AI Generated Alter Ego Titles

• Selling Comfort: Insights from the Electrical Industry
• Navigating Renovation Challenges and Cost Plus Work

AI Generated Sound Bites

• "You gotta run your own race."
• "Comparison is the thief of joy."
• "Be the best person you can be."

AI Generated Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Live Event

02:30 Insights from Sonance: Selling Comfort Over Product

05:21 Challenges in Renovation and Communication in Trades

08:42 Future Growth and Expansion in Business

11:24 The Hustle: Balancing Work and Passion

14:23 The Ox: A Fundraising Running Event for a Cause

17:12 Interactive Segment: The Strip Off Challenge

26:08 Engaging in Competition: The Lockout Kit Challenge

28:21 Understanding Cost Plus vs. Quoted Work

39:34 Navigating High-End Residential Projects

47:52 Building Reputation and Client Relationships

56:23 The Importance of Supportive Partnerships

To start off let’s confront a couple of key items. Firstly, yes the title is indeed a Backstreet Boys song. Secondly, yes I indeed knew this. Thirdly, yes I indeed know all (or at least most of) the words. And finally, I indeed have a question for you: did YOU know that it was a Backstreet Boys song too? Don’t lie to me I’ll bet you did!!! Lololol. 

But let me answer your question with another question Zoolander style, is it ok to grow apart from clients? Isn’t the whole goal to make every client a repeat client? Aren’t long term clients better than short term money? 

And while all of the above is in fact true and yes we no doubt agree, in this episode we discuss the high likelihood that you will naturally and organically grow apart from some of your OG clients. 

Of course some clients you will stay a good fit for forever, and this should of course be the goal. BUT… as your business grows sometimes you are just not the right fit for them anymore and it’s really important that you figure this out sooner rather than later to avoid any collateral damage* to both parties. 

Good discussion this one, and one we both have a lot of first hand experience in. 

Enjoy the pod and remember to always be kind xx 

*Arnie movie quote deliberate 

AI Generated Keywords

business growth, client relationships, overhead management, service industry, project management, efficiency, staffing, pricing strategies, trade industry, business dynamics

AI Generated Takeaways

• You do what you're comfortable with in business growth.
• Overheads generally increase as a business grows.
• Maintaining quality is crucial when scaling a business.
• Outgrowing clients can be a natural part of business evolution.
• Personal relationships can shift to professional as businesses grow.
• It's important to assess the efficiency of your team as you expand.
• Don't confuse outgrowing clients with having a poor product.
• Communication and organization become more complex with growth.
• Asking clients for feedback is essential for improvement.
• Managing staff quality is critical to maintaining client satisfaction.

AI generated Sound Bites

• "The best clients are the commercial clients"
• "You have to be getting better as you grow"
• "You need to ask the client what happened"

AI Generated Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Business Growth

09:57 Navigating Client Relationships and Expectations

16:38 Understanding Outgrowing Your Business

21:27 Maintaining Quality and Client Trust

Today we take a trip down memory lane and take some serious inspiration from the 2001 City High smash hit “What Would You Do?” 

The conundrum we discuss is what do you do when your schedule is stacked to the rafters and your best client calls with a major job that they need done? 

Obviously we know the answer, say yes and figure it out later! But yeh it’s so much easier said than done. 

There are many moving parts to consider here, especially when your best clients require your best staff members (and probably rightfully so tbh). 

I’m not sure if we actually land anywhere by the end of this pod but yeh it’s a good yarn and well worth some of your headspace. 

I’ll leave you with a City High reference… “So for you this is just a good time but for me this is what I call life”.

But I’m sure you already knew that unless you have been LIVING UNDER A ROCK for the last 25 years. 

Enjoy the pod! 

Alright the big dog automation god self appointed and self anointed rough in lord turned automation lord turned sexiest man in the electrical industry (voted by 1000’s of sparkies throughout Heathcote + Engadine) Tom Ryan is here running us through how he uses Groundplan. 

Tommy runs Ryelec Automation based out of “Trade God Country” aka the Sutherland Shire and while he was unlucky not to lock his spot in on the reality TV show “The Shire” a few moons back, he was lucky enough to be building a business that the electrical gods would be very proud of. 

With roughly 20 years in the industry and 15 years of Ryelec, Tommy has learned a few things about quoting while still maintaining looking 25 due to the mutual induction of his elaborate skin care routine and nightly lighting of candles to the KNX gods who seem to bless people with eternal youth while listening to “forever young” by Alphaville. 

Tommy is an absolute weapon on back end automation (and front end automation), and I hope this session helps you move your business forward. 

Note this is the second session we have put up on using Groundplan and it’s a little more in depth. Both sessions are available across all major streaming platforms. 

Much love and enjoy the pod xx 

Ahh Blink 182 references, what a time to be alive! 

While you can choose to disagree about the best Blink album being “Chesire Cat”, one thing that you can for sure not disagree on is that summer is coming! 

Summer. December. Christmas. January. Holidays. Break from work. No break from work. Staff holidays. Clients needing stuff done. It’s all coming up. And really soon. Really really soon. 

The harsh reality is that there are 12 working weeks left until Santa arrives and the trade world stops on a dime for a couple of days, or weeks, or a month, depending on your clientele. 

So how are you looking? Busy? Quiet? Need staff? Need admin? Got some good January clients? Need to book more in? Less in? Got deadlines? Got milk Snoop Dogg style? 

The great news is that there is still time to get organised, get prepared, get ready, put the right items in place, put the right people in place, put the right clients in the right spots, and so on, before January starts. 

Remember! A good January can set up a great year, while a bad January can have a negative lasting taste that lingers for months. 

This year, choose to be in the right side of an excellent January. 

In this pod, we break down some tips for having your best January yet. 

Available now across all major streaming platforms. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

AI Generated Keywords 

business opportunity, client relationships, workload management, trust, hard work, competitive market, client acquisition, seasonal business, organisation, decision making

AI Generated Takeaways

• This is the opportunity season for businesses.
• Getting the Christmas season right can lead to a successful year.
• Not having enough work is one of the worst situations in business.
• It's a perfect time to hire and plan for the future.
• Your product and service quality are crucial for client retention.
• Trust is essential in maintaining long-term client relationships.
• Disorganisation can lead to lost clients and opportunities.
• Hard work and dedication can set you apart from competitors.
• Recognising your workload is key to seizing opportunities.
• Decisiveness in business can lead to better client relationships.

AI Generated Sound Bites

• "This is the opportunity season."
• "This is your time to shine."
• "Strike while the iron's hot."

AI Generated Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Opportunity Season

03:04 Managing Workload and Client Relationships

05:53 Building Trust and Maintaining Clients

09:04 Seizing Opportunities in a Competitive Market

11:46 Recognizing and Responding to Workload Changes

14:44 The Role of Hard Work in Client Acquisition

17:49 Navigating Busy Seasons and Client Expectations

20:55 Decisiveness in Business Relationships

AI Generated Keywords 

business opportunity, client relationships, workload management, trust, hard work, competitive market, client acquisition, seasonal business, organisation, decision making

Ahh Blink 182 references, what a time to be alive! 

While you can choose to disagree about the best Blink album being “Chesire Cat”, one thing that you can for sure not disagree on is that summer is coming! 

Summer. December. Christmas. January. Holidays. Break from work. No break from work. Staff holidays. Clients needing stuff done. It’s all coming up. And really soon. Really really soon. 

The harsh reality is that there are 12 working weeks left until Santa arrives and the trade world stops on a dime for a couple of days, or weeks, or a month, depending on your clientele. 

So how are you looking? Busy? Quiet? Need staff? Need admin? Got some good January clients? Need to book more in? Less in? Got deadlines? Got milk Snoop Dogg style? 

The great news is that there is still time to get organised, get prepared, get ready, put the right items in place, put the right people in place, put the right clients in the right spots, and so on, before January starts. 

Remember! A good January can set up a great year, while a bad January can have a negative lasting taste that lingers for months. 

This year, choose to be in the right side of an excellent January. 

In this pod, we break down some tips for having your best January yet. 

Available now across all major streaming platforms. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

AI Generated Takeaways

• You have to take control of your January.
• A good January sets up a great year.
• Social media posts can impact client perceptions.
• Being available during peak times can lead to new clients.
• Planning ahead in November is crucial for success.
• Communication with your team about holiday schedules is essential.
• Not everyone wants the same time off during the holidays.
• Understanding client needs can ease pressure during busy times.
• Balancing work and personal commitments is key to enjoying the holiday season.
• Your business's reputation can suffer if you overcommit.

AI Generated Sound Bites

• "You got to manufacture your January."
• "The best clients are January clients."
• "Nothing else matters, Metallica style."

AI Generated Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage for Success

06:17 Navigating the Holiday Rush

10:07 The Christmas Deadline Dilemma

16:59 Communication is Key

24:11 Balancing Work and Holiday Commitments

The Ford Dog / Ford Lord is back on the lounge and what a pleasure it is to have the big dog back in the house! 

We discuss Lock Out + Live, getting quotes wrong, the importance of safety, awards nights, networking, preparing for the busy season, why to invest into wholesaler relationships, communication, plus much much more! 

100% all sparkies should get around the Lock Out + Live business, purchase your safety kits, give them a follow and like on social, honestly let’s make safety cool again. 

Ford is one of my favourite persons to chat to ever and I really hope you enjoy the pod. 

What a time to be alive xx 

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting After Hiatus

02:47 Navigating Insurance Challenges

04:44 Creating Affordable Lockout Kits

07:36 Employer Responsibilities in Tool Provision

09:54 Building Brand Awareness and Safety Culture

12:46 The Importance of Wholesaler Relationships

15:38 The Role of Awards in the Industry

20:13 Client Relationships and Feedback

23:27 Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

30:33 Networking and Industry Growth

33:58 Navigating Automation Challenges

37:15 Understanding Job Pricing and Cost Analysis

40:00 The Importance of Experience and Caution

42:09 Preparing for the Busy Season

46:01 Maximizing Opportunities in January

50:43 Lessons from Renovation Experiences

01:01:06 Promoting Safety in the Industry

The third (and maybe final I guess only time will tell) instalment of our Blink 182 title inspired “your smile fades in the summer” is here. 

In this pod we discuss what a January client is, your Christmas party, your clients Christmas parties, the importance of client relationships, treating employees well, planning your holidays season, planning your shutdown times, manufacturing your January, and why the busy times can be your time to shine and get some new awesome clients. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it’ll say it again, a good to great January can set up an excellent year. 

Let’s plan ahead, look ahead, and enjoy our Christmas break. 

Available now across all major streaming platforms. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Series and Holiday Planning

10:18 The Importance of January Clients

17:17 Maximizing Opportunities During the Holiday Season

This is the second instalment of our podcast series designed to get you thinking, planning and strategising for your best Christmas period yet. 

We are big believers that a good to great January will set up a good to great year. And on that, the opposite is also true. A bad to terrible January can have negative ramifications for months. 

In this podcast we break down 4 key components to excelling in this upcoming busy December / January season, including: 

-looking after your current staff // now is not the time to be losing key staff members 

-planning your next hire // looking at the upcoming schedule, do you need to hire a tradie, apprentice, admin or get some extra subbie hours in? 

-setting the weekly standards and company standards // if you don’t know what you stand for you will fall for anything. Knowing what you stand for can help you recognise when you are dropping the ball and your product is being negatively affected

-planning your December / January season // when is your start date? When is your finish date? When is your Christmas party? Who is working over the break? When will you return? How much money do you need in the bank? What is the going to be coming out of your account? What is going to be coming into your account? 

The overall goal for me was always to have January booked out by the time tools go down before Christmas. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it’ll say it again, a good to great January can set up an excellent year. 

Let’s plan ahead, look ahead, and enjoy our Christmas break. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Chapters

00:00 Preparing for the Busy Season

02:52 Staffing Strategies for Success

09:34 The Importance of Hiring Apprentices

14:46 Setting Standards in Your Business

22:47 Planning for December and January

We discuss admin jobs, admin hiring, virtual assistants, job management systems, invoicing, quoting, the importance of relationships, looking after clients, how to build processes, the importance of systems, plus much much more. 

Always a great time hanging out with Michael so we really hope you enjoy the pod. 

Much love x 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Client Relationships

03:09 Finding and Retaining Clients

05:58 The Importance of Client Interactions

08:54 Process and Administration in Business

11:51 Creating a Holistic Product 

14:56 Systems and Processes in Business

17:51 Emotional Decision-Making in Business

20:56 The Role of Checklists and Flexibility

23:51 Learning from Mistakes and Client Expectations

26:55 The Evolution of Business Practices

30:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

35:58 Effective Admin Practices

39:03 The Value of Hiring Admin Support

43:56 Transitioning to Virtual Assistance

49:12 Balancing Work and Family Life

54:09 Streamlining Daily Operations

01:00:55 Choosing the Right Job Management System

01:08:52 The Importance of Basic Business Practices

Ahh Blink 182 references, what a time to be alive! 

While you can choose to disagree about the best Blink album being “Chesire Cat”, one thing that you can for sure not disagree on is that summer is coming! 

Summer. December. Christmas. January. Holidays. Break from work. No break from work. Staff holidays. Clients needing stuff done. It’s all coming up. And really soon. Really really soon. 

The harsh reality is that there are 12 working weeks left until Santa arrives and the trade world stops on a dime for a couple of days, or weeks, or a month, depending on your clientele. 

So how are you looking? Busy? Quiet? Need staff? Need admin? Got some good January clients? Need to book more in? Less in? Got deadlines? Got milk Snoop Dogg style? 

The great news is that there is still time to get organised, get prepared, get ready, put the right items in place, put the right people in place, put the right clients in the right spots, and so on, before January starts. 

Remember! A good January can set up a great year, while a bad January can have a negative lasting taste that lingers for months. 

This year, choose to be in the right side of an excellent January. 

In this pod, we break down some tips for having your best January yet. 

Available now across all major streaming platforms. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the December January Playbook

01:24 Planning for the Holiday Rush

05:05 The Importance of January Clients

10:47 Navigating Holiday Availability

15:46 Building a Thriving January

21:23 Financial Planning for Time Off

Lemme tell you about my friend Jimmy from Lord Voltemort. 

Jimmy got a call from a potential excellent client. He almost didn’t answer the call coz he left his AirPods at home and was up a ladder but hey he got there in the end. He was also mad that the phone rang coz he is “so busy right now”. 

He heads to site that afternoon to meet the client. For all his procedural flaws, Jimmy sure is good with people. They meet and before long are talking like old friends. 

“We can do this!” ”And this!!” “And some CCTV over there!” “And some lights downstairs on a timer” “New circuit for the big dogs sauna coming up!!” “Maybe I can jump in the sauna with you” “lolololololol” “Did we just become best friends!!” “JOHN STAMOS” 

Jimmy leaves site super confident that he has the job, and potentially a new groomsmen for his upcoming wedding to Shauna which he should probably get moving on organising soon as they have been engaged for 16 years. 

However Jimmy slots straight back into “busy work life” and forgets to get any correspondence back to the client. His head is down and his bum is up. Yeh sure he remembers he needs to get back to the client, it’s one of his core company beliefs, but he is seriously “waayyyy too busy” to even consider sending a text message or making a 5 minute call explaining when the quote will be sent over. 

Flash forward 3 weeks and Jimmy finally prepares the quote at 10pm. He sends the quote over at 12:15am and then heads off to bed. 

He still thinks he has the job in the bag coz him and the client got along so well. He looks forward to getting this job coz it’s a good one and he needs the work right now. 

The following morning he calls the client “waaaasssssssssuuuppppppp!!!! I got the quote over, we can do it tomorrow we have space!”

The client politely lets Jimmy know that he had the works completed well over 2 weeks ago. 

Jimmy apologises and looks down at his schedule, there is nothing booked for the next week as he hasn’t been getting back to people recently due to his inherent “busy-ness”. 

Long story short: Jimmy should have landed the job when he had the chance. 

Now, let me ask you a question: did you identify with any parts of Jimmy from Lord Voltemort? 

If so, repent and change your ways or fear the eternal wrath of the electrical gods!! 

Also, pretty sure Jimmy uses single sided ladders so don’t be like Jimmy. 

Enjoy the pod xx