Sparky Coach

Back on the lounge today we have Brandon Willington from WhereU. Brandon is an absolute legend and I love how he goes about things. We have used (and still use) the WhereU product and honestly, I can’t speak highly enough of it. The growth trajectory of their business is a true testament to their unwavering dedication to product development, hiring a great team + creating (and continually refining) a great customer experience. We chat through his newly built bat cave, growth, numbers, product development, what winning looks like, testimonials, sales, objections, dealing with online haters and much more. Enjoy the pod xx Keywordsentrepreneurship, digital marketing, business growth, awards, criticism, product development, coaching, mindset, social proof, business foundationsSummaryIn this conversation, Brandon Willington discusses his journey as a digital marketing entrepreneur, including his recent recognition as Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He shares insights on the importance of credibility, dealing with criticism, and the evolution of his business product. The discussion also covers the significance of foundational work in business growth, the impact of testimonials, and practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating growth stages.TakeawaysWinning awards can significantly boost credibility.Social proof is essential in overcoming skepticism.Personal experiences shape entrepreneurial journeys.Growth requires a solid foundation before scaling.Feedback loops are crucial for product development.Limiting beliefs can hinder business growth.Decisions should be based on data, not emotions.Testimonials can address common objections in sales.Planning for 10X growth can simplify scaling.Building a supportive community enhances product value.TitlesFrom Entrepreneur to Award Winner: Brandon Willington's JourneyThe Power of Credibility in BusinessSound Bites"It's all about social proof""10X is easier than 2X""We hit 1 million in sales this month"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Brandon Willington02:39 The Impact of Awards on Business Credibility05:46 Handling Criticism and Building Resilience08:57 The Importance of Product Foundations11:57 Growth Strategies and Feedback Loops14:58 Scaling and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs17:47 Testimonials and Addressing Objections20:48 Advice for Business Growth and Decision Making

“You see, my wife, she has been most vocal on the subject of the pretzel monies. Where’s the money? When are you going to get the money? Why aren’t you getting the money now? And so on. So please, the money”. -Fat Tony // The Simpsons (Season 8 Episode 11)Ah money, what a glorious subject! The harsh reality is that is if your business is not making money there are two main options: Option 1: Change what you’re doing. Option 2: Stop what you’re doing. But what is good money in an electrical business? We like to think that it is making a market wage (ie what you could earn for someone else), with a business net profit of between 20-35%. If you are south of these parameters, then something might need to either change or stop. If you are north of these parameters, then beam me up Scotty and god speed my good friend! Enjoy the pod xxKeywordsend of year, profit first, business goals, financial reflection, industry standards, job performance, pricing strategy, profitability, coaching, Sparky CoachSummaryIn this conversation, the hosts reflect on the end of the year, discussing the importance of understanding profit, setting realistic financial goals, and analyzing job performance. They emphasize the need for business owners to be aware of their financial standings and the factors influencing their profitability. The discussion also touches on industry standards for pricing and the importance of making informed decisions to improve business outcomes.TakeawaysReflecting on the year is crucial for business growth.Profit First is a system that requires understanding and adaptation.Setting clear profit goals helps in measuring success.Industry standards for pricing should be adhered to for sustainability.Job performance analysis is key to identifying strengths and weaknesses.Micro adjustments can lead to significant profit increases.Understanding the components of profit is essential for business owners.Simplifying business goals can lead to better focus and results.Data and details are critical for making informed business decisions.Enjoyment in business often correlates with financial health.TitlesEnd of Year Reflections: A Business PerspectiveUnderstanding Profit First: A Deep DiveSound bites"It's the end of year reflections.""The worst result is not knowing a result.""You can make the micro adjustments."Chapters00:00 End of Year Reflections01:22 Understanding Profit First06:47 Setting Profit Goals12:31 Analyzing Job Performance17:11 Identifying Influences on Profit24:37 Working Smart for Profitability

If you’re wondering if this is a 1990 Go West reference, then wonder no more. In this pod we chat through the wishful thinking aka “toxic optimism” aka blind faith that is so very easy to adopt in business life. And while we are all for optimism, and seeing the best in people, and seeing a positive future for your business, sometimes burying your head in the sand can come with some serious ramifications. Take these three examples as case in point: Example 1: “I’ll just work harder and then the money will come”. It’s been years now. Example 2: “I’ll catch up on this 10 quotes today”. Um, there is a week worth of work to do here. Example 3: “I’ll smash this rough in out in 3 days”. Ah yeh, that’s a 5 day job for 2 people. In all these cases, no one wins and everyone (especially yourself) is under some serious pressure (and stress). We are huge believers that the best results happen when hard work meets smart work. Were are high believers that you need to have vision, but you also need to know where your business is at. So what do you do from here? Set the vision, work out where you are, set your goals, and then work hard toward bridging the gap. Life is too short to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Get after it, and enjoy the pod x Keywordsbusiness, optimism, planning, productivity, profits, management, scheduling, efficiency, communication, goal settingSummaryIn this conversation, the speakers discuss the concept of 'wishful thinking' in business, emphasizing the importance of balancing optimism with realistic planning and proactive management. They explore how business owners often fall into the trap of believing everything will work out without taking necessary actions, leading to potential pitfalls in productivity and profitability. The discussion covers various aspects of business management, including goal setting, client communication, and the need for efficiency in operations.TakeawaysBusiness owners often have an incredible threshold for hope and optimism.It's crucial to confront reality rather than burying your head in the sand.Goals without proper goal setting can lead to false hope.Proactive management is essential to avoid being reactive.Wishful thinking can have significant ramifications on profits and productivity.Regular communication with clients helps maintain control over projects.Optimism must be balanced with realistic planning and execution.Inefficient businesses tend to have low profitability and high staff turnover.Understanding workload and client expectations is vital for success.Organizational efficiency directly impacts staff retention and business performance.TitlesConfronting Wishful Thinking in BusinessBalancing Optimism and RealitySound bites"You have to have your head in the future.""You need to plan this out.""Look after your product and profit."Chapters00:00 The King of Wishful Thinking01:16 Confronting Reality in Business03:29 The Balance of Optimism and Planning05:21 Understanding Workload and Client Expectations10:16 Proactive vs. Reactive Business Management11:47 Taking Control of Profits and Productivity14:11 The Dangers of Toxic Optimism17:01 The Importance of Scheduling and Communication20:07 Efficiency in Operations22:58 The Disconnect Between Planning and Execution25:08 Organizational Efficiency and Staff Retention

Today on the lounge we have Sam Hooper from SBH Electrical based out of Melbourne aka the self appointed and self anointed “sexiest man ever to cross from VFL to electrical business owner. To know Sam is to love Sam. A genuine guy, super nice, super thoughtful, super driven, super switched on, super honest, super tall (lol), and someone for sure you want to have on your team. We discuss starting out, numbers, staff, hiring, real estate work, builders, commercial clients, personal development, joining a BNI, networking plus much more. Hoopers journey so far has been so good to watch and I can’t wait to see where this business takes him into the future. Watch this space. What a time to be alive. Enjoy the pod x KeywordsVFL, AFL, business, sports, leadership, networking, apprentices, conflict resolution, product quality, client relationshipsSummaryIn this conversation, Sam Hooper shares his journey from playing VFL to running a successful electrical business. He discusses the crossover between sports and business, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and the importance of relationships. Sam also delves into the structure of his business, the role of subcontractors, and the significance of understanding numbers. He highlights the importance of networking, the challenges of admin work, and the value of apprentices in the industry. The conversation wraps up with insights on conflict resolution, product quality, and future aspirations.TakeawaysAlways had a ball in my hand.There's a lot of crossover in being with people.I enjoy reading them and learning them.You learn good soft skills out of it too.Pride in your work is everything.You want the product to be a good one.The best people want to work with the best people.Keep doing what you're doing.You can't have anyone creating tension.It's all about relationships.TitlesFrom VFL to Business Success: Sam Hooper's JourneyThe Intersection of Sports and BusinessSound bites"Always had a ball in my hand.""It's all about relationships.""Keep doing what you're doing."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sam Hooper and VFL Background03:01 Crossover Between Sports and Business06:02 Understanding Employee vs. Subcontractor Dynamics08:40 The Importance of Numbers in Business12:02 Hiring Indicators and First Hires15:04 Building Client Relationships Through Networking22:53 The Importance of Referrals in Networking24:41 The Value of Business Networking Groups25:10 Navigating Business Management Tools26:56 The Challenges of Implementing Business Systems29:26 Strategic Decision-Making in Business Growth32:06 The Role of Relationships in Business34:54 Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution40:19 Understanding Product Quality and Client Expectations44:37 The Future of Apprentices in the Industry

Ah yes Taylor Swift references are alive and well in the Sparky Coach dojo that’s for sure. Today we discuss the harsh reality of your weapon employees leaving to start their own business. Some call it a dagger to the soul, some call it an inevitable part of business journey, some go into protection mode, some get mad, some get sad, some kick out swiftly, some play the Happy Gilmore card and say “I’m sorry baby I didn’t mean that I would love you to stay around”. One thing is for sure though, anyone that has encountered a lord staff member leaving for greener pastures will probably say the same thing.: be encouraging, be supportive, be kind, make decisions that you would be proud of in 5 years etc etc. Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest from the trees, but seeing things from both sides it’s such an important skill to learn in business and personal life. Who knows, maybe one day the will come back? Our prayer is simple: May your weapon staff members stay with you forever and ever amen. We pronounce / demand this trade god blessing upon you. Much love xx Keywordsbusiness relationships, employee retention, apprenticeship, communication, support, growth, business culture, transition, bad blood, entrepreneurshipSummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the complexities of business relationships, particularly focusing on the transition from apprentice to business owner. They emphasize the importance of maintaining amicable relationships, effective communication, and supporting employees' growth while navigating the challenges of potential turnover. The discussion highlights the need for proactive conversations about career aspirations and the significance of creating a supportive business culture to minimize 'bad blood' and foster long-term success.TakeawaysThe goal of business is to have zero Bad Blood.It's essential to maintain amicable relationships even during transitions.Many aspiring business owners are driven by an inherent desire to succeed.Exposure to the realities of running a business is crucial for apprentices.Open conversations about future plans can help retain valuable employees.It's important to address potential turnover proactively.Supportive communication can lead to better outcomes for both parties.Creating a sustainable business culture is key to long-term success.Hard conversations should be approached with kindness and understanding.Always strive for improvement in business practices and relationships.TitlesNavigating Business Relationships: Avoiding Bad BloodFrom Apprentice to Entrepreneur: A Journey of GrowthSound bites"The goal is to have zero Bad Blood.""You never want bad blood.""Always get better, that's the plan."Chapters00:00 Navigating Business Relationships and Bad Blood06:00 The Transition from Apprentice to Business Owner11:57 Understanding Employee Retention and Communication17:50 Confronting Change and Supporting Growth23:56 Building a Sustainable Business Culture

Yes the Taylor Swift lyrics are deliberate and no they won’t stop anytime soon. In fact, “don’t stop won’t stop” could soon be our new motto. In todays pod we stop, collaborate and listen (Vanilla Ice style) to the trade gods as the help us plan and prepare for the best December / Jan / Christmas period yet. Wherever you’re at right now it’s important that you slow down, nail the schedule, plan January, get your invoices out, have a holiday, have someone on call, keep all your clients in the loop, don’t let anyone down and so on. Remember it’s the only time of year where there is a magical deadline, so execute this season well. Enjoy the pod xx Keywordsbusiness planning, productivity, team management, financial planning, client communication, summer strategies, holiday planning, work-life balance, deadlines, music in businessSummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of planning for the summer and the new year in business. They emphasize the need for effective communication with clients and team members, managing productivity, and financial planning to ensure a successful transition into the new year. The conversation is interspersed with references to music, particularly Taylor Swift, to illustrate points about personal growth and business strategies.TakeawaysHow can you have a better summer than your last?You're only as good as your last job.Don't blow it before the deadline.A poorly planned January sets up your year.Most people have really poor Januaries.You can't burn the candle at both ends.Now is not the time to be dropping the ball.Just look after yourself and boost into the best December Jan ever.It's a touchy time of year with deadlines.Don't let anyone down in the last two weeks.TitlesPlanning for Success: Summer and BeyondThe Importance of Team ProductivitySound bites"You're only as good as your last job.""Don't blow it before the deadline.""Most people have really poor Januaries."Chapters00:00 The Power of Music in Business01:50 Planning for a Successful Summer04:36 Managing Team Productivity10:38 Financial Planning for the New Year15:46 Client Communication and Expectations

Incase you haven’t heard, the rumours are actually true. Josey Bremner, of Bremner Electrical, can indeed perform a high kick like a ballerina. In all seriousness though, I was super stoked to have Josey on the pod. He is such a humble, honest, down to earth, approachable, fun, light hearted and passionate guy it honestly felt like we could have talked all day. We discuss business, growth, operations managers, admin, working hard, working smart, quoting, process + much much more. What a pleasure it is to know Josey and I can’t wait to have him back on the pod again sometime soon. Much love and enjoy the pod xx Keywordscoaching, no dickhead policy, positive environment, team culture, leadershipSummaryIn this conversation, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining a positive coaching environment through the implementation of a 'no dickhead policy'. This policy is aimed at fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere within the coaching community.TakeawaysThe 'no dickhead policy' is crucial for team dynamics.A positive environment enhances coaching effectiveness.Leadership requires setting clear boundaries.Coaching should prioritize collaboration over competition.Maintaining a supportive culture is essential for growth.The right team members contribute to a positive atmosphere.Clear communication is key in coaching relationships.Policies should reflect the values of the organization.A strong culture attracts like-minded individuals.Coaching is as much about people as it is about strategy.TitlesCreating a No Dickhead Policy in CoachingFostering a Positive Coaching CultureSound Bites"We do actually have a no dickhead policy.""I hope he doesn't ask to come on board."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brevner Electrical00:23 Career Pathways and Growth Opportunities

So this morning in my Wednesday ritual of making fried rice for school lunches, my 6 year old Jasper walked into the kitchen and said “WAIT IS THERE RICE IN FRIED RICE?!?”Bewildered and confused, he actually couldn’t believe it. And here I was thinking the name “fried rice” effortlessly gave all its simple secrets away. But it got me thinking how often we as business owners don’t stop and see the simplicity of running a business. Essentially all we are doing, as sparky business owners, is buying and selling materials and selling it at a profit. The essence of business is very simple.  Sounds easy hey? No doubt your “vision statement” looks something like this… “Do excellent work, with excellent staff, for excellent clients, using excellent materials, making excellent money, while being generous”. If it’s not exactly that, then the above statement is probably pretty agreeable to you. So what exactly am I trying to say here? What is the point I am trying to communicate? In the busy. In the crazy In the fast pace. It’s time for you to stop and make sure you are making money, building wealth, being yourself, being kind, and having fun. Make business simple again. Enjoy the pod xx Keywordsbusiness, entrepreneurship, simplify, financial health, team building, client relationships, success, growth, generosity, foundationsSummaryIn this conversation, the host discusses the importance of simplifying business concepts, building strong teams, and maintaining financial health while being generous. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, the host emphasizes that business can be straightforward if one focuses on essential elements like excellent work, strong relationships, and understanding financial metrics. The conversation encourages listeners to slow down, reflect on their business practices, and prioritize long-term growth over fast, potentially risky strategies.TakeawaysSimplifying business concepts can lead to better understanding and execution.Business ownership is a journey of self-development and product development.It's essential to have a clear mission and vision for your business.Excellent work, staff, clients, and materials are crucial for success.Financial health is not just about revenue; it's about profit margins too.Generosity in business can foster better relationships and community ties.Fast growth can be dangerous; focus on sustainable practices instead.Building a strong team is vital for operational success.Understanding your numbers is foundational to making informed business decisions.Long-term success is achieved through consistent, excellent work and relationships.TitlesSimplifying Business for SuccessThe Journey of Business OwnershipSound Bites"Yes, rice has fried rice in it.""Simplify your business.""Be generous as a business owner."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes02:47 Simplifying Business Operations06:08 The Journey of Business Ownership09:02 The Dangers of Fast Growth11:53 Foundational Business Principles14:47 The Importance of Excellent Staff18:06 Working with Excellent Clients20:54 Using Excellent Materials23:46 The Importance of Generosity in Business

Yeh that’s right it’s the chorus from Blink 182’s classic “Carousel” from the 1995 album “Chesire Cat”. On today’s pod we discuss the importance of releasing your back end admin so you can get back to what you do best. And it really doesn’t have to necessarily even be back end admin, it can be any form of work that you can either automate or delegate. Our general rule of thumb is, if you’re working really hard after hours and it’s only on items that “maintain” the business (ie invoicing, reconciling, getting back to people etc), it might be a really good sign that you need to hire as it may not be sustainable. At the sweat stage of business, yeh 100% you have to do what you have to do. But when is the sweat stage over? Is there an actual line in the sand anywhere? I guess the goal is that any additional effort (ie night times + weekends) would be on noble pursuits that “grow” the business (ie something that makes the day to day easier like quoting templates, price books, automation etc). And yeh of course it’s easier said than done. As we love to say here, everything is easy to say from an office. Enjoy the pod xx Keywordstime audit, business strategy, seasonal planning, productivity, Dan MartelSummaryThe conversation emphasizes the significance of conducting time audits to enhance productivity and prepare for seasonal business cycles, particularly during the busy period leading up to Christmas. It references Dan Martel's book, 'Buy Back Your Time', as a valuable resource for assessing work habits and optimizing time management.Takeawaysdoing a time audit is essential for productivityassess a two week period of your working lifethe busy season is coming up until Christmassetting your business up properly allows for easier managementcruising into Christmas is a great feelingTitlesMastering Time Management for Business SuccessNavigating Seasonal Business ChallengesSound Bites"doing a time audit.""Bye, Back Your Time by Dan Martel""maybe you're just cruising coming into Christmas."Chapters00:00 The Power of Music and Reflection00:11 Evaluating Your Business Path and Adjustments

The Ryelec team are in the house! Today we are joined by Tommy and his right hand person Max. As we all know, Ryelec is one of the industry leaders in the home and commercial automation space. If the definition of excellence is doing what you do with a good attitude; then Ryelec is no doubt excellent. Not only are they good at their job, but they are absolute legends to deal with too. Max has been with Ryelec for (almost) 10 years now and has seen the company go from vision to execution, from strength to strength. Today we talk through automation, training operations managers, management, pricing, diversification, exciting jobs + much more. Definitely check out their insta @ryelecautomation to see some more of them. Enjoy the pod xx Keywordscost management, financial insights, business software, overhead costs, quoting processSummaryThe conversation delves into the importance of cost management in business, highlighting how the speaker realized they were losing money on certain jobs due to not accounting for overhead costs. The implementation of management software has provided real-time insights that aid in the quoting process, ensuring that the business meets its financial targets.TakeawaysWe were actually losing money on certain jobs.I just wasn't taking into consideration the cost of the overheads.It's actually helped me.Now I can see in our management software in real time.Helps when the other guys quote.We're actually hitting the level that we need to hit.TitlesMastering Cost Management in BusinessThe Importance of Real-Time Financial InsightsSound bites"We were actually losing money on certain jobs""It's actually helped me""Helps when the other guys quote"Chapters00:00 Understanding Cost Management in Business00:33 Real-Time Financial Insights for Quoting

Yes you read correctly. Taylor Swift lyrics have entered the chat. Did you know I once touched her hair? True story tbh. I know what you’re thinking too… “Cool story Hansel” lololol. On today’s pod we talk about the importance of having a “blank space” in your schedule. If you (and your team) keep finding the schedule is too jacked, packed and stacked to the rafters you can be unconsciously sailing toward dangerous territory. You can find yourself consistently letting people down, not getting back to people, not being able to service existing clients, not being able to service new clients, being late to jobs and so on and so on. So what’s the answer? It’s easier said than done hey? And let’s face it, everything is easy to say from an office. The answer may be in hiring field staff, hiring admin staff, better scheduling, improved communication, more use of good quality apps, or a hybrid combination plate of many of these items plus more. One thing is for sure: your goal is to consistently make your product excellent. Enjoy the pod x KeywordsTaylor Swift, holiday rush, scheduling, communication, blank spaces, business management, client relations, service industry, workload awareness, customer serviceSummaryIn this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of managing schedules, especially during the busy holiday season. They emphasize the need for 'blank spaces' in schedules to accommodate unexpected jobs and the significance of effective communication with clients. The discussion also touches on the importance of treating everyone with respect and understanding the dynamics of the service industry.TakeawaysHaving a blank space in your schedule is crucial.The holiday season can lead to unexpected job opportunities.Effective communication with clients can prevent misunderstandings.It's important to be aware of your workload and schedule.Treating everyone with respect can improve client relations.Creating breathing space in your schedule can reduce stress.Asking multiple questions can streamline communication.Don't get angry at things you should expect in business.Flexibility in scheduling can lead to better service.Understanding your team's dynamics is essential for business success.TitlesThe Taylor Swift Connection: A Fun StartNavigating the Holiday Rush: Tips for SuccessSound bites"I touched her hair!""You can't yell at me!""Create some blank space!"Chapters00:00 The Taylor Swift Connection02:43 Navigating the Holiday Rush05:55 Understanding Your Schedule09:37 The Importance of Communication13:22 Creating Blank Spaces17:40 Treating Everyone Like They Matter

Yes you read that right, and it’s of course a shout out to The Offspring “Come Out And Play” from the 1994 classic album “Smash”. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, what a time to be alive! In this pod we talk about the importance of excellent staff. Put simply: excellent staff produce an excellent product. An excellent product ensures the client is happy. Happy clients come back and buy more things and telling their friends. Clients buying more things and telling their friends is good for your business. The best people want to work for the best people. The best people want to work with the best people. The best people want to work on the best jobs. If you have ever looked at your schedule and thought “oh I can’t send this staff member with that staff member” or “I’ve got to put my best person on my worst client coz I underquoted it” or “I can’t put that staff member on that job coz they don’t get along”, then this one is for you. Long story short: create a team of A players, and retain them. Enjoy the pod x Keywordsclient relationships, team assignment, business excellence, client satisfaction, long-term relationshipsSummaryThe conversation focuses on the importance of assigning the best team members to the best clients to maintain strong relationships and ensure client satisfaction. It emphasizes the need for businesses to be consistently good to great in their service delivery, especially during critical times of the year.TakeawaysAre your best people assigned to your best clients?Your best clients are the easiest to let down.No one can be 100% excellent all the time.You wanna be pretty good to great.Focus on putting the right people in the right jobs.At this time of year, you can cook relationships easily.Long-term relationships are key to business success.Client satisfaction is crucial for retention.Team assignment impacts overall business performance.Aim for excellence in client service.TitlesMaximizing Client Relationships for Business SuccessThe Art of Team Assignment in Client ManagementSound bites"Are your best people assigned to your best clients?""You wanna be pretty good to great."Chapters00:00 The Importance of Separation in Team Dynamics00:33 Matching Staff to Clients: A Deeper Look

Electrical Lords // The Sparky Coach Lounge with Brad Hibberd This week on the lounge we have none other than Brad Hibberd (aka Hib) from Hib Electrical based out of “gods country” (aka Tasmania). Hib Electrical are super diversified. They do a whole range of everything from electrical projects, service work, commercial work, industrial work, solar, batteries, air con + whatever else gets thrown their way. Hib is no doubt a full time legend, such a wealth of knowledge, super switched on, very thoughtful + kind hearted, and we are so unbelievably lucky to have him in our community. We chatted about business, growth, risk taking, revenue vs profit, numbers, fully dialling in your numbers, hiring staff before you need them, advertising, investing into the business, commercial property, operations managers, admin, and more! Hope you enjoy xx Keywordsrevenue, growth, client satisfaction, employee performance, business strategy, staffing challengesSummaryThe conversation explores the challenges of balancing revenue growth with maintaining high standards of client satisfaction and employee performance. It highlights the risks of rapid growth, such as overextending resources and compromising service quality.TakeawaysWith a revenue focus growth goal, the danger is you're always focused external.If revenue goes up too quickly, you can end up doing work for people that you shouldn't really be doing work for.You can lose excellent clients by underperforming with underperforming staff members or processes.TitlesNavigating Revenue Growth ChallengesThe Balance of Growth and Client CareSound bites"the danger is you're always focused external""you end up doing work for people that you shouldn't really be doing work for""you can end up in a mode of losing excellent clients"Chapters00:00 Starting the Journey: Business Beginnings00:34 Navigating Rapid Growth and Its Challenges

“We at the hotel motel holiday iinnnnnnnnn”. While some of us (ok ok mainly just me) are learning that this in fact a Pitbull song, the rest of us (ok ok maybe everyone) will be wondering what on earth does Pitbull, hotels, motels and holiday inns have to do with your electrical business? It is, in fact, a good question. Recently I was at our local show. It was pretty much an all out carny affair full of luxury items (nay, the necessities) like dodgem cars, fairy floss and hotted up V8 tractor races. You know, all the classics. While taking my boys on the dodgem cars the lyrics of this 2009 classic song rang loudly in my ears…“Forget about your boyfriend and meet me at the hotel room”. “WE AT THE HOTEL MOTEL HOLIDAY INNNNNNNNNN”. Now it’s in your head. You’re welcome. But it got me thinking… Sometimes in business we can get caught up treating new clients and new staff really well, all the while not offering the same level of service or availability to our existing clients. If a new client calls, or wants changes, or challenges a price, sometimes the answer can be “yeh sure no problem let me look into it!” If an existing client calls, or wants changes, or challenges a price, sometimes the answer can be “omg this client is sooooo annoying and hard to deal with!” So what’s the answer? Treat everyone like you’re quiet. Treat everyone like you need them. Treat everyone like you value them. Summed up? Treat everyone as you would want to be treated. It’s the only way to please the trade gods. Enjoy the pod xx Keywordsmarketing, client relations, staff retention, supportive environment, business successSummaryThis conversation delves into the critical aspects of marketing and client relations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and support within a business. It highlights how the quality of interactions, both with clients and staff, significantly impacts overall success.TakeawaysThe marketing product includes all touch points made with clients.Staff retention is crucial for business success.Clients must feel valued to maintain relationships.Effective communication is key in client interactions.Onsite work is less impactful than offsite handling.A supportive work environment enhances staff happiness.Clear expectations lead to better client satisfaction.Invoices and progress claims should match client expectations.Happy staff contribute to better client experiences.Business success is rooted in strong relationships.TitlesThe Power of Effective MarketingBuilding Strong Client RelationshipsSound bites"The variation matches what I said it's gonna be.""The clients feel valued.""The staff members feel happy and supported."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context00:43 Holistic Business Approach

“Boats n hoes boats n hoes gotta have me my boats n hoes” // Step Brothers You know the song! Ah Step Brothers, what a movie! Greatest of all time? Maybe not, but definitely up there in my top 10 that’s for sure. Today we are talking about office essentials. What can’t you live without? What do you “gotta have” in there? What is a must have or essential item to ensure that you have the most productive day?The office is the engine room of the business. We all know the money is made or lost in the office, so let’s start to place the office work as hyper critical to the ongoing success of a business. I cannot stress this enough: it’s so important that we absolutely nail the time that we get in there. So we put it the question of office essentials out to some big dogs for some market research. The simplicity of some of the results may not shock you, but hopefully they inspire you.  Get after it xx Keywordsoffice essentials, productivity, workspace setup, technology, processes, self-care, efficiency, distractions, comfort, organizationSummaryIn this conversation, Sparky Coach Group and Cameron discuss essential items and practices for creating an efficient and productive office environment. They explore various topics including the importance of comfort, technology, processes, and personal care in enhancing productivity. The discussion emphasizes the need for a well-organized workspace, effective tools, and the significance of self-care in maintaining focus and efficiency.TakeawaysCoffee is a must-have for many in the office.An ergonomic chair can greatly improve comfort and productivity.Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace is essential.Good electronics can prevent unnecessary delays.Establishing consistent procedures can streamline operations.Using technology like electronic takeoffs can simplify quoting.Having multiple screens can enhance workflow efficiency.Self-care practices contribute to better productivity.Minimizing distractions is key to maintaining focus.Setting up a productive workspace is crucial for success.TitlesEssential Office Items for ProductivityCreating a Comfortable WorkspaceSound Bites"Good electronics are essential.""Two screens are a must.""Ice water is really big for me."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Office Essentials02:59 Key Office Items for Productivity05:52 The Importance of Processes and Systems08:56 Technology and Tools for Efficiency11:45 Personal Comfort and Environment14:49 The Role of Organization in Business17:48 Maximizing Focus and Productivity20:58 Wrapping Up and Future Considerations

So pumped to have Willman (Willman Electrical) + Heath (hspark Electrical) drop by the lounge for a chat. We discuss pricing, sales, the importance of weekly invoicing, sparkies helping sparkies, branding, business growth, client relationships + much more. We even manage to give some PG relationship advice along the way!! I’ve got a lot of respect for these guys and I am super thankful they came past for a catch up. We even managed to get a lighthouse sunrise in and an amazing Thai dinner banquet style. What a time to be alive!! Enjoy the pod x  Keywordspricing, consumer behavior, business strategies, market competition, value perceptionSummaryThe conversation delves into the critical role of pricing in consumer decision-making and business strategies. It highlights how consumers often prioritize cost over other factors, regardless of brand reputation or product quality.TakeawaysPrice is a huge factor in consumer decisions.Consumers will choose the cheaper option when available.Brand reputation does not guarantee higher sales.Effective pricing strategies are essential for business success.Understanding consumer behavior is key to pricing.Market competition influences pricing decisions.Value perception can affect consumer choices.Businesses must adapt to consumer price sensitivity.Pricing should reflect market realities.Transparency in pricing can build consumer trust.TitlesUnderstanding the Impact of PricingConsumer Choices: Price vs. ValueSound Bites"Price is a huge factor.""No one's trying to pay more for the same product."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sparky Coach Lounge00:38 Managing Cash Flow and Invoicing Strategies

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 Keywordsdecision-making, headspace, great decisions, time management, careful planningTakeawaysThe 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.SummaryThis 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.TitlesMastering Decision-MakingThe Art of Thoughtful ChoicesSound Bites"Great decisions are found in the headspace.""It's about taking the extra time.""Check the schedule, check the tasks."Chapters00:00 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 Keywordsconstruction, collaboration, critical pathways, project management, building processSummaryThe 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.TakeawaysCollaboration 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.TitlesThe Importance of Collaboration in ConstructionNavigating Critical Pathways for Project SuccessSound 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."Chapters00:00 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 Keywordspodcast, 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 mediaTakeawaysVideo 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.TitlesMastering Video Content CreationThe Art of Filming and EditingSound 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."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup02:56 Renovation Insights and Coaching Perspectives05:15 The Importance of Video Content07:36 Choosing the Right Equipment for Filming09:33 Enhancing Audio Quality for Videos12:40 Building a Digital Presence and Networking15:35 Content Creation Strategies for Specific Industries18:25 Utilizing POV Filming Techniques21:12 Editing Videos Effectively with CapCut24:29 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth40:35 Video Editing Tools and Effects46:08 Adding Captions and Enhancing Engagement50:12 Incorporating Music and Audio Adjustments54:29 Using Filters and Visual Effects01:00:16 Adding Logos and Text Animations01:06:15 Editing Techniques and Exporting Videos01:10:17 Syncing Multiple Clips for Podcasts01:13:19 Utilizing B-Roll and Overlays01:20:31 The Importance of Professional Media Collaboration01:24:06 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 Work01:41:55 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 Keywordssuccess, business, tipping point, pricing, reputation, time in the game, defining success, balance, entrepreneurship, growthSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysSuccess 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.TitlesThe Tipping Point of Success in BusinessUnderstanding the Role of Pricing and ReputationSound Bites"Run your own race.""Stay healthy in the head.""Enjoy, go boost today."Chapters00:00 The Tipping Point of Success10:05 Understanding Pricing and Reputation18:36 Time in the Game: The Journey of Business24:02 Defining Success and Balancing Life