Sparky Coach

“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

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 Keywordspartner involvement, business admin, relationship dynamics, emotional boundaries, communication, skills assessment, opportunity cost, partnership success, business roles, family impactSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysIt'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.TitlesNavigating Partner Involvement in Business AdminSetting Boundaries and Expectations in PartnershipsSound Bites"It doesn't have to work.""Is it their skill set?""You need to factor both people in."Chapters00:00 Navigating Partner Involvement in Business Admin02:49 Setting Boundaries and Expectations06:04 Evaluating Skills and Opportunity Costs08:55 Emotional Boundaries and Communication12:03 Assessing Long-term Viability14:50 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 Keywordsorganic content strategy, brand building, key person of influence, team representation, finished productSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysFocus 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.TitlesMastering Organic Content StrategyBuilding Your Brand with AuthenticitySound Bites"Don't try and create the viral bullshit.""How do you position yourself as a key person of influence?""People buy from people."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Family Life and Business Ventures00:26 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth00:50 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 Keywordsmusic, work culture, backcharging, client relationships, communication, business insights, problem-solving, long-term relationships, trade industry, business strategiesSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysMusic 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.TitlesThe Role of Music in Business SuccessBackcharging: Navigating Client DisputesSound Bites"I like big butts and I cannot lie.""Mo money, mo problems.""You want a swift resolve."Chapters00:00 The Power of Music in Work Culture04:45 Understanding Backcharging in Business14:51 Navigating Client Relationships and Communication26:24 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 Keywordsback charging, employee mistakes, workplace culture, accountability, business ethics, communication, risk management, learning from mistakes, employee relationships, business successTakeawaysYou 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."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes03:03 Mistakes in the Workplace05:49 Ethics of Back Charging Employees08:54 Creating a Culture of Accountability11:54 Mistakes as Learning Opportunities14:49 Communication and Expectations17:44 Risk and Reward in Business20:54 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 Keywordslive podcast, sales strategies, renovation challenges, cost plus, charity event, electrical industry, e-commerce, product launch, customer relationships, business growthAI Generated TakeawaysPeople 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 TitlesSelling Comfort: Insights from the Electrical IndustryNavigating Renovation Challenges and Cost Plus WorkAI Generated Sound Bites"You gotta run your own race.""Comparison is the thief of joy.""Be the best person you can be."AI Generated Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Live Event02:30 Insights from Sonance: Selling Comfort Over Product05:21 Challenges in Renovation and Communication in Trades08:42 Future Growth and Expansion in Business11:24 The Hustle: Balancing Work and Passion14:23 The Ox: A Fundraising Running Event for a Cause17:12 Interactive Segment: The Strip Off Challenge26:08 Engaging in Competition: The Lockout Kit Challenge28:21 Understanding Cost Plus vs. Quoted Work39:34 Navigating High-End Residential Projects47:52 Building Reputation and Client Relationships56:23 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 Keywordsbusiness growth, client relationships, overhead management, service industry, project management, efficiency, staffing, pricing strategies, trade industry, business dynamicsAI Generated TakeawaysYou 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 Chapters00:00 The Journey of Business Growth09:57 Navigating Client Relationships and Expectations16:38 Understanding Outgrowing Your Business21:27 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 makingAI Generated TakeawaysThis 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 Chapters00:00 The Importance of Opportunity Season03:04 Managing Workload and Client Relationships05:53 Building Trust and Maintaining Clients09:04 Seizing Opportunities in a Competitive Market11:46 Recognizing and Responding to Workload Changes14:44 The Role of Hard Work in Client Acquisition17:49 Navigating Busy Seasons and Client Expectations20:55 Decisiveness in Business RelationshipsAI 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 TakeawaysYou 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 Chapters00:00 Setting the Stage for Success06:17 Navigating the Holiday Rush10:07 The Christmas Deadline Dilemma16:59 Communication is Key24:11 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 Chapters00:00 Reconnecting After Hiatus02:47 Navigating Insurance Challenges04:44 Creating Affordable Lockout Kits07:36 Employer Responsibilities in Tool Provision09:54 Building Brand Awareness and Safety Culture12:46 The Importance of Wholesaler Relationships15:38 The Role of Awards in the Industry20:13 Client Relationships and Feedback23:27 Stepping Outside Comfort Zones30:33 Networking and Industry Growth33:58 Navigating Automation Challenges37:15 Understanding Job Pricing and Cost Analysis40:00 The Importance of Experience and Caution42:09 Preparing for the Busy Season46:01 Maximizing Opportunities in January50:43 Lessons from Renovation Experiences01:01:06 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 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Series and Holiday Planning10:18 The Importance of January Clients17:17 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 Chapters00:00 Preparing for the Busy Season02:52 Staffing Strategies for Success09:34 The Importance of Hiring Apprentices14:46 Setting Standards in Your Business22:47 Planning for December and January