The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Today Eric discusses the controversial practice of gifting live Japanese koi for Christmas. While social media critics view the surprise as irresponsible, Triplett argues that meticulous preparation and expertise can transform it into a deeply meaningful experience. He highlights the importance of vetting the recipient's experience and the health of their existing pond to ensure the animals thrive long after the holiday. By sharing a story where he refused a sale to an ill-prepared customer, he emphasizes that true thoughtfulness must prioritize the well-being of the fish over the shock value of the gift. Ultimately, he frames the koi as a living legacy that requires discipline and responsibility, much like managing a successful business or using professional-grade tools. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Today's podcast centers on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the trades by allowing contractors to generate organized reports and notes through simple voice-to-text and photo capture. Luke from CompanyCam explains that many contractors resist technology because it is often difficult to use or distracting from their primary manual labor, so his goal is to make the app a seamless tool rather than a burden. A highlight of the show is a success story where Eric used the AI walkthrough feature to provide a client with a professional inspection report instantly, significantly increasing his perceived value. The two also explore the future of the industry, including potential integrations with smart glasses and advanced marketing portfolios.  Key Takeaways: • Leverage AI to transform yourself from a creator into an editor by letting technology organize your raw information into structured notes and reports. • Build trust with potential clients by sharing educational portfolios of your work that provide visual context and teaching moments rather than just a sales pitch. • Streamline your daily workflow by adopting tools that simplify complex tasks to a single action, such as pointing a camera and speaking, to eliminate the possibility of making excuses for missed documentation. • Prioritize accuracy over speed when adopting new automated systems to ensure that the information you record is reliable and builds long-term trust with your team and clients. • Use wearable technology like smart glasses to document your environment and stay productive hands-free while remaining fully present and available to the people around you. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric introduces the concept of the Eisenhower Matrix as a tool for improving time management and business efficiency. This matrix is explained through its four quadrants—urgent/important, not urgent/important, urgent/not important, and not urgent/not important—and Eric emphasizes that Quadrant Two (not urgent, but important) is the "magical spot" for strategic planning and growth, encouraging listeners to delegate or eliminate tasks in the other quadrants to avoid living in a state of chaos. The discussion then broadens into how different personality types may perceive urgency and importance, with participants sharing personal anecdotes and challenges related to over-helping, procrastination, and managing staff expectations using these principles. Ultimately, Triplett advocates for a deeper understanding of one's own behavioral patterns and the matrix to improve leadership and business outcomes, citing related concepts from other business authors. Key Takeaways: Prioritize activities that are important but not urgent, which is the most effective zone for vision and future planning. Turn off phone notifications because they create false urgency for things that are not truly important. Delegate urgent and important tasks whenever possible to avoid being constantly stuck in a reactive state of "firefighting." Protect your time by learning to say "no" to other people's emergencies that are not important to your core goals. Refrain from giving customer discounts to ensure you can afford to hire teams and take care of your staff at a higher level. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Today Eric focuses on the concept of challenging traditional methods—or the mindset of "that's the way I've always done it"—within business, specifically contracting and the aquatic hobby. Triplet emphasizes the importance of innovation and efficiency, using examples like adopting new software (CompanyCam) to dramatically shorten the time spent on client reports, moving from burning CDs to using digital playlists, and ditching physical blueprints for digital plans. The conversation also explores the psychological traps that keep contractors stuck in outdated, less-profitable routines, highlighting that clinging to old methods can prevent necessary growth and adaptation to modern technology. Ultimately, Eric and his guests advocate for staying open-minded and ready to pivot rather than being rigidly attached to established, even if suboptimal, practices. Key Takeaways: Always keep your mind open to suggestions and new ideas for improvement. Continuously look for innovation to create efficiencies and collapse time in your processes. Stay nimble and be ready to pivot and adjust your approach when situations change. Do not blindly accept long-standing practices; verify facts and question the way things have always been done. Maintain knowledge of old methods and foundational skills in case new technology fails or is unavailable. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric is joined by guests Tyson and Slayer in an episode conducted in a rapid-fire Q&A format. The discussion focuses on personal and professional experiences within the contracting and construction trades, covering topics such as favorite tools, regrettable purchasing decisions, scary job site moments, difficult phone calls, and times they felt "stuck" in their careers. They also share advice for their younger selves and discuss hypothetical actions if they won the lottery, with the overall aim of offering industry insights and personal anecdotes to entrepreneurs and pond professionals. Key Takeaways: Always invest in quality tools and equipment instead of choosing cheaper options. Be vigilant and avoid rushing when performing dangerous or critical work tasks. Begin each workday with a positive attitude and strive to be present for others. Utilize time blocking and detailed scheduling to focus on important long-term vision projects. Start saving a set amount of money regularly from an early age for a secure future. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric argues that true failure often results from working hard on the wrong tasks, rather than a lack of effort. He emphasizes the "nobility of quitting the wrong thing," stressing that stopping ineffective tactics or habits is a strategic move, not a sign of weakness. To illustrate this, Eric provides examples from business, such as contractors focusing on marketing before improving their sales skills, and personal growth, highlighting how clinging to an "old identity" or avoiding the "uncomfortable learning curve" can impede progress. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the importance of self-awareness—especially concerning one's personality type—to recognize when to pivot, evolve, and employ better strategies for achieving ultimate goals. Key Takeaways: Focus on quitting the wrong tactics and habits so the right ones have room to breathe. If your consistent hard work is not leading to progress, evaluate whether you are focused on the wrong activities. Prioritize getting necessary feedback and making adjustments quickly rather than waiting for initial perfection. Build a strong structure and culture within your team to avoid the costly cycle of hiring and firing. Use the 1-3-1 method to train your team members to think critically and recommend their own solutions to problems. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric discusses the crucial concept of picking your battles for personal and professional success, especially as an entrepreneur or contractor. He uses a quadrant system to categorize tasks as urgent, not urgent, important, and not important, advising listeners to focus primarily on urgent and important tasks while delegating or ignoring those that are not urgent and not important. The core message emphasizes that being overwhelmed comes from engaging in the wrong fights, stressing the need to prioritize vital areas like health, relationships, and business systems by dedicating quality time, often in the mornings, to these important tasks to control chaos and anxiety. Key Takeaways: Focus on the important and urgent tasks and ignore or delegate the non-important matters. Be selective with your battles, recognizing that saying yes to one means saying no to something else. Create specific time blocks, ideally in the morning, to execute important work before the day's chaos begins. Ask yourself constantly whether your current activity is moving you forward toward your desired goals. Prioritize "big rocks" such as your health, relationships, and big vision planning to prevent them from turning into urgent crises. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

The main focus of today's episode is the metaphorical concept of the "cocoon," which represents a period of necessary self-rebuilding and transformation for business owners to achieve higher levels of success, similar to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Triplet emphasizes that while external help like coaching or peer groups can guide the process, the individual must fight their own way out of the cocoon, meaning they must implement the hard work and discipline required to break old habits, overcome discomfort, and develop new leadership skills to scale their business past common growth plateaus. Eric stresses that this transformation is a repeated lifestyle process, not a one-time event, and that many contractors fail by avoiding this crucial self-development phase. Key Takeaways: Recognize when your current version or habits are no longer sufficient to reach your future goals. Commit to doing the hard work yourself, as no one else can fight your way out of the cocoon for you. Embrace transformation as a continuous lifestyle rather than a singular, one-time event. Actively challenge your comfort zones and old habits to intentionally rebuild yourself on purpose. Stop waiting for external help to emerge from your struggle and start fighting immediately to achieve the next level of growth. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric establishes the theme of the 365 Reckoning, an annual self-audit designed to assess personal and professional growth over the previous year. He challenges listeners to stop living in a reactionary mode and instead approach the upcoming year with ruthless discipline and intentionality. A central point of the audit involves breaking the limiting "contractor conspiracy" mindset, advising them to price their services based on the successful business they aspire to be, rather than their current limitations. To facilitate this transformation, Eric suggests the tactical One-One-One Rule (daily decisions, weekly improvements, and year-long peer group commitment) to emphasize that large-scale change results from compounding micro-wins. Triplet stresses the necessity of immediate action, urging you to begin the difficult work now during the "separation season" rather than drifting until the New Year, underscoring the vital role of accountability for sustained success. Key Takeaways: Avoid living in a reactionary mode and be intentional about your actions to prevent drifting into chaos. Make and strictly keep the commitments you declare and contract with yourself. Plug into a peer group for accountability as sharing your goals makes you significantly more likely to achieve them. Implement the One-to-One-to-One rule by making one positive decision daily and focusing on one improvement or skill weekly. Begin charging towards your goals right now, using the final weeks of the year as a separation season rather than waiting for January 1st. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric discusses what your pond would want for Christmas. He suggests practical and thoughtful gifts to enhance your pond's appearance and health, including a real maintenance schedule, professional pond inspections, aquatic plants, remodels, new koi, water treatment packages, lighting, wildlife-attracting items, and outdoor furniture. The overarching theme emphasizes that the best gift for your pond is your time and presence. The episode aims to inspire listeners to think creatively about improving their ponds and enjoying them more, especially during the holiday season. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric discusses the philosophical concept that being worn out from work is actually a powerful sign of success. Triplet shares how he was inspired by the quote, "What a privilege to be tired from the work you once beg the universe for," which encourages listeners to reframe exhaustion as a blessing rooted in purpose. He recounts his career journey building aquariums and ponds, explaining the transition from hands-on labor to operating a large business, acknowledging that managing the "burden" of a growing enterprise is a necessary part of achieving his entrepreneurial dream. Triplet also reveals his newer role in mentoring and coaching fellow contractors through his "Train with Triplet" program, fulfilling an unexpected prediction that he would become a teacher. Throughout the narrative, he insists that gratitude is the key antidote to burnout, serving as a discipline necessary to appreciate one's current opportunities. Key Takeaways: View the fatigue from the work necessary to achieve your dreams as a privilege and a blessing. Treat gratitude as a discipline by constantly reminding yourself of the opportunities you have to serve. Use gratitude as an antidote to counteract feelings of professional stress and burnout. Do not allow the criticism or judgment of others to prevent you from pursuing your goals. Remember to soak up moments of success and continuously reflect on your achievements and wins. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric shares audio from a weekly coaching call primarily aimed at contractors and small business owners, emphasizing the fragility of their businesses and the constant risk of financial collapse, which he metaphorically terms the "contractor's glass floor." The discussion centers on the importance of proactive planning, understanding profit margins, and sales training to ensure business sustainability and the ability to "rebound" from unexpected setbacks like accidents, illness, or job losses. Participants share personal vulnerabilities and challenges related to financial management and the demanding nature of being an entrepreneur, underscoring the necessity of peer support and continuous training rather than operating in isolation. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on roleplaying and practicing communication skills to improve sales confidence and ensure proper client communication. Key Takeaways: Develop a clear rebound plan detailing how you would recover from major personal or professional risks. Refuse to become comfortable or complacent because relying on comfort often destroys a business. Work to fortify the financial foundation of your business so it can sustain disruptions without collapse. Continuously seek training and peer groups to avoid losing your edge and operating as a solitary entity. Thoroughly understand your operational numbers to ensure you charge profitably and avoid financing your own projects. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Today, Eric shares a "Weekly Compass Call," which focuses on the concept of iteration—the process of constant, small improvement. He emphasizes that continuous iteration is essential for personal and business growth, citing inspirational examples like the owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, Jesse Cole, who introduces 12 new ideas every game. The discussion identifies three main reasons why contractors fail to iterate: being overwhelmed by chaos in their business, succumbing to comfort, and expecting results too early. Eric asserts that improving sales processes and profits is the fastest way to overcome business chaos and commits to 52 weeks of webinars to help contractors outside of their current group. The call concludes with practical examples and roleplaying advice on improving sales communication, specifically by increasing consultation fees and developing confidence to handle objections, thereby fostering better business practices and personal relationships. Key Takeaways: Constantly perform and repeat processes, making slight improvements or adjustments with each attempt. Prioritize improving your sales process and profits to reduce business chaos and lower personal stress. Do not get comfortable with your current situation, as complacency kills progress and leads to stagnation. Enhance your communication by focusing on listening actively and asking thoughtful questions in business and personal relationships. Avoid letting negative past experiences with customers or people define how you approach new opportunities or interactions. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric, humorously emphasizes the necessity of properly cleaning and maintaining a residential pond before the Thanksgiving holiday. He uses the analogy of a pond "hosting Thanksgiving dinner" to illustrate the importance of presenting a pristine water feature, arguing that family members, particularly judgmental ones like "Uncle Steve," will inevitably scrutinize the pond while walking off their holiday meal. The podcast lists specific tasks, such as removing leaves, clearing algae, and checking the water levels, that a pond would "do" to prepare for guests if it were capable of hospitality. Finally, Eric urges listeners to either clean their pond immediately or call a professional for a last-minute service to ensure the feature is a centerpiece rather than an embarrassment, also offering a teaser for a future segment on Christmas gifts the pond "wants." Key Takeaways: Clean light fixtures on the underwater lights so the waterfalls are shimmering in the evening. Run a blower to clear leaves, pine needles, and debris away from the edges of the pond. Vacuum or sweep the bottom of the pond to remove excess fall leaves and maintain water quality. Call a local pond professional for an inspection or cleaning, even if it is close to the holiday. Trim plants surrounding the pond so the fish and waterfalls are clearly visible to visitors. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  FREE Contractor Sales Training Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok

Eric provides a pre-holiday reality check for pond owners. He stresses that Thanksgiving marks the final opportunity to perform necessary fall and winter pond maintenance before the chaotic holiday season makes it impossible. Triplet uses urgency and fear of an embarrassing, neglected pond to motivate listeners, sharing anecdotes about clients who waited too long and suffered consequences, such as sick or dying fish. He advises listeners to immediately contact a local pond professional to get scheduled before December, emphasizing that proper maintenance reduces stress and protects their investment in their pond and fish. The episode serves as a firm warning that ignoring pond care now will lead to broken equipment, distressed koi, and increased personal stress during the holidays. Key Takeaways: Book service with your local pond professional immediately, aiming for a slot before Thanksgiving or in early December. Prioritize essential pond maintenance now because the holiday season rush has officially begun and time is running out. Proactively address pond debris and filter issues to prevent catastrophic pump failure and fish suffering during the holidays. • Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to your pond to protect your existing fish population. Maintain your pond as a beautiful oasis to reduce the stress and anxiety caused by holiday chaos and obligations. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets Book a Call with Eric Triplett  Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger Helix Pond Filtration EasyPro Pond Products CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine Atlantic-Oase Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips  Pond Trade Magazine Hikari Fish Food Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) Social Media The Pond Digger on Instagram The Pond Digger on Facebook Train With Triplett on TikTok