Toolbox Talk

Trades business owners find themselves without work in the pipeline all too often. Choosing to focus on other, seemingly more important parts of their businesses because at that moment they had work. But when the work suddenly dries up it's a lack of consistent marketing activity that we have to focus on as the culprit here. This is a common mistake though and maybe more so for tradies than other business owners because their focus is on the work and the outcome (which is important). As a business coach for tradies and builders, part of my job is to help my clients guard against this. To build a Marketing Machine that keeps working all the time so you don't end up in this sh*ty position.This video is about the fact that marketing is a numbers game and how to play it. When you go quiet, two numbers are important - your marketing activity that finds opportunities and your sales funnel as your forecast - all the opportunities you could win (right now if you don't find any more).You need to be measuring these numbers so you're not at risk of work drying up… I've made a chart to help you. Comment ‘CHART' and I'll send it and comment ‘CALL' and I'll talk to you about whether my coaching can help you.--------------------------------------If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chatFOLLOW US AT:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

If you run a trade business and get your work from other businesses, not individual people, then you need to be doing business-to-business marketing. Before you dismiss marketing and say you don't do it, consider this: you're doing some form of marketing, or you wouldn't get any business.And for most businesses, business to business marketing is required. Say:- If you're a builder specialising in architectural work, architects and designers can refer work to you.- If you do front-end work, you might call designers, state managers, and even target customers directly. - If you do work with government agencies, subcontract to builders, or work controlled by property managers.All these people (employees or owners of businesses) are either in control of awarding work or have influence. So if you're someone who works with those types of companies you need to be engaging in business to business marketing. You need to be calling these people, and forming relationships with them. Not just once but repeatedly - nurturing these relationships so you can get repeat work. Want help? Check out this week's video then get the guide. --------------------------------------If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chatFOLLOW US AT:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Marketing is a big topic, isn't it? And there are so many elements, so many potential areas of focus. So it's super easy to get overwhelmed about what marketing is right for your business. And that's the question this week - what marketing should you be doing? The answer is - it depends... a vague answer I know. Basically, the marketing you do is based on the type of trades business you run and the customers you are trying to attract. Check out this week's video to understand what I mean here and to find out which marketing you should be doing. Oh and raise your hand for the guide. It'll help as well. --------------------------------------If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chatFOLLOW US AT:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Why would you? It's a good question. Something's going on for you that makes you click. We all have our one-sentence/pitch. This is mine: You want to improve your business, grow it (a bit, at least) but grow it properly – which means profitably, without loads of stress and with a normal week and holidays for you. I'll help you put systems and structures in place so you can do that. Net profit margin of 10% of total revenue: A decent wage for you A 4 Hour week for you Holidays A business not completely dependent on you People in their jobs doing a good job and happy there too. How does that sound? Like a brochure? Thought so. -------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

I interviewed myself for my friends at Your Small Business Coach late last year about what I do and how I help tradies and builders. Want to watch or listen to the interview? -------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chatFOLLOW US AT:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

How do you work less? Get more effective so you get through more work – sure(!) but that's like a temporary fix, isn't it? You'll be out of capacity again in no time and there's a limit to how efficient and effective you can be. This really only leaves hiring people or working less and letting bad things happen (whatever they are). So, if you want to work less, you're probably talking about growing your team. You can hire tradies, trades assistants, labourers, site managers, admin people, receptionists, and bookkeepers. You can hire virtual assistants (I'm a fan, as you may know). You can work with agencies for VAs, bookkeeping, marketing, almost anything. Whoever you ‘hire' you can't just hire them and tell them what to do and leave them to it. Remember what I said a minute ago about that and poor performance? You need to ‘hire' whoever it is and then delegate a responsibility PROPERLY. You need to write the system, teach the system, give them a checklist and hold them accountable (for following the system) until they're doing it right, consistently. Only then, can you back away and free up your time to do less work. Delegate properly and things go much better. I've written the 4 steps into a guide to Successful Delegating so grab that (Comment and we'll get it to you) And, in my program, there's a full training on the delegation process and on how to write a system so if you want that – buy my thing. Book a call and we'll talk about it. -------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Reflect and Reload Being the final week of 2024 I felt it apt to release videos on reflecting on the year coming to a close and another on thinking of what you want for yourself in the year to come. I wrote these videos as Holiday Homework for my clients but I am putting them out there for everyone else to use as well. There's also a worksheet. Last week we were reflecting and this week we are preloading for 2025. So get ready and preload 2025. -------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Time to reflect and refresh over the break I hope you're taking a break, even if it's just a short one. I am, I'm staying at home and I'm not doing much at all except eat and drink. One thing I will do is think about how 2024 went for me and how I want 2025 to go. I've made my client a holiday homework to do exactly this because it's Christmas (ahem, not really), and I'm making it available to you too. Ok, that's not strictly true, I think it's good, so I'm sending it out into the world so you can do it and maybe you'll think; “Time to get some coaching” There are two short videos and a ‘funsheet' to write things on. Here's this week's podcast : You're going to be thinking about this stuff anyway - might as well do a guided reflection - sort of like a guided meditation. Anyway, Merry Christmas. Jon -------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

I just made a guide on where to advertise your jobs to attract the people who aren't looking on SEEK. Want a copy? (Same with “I just made a video”) You can't just ‘put the word out' or chuck a basic ad on SEEK or Indeed and expect to get loads of good applicants for your jobs. You'll have to work a bit harder -Watch the video -------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

It's Quieter BUT! There's work to get but you have to work to get it. Are you doing ENOUGH work to keep your team busy? (Book a call and we'll check) ---------------------------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

This week's Toolbox Tip is the ‘Circle of Coaching'. To be honest, it's really the circle of any focused activity. Decide what to do Figure out how to do it Actually Do it Listen here on podcast to see how we do it in my coaching program. _________________________________________________ If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Do you want to know how to do business properly? That's profitable, without too much stress and too much work and with people in their jobs doing a good job and liking it. You're a tradie or a builder. You run a business. You've started growing and you have a team. Is this YOU? ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

What's the intensive and why should you come? It's a workshop for my clients, most of them (those who can't make it come via Zoom) to get together up in Byron Bay for 2 days (in November) to work on their businesses. I know that for a lot of you that can be quite difficult - to spend the time working ON your business rather than just IN it (yes a cliche bit it's valid). This Intensive is a challenge for you to find the time to make changes that will improve your business. You are constantly pushed to defer the tasks you should be doing to improve your business and the Intensive is a chance for you to change that. Want to come as one of our guests? Comment “LFG” and we'll get you registered. ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

How to Collect on Bad Debt This isn't unheard of, especially in the trades industry. You do the work in good faith and submit your invoice, but the payment never comes... This week I'm detailing your options if a client refuses to pay. There are a couple of approaches you can take. Starting more gently and progressing to stronger tactics involving outscouring to lawyers, chasers or specialist construction lawyers. Want more information on this topic? Comment 'DEBT' and we'll send you this week's handout. ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

The Price Trade-Off - what happens when someone is cheaper? There has always been tension around price in the trades industry, hasn't there? You're charging enough to cover costs and risks and make a profit - you're doing what's right and what you have to do to keep a business running and profitable. Otherwise, what would the point be? YET there's downward pressure everywhere, from all around. And there are a few reasons for this, for people pressing you to be cheaper. Want help understanding what and why and a solution. Book a call, and let's chat coaching. This is what my program is about. ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

How you present yourself is important For a trade business or a building business, how you present tells your customer a lot about what to expect from you and your business in terms of the quality of the job you're going to do, the level of care you're going to take and how you and your team are going to conduct yourself when you're on their site or in their business or their home. It tells them a lot about how good you are and it tells them a lot about how much you're going to cost. And in a good way. If your business presents poorly – dirty, unkempt people and vehicles and job sites – people will assume your work is like that and they will expect your price point to reflect that. If your business presents well — well-dressed and tidy people, newish with good vehicle signage, clean job sites, nice looking signage and website and socials and the office, etc., people naturally imagine that the job you'll do is going to be good and that your price will be somewhat higher. ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

There's a narrative that is apparent in everything that tells us that our competitors are the enemy. You're all out there competing for the limited business on offer – like seagulls fighting over some chips. It's a dog-eat-dog world. That's the story, isn't it? It engenders a suspicious, jealous, play your cards close to your chest, kind of feeling. “Don't tell people what you charge, they might come and undercut you on deals and you'd lose and you'd be chump as well.” That's out there, isn't it? It's in what we read – this view that business is competition between business especially track business for the customers. Sites like HiPages encourage it and the pricing fee, in particular, is everywhere. But it's not really true. And if you let yourself be too influenced by this narrative, you miss out on some stuff that will probably help you. I see it everywhere and I've felt it myself. I see the ads of my competitors and I feel a bit threatened or defensive or critical (sometimes, anyway). If they post pictures of customers at events and they've clearly got more people there than I get to my events, I feel a bit jealous. But it's bulls%*t. I've met some of the other trade and builder business coaches. I've liked them all. And every single one of them has shared information to help me with my business. And I've shared too. A bunch of us all share the same business coach for business coaches. This makes me think (of course) about how this might be for my clients. And it's the same for them! The narrative is there, “Don't tell people your prices or your margins”, and “Be careful”. But, by and large, they also know their direct competitors and mostly like them. If I read between the lines, there's cautious and high-level sharing of information about market conditions and suchlike but not much sharing about more detailed or sensitive stuff. My clients share information with each other – they're in a business coaching program together and on the same journey of growing their business and their profits and building the systems necessary for that. And mostly, they aren't in direct competition with each other, either, so that's not such a big effect and it makes sharing easier. My message is this: Join my program and network with your peers here and learn from each other, of course. And talk to your competitors, open a dialogue and share some knowledge about what's working and not, about pricing and how you're really doing. Yeah, there's a risk someone will set their prices lower than yours and run around undercutting you and stealing your jobs. But it's very small, really. Most of your friends wouldn't. Talk to the decent ones and not the ar$eh*l%s. Use your judgement. It's more likely that you'll help each other and make each other braver to charge a bit more, (you know you probably need to) and learn things from each other that will help you both improve and grow your business. Also, it's a nice way to be in the world. Buy my thing. Book a call to learn more. ----------------------------------------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Your bookkeeping is important and if you're doing them properly, they are a hugely valuable resource for understanding your business's profitability. That's important. Not just because it's nice to see how much money you're making, although it is… BUT also because of the danger of not knowing when you're NOT making money like you're supposed to be. Early warnings are good, they give you time to fix a problem before it costs you too much money and puts you in the s#*t. If you don't know there's a problem, things can get worse and worse over time, and the problems may compound. They get bigger and bigger if you're losing money or not making much. You need to know if every month is profitable and as profitable as expected and, if not, why not? You need to know if every job is as profitable as it should be, too. You need to use your numbers to help you find out why there's a profit problem and where that problem is in your business. I'll stop myself from diving into that hole. That's why your books are important. So your accounting system should be a live, up-to-date view of the lifeblood of your business, for you to use regularly to ensure everything is going as it should. I see people's books where it's all over the place and we can't easily understand what costs are what. Things get coded to the wrong place, that kind of thing. Now, if you're just doing the bookkeeping for compliance, that doesn't mean very much BUT once you start wanting to understand your numbers and what money is going where, it does. Another thing that happens is they're not up-to-date. You or your bookkeeper does everything once a month or something and they're up-to-date for a few days then they get less and less useful. This is really common. I rarely see accurate and up-to-date books and I see a lot of them. So are yours useful to you? Are they correct and are they up-to-date? So they should be correct and they should be up-to-date and if I'm your coach, I'll be pushing you to get that happening. But who should be the one to do it? The right answer is, “NOT YOU”. You're probably not very good at it. I'm sure you either do okay or you could – it's not harder than a trade. I'm not very good at it. I'm not patient enough, I find it frustrating and annoying. I would rather spend the time on other work. And I'd rather you did, too. You need to know these numbers, not be the one monitoring them and reconciling them. So, someone else, not you. A bookkeeper is an obvious candidate. There are lots of them around – lots of good ones too. And lots of less good ones, so interview them and check that they understand a bit about business not just about the compliance part of bookkeeping. My partner Michelle, runs a bookkeeping business for tradies, (for my clients, principally). So there's an option for you. They'll set your books up the way I like them so you and I can use them to figure out what's going on. They'll update them weekly. They'll call your debtors for you and speak to you regularly. So, if that's something you want to explore, comment ‘Books' and I'll connect you. There's a bookkeeper options guide, too. Because Michelle's team is not your only option, of course. Comment ‘Guide' if you want that and we'll send it across. ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

BJs for Builders - has Jon lost the plot or is there merit to the metaphor?  He obviously feels it is a useful metaphor and it does have merit and the added bonus is it's funny (well we think so).  It's a metaphor for Relationship Marketing.  Something you should all, as trades business owners be investing in.  Business to Business Marketing (as it is also called) is not the only way to market your business but a powerful way to garner big, consistent results when done well.  For each trade, there is a different customer you're aiming to build a relationship with.    So, builders would want to attract architects, developers or commercial customers for example.  This gives you the foundations for solid, regular work.  How do you do this? You need to contact businesses you'd like to form a relationship with and be helpful and nice.  You need to build trust and be there when the opportunity occurs.  And you need to be tracking the interactions you have with these potential customers. A CRM would be helpful if your business is large or if you're under 100 people a tracker will do and yes you've guessed it, we have one and you can have it too. Comment 'BJ Tracker' if you'd like a copy.  ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

I get my Marmite flown in from the UK... Who cares? You should because here I'm talking about the importance of specific language use, especially in marketing. Especially in YOUR marketing and in how you define your business and the services it provides. What do I mean by this? Well, by saying that ‘I get my Marmite flown in from the UK', sounds better than ‘I bought it on eBay', it's a more interesting statement. This example translates to how you talk about and what language you use when describing your business and what you do. Instead of saying, 'we do good quality work, we're reliable, we communicate well' - boring, generic phrases that don't stand out among the hundreds of other businesses your customers will be trying to choose from - you need to be more specific. I want you to think about; Why you're good? Why would your customers choose to do business with you specifically? AND How can you explain this using better language? This makes it easier for customers to choose you, to trust you. See the importance? Ask for the 'Why I'm Good' Guide ----------------- YT Post Script: If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

What can you do to make yourself happier?  No, I'm not trying to become one of those happiness gurus or getting into spirituality.  I'm a coach so I mean this in the context of your business - how can you make yourself happier at work and as a result in other parts of your life as well?  This question was prompted by a recent trip to Bali where I glimpsed again and again how happy and smiley the Balinese people are. They appeared a lot happier than all of us over here in Australia and there is actual data on this as well, I looked up some studies out of curiosity.  So why are they happier? And how can you incorporate these qualities into your work life so things are a little easier and more enjoyable?  Read this week's blog or download our triangle model and start organising your business to allow for more time and less stress.  Comment ‘happier' for the model.  ------------ If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Research shows that businesses or business owners who have achieved success have commonly encountered similar challenges to those that we are facing. What was the key factor that led to their success? Check out the rest of this week's Toolbox Tip in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Your tradie mindsets helped you be successful as a tradie and even to build your business up this far – but that won't help you take your business to the next level – you need business mindsets. Check out the rest of this week's Toolbox Tip. ---------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

This week's Toolbox Tip podcast is Your Money Mindset.  You've got mindsets around money, are they helping you or holding you back? Check out the rest of this week's Toolbox Tip. ----------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Assess yourself - what's your mindset or pricing? Is it holding you back? And how can you shift this mindset to something more practical, more beneficial to both parties? A pricing mindset that covers all your business costs … Listen to this week's Toolbox Tip. And if you want help changing this mindset, we can help you - book a chat with us to talk about it. --------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Do you ever think about how your mindset affects your business? You could harbour s#!tty mindsets and attitudes without even realising it, and these are making it harder for you to grow your business and get the success you want. Having productive mindsets is a tool to better yourself and your business. These mindsets can be categorised into four different types. Two are psychologically based and the other to are business-focused. They're the scarcity and abundance mindsets and the Fixed vs. growth mindset. I go into more depth in this week's TTblog and I'll be doing a series, where I break down all four of these. We also have a mindset resource - want it? Comment “mindset' ----------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Customer says 'Too Expensive' means something entirely different (Often) Listen here to find out why. --------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

How many hats are you wearing? Too many? Too many hats costs you and your business. “How many hats are you wearing? Too many? Too many costs you and your business.” By hats I mean all the different jobs you do in your business and I know, if you're a trades business owner you're doing too many. I often see it with my clients. They're juggling too many things at once. The solution here is to hand over jobs to others who are more suited. Hire an admin person, an estimator, get a job management system or a bookkeeper. Start by watching this week's TTblog here. Want this week's worksheet? Comment ‘HAT ME' and one of the team will get it to you. ------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

“If you let yourself get swept up in the immediate, seemingly more urgent jobs you avoid those big, important jobs that grow your business.”  Putting your head down and churning through work is detrimental to business growth….  Why?  You not getting any of the important work done. If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Who are you accountable to? Accountability is one of those buzzwords we hear all the time in business. You hear constantly that as the boss you should be accountable for your team, and your employees; your whole business. Yet who holds you accountable? Who makes sure you're getting the jobs done? Who checks that you're actually doing those big projects that will create growth and success in your business? There should be someone. Accountability as a business owner is hard. You're the big boss and no one tells you what to do but this is to your own and the business's detriment. If you don't have someone (a partner, a business colleague, a business coach) to hold you accountable then it's easy to let projects, jobs and hard difficult tasks slip through the cracks. This is also because those bigger tasks, the ones that push progress, don't have immediate consequences if they're not done, so they get replaced by the immediate urgent things. We all do it but this is why your business coach, I mean accountability buddy is so important. We help keep our clients accountable through 1:1 and group sessions… we touch base with them regularly. Because it's embarrassing to fess up to not doing a job in front of your coach or the other clients. Find someone to help hold you accountable. I've made a task accountability checklist. Say, 'Hold me… accountable' and I'll sling it your way. ---------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Unicorns and normals - what do I mean by that?  The unicorns are the anomalies but we ‘normals' can still build sustainably successful businesses.  How? For s start you could download the 7 Systems guide. Comment and we'll send it through.  If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Your business is primarily about emotions - even a trades business. Your business exists because of the way it (and you) make people feel about the work it does. Your business exists; it makes money because of how you treat your customers and your team (as well as yourself). If you want help bringing more emotion to your business book a call - we help with mindset in our program. ------------------------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

‘Jon, how do I get more sales, consistently?'  A question I'm asked often by my clients and one answer is - stop jumping on the tools at the sign of trouble and think about your opportunity cost!  If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Miscommunication - how to avoid it with your customers and avoid the headaches that come with it. If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Let's Talk Guarantees and Warranties  What is the difference between these two terms? People often get them confused or think they mean the same thing when they are different.  A warranty is something you legally have to have whereas a guarantee is something you can choose to provide.  Why? Find out in this week's podcast. ----------- If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

How to grow your capacity. To make your trade business more successful you need to increase your capacity and there are several ways to do this. Listen to this week's podcast to find out more. If you're interested in growing your trade business, head over to our website and you can read some more of these Tradies Toolbox Tips: https://www.smallfish.com.au/trades-business-coaching/ Book a money-maker call: https://www.smallfish.com.au/chat FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Where Should You Spend Your Time As Your Business Grows? It's an important question to ask yourself - listen to this week's podcast to find out... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

What's a job management system and why have one?  They're exceedingly useful tools if you don't already have one or know about them… I'd highly advise getting one.  But first - why?  Well, they help automate all of your admin tasks - quoting, estimating, scheduling, job tracking, etc… it's all in one place.  And so much more...  Listen to this week's blog post to understand why I am a huge fan. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Company Get-Togethers - why do them? We do one quarterly and it's always an important event to get our clients together and away from the hurly-burly so they can focus on their business instead of continuing to be caught up in its grind. As well as an opportunity for us to showcase our program to trades business owners who may be interested in it - i.e. you. My Quarterly Intensive helps my clients get more out of my program which means they stay in it longer and helps them build bigger, better more successful businesses. It also builds community where the people on the same journey of growing their business can network, learn from each other and help each other grow. It helps build your confidence to talk to someone who's done the thing you're thinking about doing. Listen to this episode to find out more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

'Level up your trades business in 2024' I've got some exciting news for you! I've made some changes in my coaching program to help you grow your business more quickly and efficiently. I'll explain to you in detail what this program means for you and how it can help you resolve some pressing issues with your trades business. Listen to this episode to find out more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

For this week's toolbox tip, I talk about fun - 'How to make work fun for your team'. And there are some benefits to doing so. Listen to this episode to find out more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Despite the changes in comparing yourself (making you feel bad unnecessarily, ruining your motivation) it can also be useful. I'm sure you spend a bit of time thinking about what you're doing right and wrong – I certainly do. Listen to this episode to find out more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Comparison is the thief of joy -  More often than not, these days we are comparing ourselves to others and this is no different as a business owner.  Comparison can be helpful but to be doing it in a way that is often not accurate or reasonable is unproductive.  Listen to this episode to find out more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

The important question you should ask yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Do your people think your business makes much more money than it actually does? They probably do. In the absence of real information, people make up their own interpretations based on what little information they have. each your team how much employees really cost a business and show them all the other costs a business has to cover before it makes any profit because there's a lot more than just what happens on-site --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

How's your motivation? Is it a bit rubbish at the moment? Seems to be that way for quite a few people. If you've been feeling a bit flat or not very motivated, don't just plough on with work. You'll do a shitty job and you'll stay pissed off. Listen to this episode and do these things instead. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

It can be challenging to let go of control and trust others to handle tasks, but it's necessary for growth and scalability. By focusing on growth and development, business owners can build a strong foundation for their businesses and create a sustainable future. Listen to this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

Hang up your toolbelt - start finding and winning more work for your team not just doing the 'work'. How might you do that? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

To prioritise effectively the first thing you have to do is divide up your priorities. I like to think of them as divided into three things - your money, your capacity and your time: How might you do that? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

]There are a number of reasons you may feel unmotivated when it comes to your trades business and whatever these reasons are, they are normal however, it can be hard to pull yourself out of a tired slump. In this week's podcast, I'll chat about how to get yourself back on track. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message

How much is enough? It's a question that obviously elicits a personal response from each of us so I'm not going to attempt to tell you the answer to what I think it should be.But I will point out how much could lead to making a mistake.Which begins when you blindly remain on a forward trajectory, getting lodged in that perpetual cycle of needing more - more money, more work, more success. But this want is never satisfied. There's always more. Bigger, better things to buy. Though, I think it would be a shame to chase the dollar and realise later in life that materiality wasn't what you were after. So when do you know when enough is? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallfishcoach/message