Toolbox Talk

Hi Tradies, memory isn't that great. You can't rely on it.If you want a successful business that gives you more money, time and freedom, you need to act more like a businessperson and less like a tradie.And that means not relying on fallible memory — yours, and everyone else's: customers, staff, suppliers and partners.I see a lot of things done on handshakes and verbal agreements. Instructions, arrangements, agreements. This creates problems, of course - different recollections of what was said or agreed: forgetting to do things or not doing them properly.The answer, as usual, is systems and writing things down.I'll tell you a quick story. I once shared a memory about a friend, Ted, who I thought had done a week in jail over a dispute with a client. His wife later told me it wasn't true. He got in trouble, but he didn't do time. My memory was close — but wrong.That's how memory works. Yours is the same. So is everyone else's.Here's where your memory can cause problems in your business.1 Your Tasks. Many of you don't write things down. You trust yourself to remember. You need a system — a diary, phone notes, Outlook, Gmail, and voice notes to your admin. Pick one and use it.Your Appointments. Too many people don't put everything in their calendar or don't check it properly. All meetings and jobs should be in one synced calendar. Have a system to get “See you Thursday at 2” into your calendar straight away and another to remind you to check it.Agreements with Customers. Quotes, variations, dates, access, rules, changes — if it matters, write it down. Send a confirmation email: “Confirming we agreed…” This is important because if they don't remember it the same way you find out now and if they don't disagree now, that's now the truth. Attach it to the job.Job Instructions to Your Team. Too often it's a quick verbal briefing and everyone's expected to remember it. They won't. We all forget, misunderstand, and mix things up. Every job needs written instructions, job cards, plans, drawings, and site diaries where needed. These belong in your job management system.Agreements with staff. Contracts, pay, reviews, warnings, leave — keep proper records (and send email confirmations). Use HR software if you can.Agreements with suppliers. Same as with clients. Record what you verbally agree - prices, discounts, delivery, terms — confirm in writing and attach to your job management system.The Other S#*t. Phone calls, site conversations, ideas, things that occur to you. If it's written down, it's what happened. Put it in your diary or send it to your admin.This is part of becoming a businessperson instead of just a tradie. It stops you forgetting things, saves you time, and prevents f#*k-ups.It's a game-changer. If you don't have this in place — for you and your team — get onto it.--------------------------------------Get the Written Confirmation Worksheet for Trades and Builders here: https://pages.smallfish.com.au/business-for-trades-written-confirmation-worksheetIf you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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're keen to build a business that gives you more money, time and freedom, it's likely that holidays factor in there somewhere.Money - pay for holidaysTime off - go on holidaysFreedom - nobody bothers you on holidaysI might be projecting a bit but who doesn't want that!One way to have more holidays is to book them and go.It beats getting to September and wondering why you're grumpy.I've committed myself to the Bali Trade Conference which is me presenting for 2 x 2hr days of training tradies like you on business and numbers. I'm going for 2 weeks. No point wasting it

If you want a better business — more money, more time off, and more freedom — you're going to have to work on the business, not just in it.That's the shift: more businessperson, less tradie.Jobs still need to go well. Customers still matter.But they need to go well for your business, otherwise you end up busy… and broke.Running a good business means:Getting more of the right jobs (marketing)Winning them at decent margins (sales)Running work with less chaos and more profitKnowing your numbers and pricing with confidenceHiring good people and letting goSaying no when you need toBuilding a business is its own job — and you need to make time to do it.The good news? It's learnable.Business, marketing, sales, numbers — none of it is magic.But you do need to change how you run yourself and where you spend your time.That's what I help with: business coaching that turns the business part into something you actually do — and stick with.If that's what you want, you know where to find me.--------------------------------------If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Hi Tradie, how's business? That's a pretty open question, isn't it?Usually, the answer to that is pretty basic, isn't it?"Not great""Pretty good""Good, we're booked out till Easter"But they're just conversational responses, aren't they? They're not real answers to the question.I'm a business coach, obviously, so I am interested in a real answer to the question, which will be longer and more complicated.It might involve a general statement like those ones but then some further clarifications.If we're having a Strategy Session and you're considering buying my program, we start here and I probe for specific answers.I want to know how are money, time, and freedoom -the 3 things everybody wants.We're interested in how profitable your business is—how much you get from it as wages and profits compared to how much you want to be getting and compared to the industry benchmark.We're interested in how hard you're working—how much time you put into your business and how much is left for you.And we're interested in how much you get to enjoy that time without worrying about stuff or being called by people or having to have your phone or laptop with you to check in. How much freedom from your business you have.They're the personal things you want as the owner and boss, aren't they?And they're all influenced by the things that are going on in your business:Have you got enough work on?Is it profitable work?Is it organised & efficient?Are people paying?Are your people performing well?And a million other things.So, how's business and what are you doing about making your business better?It's a good question, isn't it?Obviously, I'd like you to buy my thing, which is business coaching for tradies and builders. But, if you're not ready for that, here is a thing I've made that's free and no sales call required so you can make a start. It's usually exclusively for my clients.It's the Business Assessment and Re-Set for Tradies.It's a 4 video training sequence, with worksheets for you to take yourself through.You'll assess your business for how it's going and then you'll assess yourself for how you're operating as a business person and as a tradie, you'll set some realistic goals for your next few months and make a specific project plan for each one to help you hit those goals.Have fun.--------------------------------------Get the Business Assessment and Re-set for Trades and Builders here: https://pages.smallfish.com.au/business-assessment-reset-dlIf you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Make a Plan to Hit Your Goals Why make a plan? To hit your goals, it's in the title of this video.If you've been following this series, you'll have made some goals, so now you have to decide how you're going to make them happen.And that's where the impact filter comes in. It's a simple tool to use to help you plan projects and get them off the ground.Grab the Impact Filter worksheet and start making those goals happen.--------------------------------------Get the "YOUR BUSINESS ASSESSMENT AND RE-SET" for Trades and Builders here: https://pages.smallfish.com.au/business-assessment-reset-make-a-plan-dlIf you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Are you goal setting, tradie? Many tradies and builders start their businesses without clear goals, focusing initially on just surviving. Without direction, businesses can become overwhelming, with more work, stress, and insufficient financial reward.No one starts a business to be overworked and stressed, but without goals, you might end up there. The good news: it's not too late to change this.You can set goals - start with these two: 1. A 3-year business vision2. Short-term goals for the next 4–6 monthsUse the Trade Business Lifestyle Ladder as a guide, focusing on money, time, and freedom. Identify specific steps to move up from your current position and tackle urgent problems first. Aim for realistic goals to ensure progress.So get the Goal Setting worksheet and get started.--------------------------------------Get the "YOUR BUSINESS ASSESSMENT AND RE-SET." for Trades and Builders here: https://pages.smallfish.com.au/business-assessment-reset-setting-goals-dlIf you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Are you behaving like a Tradie or a Businessperson? I'm talking specifically about becoming more conscious of your behaviour - how you act at work, as the trade business owner. You should be aware that you need to act like a businessperson if you want your business to be better: more money, more time and more freedom.How do you do this, though?First, assess yourself, download the Tradie VS Businessperson worksheet.--------------------------------------Get the "YOUR BUSINESS ASSESSMENT AND RE-SET." for Trades and Builders here: https://pages.smallfish.com.au/business-assessment-reset-tradie-vs-businessperson-dlIf you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Is Your Business Giving You What You Want?Most tradies want the same three things: More Money, More Time, More Freedom. That's exactly what the Trade Business Lifestyle Ladder measures.It helps you assess how well your business is serving you across Money, Time and Freedom.There are eight levels — from Problem Business at the bottom to Beautiful Business at the top — and they're realistic: a few million a year, a four-day week, eight weeks' holiday, and a business that doesn't need you every day.What business do you want? Lots of tradies work hard for everyone else and don't get the reward they could. The answer is to put more focus on your business, not just your trade.If your business isn't giving you what you want, it's time to do something about it.Start by grabbing the Trade Business Lifestyle Ladder and assessing yourself.--------------------------------------Get the "YOUR BUSINESS ASSESSMENT AND RE-SET." for Trades and Builders here: https://pages.smallfish.com.au/business-assessment-reset-dlIf you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Every year at this time, the same pressures show up:“Needs to be finished by Christmas…”“We need to hit lock-up before the break…”“We're behind — can you catch us up?”It's all pressure to cram work in before the holidays. It helps them, and it usually costs you — overtime that trashes your margins, a wrecked schedule, inefficiencies, and lost opportunities. And often it's not even fair; they want you to fix their problem.Here's the pitfall: if you cave to the pressure, you compromise your profitability.In the old days, behaving like a tradie, you might've copped it and taken the hit. But now, as a businessperson, you know better.Your job is to ensure every job stays profitable. Any scope change — including schedule changes and hurry-ups — changes the cost.So you either raise a variation and get it approved in writing… or you say, “No, not happening.”It's a scary one. Then you get used to it.This is what good coaching is about — helping you resist other people's bullshit because you know your numbers and the impact of rolling over.And if you want help with that, come find me.--------------------------------------If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility), Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Tradie, are you ready for Christmas? (Do this now while there is still time!) Get the Quick Christmas Cash PlanYou need to be ready for the shutdown period - don't get caught out - get the template and get organised.--------------------------------------Get the Quick Christmas Cash Plan for Trades and Builders here: https://www.smallfish.com.au/tradies/christmas-cash-plan/If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility), Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

First, what NOT to do: Don't let them tell you how it's going to work (they understand bookkeeping, not your trade business).Don't let them batch process your stuff because it's convenient for them.Don't let them set it up the 'traditional' way (rather than the trade-specific way).What you SHOULD be doing: Accurate & timely information in your accounting system - data entered (correctly) & reconciled every week.Your Chart of Accounts (your accounting system) set up so it reflects a trade or building businessWages of techs / tradespeople / field operatives as costs of sale (like in your quotes)Wages of admin people under overhead expensesMaterials, rubbish removal, home warranty insurance, estimating, referral fees, and equipment hire as costs of sale (anything that you quote for).Your systems set up to use automation for the data entry (Dext & Hubdoc, for example + an email address for invoices to be sent to), including checking by someone who understands.A system for reviewing what goes into your accounts (approval) and for deciding which bills get paid when (+ bulk payments).A system for invoicing (preferably from your Job Management System).A system for payroll (a simple one!).A system for your tradies to get the info into the accounts when they buy materials (It can be done).A way to track which job purchases are for.I know that sounds like a lot, but it's quite easy to set up.https://breakingbas.com.au/ can help!I've made a guide that spells it out in a bit more detail—grab it if you want it. Comment GUIDE to get it.

Remember — you're not just a tradie anymore. You're a business owner.And it's your job to make sure your business is trading profitably.A lot of people don't do this properly. Don't be one of them.Here's a simple monthly money check-in I do with all my clients — and I want you to do it too.✅ Step 1: Log into your accounting software(Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks — I'll use Xero as the example)✅ Check your cashYour bank balances. All business accounts. No hiding. Enough cash to pay wages? Good.My clients log these in our Big Numbers Tracker.✅ Check what you're owed and what you oweIn Xero: "Invoices owed to you" and "Bills you need to pay".Make sure data is up to date. Are you owed more than you owe? Not too much overdue?✅ Check the month's revenueLook at your P&L. Did you invoice much? If not, can you? If you can't — why not?✅ Check your gross marginThat's Gross Profit ÷ Revenue.Builders: aim for 20–30%Other trades: 30–40%If it's outside the range — investigate. Materials bought but not invoiced yet? That's fine, but fix it next month.✅ Check your net profitTarget: 10% of revenue (after paying yourself properly).If you're not hitting it, ask why.Common culprits:- Underquoting or discounting- Inefficient team or poor scheduling- Travel/project management time not quoted properly- One-off expenses- Poor job setupIf your margins are off, something's wrong. Fix it.This is your job now. Stay on top of it.Don't put your head down and hope it sorts itself out.I can help, of course.If you're not doing this and you need your arse kicked — come and find me.My clients use the Big Numbers Tracker. You can have it too — $39 to get started.--------------------------------------Get the Big Numbers Tracker for Trades and Builders here: https://www.smallfish.com.au/tradies/big-numbers-tracker/If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

I'm sure you're not but a recent encounter with a brush turkey when I was walking my dogs prompted me to prompt you to make sure you don't act like one.The turkey has built a nest near the path & chased us away, flinging dirt at us to deter us from getting to close to the nest. It's not very effective as a deterrent—we didn't care.I notice lots of tradies spend time on stuff in their business that's similarly ineffective.If your goal is to build a healthy profitable business & you're still spending lots of time on things like:being on the toolsdoing your own bookkeepingrunning errandsthen you're acting like our turkey—you're being busy doing stuff that's not helping you achieve your goal.You run a business now, you're not just a tradie any more. The work that got you this far won't help you build that beautiful, profitable business you want.You need to put more of your energy into things like:finding & winning work for your team to domaking sure you win it profitablymaking sure they're set up to do it profitably.Don't crowd out this work with ineffective busy-work.If you want my help, let me know.--------------------------------------If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: 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

What is the TRUE COST of your TRADESPEOPLE?A lot of tradies and builders misunderstand how much their people actually cost their business, and, because of that misunderstanding, they undercharge for the labour they're selling.Labour is one of the biggest costs in a trades business, and if you don't charge enough, you won't be profitable. You have to put time and energy into understanding your business's numbers and making sure you run your business profitably.How do you do this? I've made a tool called the Tradie Labour Cost Calculator - it calculates the REAL cost of tradespeople. Get it and calculate the cost of your people for how you pay them, and how you charge your customers.And start charging enough to cover their costs to your business.That's your job now: to make sure your business IS profitable.--------------------------------------Get the Tradie Labour Cost Calculator for Trades and Builders here: https://www.smallfish.com.au/tradies/true-cost/If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility), Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

Bookkeepers and Accountants. I don't hate them, they are important & necessary.However, there's a problem with them.For most tradies and builders, they are the people you go to for advice, particularly advice about your money.But the truth is, they are not very good at that.Both bookkeepers and accountants have a focus on compliance & saving - saving money, saving cost or saving tax.Bookkeepers tend to be mostly concerned with making sure your accounts are compliant with the law so you don't get in trouble. They want you to lodge your BAS or GST correctly, pay people correctly, and don't overpay your GST.Accountants care about tax; making sure you don't pay too much, don't do something that's not allowed and then get in trouble, and they care about your business structure & protecting your assets.Those are good things.The problems come when they are your main/only source of advice and guidance in the area of money and the finances of your business.Because there's more to it than that.--------------------------------------Get the Bookkeeping Guide for Trades and Builders here: https://www.smallfish.com.au/tradies/bookkeeping-guide-for-trades-and-builders-2/If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

More money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) are what you want.And they are possible. You need to get good at business, not just your trade.You need to make time for working ON your business (not just IN it).You need to build the systems and structure that will give you a business that's profitable and enjoyable.A net profit of 10% (on top of your wage) of revenue and a 40-hour week and holidays, and a decent crew is entirely do-able.Here's how.Book a Money Call if you're ready to make that changes here: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/

Bookkeepers and Accountants.I don't hate them, they are important & necessary. However, there's a problem with them. For most tradies and builders, they are the people you go to for advice, particularly advice about your money. But the truth is, they are not very good at that .Both bookkeepers and accountants have a focus on compliance & saving - saving money, saving cost or saving tax. Bookkeepers tend to be mostly concerned with making sure your accounts are compliant with the law so you don't get in trouble. They want you to lodge your BAS or GST correctly, pay people correctly, and don't overpay your GST. Accountants care about tax; making sure you don't pay too much, don't do something that's not allowed and then get in trouble, and they care about your business structure & protecting your assets. Those are good things .The problems come when they are your main/only source of advice and guidance in the area of money and the finances of your business. Because there's more to it than that.--------------------------------------Get the Bookkeeping Guide for Trades and Builders here: https://www.smallfish.com.au/tradies/bookkeeping-guide-for-trades-and-builders-2/If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW 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

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