It's no surprise to many of our listeners that there's a looming problem for trade businesses in Australia and New Zealand. With the massive spike in housing activity thanks to the cash splash from the government, there's now a serious materials shortage on sites around the country. We take a look at how this is playing out for trade businesses and how, coupled with rising wage costs, the time is now to look hard at your cash flow and overall business fitness. Remember, if you're ready to make c...
May 21, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 276
We're hitting the road (ok, the skies) and heading to Sydney for the 1st Tradies In Business LIVE meetup since, like, ever! Waz and Nic will be live and in person at beautiful Coogee Bay to hear from you about how the materials and labour issues are affecting your business. There'll be a sneaky beverage on the bar for you and we're gunning for some industry reps to come and share their thoughts and tips on making the most of the current market conditions so get on over the Facebook and grab your...
May 20, 2021•8 min•Season 2Ep. 275
Shortly after his daughter's first birthday, Jason Sotiris noticed his little girl acting ill. Several visits to 4 different doctors resulted in a trip to Westmead children’s hospital where after days of testing they found she had a rare type of cancer, Langerhans Cell Hystiocytosis. The only way to deal with it, was for Jason to stand up for her, knowing she was barely able to walk. She had a 20% chance of survival. Sitting by her hospital bed he thought about what he could do to help her. Jaso...
May 18, 2021•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 274
We all know systems are THE way to create a successful business. Well, we heard it somewhere from someone who said so... even author of The e Myth, Michael Gerber told us... but where to start when it comes to actually CREATING systems that work for small business? Today's guest has devoted his whole business to solving this problem for you. Remember, if you're ready to make change but aren't sure where to start, you can chat to Nic and Waz for free. CLICK HERE to book! See omnystudio.com/listen...
May 10, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 273
In another episode focused on change and how to make it in business and life, Waz and Nic take a look at the stories we tell ourselves. Especially the ones we tell ourselves that keep us 'stuck', afraid and uncomfortable. With many business owners feeling alone and isolated in their struggle, we shine the light on some client stories and techniques that might help you 'fight the tiger' in your life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 03, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 272
Do you have unfinished projects around the home? What about your to-do list... is that completed at the end of every week? Maybe you feel like you have a thousand things to 'remember' in your head? Plenty of people struggle with finishing what they've started so you're not alone! Problem is, it could be leading to bigger issues in your business and personal life. We share some insights that might help you make a surprising change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 26, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 271
It seems a lot of people think business success comes from luck, inheritances, natural talent or all of the above! While it can often appear as though this is the case when looking at those who have succeeded, today's guest is here to tell you why nothing could be further from the truth. Dan Pollard knows a thing or two about success... and failure. Having lost everything more than once and the ensuing dark days he experienced, Dan has a perspective on business that is not widely spoken about. H...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 270
You've probably seen the graphic showing the 2 circles, one being your comfort zone and one being way outside it... and that's where the magic happens? Problem is, so many people are stuck in their comfort zone and they don't even realise. They either they've gone outside their comfort zone but haven't or worse still, they've convinced themselves that there's too much risk to move to discomfort so they stay put. What many don't realise is there's a hidden cost to staying comfortable and Waz and ...
Apr 14, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 269
Yuk. Cyber crime. It just feels so icky when someone makes a fraudulent transaction on our card or copies our Facebook profile and tries to set up a fake account. If it's never happened to you then you can count your lucky stars... and take some action now so that it (hopefully) never does. It's more than just our online banking and social profiles at risk though and sadly, many business owners are VERY exposed to loss, inconvenience and worse. Our guests from Cynch.com.au share some simple, low...
Apr 06, 2021•44 min•Season 2Ep. 268
As a former CrossFit trainer, Waz saw countless people come to the gym wanting to get fitter and stronger, only to have them leave and say "I'll come back when I'm fitter and stronger". What the? It's true. many of us don't want to start something new or different until we've already mastered at least some of the skills or made some progress. Even though we know it's not rational, it's hard to overcome the desire to 'fit in' or not look silly when we're embarking on change... and yet it's the ch...
Mar 29, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 267
In the era of 'everyone gets a prize' is there really any point to business awards? Waz and Nic have both entered, won and judged business awards and have some interesting and perhaps surprising lessons from their experience. Are awards worth the effort to enter? Are they just a w*nk? Do they actually do anything for your business whether you win, lose or draw? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 17, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 266
Nic and Waz know a thing or two about change. And pain. And fear. Not only have they experienced a ton of these things in their own lives, both business and personally, they've worked with thousands of business owners and individuals over the last decade who have 'hit the wall'. So many people find it so hard to 'make a decision' when faced with uncertainty and a multitude of choices. How on earth do you choose between two difficult options? Waz and Nic share their own, and their clients', insig...
Mar 01, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 265
We think it's time trade business owners were celebrated, not criticised! We also think it's time there was a business awards for ALL trades together, whether you're a plumber, tiler, builder, cabinet maker, landscaper.... even an asbestos removal specialist... we should all be coming together as trade business owners to raise each other up. Waz and Nic are excited to announce details of exactly that! The Tradies In Business Excellence Awards. Listen in for the details and find out how you can g...
Feb 23, 2021•12 min•Season 2Ep. 264
Everyone loves a quickie... a quick coffee, a quick nap, a quick sambo and even a quick... business tip episode! Waz and Nic love a quick one and this is their first of a few quick tips on topics that seem to drag on for many trade business owners. TIME! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 23, 2021•11 min•Season 2Ep. 263
How many times have you walked past something and shook your head in disbelief, "How could anyone do such a poor job?". What if that was what you were doing in your own business, not with your trade work, but with your teamwork? Giving critical feedback is one of the least favourite (ok, most disliked!) tasks on a business owner's plate... and yet it could be undermining your entire effort to grow/change/improve. Waz and Nic explain why, and HOW to do better at this. See omnystudio.com/listener ...
Feb 15, 2021•27 min•Season 2Ep. 262
Change is hard. It's uncomfortable, it's scary, it's time-consuming. Ok, we know you know... and we also know that most of our listeners and members WANT to change... but how do you get past that sticking point? What do you do when you're on the start line of making change, ready to go and.... you stall? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 08, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 261
Hint: they're not related. Well, not in a positive way. Being busy is often touted as a justifaction for a person's value, of whether they're 'doing enough to get ahead' and yet, in more than a decade of coaching and mentoring business owners, Waz and Nic have observed a very different pattern. It's often the LEAST busy owners that are the most EFFECTIVE. It's this effectiveness that delivers results to them, their team and most importantly their families. How? Tune in as Nic and Waz take you th...
Feb 01, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 260
With the Christmas rush behind us and the new year well and truly underway, Nic and Waz thought it was worth having a look at deadlines and how they mess up our progress. The fear of missing deadlines and the perceived consequences can lead to all sorts of issues, not least of which is triggering our fight, flight or freeze response. The problem is, this is the exact opposite of the state of being that we need in order to choose and execute change! Waz and Nic share their insights from more than...
Jan 19, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 259
With less than a fortnight of 2021 in the bag we've already seen some of the madness that became a signature of 2020. Some people have found it hard to stay out of the online criticism, rhetoric and distraction that goes with these relapses. In today's episode, Waz and Nic share some ways you can avoid becoming a victim of the external factors present in this Covid-world and focus on what you CAN control. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 11, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 258
The Tradies In Business Cashflow Challenge starts on the 18th January! Waz and Nic share their post-Christmas financial-hangover cures. We also take a look at the top ways to make 2021 DIFFERENT. Waz and Nic and the Tradies In Business team are working on an exciting initiative this year. One that aims to recognise achievement for ALL trades, not just building or kitchens! Plus, we announce our inaugural Tradies In Business conference and how you can get involved. See omnystudio.com/listener for...
Jan 04, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 257
What's your #word to describe 2020? Many of us could think of some interesting ones, that's for sure! So, what's your wish for 2021? Nic and Waz take a look back at 2020 and share their 'word', reminisce about their favourite episodes, things that didn't happen that they'd planned on and how you can do the same to ensure 2021 has more positivity than the last one too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 28, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 256
Merry Christmas! 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least and Waz and Nic have recorded a Christmas message for all our listeners here on the podcast. Waz even (almost) manages to avoid turning it into a teaching episode! Wishing you all the very best for the season from the entire team here at Tradies In Business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 21, 2020•17 min•Season 2Ep. 255
Have you had enough of lists yet? Naughty and nice lists, shopping lists, gift lists, who's-sitting-where-for-dinner lists. We've got another list for you but we reckon this one will help you make the most of Christmas 2020. These 3 simple things can help you avoid client hassles, finish 2020 stronger than a Glenn Lazarus try and maximise your down time so you kick off strong in 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 14, 2020•23 min•Season 2Ep. 254
You're no doubt familiar with the work safety campaign stating, "safety is no accident". It seems that while safety on site has been a major area of attention, funding and awareness over the last couple of decades, what we've ended up with seems to be just a mountain of paperwork and not enough real change on site. Today we chat with a couple of blokes who are changing all that and especially for small business owners and employers just like you. Rather than simply another CYA approach, Risk Tal...
Dec 07, 2020•55 min•Season 2Ep. 253
Even before Covid-19 and the global changes to the way we work, stress and anxiety for business owners was a reality for many. While we've interviewed a number of guests on the podcast discussing this topic, few have explained the what, how and what-to-do of dealing with 'business owner anxiety' better than today's Real Tradie Guy. Alistair Hutton shares some personal experiences and lessons about the physical signs of stress, the importance of time out, the incredible transformation he achieved...
Nov 30, 2020•57 min•Season 2Ep. 252
Almost everybody wants to know the answer to the 64 bazillion dollar question... "How do I get more work from property managers?" In today's episode, Waz and Nic chat with Kylie Walker of That Property Mum and iThinkProperty. Kylie is a Property Manager and mentor and shares her secrets, insights and lessons on how to work with and retain property managers for your trade business. It can be a lucrative source of business so listen in and take notes! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...
Nov 23, 2020•41 min•Season 2Ep. 251
Today's episode is a bit of a mixed bag. If you've ever experienced stress in business or life, have experienced feelings of overwhelm or anxiety OR you've wondered if you actually have any content worth sharing then today's episode is for your ears! Our guest today is a former high-level football player turned professional jiujitsu instructor who is now a content creator and marketer for a trade business. Odell Harris has been through quite a bit in his life and he shares some amazing insights ...
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 250
Amii Jones epitomises many 'tradie wives'. She's incredibly humble about her role in her family and business and tends to understate how much she contributes to the smooth running of both. We had a fantastic chat to one of our rock star Drawing Board members about how she's managed to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', influence her husband to make positive change, overcome her self-doubt, harness her strengths, embrace the title of Business Manager and more. Amii also gives some insight into the...
Nov 09, 2020•52 min•Season 2Ep. 249
After some solid coaching sessions with premium members, Waz and Nic dig in to some of the issues they've been seeing repeatedly. One of the big ones is business owners avoiding the 'tough conversations' with certain people. Staff are often top of the avoid-at-all-costs list when it comes to confrontation and sadly, Waz and Nic see many blokes struggle in this area. They take a look at the reasons behind it, the effects on employers and perhaps most importantly, the effects on families. See omny...
Nov 03, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 248
Buy it once. It's a mantra many in business try and educate their customers on... but what are we like at following our own advice? Waz and Nic have worked out some ways to tell if you could benefit from some focus on this area of your life. You might be surprised to learn a bit about your hosts' behaviours when it comes to underpants, tool purchases and what all this has to do with self-worth, pricing and dealing with staff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 27, 2020•22 min•Season 2Ep. 247