Power Up Your Business Podcast

"I really wanted to make it a culture in this company where the people that work here loved it. They love the team. They love being in, we have really good camaraderie, and there's a lot to look forward to when you come to work. And it's not always fun and games, but they work hard. It's a really good environment and I'm pretty proud of that because I think that's one of my main goals in being in business is to really create that culture." Josh Cunningham - All Outside (Landscaping)

Josh and his wife Lyndall have built All Outside, based in regional NSW, into a thriving business on the back of building a culture where the people want to be there. From the outset, and even when times where very tough in the early years, Josh was committed to creating a culture that looked after the team.

Hear how Josh works on the culture daily to maintain 'The Way We Do It Here'. Starting with one casual to now have a team of 14, Josh has built his success on the back of his mantra 'the team are the most important asset' and 'we're only as good as our people'. If you are looking to attract and retain great people then you need to focus on enabling your team to thrive. When your team thrives your business is going to thrive.

Key takeaways from this episode that will transform your business to 'Power Up' to the next level:

1. Culture is everything - how to build a culture where people love working there.
2. The power of allowing the team to have buy-in and ownership.
3. How a thriving team will drive productivity and profitability.
4. The team will decide if new hires stay or go.
5. Every situation faced choices are to be aligned to company values.
6. Team culture is positioning the business as industry leaders in the region.

Resources mentioned:

• 'Power Up Coaching Program' - Let's have a chat to see how we can help you and your business - Email Matthew - [email protected].
• 'Power Up Your Tradie Business' book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I was looking at all these new different things and had all these great ideas. But I wasn't actually applying myself to doing the actual hard work to get it right. I was just skimming the surface on things and then getting frustrated because it wasn't working. And that frustration carried onto the team." Markus Mueller - Outdoor Solutions Queensland

Growing to $3 million turnover by 2020, having started the business In 2010, Markus was frustrated and stressed. The business was losing money, positive change was needed, however Markus made excuses as to why the business wasn't improving. He was distracted, lacking the focus and discipline to implement our 'Success Habits' process required to turn the business around.

Fast track to 2023 Markus is now 100% committed to trusting the process, the excuses have been dropped, replaced with 'inch wide mile deep' focus. Drawing confidence and belief from the Cube Performance Community of like minded business owners, Markus has removed all distractions in order to be great at implementing the 'Success Habits'. From a less is more approach, Markus has reduced clients and turnover, however increased productivity, profit and importantly more fun.

Key takeaways from this episode that will transform your business to 'Power Up' to the next level:

1. Stop making excuses - if you want change make the hard calls just do it.
2. Success leaves clues - follow successful like minded community groups.
3. Be great at the little things like planning and the big results will follow.
4. Understanding the art of the conversation builds rapport and trust.
5. Key to success is having regular weekly rhythm - lock in Success Habits these are your rocks. 
6. Great preparation removes daily frustrations.
7. To improve personal productivity you must focus on maintaining personal health.

Resources mentioned:

• 'Power Up Coaching Program' - Let's have a chat to see how we can help you and your business - Email Matthew - [email protected].
• 'Power Up Your Tradie Business' book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We were lost on our numbers, weekends weren't weekends, working Saturday, Sunday, just crazy hours. I was probably looking for an early heart attack, to be honest, just in terms of those crazy stress levels that we were facing every day." Kate & Kieran Moriarty - KPM Plumbing

In 2014 Kate and Kieran started with $100, then they slogged it out for the next six years, in the 'tradie mindset' of being busy saying yes to everyone. Working long hours, no holidays, highly stressed, with limited financial rewards, all of which placed pressure on Kate and Kieran's relationship.

Fast track to 2020 when Kate & Kieran knew they needed to make drastic changes and reached out for support, joining our 'Power Up Coaching Program'. Implementing our processes, getting pushed out of their comfort zone, building team culture, and a focus on 'A-Class' clients. The result, a thriving $3 million business, a thriving family life, and the purchase of their dream property, all of which they never previously thought possible.

Key takeaways from this episode that will transform your business to 'Power Up' to the next level:

1. If it was easy everyone would do it - to succeed you have to be prepared to get uncomfortable to make positive change.
2. Why it is important to remember you are not that important - get out of the way.
3. Having clear processes sets you free.
4. Less is more - quality over quantity.
5. Preparation is the key to delivering consistently great results..
6. How defining your values and desired behaviours removes emotion and stress from potentially difficult situations.
7. Making your team feel valued increases ownership and accountability.

Resources mentioned:

• 'Power Up Your Tradie Business' book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY
• 'Power Up Coaching Program' - Let's have a chat to see how we can transform your business - REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You taught me to change my mindset to work 'ON' the business continually. This is not a quick fix, but a continual process to make it better with better systems. Previously I was never given the knowledge how to operate a business how it should be run." Matt Lowlett - Endless Landscapes

This is an inspirational story of Matty Lowlett, from Endless Pools and Landscapes, who has been on a rollercoaster journey like most business owners. Nothing goes in a straight line from a business perspective, there are always ups and downs. Matty is now being rewarded with great success, having turned around his business over the past 12 months, on the back of his dedicated focus implementing his 'success habits' that has delivered high productivity and profitability.

This episode is packed full of great reminders for all business owners who want to build a business that serves them to deliver time and money. You must focus on 'A-Class' clients only, you must show that you care for your team, and you must get educated on your financial numbers. Success comes down to one word - FOCUS!

Key takeaways from this episode that will transform your business to 'Power Up' to the next level:

1. Business is hard if all you do is focus on the job - Focus on processes to manage the job.
2. To succeed you MUST focus your time working ON the business.
3. You MUST say NO to poor clients - they suck the life out of you.
4. Investing in your team is critical to attracting and retaining great people.
5. Having one on one conversations with individuals shows that you care.
6. Developing team members delivers great satisfaction.
7. Know your numbers - put simple you must own your financial scorecard.

Resources mentioned:

• 'Power Up Your Tradie Business' book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY
• 'Power Up Coaching Program' - Let's have a chat to see how we can transform your business - REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You have to be vulnerable because without being that, without being vulnerable, without putting yourself forward, you're never going to build connection with your team. When you put yourself forward and you're vulnerable and you have the courage to say, you know, today is really a shit day for me, you're actually owning it. And we can't be happy and positive all the time that's not the way that we're wired." Danielle Buckley - Coaching Psychologist

Given the past very challenging 2 years we have all faced this is a fantastic episode for all business owners, tradies, apprentices, and parents. Danielle is an Australian Registered and Coaching Psychologist, who uses the science of psychology to improve the way people experience life at home, at work and all the places in between. 

For almost 20 years Danielle has helped both individuals and organisations, including working with trade apprentices, to invest in 'mental wellness prescription strategies' that provide the tools and techniques to flourish. Danielle passionately advocates everyone to intentionally invest in their mental health to create high levels of well-being.

If you are unsure how to transform your business and power up to the next level then you’ll find the answers in this interview, including:

• What is the prescription to mental wellness?
• Why being vulnerable shows courage?
• Why we all require social connection to flourish?
• How autonomy and competency drives confidence?
• How positivity and purpose connects people for the greater good?
• And plenty more …

Resources mentioned:

• Power Up Your Tradie Business book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY (enter promo code - podcast)
• Power Up Coaching Program - Email to see if we can help REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We have this belief that for every apprentice that comes through they will be better than the last one because the bar just keeps getting set higher and higher, and the performance gets better and better. Our apprentices are pushing for the training and their learnings are just off the charts." Peter Hill - Hills Electrical

This episode is a blueprint for how Tradie business owners can 'WIN THE WAR ON TALENT'. Across Australia there is a shortage of quality tradesman and this is only going to get worse. To ensure your business stays ahead of the pack you MUST maintain your capacity to deliver high quality work consistently.

Peter Hill, from Hills Electrical, shares how 'building talented tradesman from within' starts with investing time training and coaching apprentices to build their skill base, and importantly grow their confidence. It is very exciting to hear how Peter has developed 2nd year apprentices who can deliver output to the level of a quality tradesman. This is a must listen episode.

If you are unsure how to transform your business and power up to the next level then you’ll find the answers in this interview, including:

• Why investing in training apprentices will deliver a competitive advantage?
• Why it is important to allow apprentices to make mistakes?
• How building confidence in apprentices fast tracks development?
• How the new generation of apprentices require 'purpose & pride' in their roles?
• Why patience is critical to allow people to 'flourish'?
• And plenty more …

Resources mentioned:

• Power Up Your Tradie Business book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY (enter promo code - podcast)
• Power Up Coaching Program - Email to see if we can help REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I thought the more I was on the tools the more cash I would have. I was doing all the admin from 7 to 10 at night, and everything was done very poorly. I would be wired so I couldn't switch off to get to sleep because I would be thinking about what I have just been doing for the past 3 hours." Jason Hobson - Perth Air & Power Solutions

Starting Perth Air & Power Solutions in 2014, Jason Hobson quickly got into the cycle of working all day on the tools and then working all night doing the admin work. As the team grew to 5, so to did the stress along with working longer hours. Jason was rushing to complete quotes and invoicing, combined with poor planning and poor communication with his team, resulted in lots of mistakes and lots of lost money.

Since making the commitment to transition off the tools in early 2021, Jason no longer works at night. Now focused on scheduling 'Success Habits' into his calendar allows Jason to invest quality time in the office directing the business, rather than chasing his tail on the job site. This has delivered increased profit, increased productivity, and most importantly an increased quality of lifestyle with his young family.

If you are unsure how to transform your business and power up to the next level then you’ll find the answers in this interview, including:

• Why your 'Value' to the business is to invest time in the office?
• Why you must 'Transition' off the tools to deliver sustained success?
• How working more on the tools leads to increased stress and less cash?
• How to prioritize time during the day to eventually free up your time?
• Why it is important to invest time to become better at business?
• And plenty more …

Resources mentioned:

• Power Up Your Tradie Business book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY (enter promo code - podcast)
• Power Up Coaching Program - Email to see if we can help REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I have changed my mindset and I am enjoying being a coach for the team onsite, rather than being the boss onsite. Often I will say I am the apprentice now and ask the team what do you want me to do, which gets the apprentices to think about the job differently which has created a big advantage for their skill development." Brenton Neville - Brenton Neville Plumbing

Brenton & Tanya Neville commenced Brenton Neville Plumbing 2012, based in Atherton near Cairns. Struggling through the first 3 years, 5 years, 8 years operating the business where cash was always tight, working long hours, and significantly NOT being able to go away on a 'stress free' holiday. Being enslaved to the job, something had to change. This started with a change in mindset towards how the team needed to be treated in terms of training and coaching.

Over the past 12 to 18 months Brenton has invested time, energy and money into training, coaching and empowering the entire team. The RESULT - 4 weeks 'stress free' holiday, no calls, clients happy, record sales and profit quarter! This is a massive step towards building a business that can operate under management. All based on developing a high performing team with an accountability culture who accept ownership. 

If you are unsure how to transform your business and power up to the next level then you’ll find the answers in this interview, including:

• Why your 'Culture' sets your performance expectations?
• Why having 'Trust' in the team is critical to your success?
• How being a 'Coach' NOT a 'Boss' is key to your leadership?
• How to step away to allow the team take ownership?
• Why 'efficiency' NOT 'speed' drives productivity?
• And plenty more …

Resources mentioned:

• Power Up Your Tradie Business book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY (enter promo code - podcast)
• Power Up Coaching Program - Email to see if we can help REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Taking the time to set up the processes for our new admin manager role was critical for success. Audrey has now taken all the admin tasks load, the team appreciate the business is now running smoother, and I can now be proactive in managing the business. It has made a world of difference, it has provided me with great confidence for the future and given me my life back."                                                                              Byron O'Reilly - Premier Gas & Plumbing

Byron O'Reilly, who is based in Adelaide, started Premier Gas & Plumbing in early 2019. Typical of a new 'tradie business owner', he quickly became very busy, saying yes to all work, working long hours, limited family time, and no cash in the bank. However, NOT typical of a tradie business owner, Byron quickly realised he needed coaching and support if he was to build a profitable, sustainable business that can operate without him.  

With business quickly growing to over $1million, Byron understood the critical importance of hiring an Administration Manager to run the office. Before hiring, Byron invested 6 months into defining the role, setting up processes, and outlining a detailed induction plan. 'Hiring Slow' ensured the right person; Audrey; was hired for the role, and a detailed training and support process guaranteed Audrey thrived in the role. The reward? Byron has time to invest in the team and 'A-Class' clients, resulting in a 165% increase in Operating Profit!

If you are unsure how to transform your business and power up to the next level then you’ll find the answers in this interview, including:

• Why 'Hiring Slow' is key to successful recruitment?
• Why your Administration Manager role is critical to your success?
• How stepping back allows the business to drive forward?
• How to have the team take ownership and accountability?
• Why 'Less is More' delivers more profit and improves lifestyle?
• And plenty more …

Resources mentioned:

• Power Up Your Tradie Business book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY (enter promo code - podcast)
• Power Up Coaching Program - Email to see if we can help REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It's been great. The boys know that we no longer do residential or commercial building, it's just the commercial maintenance. They know where they're going and it's slowed down, everything is a lot slower. We've got more time to concentrate on what we're doing and they're loving it. The focus has completely changed improving client satisfaction resulting in a 500% increase in reviews."                                                                              Paul Wilkinson - PBR Plumbing

In early 2020 Paul Wilkinson, who has operated his business PBR Plumbing for 15years, was at a stage where he was uncertain about the future of the business. He was unsure what steps to take that will allow him more time to invest 'ON' the business that would ultimately assist in delivering greater financial reward. He wanted to give it one last chance before potential closure.

Upon joining the Cube Performance community Paul has made some tough decisions that has profoundly changed the way he now operates his business. By cutting clients allowed more time to focus on his 'A-Class' clients and to invest in his team. The result - 500% increase in reviews, 5 times increase in work orders from existing clients, and increase in 'A-Class' quality referrals.

If you are unsure how to transform your business and power up to the next level then you’ll find the answers in this interview, including:

• Why less clients results in increased profit (less is more)?
• Why investing in your team is vital to delivering client satisfaction?
• How actively listening to clients builds trust in a relationship?
• How to increase reviews and quality referrals?
• Why you cannot be great at all types of marketing?
• And plenty more …

Resources mentioned:

• Power Up Your Tradie Business book by Matthew Jones - GRAB YOUR FREE COPY (enter promo code - podcast)
• Power Up Coaching Program - Email to see if we can help REQUEST A CALL

Podcast links:  

Podcast Studio: RadioHub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.