Electrical Lords // The Sparky Coach Lounge with Brad Hibberd 

This week on the lounge we have none other than Brad Hibberd (aka Hib) from Hib Electrical based out of “gods country” (aka Tasmania). 

Hib Electrical are super diversified. They do a whole range of everything from electrical projects, service work, commercial work, industrial work, solar, batteries, air con + whatever else gets thrown their way. 

Hib is no doubt a full time legend, such a wealth of knowledge, super switched on, very thoughtful + kind hearted, and we are so unbelievably lucky to have him in our community. 

We chatted about business, growth, risk taking, revenue vs profit, numbers, fully dialling in your numbers, hiring staff before you need them, advertising, investing into the business, commercial property, operations managers, admin, and more! 

Hope you enjoy xx 

Keywords

revenue, growth, client satisfaction, employee performance, business strategy, staffing challenges

Summary

The conversation explores the challenges of balancing revenue growth with maintaining high standards of client satisfaction and employee performance. It highlights the risks of rapid growth, such as overextending resources and compromising service quality.

Takeaways

With a revenue focus growth goal, the danger is you're always focused external.

If revenue goes up too quickly, you can end up doing work for people that you shouldn't really be doing work for.

You can lose excellent clients by underperforming with underperforming staff members or processes.

Titles

Navigating Revenue Growth Challenges

The Balance of Growth and Client Care

Sound bites

"the danger is you're always focused external"

"you end up doing work for people that you shouldn't really be doing work for"

"you can end up in a mode of losing excellent clients"

Chapters

00:00 Starting the Journey: Business Beginnings

00:34 Navigating Rapid Growth and Its Challenges

“We at the hotel motel holiday iinnnnnnnnn”. 

While some of us (ok ok mainly just me) are learning that this in fact a Pitbull song, the rest of us (ok ok maybe everyone) will be wondering what on earth does Pitbull, hotels, motels and holiday inns have to do with your electrical business? 

It is, in fact, a good question. 

Recently I was at our local show. It was pretty much an all out carny affair full of luxury items (nay, the necessities) like dodgem cars, fairy floss and hotted up V8 tractor races. You know, all the classics. 

While taking my boys on the dodgem cars the lyrics of this 2009 classic song rang loudly in my ears…

“Forget about your boyfriend and meet me at the hotel room”. 

“WE AT THE HOTEL MOTEL HOLIDAY INNNNNNNNNN”. 

Now it’s in your head. You’re welcome. 

But it got me thinking… 

Sometimes in business we can get caught up treating new clients and new staff really well, all the while not offering the same level of service or availability to our existing clients. 

If a new client calls, or wants changes, or challenges a price, sometimes the answer can be “yeh sure no problem let me look into it!” 

If an existing client calls, or wants changes, or challenges a price, sometimes the answer can be “omg this client is sooooo annoying and hard to deal with!” 

So what’s the answer? 

Treat everyone like you’re quiet. Treat everyone like you need them. Treat everyone like you value them. 

Summed up? Treat everyone as you would want to be treated. 

It’s the only way to please the trade gods. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Keywords

marketing, client relations, staff retention, supportive environment, business success

Summary

This conversation delves into the critical aspects of marketing and client relations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and support within a business. It highlights how the quality of interactions, both with clients and staff, significantly impacts overall success.

Takeaways

The marketing product includes all touch points made with clients.

Staff retention is crucial for business success.

Clients must feel valued to maintain relationships.

Effective communication is key in client interactions.

Onsite work is less impactful than offsite handling.

A supportive work environment enhances staff happiness.

Clear expectations lead to better client satisfaction.

Invoices and progress claims should match client expectations.

Happy staff contribute to better client experiences.

Business success is rooted in strong relationships.

Titles

The Power of Effective Marketing

Building Strong Client Relationships

Sound bites

"The variation matches what I said it's gonna be."

"The clients feel valued."

"The staff members feel happy and supported."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:43 Holistic Business Approach

“Boats n hoes boats n hoes gotta have me my boats n hoes” // Step Brothers 

You know the song! 

Ah Step Brothers, what a movie! Greatest of all time? Maybe not, but definitely up there in my top 10 that’s for sure. 

Today we are talking about office essentials. 

What can’t you live without? What do you “gotta have” in there? What is a must have or essential item to ensure that you have the most productive day?

The office is the engine room of the business. We all know the money is made or lost in the office, so let’s start to place the office work as hyper critical to the ongoing success of a business. 

I cannot stress this enough: it’s so important that we absolutely nail the time that we get in there. 

So we put it the question of office essentials out to some big dogs for some market research. 

The simplicity of some of the results may not shock you, but hopefully they inspire you.  

Get after it xx 

Keywords

office essentials, productivity, workspace setup, technology, processes, self-care, efficiency, distractions, comfort, organization

Summary

In this conversation, Sparky Coach Group and Cameron discuss essential items and practices for creating an efficient and productive office environment. They explore various topics including the importance of comfort, technology, processes, and personal care in enhancing productivity. The discussion emphasizes the need for a well-organized workspace, effective tools, and the significance of self-care in maintaining focus and efficiency.

Takeaways

• Coffee is a must-have for many in the office.
• An ergonomic chair can greatly improve comfort and productivity.
• Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace is essential.
• Good electronics can prevent unnecessary delays.
• Establishing consistent procedures can streamline operations.
• Using technology like electronic takeoffs can simplify quoting.
• Having multiple screens can enhance workflow efficiency.
• Self-care practices contribute to better productivity.
• Minimizing distractions is key to maintaining focus.
• Setting up a productive workspace is crucial for success.

Titles

• Essential Office Items for Productivity
• Creating a Comfortable Workspace

Sound Bites

• "Good electronics are essential."
• "Two screens are a must."
• "Ice water is really big for me."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Office Essentials

02:59 Key Office Items for Productivity

05:52 The Importance of Processes and Systems

08:56 Technology and Tools for Efficiency

11:45 Personal Comfort and Environment

14:49 The Role of Organization in Business

17:48 Maximizing Focus and Productivity

20:58 Wrapping Up and Future Considerations

So pumped to have Willman (Willman Electrical) + Heath (hspark Electrical) drop by the lounge for a chat. 

We discuss pricing, sales, the importance of weekly invoicing, sparkies helping sparkies, branding, business growth, client relationships + much more. 

We even manage to give some PG relationship advice along the way!! 

I’ve got a lot of respect for these guys and I am super thankful they came past for a catch up. 

We even managed to get a lighthouse sunrise in and an amazing Thai dinner banquet style. 

What a time to be alive!! 

Enjoy the pod x  

Keywords

pricing, consumer behavior, business strategies, market competition, value perception

Summary

The conversation delves into the critical role of pricing in consumer decision-making and business strategies. It highlights how consumers often prioritize cost over other factors, regardless of brand reputation or product quality.

Takeaways

• Price is a huge factor in consumer decisions.
• Consumers will choose the cheaper option when available.
• Brand reputation does not guarantee higher sales.
• Effective pricing strategies are essential for business success.
• Understanding consumer behavior is key to pricing.
• Market competition influences pricing decisions.
• Value perception can affect consumer choices.
• Businesses must adapt to consumer price sensitivity.
• Pricing should reflect market realities.
• Transparency in pricing can build consumer trust.

Titles

• Understanding the Impact of Pricing
• Consumer Choices: Price vs. Value

Sound Bites

• "Price is a huge factor."
• "No one's trying to pay more for the same product."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sparky Coach Lounge

00:38 Managing Cash Flow and Invoicing Strategies

Insert Vince Vaughn from Old School saying “ear muffs ear muffs” lololol. 

The Christmas run in is real!! 6 weeks to go. Crazy hey?!? 

So often in the busy-ness of business it’s incredibly easy to make a bad decision / mistake. 

For instance, sending the wrong person to the right job, having the wrong person in general, a quick quote that’s not thought through enough, a phone conversation when it should have been an email and so on and so on. 

We know the best decisions are made with a clear headspace. And we know that sometimes you have to slow down to speed up. 

So go grab a coffee / beer / kombucha and grab the headspace that you need. 

Your business needs you to be thinking clearly and enjoying the compound effect of multiple good decisions in a row. 

Also FYI… if you haven’t already, go back and have a listen (or even a re-listen) to our pod series “Your Smile Fades In The Summer” which contains your checklist / must do items for you to have you best December / January period ever. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Keywords

decision-making, headspace, great decisions, time management, careful planning

Takeaways

• The best decisions often come from a clear headspace.
• Taking extra time can lead to better decision-making.
• It's important to check schedules and tasks before making decisions.
• Great decisions require careful planning and consideration.
• Small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in outcomes.
• Decision-making is not just about big items, but also about the details.
• A good decision can be compared to fine-tuning a process.
• Investing time in decision-making pays off in the long run.
• The right tools and checks can enhance decision quality.
• Mindfulness in decision-making can lead to greater success.

Summary

This conversation emphasizes the significance of having a clear headspace for effective decision-making. It highlights that great decisions often stem from careful planning and attention to detail, rather than just focusing on major items. The discussion encourages taking the necessary time to ensure that all aspects of a decision are considered, leading to better outcomes.

Titles

• Mastering Decision-Making
• The Art of Thoughtful Choices

Sound Bites

• "Great decisions are found in the headspace."
• "It's about taking the extra time."
• "Check the schedule, check the tasks."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

Ok you know the song. It’s from one of the greatest movies of all time Step Brothers. 

It goes like this… “boats n hoes boats n hoes gotta have me my boats n hoes”. 

And omg… LOL. What a movie. What a time to be alive. 

But the song got me thinking, what have you “gotta have” in your business? 

So we started a series. We start it with part one (obvs), welcome to the discussion on site necessities. 

We asked around some of our mates and compiled the answers for your listening / viewing pleasure. 

And let us know, what are your “must haves” on site? 

Lessgoooo xxx 

Keywords

construction, collaboration, critical pathways, project management, building process

Summary

The conversation focuses on the importance of collaboration among team members on construction sites and the significance of understanding critical pathways in project management to ensure efficient workflow and prioritization of tasks.

Takeaways

• Collaboration is key to successful project execution.
• Understanding the critical pathway helps in prioritizing tasks.
• Awareness of the build pathway is essential for efficiency.
• Effective communication among team members enhances workflow.
• Prioritizing tasks can prevent delays in construction projects.
• Roughing in and fitting off must be strategically planned.
• Site management requires constant awareness of ongoing tasks.
• Team collaboration can lead to better problem-solving.
• Construction projects benefit from clear role definitions.
• Critical pathways can change based on project needs.

Titles

• The Importance of Collaboration in Construction
• Navigating Critical Pathways for Project Success

Sound Bites

• "Make sure you're of collaborating with all the people on site."
• "Are we roughing in upstairs or fitting off upstairs?"
• "Downstairs is priority, bathrooms is a priority."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to On-Site Essentials

Wasssuppp lords! 

On today’s session of “Sunday School” we have none other than Josh Ford aka Fordy aka The Ford Lord aka the unofficial god / deity of starting businesses and social media. 

Ford gives us a pretty thorough run through of Capcut and how he uses it to edit his videos for New Age and Lock Out + Live etc. 

In the modern world of social media if you’re producing a lot of content there is nothing quite like gripping it and ripping it (ie knowing how to do it yourself). 

If you’re starting out taking it in house will save you a lot of $$, and if you’re business is performing this will keep the brand authentic and your unique messaging strong. 

And if you’re scared to put yourself out there on the line aka the internet? 

Key point: life is too short to be worried about what anyone thinks of you or to lose any sleep over people who don’t support you wholeheartedly.

Side note: This is a session best watched infant of a screen rather than driving. 

Hope you enjoy! xx 

Keywords

podcast, video editing, content creation, social media, filming techniques, renovation insights, audio quality, POV filming, editing tools, business growth, video editing, CapCut, copyright music, social media marketing, B-roll, multi-camera editing, branding, Instagram, video effects, professional media

Takeaways

• Video content is essential for brand building.
• Investing in good equipment enhances video quality.
• Consistency in filming orientation is crucial.
• POV filming can capture engaging content.
• Editing apps can simplify the video creation process.
• Social media is a powerful tool for networking.
• Captions can significantly increase viewer engagement.
• Audio quality is as important as video quality.
• Understanding your audience helps tailor content.
• Experimenting with different content types can yield unexpected results. Navigating copyright issues is crucial when using music in videos.
• CapCut offers a user-friendly interface for video editing.
• Filters and effects can significantly enhance video quality.
• Creating engaging content requires attention to detail and creativity.
• Exporting videos properly is essential for managing projects.
• Multi-camera editing can streamline podcast production.
• Incorporating B-roll footage adds depth to video content.
• Collaborating with professionals can elevate media quality.
• Social media is a powerful tool for brand building.
• Effective marketing strategies can lead to business growth.

Titles

• Mastering Video Content Creation
• The Art of Filming and Editing

Sound Bites

• "It draws people in to know who you are."
• "You can just tell she's more bubbly up."
• "It's good to have those links for sure."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup

02:56 Renovation Insights and Coaching Perspectives

05:15 The Importance of Video Content

07:36 Choosing the Right Equipment for Filming

09:33 Enhancing Audio Quality for Videos

12:40 Building a Digital Presence and Networking

15:35 Content Creation Strategies for Specific Industries

18:25 Utilizing POV Filming Techniques

21:12 Editing Videos Effectively with CapCut

24:29 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

40:35 Video Editing Tools and Effects

46:08 Adding Captions and Enhancing Engagement

50:12 Incorporating Music and Audio Adjustments

54:29 Using Filters and Visual Effects

01:00:16 Adding Logos and Text Animations

01:06:15 Editing Techniques and Exporting Videos

01:10:17 Syncing Multiple Clips for Podcasts

01:13:19 Utilizing B-Roll and Overlays

01:20:31 The Importance of Professional Media Collaboration

01:24:06 Engaging Your Team in Content Creation 

01:27:13 Building Your Brand Through Social Media 

01:33:44 Leveraging Professional Photography for Marketing 

01:36:26 Navigating Client Permissions for Showcasing Work

01:41:55 Marketing Strategies and Google Ads

Let’s face some facts, unless you have a serious chip in there will probably be a fair bit of work in getting your business (aka client base) off the ground. 

Common chips in include taking over a family business, having builder friends, having friends in high places in schools, knowing people in the commercial space, dating a contracts admin (lol), marrying a realtor or a real estate receptionist, having good family contacts and so on. 

These chip ins will be able to give you work, and not just one off jobs but repeat jobs, well into the future and maybe forever. 

If you don’t have these chip ins, you will need to find your way through to get to the ideal clients. 

Time in the game is one of the ways to find your way through the weeds. Once you have some time in the game you will hopefully have a good understanding of pricing and numbers, solid client base, a good reputation, more relationships, more reviews, a better social presence, and you will have probably completed some better / bigger jobs (and so on and so on). 

Put very simply, time in the game essentially means that you have completed more jobs, more people have seen you around and more people will know about you. 

And the more people that know about you the more opportunities you will have, so long as they respect you and know you consistently provide a good product obvs. 

I think most peoples businesses hit their straps around the 5 year mark. 

Can it happen sooner? Of course! 

Can it take longer? Hopefully not too much longer tbh coz the sweat stage of business is very hard. 

So we discuss all this, and more, in the pod. 

Enjoy xx 

Keywords

success, business, tipping point, pricing, reputation, time in the game, defining success, balance, entrepreneurship, growth

Summary

In this conversation, CrowDog and Cam discuss the nuances of success in business, exploring the subjective nature of what it means to be successful. They delve into the tipping points that can make business easier, the importance of pricing and reputation, and the role of time in the journey of entrepreneurship. The discussion emphasizes the need for balance in life and work, and the significance of defining personal success.

Takeaways

• Success is subjective and varies from person to person.
• There is no clear tipping point for success; it evolves over time.
• Pricing and reputation are crucial factors in business success.
• It's better to be quiet and profitable than busy and broke.
• Time in the game is essential for understanding business dynamics.
• Comparison can hinder personal growth and happiness.
• Healthy competition can motivate and inspire growth.
• Defining your own version of success is vital.
• Balance between work and personal life is crucial for long-term success.
• Building relationships and networks can significantly impact business growth.

Titles

• The Tipping Point of Success in Business
• Understanding the Role of Pricing and Reputation

Sound Bites

• "Run your own race."
• "Stay healthy in the head."
• "Enjoy, go boost today."

Chapters

00:00 The Tipping Point of Success

10:05 Understanding Pricing and Reputation

18:36 Time in the Game: The Journey of Business

24:02 Defining Success and Balancing Life

Ok so don’t let the title fool you or upset you, this is designed to bring up a very important topic: should you partner be doing the admin? 

So let’s face it, 5% of the time your partner doing admin works every time! Lolololol. 

We have put this pod together because we see too many people get their partner in an admin role without considering that the dynamic isn’t doesn’t work, their partner isn’t trained in it, isn’t interested, doesn’t enjoy it, could earn more money elsewhere, it’s an unrealistic expectation with the kids schedule, we are planning on having more kids, my kid doesn’t sleep (omg), my kid missed nap time again and so on and so on. 

The reality is you should have a weapon admin. You deserve a weapon admin. Nay, you need a weapon admin. 

You need an admin that is a blessing to your life. An admin that frees you up to do what you do best. An admin that is trained, talented, keen, goes over and above, and stays around. 

For some of you, that’s your partner. For most of you, that’s not. Either way, it’s ok. 

If having your partner in the office is working, great!! If not, great!!

Set the tasks, set the times, ask if it’s working, communicate well, communicate often, and run the best business you can. 

Oh and blink twice if you are ok lolololol. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Keywords

partner involvement, business admin, relationship dynamics, emotional boundaries, communication, skills assessment, opportunity cost, partnership success, business roles, family impact

Summary

In this conversation, Crowe and Cameron discuss the complexities of involving a partner in business administration. They explore the importance of setting clear boundaries, evaluating skills, and understanding emotional dynamics. The discussion emphasises the need for open communication and the potential impact on personal relationships. They also highlight the significance of assessing the long-term viability of such arrangements and the necessity of confronting challenges head-on.

Takeaways

• It's okay for it to work, it's okay for it not to work.
• Consider a trial period of three to six months.
• Clear KPIs and task lists are essential.
• Evaluate if the partner's skill set aligns with the tasks.
• Understand the opportunity cost of involving a partner.
• Emotional boundaries are crucial in business partnerships.
• Open and honest communication is necessary for success.
• Assess the long-term viability of the partnership.
• Mistakes in business can affect personal relationships.
• Regular check-ins can help maintain clarity and direction.

Titles

• Navigating Partner Involvement in Business Admin
• Setting Boundaries and Expectations in Partnerships

Sound Bites

• "It doesn't have to work."
• "Is it their skill set?"
• "You need to factor both people in."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Partner Involvement in Business Admin

02:49 Setting Boundaries and Expectations

06:04 Evaluating Skills and Opportunity Costs

08:55 Emotional Boundaries and Communication

12:03 Assessing Long-term Viability

14:50 Final Thoughts on Partner Dynamics

On this episode of the pod we have Sam Ackland from Alpha Tradie, Build Clean + Delta Temp. 

Sam and I have been back + forth over online sorcery (aka insta DM’s) over the past few months and we felt it was about time to jump on a pod and hang out for an hour or so. 

We discuss branding, marketing, organic content, product, charge out rates aka the age old debate of “$120+ per hour” (lol), the coaching industry, accounting, finances, company culture, raising up people from within plus much more. 

For me personally this was a huge step forward in bringing the coaching industry a little bit more together and breaking down my insecurity of having one of our “competitors” on the pod. 

Hope you enjoy xx 

Keywords

organic content strategy, brand building, key person of influence, team representation, finished product

Summary

In this conversation, Sam from Alpha Tradie discusses the importance of an organic content strategy centred around the concepts of head, heart, and hands. He emphasises the need for authenticity in branding and the significance of showcasing real people and finished products rather than resorting to gimmicky viral content.

Takeaways

• Focus on authentic content rather than viral trends.
• Position yourself as a key person of influence.
• Showcase your team to build trust.
• Highlight your finished products in your content.
• People connect with real individuals, not just brands.
• A curated feed should include real people.
• Avoid gimmicky content that doesn't represent your brand.
• Engage your audience with relatable content.
• Balance head, heart, and hands in your strategy.
• Content should reflect your brand's true identity.

Titles

• Mastering Organic Content Strategy
• Building Your Brand with Authenticity

Sound Bites

• "Don't try and create the viral bullshit."
• "How do you position yourself as a key person of influence?"
• "People buy from people."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Life and Business Ventures

00:26 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth

00:50 The Importance of Apprentices and Team Dynamics