The Blue Collar Future

In todays episode, Jaden talks about overcoming the after-work crash. So many people put in long hard days at work and get home and don't or can't do anything for themselves, let alone the people around them. It's easy to get into the habit of saying you had a "hard day at work" or "I'm too tired", and using them as an excuse when the work day is done. If this is you, and you don't have the energy to do anything after work, there are some easy steps you can take to overcome that. Here are 5 tips to overcoming the after-work crash

1. Have a Purpose: Plan things after work, get a hobby, make it about yourself and also more than yourself! You need to take care of yourself and do what you want to do. If you aren't doing those things, you can't hope to show up with enough energy for your family or those around you. You have to be selfish first
2. Delay Caffeine: You have to delay your caffeine intake until you've been up for 90-120 minutes. It is super important that your body wakes up on its own, the caffeine wakes you up, but impedes your body's natural ability to. It is a two-fold effect. It makes it harder to wake up and you also have a crash in the afternoon because your body didn't do what it was supposed to do. Also don't drink caffeine after 2 pm, that will also impede the body's natural process. Heres a link to The Huberman Lab Podcast for this topic: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/sleep-toolkit-tools-for-optimizing-sleep-sleep-wake-timing/id1545953110?i=1000575343682
3. Power Nap: The power nap is underrated. If you get home and are tired, take a 20 minute nap and it will give you a significant energy increase for the rest of the day. On the sleep topic, it is important to wake up at the same time every day even on the weekends and even if you go to bed late. Power naps are a good tool for when you don't get enough sleep.
4. Exercise: Do exercise. Lift weights. YES, EVEN IF YOU WORK A MANUAL LABOR JOB. Always be doing things to strengthen the body. All the work does is wear you out, the same thing over and over again. It doesn't strengthen you, so if you don't do things to strengthen your body you will have an increased likelihood of injury. Not to mention that it increases energy throughout the day.
5. Drink Plenty of Water: This is low hanging fruit, but something that not a lot of people do. Maybe even will be the first step for a lot of people. Water is essential, your body can't function properly without it. General rule of thumb would be to drink 1-2 bottles of water per each cup of coffee, energy drink or soda. Or just don't drink any of those and only drink water. Link for optimal water intake: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/how-to-optimize-your-water-quality-intake-for-health/id1545953110?i=1000602925839

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In today's solo episode, Jaden talks about maximizing your time and being efficient. It is so important to be able to maximize the time you have and be intentional, especially when there is a lot going on. If you have a family and job, you get pretty busy and it is hard to do anything else. Here are 5 tips to manage time better and be more efficient.

1. Remember that you always have time: One of the worst things we can get in the habit of telling ourselves is "I don't have time". It takes the power of our schedule away from us, and if you are constantly telling yourself you don't have time for things, it is harmful to you more than anything. Start flat out saying you don't want to do something, or if you do want to do something, make the time!
2. With everything you add into your schedule, you will become more effiecient: The crazy thing is, when you want to make time for something and you make it a priority, you find a way to make time. And, when you start adding more things into your schedule, more free time opens up.
3. Allow only as long for a task, as it should take to do it: The more time you give yourself to do something, the longer it will take. If something should take 1 day, and you give yourself a month deadline, you will take the whole month to do it. What you should start doing is placing more importance on getting things done, so they don't take longer than they should.
4. Get a morning routine: Same thing you always hear... The morning routine is the best thing you can do. Start by adding in 1 task that you do every single morning, and once that becomes a habit you can add another. The morning routine will set the mood for the whole day. Cold showers are a good way to help you wake up and they will increase your energy throughout the day. A morning workout will do the same thing. The both of them are a good combo and they set your natural clock, as well as improve mood and energy.
5. Get a consistent Daily, weekly schedule: Get as consistent as you can with activities you do during the day, or week. The more consistent you can get, the easier it is to plan other things and make time for other activities.

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In Todays episode Jaden is joined by Jake Dansie. Jake is a coach, and is the founder of The Sueno Project, Axiom Coaching as well as many other projects. He also hosts coaching events called Arena Nights as part of Axiom. Jake has worked in many different trade jobs, from being a diesel mechanic to home restoration. He has a culturally sensitive background and the people of mexico are close to his heart. As part of his efforts he helps out people in need in mexico! Jake has a wealth of knowledge in managing people from different cultures and it was awesome to talk to him about that.

You can find him on instagram @i_am_jakedansie. To find information about up and coming events you can go to instagram, @axiomalliance.

Follow The Sueno Project on instagram @thesuenoproject

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In todays episode, Jaden discusses the power of networking. A buzzword nowadays that has lost some of its zest, from being overused and misused. What is networking and why is it important? Networking is just making connections with people. Isn't networking only important for business owners? While it is mainly talked about from the aspect of business owners because it is so important, it is overlooked for anyone else. Everyone should be networking. This is how humans operate, making connections and grouping together. If you do network properly, it can open up tons of opportunities for you no matter what you do. Here are two reasons why networking is powerful, and three tips on what to do

1. Your connections will refer you to their connections, opening far more doors that you could've on your own. Friends like to refer and do business with friends
2. Its not what you know, but who you know. You can be an average applicant for a job, or an average or expensive bid on a job, and skip to the front of the line if you have the right connections. Even if you aren't the most qualified, you can get in ahead of overqualified candidates

Tips

1. Reach out to people in your field or similar fields. Bond over interests. This is important and doesn't even necessarily have to be people in your field. Bonding on social media over cars, often with no talk of business at all, can lead to awesome relationships and connections
2. Take a genuine interest in people, and learn their name! Such an underrated thing to do is learn peoples names. Very powerful ability to have under your belt

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In todays episode, Jaden discusses digital advertising for service based businesses with Michael Tandarich. Michael owns The Tandarich group, and he is a digital ads expert. They do websites and graphic design as well. Michael has a lot of experience running ads for contractors and service based companies. Jaden and Michael discuss what you should do as a contractor, and how there is a lot of conflicting information surrounding digital marketing. Michael is a wealth of knowledge in the digital marketing world. If you want to work with Michael for ads on your business you can reach out to him on instagram @miketandarich and his website at tandarichgroup.com. Check out his youtube channel for more as well! Youtube

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In todays episode, Jaden discusses the path to success in a blue collar job.

A lot of people have frustrations about the ability to grow and be promoted in some of these industries, as those options may be limited. However, the more you know and the more skilled you become, the better off you will be.

No matter the trade, you will learn valuable skills that will transfer to almost any other career you choose. Even when it comes to starting an unrelated business and using those skills to your advantage.

BUT, you don't always need to move forward with starting a business in mind. Not everyone needs to or should be a business owner. Some of you may just want to make good money with minimal headache.

Jaden talks about 5 "steps" to take whether you are getting started in a trade or switching trades, or even late in your career.

Heres what to do:

1. Find a trade, and stick to it: stick to it long enough to also decide whether or not you like it.
2. Learn everything you can: The more you know, the more valuable you are to an employer. Ask a lot of questions and go to work with the goal of learning something in mind.
3. Push yourself and make a consistent effort: Get out of your comfort zone, push yourself and be consistent. Can't show up powerfully one day and then lazily the next.
4. Once you can run a crew, your options are unlimited: This should be your goal from the start. Learn enough and be a good enough follower that you can then become a leader. With a few years experience running a crew or projects you will have awesome credentials to put towards another career
5. You could start a business... or climb your way up the ranks in a bigger company: If you want to grow more than your current position will let you, there is no shame in telling your employer and moving to another company. By this point you will have a ton of experience and be able to go anywhere you want

notes: the more networking you do, and the more people you know, the better off you will be. Networking is CRUCIAL. Networking gives you options when you hit a hard patch in a current position

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About The Guest(s): Jason Pie is a Los Angeles contractor, developer, and designer with a background in the music and entertainment industry. He has found his passion in the construction trades and is known for his work in the hardscape business. You can find him on instagram @jjpconstruction.

Summary: Jason Pie shares his journey from being a musician to becoming a contractor and developer in Los Angeles. He emphasizes the importance of finding success and continuously evolving in the trades. Jason also discusses the challenges of creating content for his YouTube channel and the importance of relinquishing control when working with a team.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding success in the trades requires continuous evolution and being unique.

• It's important to find joy in the creative aspects of construction and design.

• Sometimes it's easier to be the performer than the creator when it comes to creating content.

• Letting go of control and trusting others to produce content can be liberating.

• Editing and micromanaging content can be time-consuming and counterproductive.

Quotes:

• "Once you find success, you're like, okay, cool. I'm gonna ride that wave. But until then, you just have to keep on being unique and figuring out the next thing that might work." - Jason Pie

• "When you're not 100% dedicated to something, it's really hard to continuously drive it." - Jason Pie

If you like this episode, subscribe and share! Also leave a rating and review, it helps out a ton.

Join our exclusive community here

You can follow us on instagram @bluecollarfuture and @jadenrrobison.

If you're interested in a website, visit @robison_web on instagram or www.robisonweb.com

Find workouts and supplements here

(00:00:26) - Jason Pie's background as a contractor and designer in Los Angeles

(00:02:31) - The importance of continuously evolving and being unique in content creation

(00:04:14) - Jason's preference for being the performer rather than the creator

(00:06:06) - The benefits of handing over control of content creation

(00:06:38) - The challenges of wearing too many hats in creative work

(00:07:55) - Jason's transition from being a musician to working in construction

(00:09:38) - Jason's goals of making a certain amount of money and starting a family

(00:10:36) - Jason's intense schedule balancing work, college, and music

(00:11:37) - Losing interest in music and focusing on construction

(00:13:50) - Finding success in trade work and chasing that feeling

(00:15:51) - Replicating success and finding validation in work

(00:18:59) - Enjoying design work and problem-solving

(00:20:55) - Resilience in solving problems and maintaining a positive attitude

(00:21:59) - Concrete work requiring precision and problem-solving skills

(00:22:31) - Residential flatwork as a significant part of the job

(00:25:10) - Challenges of working in concrete: time-sensitive and weather-dependent

(00:28:21) - The benefit of having multiple contractors to stay busy

(00:29:11) - Personal experience with pursuing engineering and web development

(00:30:10) - Pressure to leave the trades for higher education

(00:31:42) - College degree not necessarily beneficial for career success

(00:32:44) - Learning on the job and getting paid to learn

(00:32:56) - Reflection on the value of college education

(00:33:52) - Importance of getting a job in the trades

(00:34:39) - Learning on the job and gaining experience

(00:35:58) - Comparing trade work to college education

(00:36:50) - Learning how to run a business through trade work

(00:40:25) - Challenges of starting a business without trade work experience

(00:42:42) - The importance of not shielding children from business responsibilities

(00:45:06) - Recommendations for getting started in the trades

(00:45:06) - Dropping the stigma around trade jobs

(00:45:06) - Showing the reality and future of trade work

(00:45:29) - Growing up in a Jewish world and not considering the trades

(00:47:08) - Speaking loudly about trade opportunities for young people

(00:49:11) - Lack of awareness about trade options

(00:51:06) - Encouraging young people to be open to opportunities

(00:53:54) - Construction industry still heavily reliant on human interaction

(00:55:32) - Construction industry unlikely to become highly technological

(00:57:50) - Hardscape business and selling strategies

(00:58:41) - Focus on new custom builds and big subdivisions

(00:59:31) - Challenges with homeowner work

(01:02:27) - The impact of rain on construction projects

(01:04:11) - Travel distance for jobs and limitations

(01:05:18) - Park City and high-end homes

(01:06:25) - Trusting contractors and job readiness

(01:07:27) - Market rate for concrete and labor

(01:08:23) - Discussion about the pay rate for finishers in Utah

(01:09:24) - Closing remarks and where to find Jason's content

(01:10:19) - Jason's vision for his YouTube channel

(01:11:20) - Jason's change in content production on YouTube

(01:12:07) - Jason's invitation to check out his YouTube channel

In this episode, Jaden talks to the idea of a "Work-Life balance". Unfortunately for some of you, there really is no such thing as a work life balance. Most people spend a large portion of their life chasing this perfect balance between their work and personal life, only to never find it and be disappointed. The thing is, it is never acheivable. Your work is a huge part of your life, and to try to separate them so much will just lead to instability. The best thing you can do is to figure out how to optimize time spent at work and at home, and to figure out how to get each part of your life to support each other. Jaden discusses 4 things to do to get to this point.

1. Get a schedule: Wake/sleep, eating, workouts, etc. Anything you can schedule and stick to, do it. Our bodies and even our lives are on a schedule. Circadian rythms, the sun rising and setting, going to work. The more consistency you can have with all your activities the better.
2. Make time for yourself: Self-care, health/fitness, hobbies. Take the time to invest in yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your body, mind and spirit come first!
3. Find a way to detach from work before you get home: You can't entirely separate you work and personal life, but you can get into a different mind state before you go to both. Prepare before you go to work, to get into work mode and be consistent. Find a way to prepare yourself to be at home before you get home, so you can show up powerfully for your family. Whether that be listening to music or not, saying a prayer, mentally prepping for 10 mins in the driveway, etc.
4. Be aware of plans, but not tied to them: When we have plans and schedules, it can be very frustrating when they go wrong. Do your best to stick to your plans, but when something happens that keeps you from them, don't worry so much about it and let it ruin your day. Adapt and pivot.

If you like this episode, subscribe and share! Also leave a rating and review, it helps out a ton.

You can follow us on instagram @bluecollarfuture and @jadenrrobison.

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About The Guest(s): Eric Triplet is the founder of The Pond Digger, a construction team that specializes in building ponds. With over 30 years of experience in the trades, Eric has a deep understanding of the construction industry and has successfully built a business around his passion for aquariums and breeding fish. He is also the creator of a coaching group for contractors, where he helps them improve their sales and communication skills.

Summary: In this episode, Jaden interviews Eric Triplet, the founder of The Pond Digger. Eric shares his journey from being a carpenter to starting his own business in the aquarium and pond construction industry. He emphasizes the importance of coaching and continuous improvement in the trades, and how it can lead to personal and professional growth. Eric also discusses the challenges of finding and retaining skilled employees in the current workforce, and offers insights on how to create a positive and attractive company culture. The conversation concludes with a discussion on effective sales communication strategies and the importance of pre-qualifying potential clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Coaching groups and continuous improvement are essential in the trades to stay ahead and grow personally and professionally.

• Creating an attractive company culture is crucial for attracting and retaining high-level employees.

• Effective sales communication involves asking the right questions and pre-qualifying potential clients.

• Personal excellence and leading by example are key to building a successful business and team.

Quotes:

• "If you're gonna go into business, you should still be honorable, respectful, loyal. All those things should still apply." - Eric Triplet

• "Those who play together, stay together." - Eric Triplet

• "Attraction starts with the messaging and the culture of the company." - Eric Triplet

You can find Eric on instagram @theponddigger. Join his free facebook group, The Contractor Circle, here. You can find his Contractor coaching here.

If you like this episode, subscribe and share! Also leave a rating and review, it helps out a ton.

Join our exclusive community here

You can follow us on instagram @bluecollarfuture and @jadenrrobison.

If you're interested in a website, visit @robison_web on instagram or www.robisonweb.com

Find workouts and supplements here

(00:03) - Introduction and connection through Instagram

(01:27) - Importance of coaching groups and bettering oneself

(04:11) - Transition from framing to aquarium installation and pond construction

(05:49) - Running a retail operation and selling fish

(06:30) - Discussion on starting a business vs. working for someone

(07:50) - Importance of learning and gaining experience before starting a business

(08:39) - Coaching experience and helping others

(09:16) - Observations from other coaches and being the best version of oneself

(10:01) - The motivation behind starting a coaching group

(10:40) - Benefits of teaching and staying on top of one's game

(10:41) - Eric talks about his coaching group and the importance of self-improvement.

(11:55) - Jaden discusses the need for coaching and learning before starting a business.

(12:39) - Eric shares his experience of finding a mentor in the fishing business.

(13:40) - Eric relates coaching to the trades industry and the importance of tough love.

(14:54) - Jaden mentions the challenges of finding help in the trades and the need for a culture change.

(15:45) - Eric emphasizes the importance of personal excellence and getting back to hard work.

(17:10) - Eric discusses the need for integrity from the top down in order to create a strong work culture.

(18:00) - Jaden asks about finding quality employees and Eric explains his approach.

(20:33) - Eric suggests flipping the script and focusing on why tradesmen would want to work for a contractor.

(20:33) - Eric discusses attracting people through messaging and brand equity.

(21:34) - Jaden agrees and emphasizes the importance of social media.

(22:33) - Jaden asks how to attract people who may not be interested.

(23:18) - Eric suggests having a bigger purpose and mission for the company.

(23:56) - Eric shares the importance of creating a positive culture.

(25:56) - Jaden emphasizes the need for small businesses to create an attractive workplace.

(26:56) - Eric mentions the challenge of low margins for contractors.

(27:44) - Eric shares his experience of creating memorable experiences for his team.

(29:09) - Jaden asks about the sales script role plays in Eric's coaching group.

(29:53) - Eric explains the importance of effective communication in sales.

(31:07) - Pre-qualifying clients by asking open-ended questions and gathering information.

(33:19) - Applying the sales communication process to employee hiring.

(34:15) - Creating a positive work culture to attract and retain employees.

(37:44) - Using personality profiling to understand and communicate with employees.

(40:29) - Where to find more about Eric and his coaching group.

Today Jaden discusses some of the stories that we tell ourselves that just aren't true. If you've ever told yourself you can't do something, or if you have ideas about the way things are that are passed down from your parents, grandparents, or maybe even your own experiences, chances are they aren't true.

Its hard to break away from what you "know" and figure out that it may actually not be true. So we hold on desperately to what we know because if we do that, then who are we? It becomes our identity.

Here are some stories that you may have heard, from the aspect of the core 4(power, passion, purpose, and production)

1. Power: "I'm big boned". "That is easy for you to say, you're young and fit", "I'm too old for this" "I just can't lose weight", "I have a hard job, I need my rest when I get home so I don't need to exercise" "I have a manual labor job, so I don't need to watch what I eat or workout. I move enough"
2. Passion: "I'm never going to find the one", "There must be something wrong with me because none of my relationships ever work", "They are the ones causing all the problems, I'm not doing anything"
3. Purpose: "If I don't love what I do, I can't do it", "I HATE what I do", "I can't be a ... thats not who I am", "I'm just not a morning person".
4. Production: "trade jobs aren't careers", "I need to get out of construction and go tocollege", "a college degree is all that is going to make me money","If you're not smart enough for college, you'll just work in construction"

Theres a common theme here with the stories we tell. Avoid the "justs" and "but". I could do that "but" I just don't have time. etc.

When you start to reframe these things, a whole new life of possibilities opens up to you. There is no reason that some arbitrary story should standing in your way the way that they do

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