Today's guest Steve Myers, a retired wildlife biologist specializing in birds, shares actionable steps to attract birds to your backyard. Steve discusses his love and fascination with birds and shares how to create a bird-friendly habitat in your backyard, including providing food and water sources, nesting boxes, native plants, etc.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Steve's background on his love and fascination with birds

• The impact of wind turbines on the environment and bird populations

• Efforts Steve made to attract birds in his backyard

• Different types of feeders for different bird species

• Prioritizing the well-being of the birds and ensuring their food source is clean and safe

• Eric and Steve's sightings of various bird species

• How attracting small birds to the backyard also attracts raptors

• Plant species that attract birds and plants that are toxic to them

• Planning where to place bird feeders to avoid issues with bird droppings

• Inspiring people to appreciate birds and make bird-friendly environments

• The issue of invasive species and the importance of removing them to protect the ecosystem

Mentioned

Steve Myers on LinkedIn

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Consultation process involves significant time and resources, so it's reasonable to charge for consultation services. In order to ensure that contractors are adequately compensated for their time and effort, Eric recommends contractors charge for their expertise during site visits and property estimates.

In this episode, we talk about…

• The importance of contractors charging for their time and how it can benefit their business

• Dispelling any negative perceptions associated with charging for consultation services

• The differences between contractors who provide free estimates and those who charge for their time

• Effectively communicating the value of design consultation services to prospective clients

• Conducting business in a professional manner without sacrificing personal well-being and family time

• The importance of professionalism, punctuality, and communication in building trust with clients

• Assessing a potential client's readiness to move forward with a project before scheduling a meeting

• Eric's experience with charging for in-person consultations as a contractor

• Overcoming their fear of charging for your time

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Small ponds can be impressive as long as they are done right, and size should not be a constraint in designing a pond! Today's guest is Larry Carnes from Reflections Water Gardens. Larry shares his industry experience building both large-scale and small-scale ponds over the years.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Larry's background in design and art and how he got into water features

• Challenges and opportunities in the pond industry

• The importance of total design and getting creative with smaller projects

• How Larry's rebellious attitude has influenced his approach to running his business

• Understanding the biology of fish and providing a good habitat for the fish to thrive

• The factors necessary for a good pond environment

• Meeting the client's needs and preferences in landscaping rather than imposing your style

• The blessing and curse of having a full-time crew

• Creating a culture within the company, teaching and training employees, and setting standards for the team to follow

• The difficulties of transitioning from a tradesperson to an entrepreneur

• Larry's approach to incorporating wood into projects involving small ponds

• The challenge of balancing client expectations and project budgets

• Larry's experience as a judge in a waterfall competition

Mentioned

Reflections Water Gardens Website

Reflections Water Gardens on IG

Podcast Buddy for all your podcasting needs - https://www.podcastbuddy.co/

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

A high-status contractor practices different strategies and business practices than a regular contractor. And Eric is here to share his insights on how to become one. He provides valuable tips and tricks to help you deliver excellent service, be profitable, and build long-term relationships with your clients.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Important things to focus on to become a high-status contractor

• The significance of knowing your numbers to run a successful business

• Asking questions and listening to clients to avoid losing out on job opportunities

• Suggestion for sharing the job process to enhance customer experience

• Charging for consultations as an essential business practice

• Mistakes Eric made in the past that lowered his status as a contractor

• Understanding the needs and expectations of high-status clients and providing the level of service they require

Mentioned

Podcast Buddy for all your podcasting needs - https://www.podcastbuddy.co/

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Mother Nature has been doing a better job of controlling algae than the solutions that have been engineered! Today's guest, Kelly Billing, is an aquatic plant specialist and a water garden expert.

Kelly shares some amazing insights on water quality management in ponds by natural means and aquatic plants.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Kelly's journey into the world of aquatic plants

• Reducing the use of chemicals for water quality management

• Ecosystem management based on the natural way of absorption of nutrients

• Plants that are both efficient at absorbing nutrients and attractive to use in ponds

• The importance of planting in the right place to create a healthy ecosystem

• An overview of the International Water Gardening Society (IWGS)

• Hybridizing aquatic plant species and the different approaches hybridizers take

• Learning what plants are suitable for one's environment, especially for pond cleaning

• Various underrated plants that are suitable for ponds and water features

• Removing excess nutrients from water by using plants with aggressive growth

• Maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem with clear, clean water with the right plants

• Benefits of growing lotus plants, including water purification, filtration, etc

Mentioned

Kelly Billing's Website

Kelly Billing on Instagram

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Regardless of one's introverted or extroverted tendencies, business owners should set up communities and engage with them! Today's guest is Marvin Joles from Blacktop Banter, who is also the creator of the Asphalt Maintenance Community. Marvin talks about building a successful business with a community-based mindset.

In this episode, we talk about…

• The importance of community building and active participation in it

• Marvin's experience building communities in both rural and urban settings

• The importance of finding a micro-community within a larger community

• Adapting to changes in social media and consumer behavior and building a solid brand

• Creating a community on social media — the best platform and best method

• The role of community building in the growth of Marvin's business

• Different engagement methods for building a strong and loyal community

• The analogy of physical communities with different bars and restaurants to show the importance of engaging audiences in different ways

• The impact of negative Google reviews on new and small businesses

• Having self-control and non-reactivity, even in the face of trolls and negative comments

• Overview of Marvin's coaching group and how it helps people to achieve success

• The benefits of being in a coaching environment to one's progress toward their goals

Mentioned

Blacktop Banter Website

Marvin Joles on LinkedIn

Marvin Joles on Instagram

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Today's guest is Gerard Touhey, the owner of Water Features by Gerard. Gerard shares his journey from Ireland to America and how he started building ponds in his backyard and eventually turned it into a business. He also provides insights into his business and branding strategies.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Gerard's experience building ponds in both Ireland and America

• The power of conventions and events for making connections

• Gerard's approach to his business and brand building

• Being honest with your clients and avoiding deception

• Hands-off approach for healthy ponds and happy fish

• The importance of creating a unique brand and identity to stand out in the market

• Avoiding the pressure of keeping up with industry peers

• Running a successful business while also maintaining a comfortable lifestyle

• Being flexible and allowing customers to make changes to the project

• The differences between running a business with a crew and running a solo operation

Mentioned

Water Features by Gerard on Facebook

Gerard Touhey on IG

Gerard Touhey on Pinterest

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Getting past potential customers' resistance can be challenging. But with the right approach, you can break down barriers and close deals more effectively. Eric breaks down various strategies you can use to disarm your clients' sales resistance and increase your business opportunities.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Different strategies to eliminate sales resistance

• The importance of disarming sales resistance when communicating with prospects

• Using courtesy when approaching potential customers to drop the sales resistance

• How phrasing your questions can affect customer engagement

• Making sure the customer feels heard and understood by using a curious tone

• The analogy of jumping into the water to reduce resistance from customers

• The broken toe roleplay to lower people's resistance

• The concept of mirroring and labeling the client's language and tone to build rapport

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Join Eric and Leslie as they chat with Kathy Jo about their experience with the 4x4x48 challenge, which turned into a wildlife rehabilitation fundraiser. From their reasons for accepting the challenge to planning and executing the cycling event to their experiences during the ride, they discuss it all.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Eric, Leslie, and Kathy's experience with the 4x4x48 challenge

• The group's motivation for taking on the challenge and the idea of riding 200 miles

• The planning and execution of the cycling event, including the preparation, adjustments due to illness, and safety measures taken

• Their experiences during the ride, including their different routes, coping with sleep deprivation, and encountering wildlife

• The importance of clear guidelines when organizing group events

• Keeping a sharp eye out for blind spots on the trail to avoid potential danger

• The importance of challenging oneself to become stronger mentally and physically.

• The logistical planning involved in biking on roads at night

• The donations received during the event and how they were used.

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Understanding others' perspectives is a superpower for contractors — by understanding clients' perspectives, contractors can create successful and positive experiences for everyone involved. Eric shares his views on perspective and how it has helped him be a better contractor, businessman, and family man.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Eric's perspective on perspective and the importance of perspective in life

• The significance of perspective in personal and professional relationships

• Certain events can greatly impact a person's perspective, both positively and negatively

• Eric's personal development journey

• Using the DISC profile and Enneagram Personality Typing to understand other people's perspectives better.

• How Eric coaches contractors by understanding their perspective and helps them in their business.

• Many Americans have a skewed perspective on their own wealth and success.

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]