Today's episode explores the power of storytelling in sales and communication, particularly within the contracting industry. Eric shares personal anecdotes, including a recent experience preparing for a speaking engagement, to illustrate the importance of crafting compelling narratives. The show emphasizes the need for authenticity and tailoring stories to resonate with the audience and their individual personalities. It cautions against self-centered or overly dramatic narratives, advocating instead for stories that highlight how the business can solve clients' problems. Practical tips, like third-party storytelling and avoiding "one-upping," are offered to improve sales interactions. Ultimately, Eric suggests that effective storytelling builds trust, attracts the right customers, and fosters stronger relationships.

  Key Takeaways:  

• Use stories to engage your audience; stories are naturally compelling and can enhance communication in various contexts, including sales.
• Be deliberate in crafting your stories, especially in sales training, to illustrate how client problems can be resolved by presenting third-party examples.
• Ensure that your story focuses on the client's perspective and the impact on them, not on yourself or irrelevant details.
• When telling a story, be aware of different personality types and tailor your approach accordingly; some, like high-D personalities, prefer directness over storytelling, especially during a sales process.
• Use storytelling in your branding and marketing to attract the right customers, ensuring your brand communicates a clear message that resonates with your target audience.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ 

 

Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.com/

 

Get The FREE Labor Rate Calculator from SynkedUP: hubs.ly/Q0372zyP0

 

Pond Professionals Alliance: https://pondprofessionalsalliance.org/

 

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 

Eric Tripplet discusses going from good to great, using the Tom Brady versus Mahomes debate as a framework. The episode emphasizes that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't put in the hard work. It explores the importance of training, repetition, and being coachable, even for naturally gifted individuals. The conversation touches on leadership, the value of a strong team, and continuous self-improvement.   KeyTakeaways:  

• Prioritize hard work and consistent effort over natural talent.
• Embrace coaching and constructive criticism from various sources, including peers.
• Actively lead your team by maintaining a positive and proactive attitude, especially during challenging times.
• Commit to continuous self-improvement through training, film study (replays), and thoughtful reflection.
• Evaluate how you use your time and replace unproductive activities with those that enhance your skills and knowledge.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ 

 

Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.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 

Eric's special guest is Weston Zimmerman from SynkedUP. Weston shares his journey in the landscaping and water feature industry. He discusses his early experiences, including working for Tussy Landscaping and learning about overhead recovery. The discussion explores the importance of understanding business finances and pricing strategies for contractors. Weston also details the development of his software company, SynkedUp, designed to help contractors with budgeting, estimating, and job costing. The conversation emphasizes the need for financial literacy and confidence in pricing to ensure profitability. Eric and Weston also touch upon sales strategies, customer relations, and the challenges faced by contractors in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowing your numbers and charging correctly are crucial for profitability.
• To earn profit consistently in a contracting business, you have to have both your rates and your resources dialed in consistently.
• Details kill deals, so present only essential information to help customers make decisions.
• Negotiate scope of work, not price, with clients.
• The biggest indicator of winning a job is being the first to provide a quote.

Get The FREE Labor Rate Calculator: hubs.ly/Q0372zyP0

SynkedUP: https://synkedup.com/

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ 

 

Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.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 

Discover how the movie "Remember the Titans" provides a powerful framework for pre-qualifying prospects and improving communication. Eric emphasizes the importance of simplicity and consistency, likening a focused playbook to the movie's core strategies. Listeners will learn why sticking to fundamental questions, much like Coach Boone's limited but effective plays, can drive success. The episode further explores how mastering and repetitively practicing these core elements leads to significant gains, mirroring the movie's theme of persistent execution.   KeyTakeaways:

• Stick to a simple, core set of questions or strategies to avoid overcomplicating your approach.
• Practice your core strategies repetitively to master them, ensuring consistent execution and better outcomes.
• Avoid deviating from proven methods, as this can lead to mistakes and lost progress.
• Use mirroring by repeating a client's words back to them to encourage the client to open up and to ensure understanding.
• Focus on active listening to truly understand your client's needs and emotions.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ 

 

Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.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 focus is on future pacing, a sales and communication technique that involves helping people visualize their problems being solved. The episode explores how future pacing can be used in various contexts, from sales and coaching to personal relationships, to help others envision positive outcomes and make decisions. Examples include using future pacing to understand a customer's project vision, motivating personal changes, and enhancing relationships by imagining positive scenarios. The discussion emphasizes that future pacing is a helpful, rather than deceptive, tactic to guide people toward the right choices.   Key Takeaways:

• Use future pacing to help customers visualize the end result or the value of your service.
• Incorporate future pacing questions in your sales process to better understand customer needs.
• Apply future pacing in personal relationships to explore future plans and desires together.
• Use negative future pacing to highlight the consequences of not addressing a problem.
• Practice future pacing through role-playing to become more comfortable and effective with the technique.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ 

 

Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.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 

Eric talks with Randy Stewart, who shares insights on the Water Garden Expo, highlighting its evolution from a business-focused event to an industry-driven platform for education, networking, and growth. They discuss the expo's history, the importance of community and shared learning, and how the event has adapted over the years to serve both new and experienced pond builders. Randy emphasizes the overall environment of the expo, where various manufacturers and experts come together, fostering competition, innovation, and humility within the industry. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the value of perspective gained through experience, and the significance of relationships in the pond building world.   Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize networking at industry events to learn from peers and build lasting relationships.
• Focus on continuous learning by attending seminars that challenge you and address your weaknesses.
• Actively engage with vendors to deepen your understanding of products and industry trends.
• Recognize the value of humility and shared experiences in fostering collaboration and growth.
• Seek a balanced perspective, remembering the importance of personal well-being alongside business success.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ 

 

Pond Professionals Alliance: https://pondprofessionalsalliance.org/

 

Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.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 you get a preview of the Pond Professional Alliance's (PPA) biggest event, a large-scale swim pond build. The episode features insights from industry experts Craig, Anna, and Larry, detailing the collaboration, innovative techniques, and manufacturer support driving this ambitious project. Listeners will discover the unique learning opportunities available, from advanced filtration systems to specialized rock-strapping methods, and the invaluable networking potential within the pond-building community. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode promises practical knowledge and inspiration to elevate your pond-building skills and business acumen.   Key Takeaways:  

• Actively participate and offer help at industry events to maximize learning and networking.
• Prioritize foundational elements like soil compaction for long-lasting pond construction.
• Implement intricate details and techniques from large-scale builds into smaller backyard projects.
• Embrace continuous learning by observing and adopting new methods from fellow professionals.
• Connect with other contractors to expand your knowledge base and improve your builds.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ 

 

Pond Professionals Alliance: https://pondprofessionalsalliance.org/

 

Aqua Tough: https://www.carlislegeomembranes.com/

 

Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.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 

This episode delves into the importance of self-reflection and course correction, as Eric discusses the need to review your progress at the end of each month, identify areas of success, and acknowledge where you fell short. The discussion includes a personal account of both triumphs and setbacks, offering a candid look at how to learn from mistakes and make necessary adjustments. You will hear about Eric's experiences with 75 hard and the importance of adapting when life throws curveballs. The episode also tackles the heavy topic of suicide, emphasizing the value of life and encouraging people to reach out if they're struggling with dark feelings. The episode wraps up with insights from the group, reinforcing the power of community and accountability.   Key Takeaways:

• Regularly review your monthly progress to identify wins, losses, and areas for improvement.
• Don't dwell on past failures; instead, make adjustments and move forward.
• Turn failures into learning experiences by identifying adjustments you can make.
• Embrace accountability with a peer group to stay on track with your goals.
• Prioritize your mental health and reach out to others when you're struggling.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.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 podcast features a discussion between Eric Triplett and Tyson Matyas about the importance of foresight, not only in pond keeping but also in business. Enjoy personal stories about when foresight, or a lack thereof, and how it impacted their lives and businesses. The conversation covers pond construction, maintenance, and fish care, exploring whether foresight is instinctual or if it can be taught. The discussion also touches on the idea that hindsight can build foresight, as learning from past mistakes is crucial. Get ready for valuable insights for pond owners and contractors alike, emphasizing the need to plan and learn from experiences to achieve better results in both life and business.   Key Takeaways:  

• When installing a pond liner, leave it long and wild at the edges to act as a weed barrier and avoid cutting it short.
• Plan for a way to easily drain your pond, preferably through a ball valve integrated into the plumbing system.
• Incorporate lighting into your pond's initial design, rather than adding it later, to ensure proper placement and prevent visible wires.
• Think about how you want your fish population to evolve in the future, whether you plan to keep them long-term or frequently change them, so you can build your pond to suit that plan.
• Train yourself to have better foresight by being more thoughtful and self-aware and learning from mistakes.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.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 

Eric explores the concept of contagion, not just as the spread of disease, but how it applies to business, sales, and personal interaction. He emphasizes how winning, losing, and even a smile can be contagious.  The importance of an inner circle is highlighted, with the idea that surrounding yourself with winners and limiting negative influences can dramatically impact your success and mindset.  You will learn how to make their actions, attitudes, and businesses positively contagious, while turning setbacks into valuable feedback.   Key Takeaways:

• Be aware of the impact your inner circle has on you and limit exposure to negativity to protect your positive energy.
• Actively seek out and surround yourself with people who inspire you and have a winning mindset to achieve your goals.
• Practice self-awareness and view setbacks as feedback to learn and grow from your mistakes.
• Share your wins and successes with others to create a positive and motivating environment.
• Start each day with gratitude, recognizing the value and opportunity each new day presents.

 

Links to resources: 

 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

 

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

 

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

 

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

 

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

 

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

 

LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.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