Part Three – Using Data to Create an Amazing Customer Experience

Series: Getting Paid On-Site and On Time

Guest: Marcel Donnelly from Flat Rate NOW

 

Data has become a significant asset for businesses. We can even say that it has become more valuable than oil. How does this massive statement hold? As data-capturing technologies advance, so do businesses’ opportunities to draw more comprehensive insights from it. Every click and every like leave traces around the Internet. These, in turn, make up an algorithm that companies can analyze.

Data capture and analysis enhances business operations and decision-making. Data collection business is vital in coming up with a segmented list of information and customer data acquisition. Customer data allows companies to track consumer behavior to come up with predictive analytics. 

In the last installment of Getting Paid On-Site and On Time series, we’re back with Marcel to discuss the importance of data in business. Furthermore, we also talk about how to use data to create an amazing customer experience.

If you are interested in collecting data, building a database, you may check these episodes:

• TSS013 – Building a database with Bollo Empire – [LINK]
• TSS045 – Building your database – [LINK]
• TSS148 – Stop Working For Free, Time Is Money – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Using Data to Create an Amazing Customer Experience’

Podcast Highlights:

• 04:21 – The importance and impact of data in business
• 06:54 – Connecting the dots to leverage data
• 08:01 – The paradigm of digital marketing
• 10:43 – Data can steer the ship in the right direction
• 11:30 – Different income streams
• 12:18 – The importance of building your asset and database
• 13:27 – Understanding your costs
• 15:57 – Communicating with the customer about what’s relevant to them
• 17:24 – Dominant systems
• 18:11 – Leveraging your historical data
• 20:57 – Building rapport with your customer

The episode highlights and integrates all the topics from the previous episodes of Getting Paid On-Site and On Time, from upfront pricing to the technologies that improve efficiency, and now, th

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Part Two – Technology That Removes Friction and Improves Efficiency

Series: Getting Paid On-Site and On Time

Guest: Marcel Donnelly from Flat Rate NOW

 

The advancements in technology have undoubtedly made human lives more comfortable and more convenient. Thus, it is not surprising that businesses make use of technology to avoid human errors and improve efficiency.

 

In the second part of this series, Marcel shares valuable insights to help businesses streamline their operations using technological applications and devices. It is not technology’s goal to completely replace human contribution. Its purpose is to help business owners with primary concerns like product delivery and communicating with clients.

 

If you are interested in discussions about technology, you may check these episodes:

• TSS007 – The Cloud with TradiePad – [LINK]
• TSS034 – Why quality hosting is so important – [LINK]
• TSS052 – Capturing and Recording OH&S Documentation – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Technology That Removes Friction and Improves Efficiency’

Podcast Highlights:

• 02:47 – Importance of technology in the industry
• 07:11 – Recap of the first episode
• 09:48 – Proper devices and applications to use
• 18:27 – Technological adjustments in the workplace
• 19:49 – Frictions that technology can remove
• 26:02 – Efficiency improvement in the space of double entry
• 28:46 – Upfront pricing and managing objections
• 30:49 – Low fly mode
• 32:35 – Additional applications and tools
• 34:17 – Importance of data in today’s world

 

This episode encourages company owners to use technology to their advantage. It is also noteworthy that the majority of employees come from Generation X and Y. These people are knowledgeable about technology, and businesses must use it to their advantage.

 

With the use of technology, information can be readily available to both customers and owners. A company must be aware of the proper devices and applications that will help them in improving their business’ efficiency.

 

Marcel also emphasized the importance of data in today’s world. Dat

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Part One – Upfront Pricing Isn't Magic, It's Science and Consistency

Series: Getting Paid On Time and On-Site

Guest: Marcel Donnelly from Flat Rate NOW

 

Tradespeople should receive payment for their hard work on time and on-site, just like every other job. Sometimes, work is contractual, and money is distributed over a specified period. However, essentially, you should be getting paid once your work is done. It’s that simple.

 

In this series, Marcel dives into the fundamentals of getting paid. For our first episode, it’s all about upfront pricing—it’s science and consistency. How should you set up your company, so you never have to worry about chasing bills? With upfront pricing, you can reduce huge overheads in expenses and chasing debts and, at the same time, cut all your personal, business, and financial stress.

 

If you are interested in pricing and getting paid for your time and work, you may also like these episodes:

• TSS087 – Getting paid for bids, quotes, and proposals – [LINK]
• TSS095 – Does your business suit flat-rate pricing? – [LINK]
• TSS172 – Stop Working For Free, Time Is Money – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Upfront Pricing Isn't Magic, It's Science and Consistency’

Podcast Highlights:

• 01:58 – The issue of pricing for tradespeople
• 06:04 – No cash flow: receiving payments at the end of the job is not ideal
• 07:35 – Getting paid for quotations, proposals, and estimates
• 10:20 – Importance of letting people understand the actual costs and building a price that encompasses all expenses
• 13:13 – Finding the technology and having the right conversations with the right people
• 17:20 – Reducing labour and overtime
• 18:25 – Money and stress; Leveraging your resources for pricing
• 22:13 – Addressing resistance from clients
• 29:17 – Upfront pricing model: building processes and standards, giving your customers a choice
• 36:53 – More on the science and consistency of upfront pricing

 

Starting off the series, our guest Marcel Donnelly talks to us about the science and consistency behind the upfront pricing model. Receiving payments for tradespeople has been an issue in the industr

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

How Darren 4-X’d His Electrical Business in 7 Months

Guest: Darren Hiscock from Hiscocks Electrical

 

It is challenging to grow and scale a business if you are not knowledgeable about the strategies and techniques necessary to achieve your goals. Thus, it is crucial to educate yourself with helpful business tools and principles.

In this episode, Darren shares his transition from being an electrician to a business owner. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the help of a business coach who can guide you to grow your business, just like he did with Hiscocks Electrical. He also sought other guides such as business books to help him change his perspective about business.

If you are interested in growing your business, you may want to check out these episodes:

• TSS088 – Using innovation to grow your business – [LINK]
• TSS178 – Zero to $850,000 in 2 years – [LINK]
• TSS198 – Maximising Gross Profit in Your Business – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘How Darren 4-X’d His Electrical Business in 7 Months’

Podcast Highlights:

• 07:44 – The effect of business on his personal life
• 10:39 – Fundamental shifts in his growing business
• 12:32 – Shifts in delivering perspective
• 15:02 – Importance of personality profiling
• 21:21 – Transition with his leadership
• 23:24 – New challenges associated with a growing business
• 26:33 – Positive effects of business on his lifestyle
• 28:34 – Goals for the company
• 38:54 – Other positive influences for the business
• 41:45 – Short term goals
• 42:49 – Importance of organizational structure
• 50:02 – Importance of a business coach

 

This episode highlights the need for business owners not only to grow the business but also to maintain its growth. It is essential to employ personality profiling to support the growth of the company. A growing business means an ever-increasing membership, and it is imperative for owners to hire recruits and train them correctly. 

Aside from the growing number of members, an organizational structure is also crucial for any business. This structure will determine the business’ capacity to give order

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Part Three – Achieving “Contractor Nirvana” by Building a High Performing Sales Team

Series: How To Grow Your Business 30% Year Over Year With Predictability

Guest: Ryan Groth from Sales Transformation Group 

Everyone wants to improve, but not everyone knows the tips and tricks for rapid, sustained growth.

Many of us want to learn, so we go to training sessions from self-professed gurus, but most of the time we leave empty-handed. We end up wondering how some entrepreneurs can maintain growth for years while everyone else gets left in the dust.

In this last installment of this series, Ryan teaches us how to nurture a high-performance sales team. Your sales team is your primary business driver, so you need to build them up to make your business more productive.

To know more about productivity hacks and leveraging people, you should listen to these episodes:

• TSS196 – Structuring Your Company for Maximum Productivity – [LINK]
• TSS182 – 2019 Productivity Framework – [LINK]
• TSS180 – Performance. Leverage through effective people power – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Achieving “Contractor Nirvana” By Building A High Performing Sales Team'

Podcast Highlights:

• 05:41 – What is Contractor Nirvana?
• 07:15 – KPIs and gamification
• 09:05 – Celebrating milestones
• 12:10 – Recognizing and honoring people
• 16:46 – Setting goals with your team
• 19:29 – Holding discussions with your team
• 23:04 – Considering what your team wants
• 23:44 – Stewarding human beings
• 28:17 – Holding weekly meetings with the team

 

Concluding the “How To Grow 30% Year Over Year With Predictability” series, this episode focuses on something that entrepreneurs forget to consider: sales teams.

When you think of techniques to increase productivity, do you also think about your employees? All too often, we become so obsessed with reaching targets that we start to neglect the people who run our operations.

I believe it’s time that businesses take better care of their people. Here, Ryan shows us how we should recognize the efforts of our teams so that we can motivate them to do even better.

He also emphasizes why it’s important to make team members relate to the goals o

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Part Two - Optimizing for an Evergrowing and Juicy Sales Pipeline

Series: How To Grow Your Business 30% Year Over Year With Predictability Guest: Ryan Groth from Sales Transformation Group 

 

Growing a business, especially with a target growth of 30% year over year, is not an easy feat. Thus, business owners need to employ exceptional strategies to turn their target growth into actuality. Sales pipeline optimization is one of the best ways to achieve this growth.

In the second episode of the series, Ryan discussed what businesses need to know about sales pipelines and how it can help them grow. Owners, especially those who are just starting in the business world, need to be relatable. Potential customers need to see that businesses engage with the community because they have other goals aside from profit. When potential customers see this, they become more eager to transact with such companies.

This episode is excellent for those who seek to grow their business or for those who enjoy learning new business strategies.

If you also want to optimize and to grow your business, you may listen to these episodes:

• TSS187 – Creating strong referral partnerships – [LINK]
• TSS186 – How to make the most out of your network – [LINK]
• TSS185 – Building your referral team – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Optimizing for an Ever-growing and Juicy Sales Pipeline'

Podcast Highlights:

• 05:52 – Definition of a sales pipeline
• 08:29 – Importance of a good sales pipeline
• 09:36 – Definition of juicy pipeline
• 12:20 – Importance of referrals
• 14:33 – Importance of community engagement
• 17:16 – Importance of networks
• 22:53 – Account development meeting framework or DM
• 26:51 – How to optimize your pipeline
• 28:25 – LinkedIn as a powerful tool

After engaging with the community, businesses need to have great content online. Exceptional online content will then drive traffic to their businesses’ sites; thus, attracting the right customers. Ryan emphasized that companies need to smartly use platforms such as LinkedIn for their businesses’ optimization.

Use a sales pipeline tracker to gauge performance and to make necessary adjustments if the need arises. Having a framework such as an account development mee

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Part One – How to Win More and Work With Less Effort by Selling Versus Bidding

Series: How To Grow Your Business 30% Year Over Year With PredictabilityGuest: Ryan Groth from Sales Transformation Group 

 

The sales process can feel like a routine. There are times when clients do not necessarily know what they want. In turn, contractors can fall into an endless cycle of estimating, bidding, and preparing presentations only to be ignored. Then the cycle continues. 

This context applies not only to a contracting business. Wherever you are that deals with people talking with each other, valuing time and effort should be commonplace. We should be able to evaluate the worth of our time and efforts into every step. 

If you’re interested in business, contractors, and sales topics, you’ll want to listen to these also.

• TSS187 – Creating strong referral partnerships – [LINK]
• TSS166 – Google Marketing For Tradies & Contractors – [LINK]
• TSS195 – Building Your One-Page Strategic Plan – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘How to Win More and Work With Less Effort by Selling Versus Bidding’

Podcast Highlights

• 10:36 – Bidding is like baseball
• 15:17 – Quoting on the right jobs
• 18:34 – Sound selling
• 19:55 – Creating urgency
• 21:43 – Project analysis
• 26:58 – Baseline Selling Process
• 28:22 – Considering emotional and intellectual factors
• 31: 23 – Sealing the deal
• 34:48 – Sales milestones
• 38:21 – Practice vs. scripts

 

In the first part of this series, we delve deep into the bidding versus selling process. We need to see business from a new perspective instead of just making the calls, crunching numbers, and passively waiting for results to happen. You will learn as much as I did about creating relationships rather than just gaining clients. 

Instead of giving the cost of service, project how much a problem is going to cost if it is not solved. This practice is what you call sound selling. To create a feeling of urgency, I suggest that you take a moment to step back. Do not just identify how you compare with your competitors. Make your efforts worth your time. Sales milestones and practicing how to get better at your craft every day are integ

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

During your formative years, you learn everything you need to know to pass school exams. Then you sign-up for an apprenticeship to boost the skills you have to complement your chosen career. After decades of hard work, an excellent retirement plan is what most people look forward to at the end of their careers. The standard trajectory of most careers involve these simple steps.

Now that you’ve retired, what happens next? Anything—from a life of relaxation to finally pursuing your interests and passions.

If you're interested in apprenticeship and careers, you'll listen to these also:

• TSS177 – Don’t be a doctor, be a tradie – [LINK]
• TSS178 – Zero to $850,000 in 2 years – [LINK]
• TSS174 – From A to B with Corey Philip [LINK]

 

About this podcast, 'You're Never Too Old To Learn Something New'

Podcast Highlights:

 

• 4:25 – Structure and Stages of an Apprenticeship
• 6:40 – The Risks of Working with Steam
• 9:11 – The Job of a Marine Engineer
• 11:21 – Powering Steam Vessels
• 14:48 – Starting Over at 76
• 16:26 – Getting Accredited by Learning on the Job
• 19:17 – Fabrication: Modern Technology vs. Older Industries
• 27:33 – Where Is Funding Sourced?
• 32:11 – Progress in the Foreseeable Future

 

In this podcast, we will stray from the usual talk of business and productivity to sit down with David Griffith. He shares with us his experiences as we explore the idea of what it means to pursue your passion regardless of arbitrary limitations like age.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Businesses of any size, at some point, will need to create systems, especially if they have any intention of growing and scaling. Creating an operation manual and having an established organisational structure are fundamental steps to having the right systems in place with the right people you need.

If you’re interested in systems, operations, and other episodes with Al, you’ll want to listen to these.

• TSS176 – How To Hold World Class Meetings – [LINK]
• TSS061 – Implementing an Organisational Chart – [LINK]
• TSS057 – Operating Power with Al Levi – [LINK]
• TSS046 – From A–B with Al Levi – [LINK]
• TSS012 – Business Systems with Bollo Empire – [LINK]

 

About this podcast, ‘Operating Manuals’

Podcast Highlights:

• 01:10 – About Al Levi and his book
• 03:32 – The necessity of an operating manual
• 06:46 – Organisational chart—the place to start 
• 11:30 – How Al began teaching about and writing operating manuals, the CSR manual
• 16:00 – Your organisational chart, staffing, and accessibility of operating manuals
• 18:33 – How is an operating manual beneficial?
• 20:49 – Learning to write a manual, and taking the time to train your people
• 29:41 – Improving and developing your manuals
• 30:50 – The importance of structured meetings
• 32:16 – Al’s journey and lessons from teaching, consultations, and workshops

 

Back with us in this episode is Al Levi, and he talks us through the importance and benefits of, and how to create operating manuals for your business. Unlike memos, manuals are a two-way conversation with your employees and serve as a more effective way to streamline the processes you have in place.

For anything you have to do more than once, create a manual. Once you define and write your manual and adequately train your employees, there’s little need to go over your processes and instructions repeatedly. Your team can quickly consult their manual. That’s made even more accessible if it is in digital format because the copy they have is updated. Al also reminds everyone of the

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

PART THREE: Driving more profit from your projects

Series: 3 Steps on Taking Your Business from ‘Chaos’ to ‘Control’ Guest: Marti Amos from The Professional Builder

 

Now that you have targeted the right audience and turned them into paying customers through effective marketing techniques, it’s time to drive more profit from your project! This will be a revelation for anyone who feels like they’re losing money on jobs.

How do you maintain your business and run it as efficiently as possible? This topic indeed might seem overwhelming because it already involves internal business aspects (ever thought of unnecessary business expenses?) and continuous customer interaction. The secret, however, will be broken down into manageable steps in this episode. 

 

About this podcast, ‘Driving More Profit From Your Project’

Podcast Highlights:

• 06:07 – Three aspects of driving more profit 
• 08:49 – Labor productivity 
• 13:33 – Cost forecasting
• 14:55 – Cash flow forecast  
• 16:45 – Dealing with numbers and improvements

 

In the final episode of this series, you will learn how to manage internal business expenses, maintain and maximize employee productivity, and proper business cost forecasting. The secret to driving more revenue is understanding numbers. These numbers will tell a story—a story of what is not working and what suits well with the company.

Driving more profits is more than just generating more leads and sales. The general rule is it lies with labor productivity and budget allocation. Reporting and forecasting would tell you what’s working and what’s wrong with your business. Marti lays down all the techniques for this.

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review and subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Soundcloud | RSS

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/pod

Follow The Site Shed:

• Facebook: The Site Shed
• Instagram: @thesiteshed
• LinkedIn: Matt Jones
• Website: thesiteshed.com
• YouTube: @TheSiteShed

If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 to leave us a review:
⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

Love the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:
⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed