"What if freeing up your team’s time could unlock a whole new level of growth for your business?"

In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat down with Kody Thompson from WrkPod to explore how virtual assistants (VAs) can revolutionize your building business. We dive into the myths around outsourcing, how VAs can actually create jobs locally, and the significant impact they can have on your team's productivity. If you're looking for ways to scale your business, streamline tasks, and let your team focus on what really matters, this episode is for you.

Key Points Discussed:

• Myths vs. Reality: Why hiring VAs doesn’t take away local jobs.

• Boosting Productivity: How VAs can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your team for high-value work.

• Kody’s Story: How WorkPod was born and its approach to placing skilled VAs in businesses.

• Building the Right Systems: The importance of proper systems to get the best results from your VAs.

• Common Mistakes: Why some businesses fail with VAs and how to avoid those pitfalls.

To connect with Kody, check out the links below:

Website: https://www.wrkpod.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kodyjamesthompson   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrkpodcareers/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wrkpodcareers 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkpodcareers 

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

"If you're spending more time on admin than on building, you're working harder, not smarter." – Greg Smith

In this episode of The Toolshed, I sat with Greg Smith from Admins The Answer about how builders can save time and reduce stress by outsourcing admin tasks like invoicing, client communication, and chasing payments. Learn how delegation can improve cash flow, boost client satisfaction, and free up hours in your day.

Key Topics:

• Admin tasks that drain time

• The benefits of delegation work

• How outsourcing improves cash flow and client relations

To connect with Greg Smith, check the links below: Website: https://www.adminstheanswer.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adminstheanswer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adminstheanswer/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7A2TnrEqat38ky39YcgZ2Q 

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon as it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

In this episode of The ToolShed, I chat with builders Luke Davies and Kyle Zanetto about overcoming burnout and the power of community. They share their personal journeys, common mistakes builders make, and how shifting their mindset transformed their businesses. We also discuss Future Builder, a platform they co-created to help other builders succeed.

• Breaking Builder Burnout: Luke and Kyle share how they overcame burnout by changing their mindset and delegating responsibilities.

• Building a Supportive Community: Learn how Future Builder helps builders share resources and improve their businesses.

• Common Builder Mistakes: Discover actionable strategies to avoid burnout and grow your business sustainably.

To connect with Future Builder Co., check out all of the links below:

Website: https://www.futurebuilder.co/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/future.builder.co?_rdc=1&_rdr 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/future.builder.co/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwEnfbn3jgmpB0prxUdHpA 

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here - https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon as it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

Get ready for an insightful conversation with negotiation expert Nicole Davidson! In this upcoming episode, we’ll be diving into how builders can strengthen client relationships and avoid costly disputes through effective negotiation. 🛠️

If you’ve ever faced challenges with miscommunication, team conflicts, or tricky client situations, this episode is for you. Nicole shares practical strategies for setting clear expectations, addressing problems early, and using negotiation as a powerful tool to protect your business.

🔑 Here’s a quick glimpse of what’s to come:

• How clear communication can prevent conflicts before they start

• The importance of early intervention with team and client issues

• When and why mediation might be your best option

• Legal tips every builder should know to avoid disputes

Make sure to tune in and get ready to strengthen your negotiation game! Get ready for a deep dive into strategies that will transform the way you approach marketing—and boost your business in the process. All this and more, on this week’s episode of The Toolshed. To connect with Nicole, check out all of the links below: Website: https://www.nicoledavidsonnegotiation.com.au/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledavidsonnegotiation/ 

Podcast: https://www.nicoledavidsonnegotiation.com.au/podcast

Book your session with Nicole - https://www.nicoledavidsonnegotiation.com.au/book-a-session 

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

In this episode of The Toolshed Podcast, I sit down with Richard Armstrong from ProCalc for a deep dive into how professionalism can make or break a building business. They discuss actionable strategies that builders can implement to elevate their reputation, build trust with clients, and stand out in the competitive construction industry. From the small details that matter most to clients to the importance of clear communication, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you grow your business without added costs—just smarter practices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Defining Professionalism: It's not just about appearances. True professionalism is about fulfilling promises and exceeding client expectations.

2. Client Experience is Key: Clients remember how you made them feel more than anything else. Positive experiences lead to referrals and repeat business.

3. Clear Communication Builds Trust: Keeping clients informed at every stage of a project enhances trust and helps avoid misunderstandings.

4. Small Actions, Big Impact: Simple actions, like cleaning up the job site and being punctual, can leave a lasting impression on clients.

5. Professionalism Drives Profit: A strong professional reputation allows you to attract top-tier clients and charge higher rates.

6. Continuous Improvement Through Feedback: Post-project reviews provide valuable insights and help refine your business practices to better serve clients.

To connect with Richard, check out all the links below:

Website: https://procalc.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procalc.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Procalc-Australia

Procalc – The Builder's Price Guide

Get instant estimates with real builder’s data. Homeowners, connect with your architect or builder for access.

Discover more: https://procalc.com.au/knowledge-base/builder-preliminaries/

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed 

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat with the experts from Aspire Projects, Jordan and Scott, about how builders can truly unlock the full potential of Buildertrend. With so many builders using only a fraction of their software's capabilities, Aspire Projects specializes in helping residential builders implement Buildertrend efficiently to streamline their operations, boost profitability, and save time.

If you’ve been paying for Buildertrend but haven’t had the time or knowledge to fully implement it, this episode is for you! We discuss the common challenges builders face, the process Aspire uses to optimize the software, and why the right tools and systems can transform your building business.

Takeaways for Builders:

• Maximizing Your Tools: Learn how to unlock the full potential of Buildertrend, making it a tool that drives profit, efficiency, and professionalism in your business.

• Time and Process Management: Aspire Projects shares their approach to saving builders countless hours by setting up the platform and training teams for success.

• Financial Clarity: Discover how Buildertrend can provide builders with a clearer view of their financials, project costs, and budgeting.

• Tailored Solutions for Every Builder: Whether you’re a small residential builder or managing large-scale operations, Aspire offers custom strategies to suit your unique needs.

To know more about Aspire Projects, check all the links below:

Website: https://www.aspireprojects.co/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspireprojectsau/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspireprojectsau/ 

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed 

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! In this episode, I’m excited to sit down with Mel Davis, the Chief Operating Officer of Empowering Women in Trades. We’re diving deep into how women are breaking down barriers in the building industry, and it’s not just talk—we’re talking real, tangible change. Mel shares her incredible journey, the challenges women face in the trades, and how a little kindness and a lot of determination can truly transform the industry.

We also explore the power of diversity—how bringing different perspectives into a male-dominated field makes businesses better, smarter, and more efficient. Whether you’re a business owner, a tradie, or someone who wants to make a difference, this episode has a ton of value packed into it. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

• Mel’s inspiring story from a stable TAFE job to Empowering Women in Trades.

• How women are overcoming limiting beliefs and finding their place in the trades.

• The real benefits of diversity in a male-dominated industry—this isn’t just a trend, it’s the future.

• Building supportive communities and safe spaces for women in the trades.

• Why kindness, authenticity, and determination are the keys to empowering women.

• Steps businesses can take to create more inclusive workplaces.

I loved having this chat with Mel, and I’m sure you’ll find it just as inspiring. Tune in, and let’s keep pushing the industry forward together!

To know more about Mel, check all her links:

Website: https://ewitrades.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewitrades/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Empowered-Women-in-Trades-EWIT-100093530114710/ 

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy

In this episode of The Toolshed, Mick Hawes sits down with Erik Cofield of BuilderChain to explore how AI is transforming the construction industry. Erik shares his journey from building his first house for a dog to becoming a leader in AI solutions for builders. They discuss how AI can help reclaim time, increase profitability, and streamline operations for builders. Erik also shares valuable lessons learned from his fascination with Viking history and how they apply to today’s business world. Whether you're a builder looking to future-proof your business or just curious about how AI can change the game, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

• How AI is helping builders work smarter, not harder

• The practical applications of AI in construction

• Why builders need to embrace technology to stay ahead

• Lessons from Viking history on planning and resource management

• The future of AI in the construction industry

Listen now to discover how AI can revolutionize your building business and help you lead the industry into the future. To connect with Erik, check out all of the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erik.cofield.58/ 

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

In this episode of The Toolshed, we’re unpacking one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of running a construction business—marketing. Many builders experience feast-or-famine cycles, and it all comes down to how well you’re marketing your business. If you’ve ever found yourself with too much work or, even worse, none at all, this episode is for you.

We’re tackling how to keep the projects flowing, avoid costly marketing mistakes, and build a steady stream of quality leads. Whether you’re a one-person operation or managing a growing team, having a solid marketing strategy in place is essential for long-term success.

Joining me is Stephanie Campanella, founder of Tradies Go Online, a company dedicated to helping tradies and builders like you level up your digital marketing. From her roots helping her brickie dad to leading one of the top marketing agencies for tradies, Steph knows exactly what it takes to keep builders visible, relevant, and profitable.

• Why you need consistent marketing even when your schedule is full.
• The dangers of stopping and starting your marketing efforts—and how to avoid them.
• The importance of automating your lead nurturing to capture clients before they slip away.
• How to position your business as the go-to builder, no matter the size of your team.
• Why shifting your mindset from "builder" to "marketer' is a game changer.
• The role of paid ads, SEO, and content marketing in creating a sustainable pipeline.
• Practical tools and systems to streamline your marketing and save time.

Get ready for a deep dive into strategies that will transform the way you approach marketing—and boost your business in the process. All this and more, on this week’s episode of The Toolshed. To connect with Stephanie, check out all of the links below:

Website: https://www.tradiesgo.com.au/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradiesgetonline

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradiesgo/

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! Today, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough in the building industry—mental health. If you’ve been in the game long enough, you know it’s not just about physical endurance; the mental toll is just as demanding. And that’s why I’m sitting down with Bill Carson from Inspire Learning to talk about mental health first aid and why it’s so crucial for builders.

Bill’s story is remarkable. He’s faced personal challenges head-on, and now he’s turned that experience into something that can genuinely help people like you and me. We’ll be talking about how recognizing mental health issues early can not only improve your well-being but can also elevate your entire business. Imagine what happens when your team feels supported, understood, and valued—productivity goes up, stress goes down.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why mental health first aid is just as important as physical first aid on-site.
• The practical steps you can take to support your team’s mental well-being.
• How dealing with mental health head-on can make your building business more efficient.
• Bill’s personal journey and why he’s so passionate about helping others in this space.

If you’ve ever felt like the weight of the job is more than just physical, this episode is for you. It’s time to start talking about mental health, and Bill’s here to show us how to do it right. To connect with Bill, check out the links below:

Website: https://inspirelearning.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspireLearningAustralia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirelearningaus/

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.