Hugh Bowman

The Second Best Job Conversion Tool (That Most Tradies Overlook)

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Sometimes it’s not the flashy marketing tactics or expensive tools that win you work – it’s the basics. And right now, far too many businesses are missing out on jobs simply because they’re not getting the fundamentals right.

Here’s a quick reality check!

1. Answer the Phone
It’s staggering how often business calls go unanswered. If someone is trying to reach you, chances are they’re ready to give you work. Missing that call could mean missing that opportunity.

2. Set Up Your Message Bank
This is the second-best job conversion tool under the sun — and it’s shockingly underused. If your phone rings out with no voicemail, or your inbox is full, or you’re relying on a clunky 10-second voice-to-text, you’re turning potential customers away. Set up a clear, professional message bank that invites people to leave their details.

3. Call People Back Promptly
If you’ve missed a call, call them back — and do it fast. A slow response often means they’ve already moved on to someone else. Acting quickly shows reliability and professionalism.

4. Follow Up Quotes
You’ve already invested the time in quoting — don’t let that effort go to waste. A timely follow-up shows you care, keeps the conversation going, and dramatically increases your chances of winning the job.

Back to Basics
These aren’t cutting-edge sales techniques — they’re simple habits. But when done consistently, they can dramatically improve your conversion rate. Get these right, and you give yourself a real shot at growing your business.

Struggling to get Google Reviews?

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Best way to ask for a Google Review

In this video, business coach Hugh Bowman from ActionCOACH Geelong shares practical advice for tradies on how to effectively get more Google Reviews. He explains that while some trades like maintenance plumbing offer frequent opportunities to ask for reviews, others like building may have fewer chances—making it essential to get the timing and method right.

Hugh emphasises that the best time to ask is when the customer is most impressed—typically at the end of a job, when the issue is resolved or the project is complete and enjoyable. He advises against asking at payment time or waiting months, as the impact fades quickly.

He also outlines the most effective methods:

  • Asking in person is the gold standard (10/10 effectiveness)
  • Phone calls are far less effective (4/10)
  • SMS and email are rarely successful (1/10)
  • Adding a request to an invoice is virtually useless (0/10)

The key, he says, is to make it easy—by sending a direct link to the review page or using a QR code on a business card. He suggests setting the expectation early in the job and then following through at the right moment.

The takeaway: Ask in person, ask at the right time, and make it easy—and tradies will see far better results with Google Reviews.

Is It OK to Poach Employees? Hugh Bowman Says “Hell Yeah!”

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In his latest video, business coach Hugh Bowman tackles a controversial question: Is it OK to poach employees? His answer? Absolutely!

Hugh explains that the ideal employee is already working for someone else – most likely at a nearby business. After all, if someone is unemployed or has been made redundant, there may be valid reasons to question their suitability. As a business owner, the goal is to recruit the best people possible to strengthen the team and drive success.

He draws a comparison to sports, highlighting that no athlete spends years training only to step onto the field expecting to lose, or even to settle for a draw. The best business owners follow the same principle: they hire top talent, deliver the best work, secure the most profitable jobs, and ultimately run the easiest, most successful businesses.

For those looking to learn more about effective recruitment strategies, Hugh invites viewers to reach out. Get in touch today!

Phone 0409 402 474
www.actioncoachgeelong.com.au

You Get What You Deserve – The Key to Hiring the Right Team

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You Get What You Deserve - The Key to Hiring the Right Team

Hugh Bowman from ActionCOACH Geelong shares a powerful recruiting principle that should guide every business owner when hiring: You get the people you deserve!

It may sound harsh, but it’s the truth. Struggling to attract top talent? It might be time to take a closer look at leadership and workplace culture.

• Poor leadership drives away the best employees.

• A toxic work environment repels great talent.

• A team full of underperformers makes it difficult to attract high performers.

• Low-quality work fails to interest top-tier candidates.

Recruiting the right people isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about creating a workplace that attracts and retains the best. If hiring the right team feels like a constant challenge, Hugh Bowman can help turn things around.

Contact Hugh today:

Free Marketing Plan for Tradies – Get More Qualified Leads!

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Free marketing plan

Are you a tradie struggling to find high quality leads or stuck chasing low paying jobs? We’ve got a game changing opportunity for you!

We’re offering a free, custom marketing plan to help qualified trade businesses attract more leads, increase profitability, and escape the cycle of inconsistent work.

This isn’t just any offer, we’re putting serious expertise behind it. You’ll get insights from:

– An agency qualified marketer

– A top business coach (APAC Action Coach of the Year)

All you need to do is fill out the form below. We’ll assess your business, create a tailored marketing plan, and provide you with expert guidance to help you grow.

MARKETING PLAN FORM

Don’t miss out, apply today!

How to Calculate Your Own BAS – A Simple Guide for Tradies

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When it comes to Business Activity Statements (BAS), many tradies assume they need to rely on their bookkeeper or accountant. But the truth is, you can calculate it yourself—and it’s actually pretty simple! By understanding a few key reports in your accounting software (like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB), you can stay on top of your finances and be well-prepared for tax time.

What You Need to Know:

To calculate your BAS, there are three key figures you need to check:

1. GST Reconciliation

This report shows how much GST you’ve collected from customers and how much GST you’ve paid on expenses. Your BAS will require you to pay the difference. To find this, simply run the GST Reconciliation Report in your accounting software.

 

2. Withholding Tax – Payroll Activity Statement

If you have employees, you need to report the tax you’ve withheld from their wages. In Xero, this information is found in the Payroll Activity Statement. Look for the PAYG withholding amount—this is what you need to include in your BAS.

3. Company Tax Instalment Rate

This is an estimate of how much company tax you’ll need to pay each quarter. The ATO usually sends you a letter with your installment rate based on your last tax return. If you haven’t received it, check with your accountant or look it up in your ATO online account. You can adjust this rate if your business income changes significantly.

Check These Reports Before the Quarter Ends! It’s a good habit to review these reports before your BAS is due. That way, you’re not caught off guard by a big tax bill.

If you’re unsure about any of the numbers, double-check with your accountant—but by doing this yourself, you’ll have a much clearer picture of your cash flow.

Need help? I work with Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB every day, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Thanks

Hugh Bowman
Business Coach
0409 402 747

Business Activity Statement (BAS) – What Is It?

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In this video, business coach Hugh Bowman from ActionCOACH Geelong explains the key components of a Business Activity Statement (BAS) and why understanding it is essential for business owners.

A BAS is a report that businesses submit to the government to account for three main tax components:

1. Goods and Services Tax (GST)

GST is the tax collected on sales (typically 10%) minus the GST paid on purchases. The final amount payable depends on the difference between collected and paid GST. Businesses often see higher GST obligations in the final quarter of the year when work volume increases before Christmas.

2. Withholding Tax

This is the tax deducted from employees’ wages before they are paid. If a business increases staffing or incurs high overtime costs, withholding tax will also rise accordingly.

3. Company Instalment Tax

This is a forecasted tax amount based on the business’s previous taxable profit. The government estimates quarterly tax obligations based on the last financial year’s profit, typically applying a 25% company tax rate.

By adding GST, PAYG withholding, and company instalment tax, businesses arrive at their BAS amount.

For any further questions about BAS, feel free to reach out to Hugh Bowman.

Phone: 0409 402 474

www.actioncoachgeelong.com.au

Three Tips to Avoid the Monster B.A.S.

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Three Tips to Avoid the Monster B.A.S.

Hugh Bowman, business coach at ActionCOACH, shares three essential tips to help tradies avoid the shock of a massive BAS bill.

  1. It’s Your Problem

BAS is the business owner’s responsibility—no one else’s. It’s not the accountant’s problem, the bookkeeper’s problem, or a partner’s problem. Business owners need to take charge, put systems in place, and plan ahead to ensure funds are available when the BAS bill arrives.

  1. Ask Your Accountant

One of the simplest ways to stay ahead is to ask an accountant or bookkeeper for an estimate before BAS is due. A good rule of thumb is to check in about three weeks before the end of the quarter for an update on the expected amount. This small step can prevent big surprises.

  1. Start a Tax Account

Setting up a separate tax account—preferably with another bank that earns interest—ensures money is available when it’s needed. Regular contributions should be made throughout the quarter using one of two methods:

  • Fixed Amount: If past BAS amounts are consistent, simply divide the typical BAS bill by 13 and transfer that amount weekly.
  • Percentage of Sales: If income varies, a better approach is to allocate a percentage of sales. For most businesses, this falls between 15-17%. Each week, multiply total sales by this percentage and transfer it into the tax account.

By implementing these strategies, business owners can avoid last-minute stress and confidently cover their BAS obligations.

For help determining the right percentage for a business, or if there are any concerns about being underprepared, Hugh is available for support.

Call Hugh on 0409 402 474

Wealthy Tradie Information Session: Build Your Future

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Wealthy Tradie Membership

Reserve Your Spot Now

This session is your first step toward financial freedom and living life on your terms. After the session, Hugh will personally connect with you to discuss how the Wealthy Tradie Program can help you achieve your goals.

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:00 – 15:00 AEDT. ONLINE

Are you ready to make your business work for you—not the other way around?

Running your own trade business can feel like an endless grind. You put in long hours, but are you truly getting ahead? If these challenges resonate with you, it’s time to make a change:
– Are you unsure if your business is building wealth for you and your family?
– Do you feel like your hard work isn’t being rewarded?
– Wondering if you’d be better off working for someone else?
– Haven’t had a decent family holiday in years?
– Struggling to find time for your kids’ sports or family events?
– Unsure when or how you’ll ever retire?
– Lack a clear plan for superannuation, investments, or your financial future?
You’re not alone—and there’s a solution.

Join Our Wealthy Tradie Information Session

What You’ll Learn
This free online Zoom session will introduce you to the Wealthy Tradie Program, a proven personal wealth system designed to help trade business owners:

– Be smart with the money you earn.
– Pay off your home ASAP.
– Spend more time with family.
– Buy investment properties or a workshop for your business.
– Know exactly how much to pay yourself and save for big costs.
– Build financial security so you can retire rich, retire young, and have fun along the way.

Reserve Your Spot Now

 How Much Should Tradies Spend On Marketing?

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tradie marketing

If It Makes Money…

When you’re running a trade business, figuring out how much to spend on marketing is hard to know.  Some people just look at how much it costs (Bad plan!).  It is best to think of it like a job. If it makes money do it!  If the amount you spend on marketing brings in a new customer, makes a profit and covers the cost of marketing, then it’s worth it.  In fact, if this was the case, you would do it again, and again, and again!

But, how do you know if your marketing is actually working?  The key is to measure it. Ask every lead you get how they found out about you. Over a reasonable amount of time work out how many leads you got, jobs you won, and ultimately your profit made.  Compare this to your marketing costs and other marketing strategies you do.  With this information you should be able to work out where to spend your time and money for your future marketing.

Cheap Will Not Always Work For You

Let’s talk websites for example. Some folks might wonder if they really need to spend a lot on a website. Here’s the thing: if you’re proud of the high-quality work you do, your website should show that off. If your website costs $500 and only has your name and number, it’s not going to tell customers about the quality work you do. A simple, cheap website doesn’t scream “high-quality” to anyone. You want a website that shows off what you’re good at and why that potential customer looking at your website, should choose you.

Watch out for always going cheap. This doesn’t mean blindly spending $1000 on social media and getting no return. Its about who and where are target is and the most efective way of communicating with them. It could be Facebook posts and marketplace ads or it may be a flyer in the mailbox.

The Tradie Marketing Plan

Developing a plan is planning to succeed in any area of your business and even more so in marketing.

In your plan you lists

  • your target audience, the clients you want and where they are and how to get to them
  • a maximum budget (we recommend about 10% of your gross income)
  • a bunch of strategies (mentioned below to get started)
  • a measurement strategy to find out what is working best for you
  • a referral program (get your clients doing marketing for you)

Never Done Marketing Before Strategies

For a small tradie maintenance business about 4 or 5 strategies usually work well:

Van signage, site signage,
Website/Facebook
Google my business
Stickers/fridge magnets
Networking and alliances
Mailbox flyers

Now, about the best way to market your trade business. If you’re doing small jobs for homeowners, something as simple as having your business name and number on your van can work wonders. It’s like a moving billboard. People see your van, remember your name, and might call you for a job.

Big Business – Aim Directly

But, if your business deals with other businesses or big projects, van signs aren’t going to cut it. For B2B (business-to-business), the best approach is direct marketing. This means reaching out personally, maybe with a phone call or a visit, and building a relationship. It’s more about who you know and making those personal connections.

The Perfect Fit?

So, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should spend on marketing. It all depends on what kind of trade business you have and who your customers are. The bottom line is: spend on marketing that works for you, brings in customers, and fits the kind of work you do. Whether it’s a top-notch website or personal outreach, make sure your marketing tells customers why you’re the right choice for the job.

The question of how much to spend on marketing cannot be answered with a simple figure. It demands a deeper exploration of what makes your trades business resonate with your customers, the quality of engagement you’re aiming for, and the measurable outcomes of your marketing efforts. By focusing on these aspects, businesses can navigate the complexities of marketing investment with confidence, ensuring that every dollar spent is not just an expense, but a strategic step towards growth and success.

 

tradie marketing