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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 … Read more
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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 … Read more
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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:
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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 … Read more
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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 … Read more
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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. 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. 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. Start a Tax Account Setting up a separate tax account—preferably with another bank that earns interest—ensures money is available … Read more
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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 … Read more
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What Does Working ON Your Business Mean? For electricians and those in the trades, the distinction between working in your business and working on your business is crucial for sustainable growth and success. Let’s dive into what this means for an electrician’s business and provide clear, actionable tips to make the shift. I’ve an electrical business as an example here. Understanding the Difference Working in your business means being on the ground, doing the electrical work itself. It’s about troubleshooting, wiring, installing, and directly servicing clients. This is where most electricians start, but it’s also where many remain, often due to necessity or habit. Working on your business, however, is about stepping back and focusing on the business’s growth, efficiency, and long-term strategy. It’s about setting up systems, processes, and plans that ensure the business can operate and even expand without your direct labor in every task. Making the Shift: … Read more
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Navigating Success: The Art of Working ON Your Business As a tradie, your days are likely filled with hands-on work, from managing on-site tasks to ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s a grind you’re well accustomed to, but amidst the hustle, it’s crucial to differentiate between working IN your business and working ON your business. Understanding this distinction is vital for growth, sustainability, and ultimately, success. Let’s break down what this means for you and how you can leverage this approach to elevate your business. Working IN Your Business: The Immediate Grind Working IN your business involves the day-to-day operations that keep your business running. This includes tasks such as scheduling jobs, ordering materials, meeting clients and writing up quotes, managing admin and payroll, and putting out fires as they arise. It’s the groundwork, the essential labour that brings in the immediate cash flow but often keeps you caught in a … Read more
Read MoreThe Crucial Elements of Exceptional Service and Delivery in Your Business In the second volume of my book, “The Wealthy Tradie,” I delve into what I call the fourth pillar: service and delivery. This aspect is so pivotal that it can determine whether your business thrives organically or struggles to find its footing. Think of it as laying down one of the cornerstones of your enterprise. The Backbone of Business Growth When service and delivery are executed to perfection, your business experiences an effortless and natural growth trajectory. This dimension of your operation is akin to a sturdy foundation, underpinning all your efforts and endeavours. Conversely, missteps in service and delivery can lead to customer dissatisfaction and a host of issues. Unmet expectations can result in an influx of customer complaints and frustration, creating hurdles in your business’s path. Bridging the Gap: QEWS Framework To navigate this challenging terrain effectively, … Read more
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