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In this blog I want to show you how to document business systems properly so anyone in your business can follow them and complete tasks correctly without you having to step in all the time. I use a simple five-step method that makes sure every process is clear, consistent, and easy to hand over to someone else. Without proper documentation, systems often fall apart and the work ends up back on your plate. Here are the five key steps I use for documenting business systems: Brief Description Video / Photo Steps Frequency Checklist Every system should start with a short description of the task, for example “how to enter a new job into Fergus” or “how to reconcile QuickBooks.” Then I recommend recording a short video or taking photos to show exactly how it is done. After that, write down the step-by-step actions in order, note how often the task … Read more
In this blog I want to talk about why business systems are essential for tradie business owners and the most common ones every growing business needs. Systems make it possible to delegate tasks effectively, improve consistency, and increase the overall value of your business. Without documented systems, you end up repeating the same instructions and struggling to grow. Having the right systems in place allows you to step back from the daily grind and focus on the high value activities that move your business forward. Here are the key systems I believe every business should have documented and working well: Job Management System Quoting & Invoicing Accounting System Scheduling Customer Service Sales Process KPI’s and Reporting Team Meeting Agenda Equipment Maintenance Return Materials Each of these systems helps create structure and reliability. Whether it is using a job management program, setting up a clear quoting and invoicing process, maintaining high … Read more
In this video, I talk about how to qualify customers properly and why it can save you a huge amount of time and frustration. I share a real example where one of my clients wasted half a day on a prospect who was nowhere near ready to buy, and how better qualifying could have prevented that. The key is to ask better questions. I explain how to: Uncover the customer’s real problem Understand the impact it is having Clarify their time frame Find out if they have a budget in mind These questions quickly reveal the quality of the lead and how serious they are about moving forward. I also share some practical ways to raise the quality of your leads: using questionnaires to gather more detail, inviting prospects to your office or showroom so they buy into the process, and even offering paid site visits that show commitment and … Read more
In this video, I talk about capability statements – what they are, how to use them effectively, and the one thing you should never do with them. A capability statement is more than just a glossy brochure; when used properly, it’s a powerful tool to attract the clients you actually want to work with – the ones who are profitable and can provide repeat business. I share my best advice on how to present a capability statement face-to-face, how to highlight the right services for each client, and why showing genuine passion and enthusiasm makes all the difference. Most importantly, I explain why emailing your capability statement is one of the quickest ways to lose its value. If you’d like help creating or using a capability statement to win the right customers for your business, get in touch, I’d be glad to help. Thanks Hugh
In this video, I’m sharing something a bit different – why taking holidays has become one of the best things I do for my business. Every time I take a proper break like last week’s trip to Mt Hotham with my five boys, I come back clearer, sharper, and more energised than ever. But more than that, I always seem to learn, realise big ideas, attract unexpected leads, and return refreshed and ready to make big changes. Here’s what I’ve noticed after years of doing this: LEARN: I set myself up to learn while I’m away (yes, even if my kids have to listen to Jim Rohn in the car!) REALISE: I have those lightbulb moments when I finally slow down – whether I’m on a chairlift or holding a fishing rod LEADS: I get surprising leads out of nowhere (I don’t know why, but it always happens) REFRESHED: I … Read more
If you’re a tradie or business owner and work’s been drying up lately, you’re not alone – but you can do something about it. In this video, I share 4 key strategies I use with my coaching clients when things slow down: Own it: It starts with taking responsibility. No blame, no excuses – just action. Pivot: Almost every successful business I work with has pivoted into a higher-value niche or a smarter offering. Market: It’s not enough to wait for the phone to ring anymore. I talk through practical marketing that works, and offer a free marketing review if you’re stuck. Cut costs: No one loves this step, but done right, it can give you breathing room without doing damage. These aren’t just theories – I’ve helped dozens of tradies work through exactly this, and in most cases, they’ve come out stronger. If you’re short on work right now, this video … Read more
Getting sick of running the whole business as well as working on the tools??? Well now it’s possible to turn that around…AND save your back in the process! REGISTER NOW DATE: Tuesday 3rd June 2025 TIME: 2:00 – 3:00pm AEST WHERE: Online (Zoom) In this free online session, tradie business coach Hugh Bowman will show you how to start getting off the tools – for good! Whether you want more time, more money, or more control, this webinar will break down the exact systems, team structures, and marketing/sales foundations that make it possible. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN – Why ‘just hiring more guys’ isn’t the answer – What business systems you need to run smoother – The difference between being busy and being profitable – A real coaching pathway for trades businesses – And how 1 on 1 coaching can help you scale without burning you out This is for business … Read more
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