ActionCOACH

Back From Goa With New Ideas for Local Business Owners

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Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to step away from the day to day and spend some time overseas.

Before heading to the annual ActionCOACH Global Conference in Goa, I spent a week exploring Sri Lanka. From the stunning views at Lipton’s Seat to seeing wild elephants in Udawalawe National Park, it was an incredible experience and a great chance to recharge.

Then it was on to Goa for one of the biggest events on the ActionCOACH calendar.

Each year, coaches from around the world come together to learn, share ideas and collaborate on what’s working in business today. It’s an opportunity to see how businesses are overcoming challenges, improving performance and helping owners create businesses that are more profitable, more enjoyable and less dependent on them.

One of the proudest moments of the week was being recognised as the Global GrowthCLUB Coach of the Year. Receiving this award was a real honour. GrowthCLUB has always been one of my favourite programs because it gives business owners the time and structure to step away from the daily chaos and focus on planning their next 90 days. To have that recognised on a global stage was incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest focuses at this year’s conference was the continued rollout of ABOS (ActionCOACH Business Operating System).

Every successful business relies on systems. The businesses that continue to grow aren’t relying on memory or hoping everyone knows what to do. They have documented processes, clear accountability and systems that allow the business to perform consistently, regardless of who’s on the tools or in the office.

ABOS brings those proven frameworks together into one practical operating system that helps businesses improve communication, leadership, management and operational efficiency. It’s exciting to see how successfully it’s already being used by businesses around the world, and I’m looking forward to introducing more of these concepts to the businesses I work with here in Geelong.

Another highlight was seeing the success of ActionCOACH’s management development programs being delivered internationally. It’s a proven ActionCOACH training program that’s used internationally to help business owners, supervisors and managers develop the leadership and management skills needed to build stronger teams. Seeing the consistency of the results across so many different countries gave me even greater confidence in the value it can deliver.

That’s why I’m excited to be facilitating the 12 Week Management MasterCLASS here in Geelong, starting on Tuesday 11 August. Over 12 weeks, I’ll guide participants through the program, sharing practical tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately. If you’re looking to strengthen your own leadership skills or invest in the development of someone in your business, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from a system that’s already helping businesses around the world.

Please reach out if you’d like some more information on anything mentioned.

Thanks
Hugh

Celebrating Excellence at December GrowthCLUB: Our 2025 Award Winners

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2025 ActionCOACH Awards

At yesterday’s December GrowthCLUB, we celebrated the incredible progress, commitment, and achievements of our clients over the past year. These awards recognise the tradies and business owners who have stepped up, taken action, and created real change in their businesses and lives. Each category had multiple nominations and we can tell you some where a hard decision!

The winners were presented with their awards over lunch at The Sawyers Arms in Geelong. Congratulations to all.

Below are the five award categories, what each award represents, and the well deserving 2025 winners.


Wealthy Tradie Award
Winner: Liam Begg from L.J. Begg Electrical

This award recognises the individual who has fully embraced the Wealthy Tradie principles, put in the work, made meaningful changes, and achieved a significant increase in net wealth.
Liam has demonstrated strong discipline, smart decision making, and genuine commitment to building both business and personal wealth.

2025 Wealthy Tradie Award

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Turnaround Award
Winner: John Dallimore from Dallimore Trades

Recognises the business that has shown the greatest progress in the face of adversity or achieved the most significant pivot, whether driven by market challenges or a bold decision to change direction.
John has made bold decisions, adapted to challenges, and reshaped his business direction with impressive results.

Turnaround Award

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Education and Implementation Award
Winner: Living Space Joinery

Honours the individual who has shown outstanding commitment to learning through books, audio, podcasts, and courses, and has successfully turned that knowledge into real results within their business.
Living Space Joinery has consistently invested in their education and, more importantly, implemented what they learned to elevate their business performance.

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Business Growth Award
Winner: Luke and Makayla from Engineer IT

The Business Growth Award celebrates the business that has achieved the greatest increase in sales and profitability through focused action and consistent improvement.
Luke and Mikayla have taken decisive steps, strengthened their systems, and delivered outstanding growth across the year.

Business Growth Award

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Fast Starter Award
Winner: Ian and Sue from Ponds of Melbourne

The Fast Starter Award recognises the individuals who have leapt into coaching with energy and commitment, embraced every opportunity, and are already seeing strong results.
Ian and Sue have hit the ground running, adopted new strategies quickly, and created impressive early momentum in their business.

Fast Starter Award

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These awards reflect the hard work and determination of business owners who show up, take action, and consistently push forward. Congratulations to all our winners and to the entire ActionCOACH Geelong community for another strong year of learning and growth.

If you would like to learn more about joining GrowthCLUB or becoming part of our Wealthy Tradie community, get in touch any time.
Hugh

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.

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

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