The Tradie Show

Lifestyle Tradie Group Pty Ltd - Business Podcast For Tradies Wanting To Scale Their Trade Business, Contractors and Construction
The Tradie Show is the podcast for tradies who are stuck working ‘IN’ the business instead of working ‘ON’ it. We know you’ve got big goals, but right now you probably feel like a slave to your own creation.TAFE taught you to be a great tradie, but not a great business owner. It’s lonely, stressful and not your fault. We get it, we’ve been there too, deep in the trenches (literally) growing a plumbing business in Sydney. Life looked great on the outside, but behind the scenes, we were stressed out of our eyeballs. As a result we almost lost everything ... we almost lost our business, our home and our marriage, but thankfully we came out the other side with a thriving business, completely off the tools and only working 2 hours p/week. How? Well, that's what we share here on The Tradie Show.Following our success, we vowed to help other tradies, so you don’t have to go through what we did. We didn’t have any guidance and even when we tried to hire a coach, he knew nothing about the trade industry, so we ended up coaching him. That experience inspired us to set up our amazing community and coaching program, Lifestyle Tradie to share the advice we wish we had about what it really takes to build a successful trade business and live the lifestyle you deserve. And now The Tradie Show is an extension of that community. So, if you’re a plumber, electrician, painter, landscaper, carpenter, builder, bricklayer, concretor, contractor, gardener, window washer, aborist, tiler, metal fabricator, roofer, glazier, handyman services, HVAC, solar installation services or any other trade business or trade service, then tune into The Tradie Show for no-fluff advice, fun banter and inspiring interviews to help you get results. BIG RESULTS!Want to fast-track your results?Book in a success session with Andy: https://www.lifestyletradie.com.au/

All Episodes

In this special coaching-style episode of The Tradie Show, hosts Andy and Angela Smith sit down with Lifestyle Tradie member, Zack Hook from Hook, Line & Sink, a plumbing and maintenance business in Victoria.  Zach's story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of community. Key Takeaways: Importance of Community Real Financials Talk Growth Strategies Emergency Fund Work-Life Balance Personal Success Stories  Want Andy to look at your business? Book a free strategy call and he’ll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here. Connect with Us: Lifestyle Tradie's Instagram Lifestyle Tradie's Facebook Tune in to gain practical insights & strategies to transform your business! 🎧✨ 

Jul 22

36 min 44 sec

Get ready for a power-packed episode with Mick Hawes, the mastermind behind Builders Business Black Belt. With over 35 years of coaching experience in elite sports and business, Mick shares game-changing insights to help tradies scale their business and achieve a life of freedom.🔑 Key Strategies and Insights:Early Beginnings: Mick's journey from electrician to elite coach, filled with unique experiences that shaped his approach to coaching.The Dream Catcher Exercise: Learn how writing down your dreams can break self-imposed limitations and create opportunities.Importance of Teamwork: Drawing parallels between elite sports and successful businesses, emphasising teamwork and preparation.Recovery and Preparation: The critical role of recovery and preparation in maintaining high performance, applicable to both sports and business.Fixing Repeated Mistakes: Identifying and addressing recurring mistakes to save time, money, and emotional energy.Thinking Time: The value of dedicated thinking time to assess risks and benefits before implementing new ideas.The Six Types of Working Genius: Understanding your and your team's strengths to maximize productivity and avoid costly mistakes.Business Compass: Using tools to identify and address the weakest links in your business, ensuring steady improvement.Embracing AI and Technology: The future of AI in the trade industry and the importance of being open to technological advancementsWant Andy to look at your business?Book a free strategy call and he’ll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here.Follow Lifestyle Tradie:- Instagram- Facebook

Jul 15

32 min 24 sec

Today, we're diving into the essentials of starting your trade business successfully.  In this episode we’ll discuss the right way to approach your business from the beginning and how to start making money ASAP. And ... if you’ve been in business for a while, but feel like you need to hit the reset button, or maybe you just need to check in to see if you’re doing things the right way, then this episode will help you too. Episode Highlights:Starting Strong: Key strategies for building a profitable trade business from the ground up 🏗️Resetting the Foundation: Tips for those needing to hit the reset button on their current business 🔄Financial Essentials: How to charge the right hourly rate to ensure profitability from day one 💵Targeted Services: Finding your sweet spot in the market by focusing on profitable, high-demand services you love 💡Technology Integration: Importance of adopting job management systems, financial platforms, and CRM systems to streamline operations and save time ⏱️Delegation & Automation: Tips on outsourcing tasks and automating admin to balance on-the-tools work with business management 📈Flexibility & Adaptation: Staying flexible and adapting to market changes to keep your business thriving in the long run 🌟Want Andy to look at your business?Book a free strategy call and he’ll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here: Lifestyle TradieFollow Us:Lifestyle Tradie's InstagramLifestyle Tradie's Facebook

Jul 8

24 min 11 sec

In this special bonus episode of The Tradie Show, Andy and Angela introduce a game-changing solution for trade business owners grappling with rising costs. They unveil Buy4Tradies, a revolutionary buying group designed to give small-to-medium trade businesses the same buying power as the big guys.Key Strategies and Insights:Collective Buying Power: Discover how joining forces with other tradies can secure better rates on materials, fuel, vehicles, insurance, and tools.No Credit Card Fees: Learn how to rack up points for family holidays without extra costs.Massive Savings: Get insights into how Buy4Tradies can help you save time and money, making your business more competitive.FREE Membership: Understand the benefits of joining Buy4Tradies with no membership fee or lock-in contracts.Real-Life Impact: Hear real stories of how Buy4Tradies is transforming the bottom lines of trade businesses across Australia.Andy and Angela dive into the frustration of constant price hikes and how this collective approach can level the playing field for smaller trade businesses. They share their passion for empowering tradies to save money and boost profits through strategic collective buying.Want find out more about Buy4Tradies?Buy4Tradies is for all trade business owners including electricians, plumbers, air-conditioning & solar technicians, builders, landscapers, painters and more! The bigger the group, the larger the spend, the greater the discounts and ongoing benefits.Calculate Your Savings Here ==> Buy4Tradies.com.au  

Jun 17

9 min 30 sec

In this episode of Lifestyle Tradie, Andy and Ange dive into the world of cost-effective marketing strategies that can help expand your trade business without draining your wallet. Learn how to maximise impact with minimal investment and discover practical methods to attract and retain customers.Key Strategies and Insights:Start with Your Network: Utilise your existing contacts—friends, family, and previous clients—to spread the word about your business.Leverage Recommendations: Encourage satisfied customers to recommend your services to their network. Personal endorsements build trust and credibility.Stand Out Locally: Simple, creative methods like putting up a banner at a strategic location can draw attention. Just ensure you comply with local regulations!Engage with Online Communities: Participate actively in local Facebook groups and community forums. Video comments and posts can make you stand out even more.Optimise Your Google My Business: Regularly update your page and post images to boost your visibility and attract local customers.Utilise Simple Branding: Place stickers with your contact details on completed jobs, like hot water tanks or electrical switchboards, to encourage repeat business.Network Effectively: Join local business networking groups to build relationships and refer work within the community.Harness Social Media: Use free social media platforms to post engaging content that attracts your target customers.RESOURCES mentioned in this episode:Lifestyle Tradie Marketing SnapshotPodcast episode: Goldmine Marketing Strategy You’re Sitting OnWant Andy to look at your business?Book a free strategy call and he’ll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here.Follow Lifestyle Tradie on InstagramFollow Lifestyle Tradie on Facebook

Jun 10

24 min

Learn how to get off the tools, streamline operations, and ultimately build a profitable and sustainable business. Special guest David Jenyns joins Andy and Angela Smith to share his expertise on systemisation and how it can lead to more time, less stress, and increased profits. Key Strategies and Insights: Building the Right Foundations 🏗️: Learn why having the right systems is crucial for efficiency and profitability. Overcoming Hesitations 🤔: Address common fears and challenges around systemizing your business. Expert Insights from Dave 🎙️: Gain practical advice on creating and implementing effective systems. Real-Life Success Stories 🌟: Hear examples of trade businesses that have thrived through systemization. The Role of Technology and AI 🤖: Discover how AI and tech tools can enhance and streamline your business processes. Measuring Success 📊: Understand how to evaluate the impact of systemization on your business. Practical Advice: Start small with core systems and build up gradually. Record your processes using simple tools like your phone or GoPro. Store all documentation in a central, accessible location. Leverage AI for faster and more cost-effective documentation. Address resistance from staff by highlighting the benefits of systemization. FREE Downloads for This Episode: Systems Guide AI Guide For Tradies Want Andy to look at your business? Book a free strategy call and he’ll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here http://lifestyletradie.com.au. Follow Lifestyle Tradie: Instagram Facebook

Jun 3

31 min 51 sec

In this special coaching-style episode of The Tradie Show, hosts Andy and Angela Smith sit down with Damien and Ashley from Lumos Electrical and Solar. As a young couple making waves in their business, they share their journey, challenges, and the transformative advice they received from Lifestyle Tradie. Key Takeaways:Early StrugglesJoining Lifestyle TradieTime Management TipsAutomating Business ProcessesBalancing Work and Personal LifeImposter Syndrome and ConfidenceMarketing and Customer RetentionFREE Downloads for this episode:Time Maximiser GuideNailing Repeat BusinessSystems eBookWant Andy to look at your business?Book a free strategy call and he’ll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here.Connect with Us:Lifestyle Tradie's InstagramLifestyle Tradie's FacebookTune in to gain practical insights and strategies to transform your trade business! 🎧✨

May 27

45 min 2 sec

In today's episode, Andy and Ange dive into the tax troubles that can trip up even the savviest tradies.  Whether you're battling bookkeeping blues or just need a refresher on GST basics, this episode has got you covered.  Plus, we're spicing things up with our fun game to see which quirky tax claims passed the test.  What you’ll learn ... 🏴󠁴󠁴󠁰󠁴󠁦󠁿 Common Tax Mistakes: Learn why failing to set aside GST can wreak havoc on your finances and discover practical solutions to avoid common errors that could cost your business dearly.  🏴󠁴󠁴󠁰󠁴󠁦󠁿 Tax Foundations: Understanding different taxes in Australia is crucial. Andy explains the essentials of GST, and why it's not your money to spend! 🏴󠁴󠁴󠁰󠁴󠁦󠁿 Bookkeeping Wisdom: Hear why a good bookkeeper is crucial and how incorrect bookkeeping can lead to financial disaster. 🏴󠁴󠁴󠁰󠁴󠁦󠁿 Tax Man Game: Andy and Ange play a fun game, guessing which bizarre tax claims were accepted or denied. Ever wondered if dog food or an Xbox can be claimed? Tune in! 🏴󠁴󠁴󠁰󠁴󠁦󠁿 Insider Advice: Get tips on managing your finances better, from segregating GST to handling bookkeeping more efficiently.   📧  TRADIE DILEMMA: Andy and Ange tackle a question from Adam in NSW about maximizing tax deductions without stepping over the line with the ATO.    📥 FREE Downloads for This Episode: 81 Tax Deductions for Tradies   🤝 Want Andy to look at your business? Book a free strategy call for tailored advice that offers clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. [Details here].   🔗 Connect with us! Lifestyle Tradie's InstagramLifestyle Tradie's Facebook  Tune in, get tax-savvy, and transform how you manage your trade business taxes with fun and flair!  

May 20

24 min 48 sec

In this transformative episode of The Tradie Show, hosts Andy and Angela Smith welcome Chelsea Pottenger, an acclaimed international wellbeing speaker and author of "The Mindful High Performer".  Dive deep into a discussion that shatters the stigma around mental health in the trades.  Chelsea shares her compelling personal journey from high-performing corporate dynamo to her profound mental health challenges and how it reshaped her life and career.  Discover actionable insights on mastering mental resilience and learn why mental fitness is just as crucial as physical strength in the trades.   In This Episode, You Will Learn: 1. Chelsea’s Personal Story: From corporate success and personal crisis to becoming a beacon of mental wellness advocacy. 2. Mental Health in Trades: Breaking down the stigma and practical strategies for mental resilience in a high-pressure industry. 3. Practical Mental Health Tools: Chelsea shares everyday techniques that anyone can use to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. 4. Insights for Trade Business Owners: How understanding and addressing mental health can lead to higher productivity and retention in the trades.   Featured Quote: "Physical health is only one part of the equation. Our mental health needs regular tuning and care, just like our tools. — Chelsea Pottenger"   Resources Mentioned: - Book: "The Mindful High Performer" by Chelsea Pottenger - EQ Minds: Explore more about Chelsea’s initiatives at EQ Minds - R U OK? - The Gidget Foundation  Don’t miss out on transforming your business and personal life with insights from industry experts. Visit Lifestyle Tradie to secure your spot at our next live event and join a community that uplifts and empowers. 

May 13

51 min 47 sec

Dive into this "Where's My Profit?" episode to uncover the financial missteps holding back trade business owners and discover actionable strategies that can dramatically boost your profits!🔥 Key Insights & Strategies:Undercharging: Many tradies, like our featured guest Chris, a plumber from Melbourne, fall into the trap of charging too little for their expertise. Learn why quoting per job, not per hour, could multiply your profits.Quoting Strategies: Stop quoting hourly rates over the phone. Instead, price your services based on value delivered, not just time spent, avoiding the pitfall of price shoppers.Materials Costing: Adjust your markup strategies based on material costs. Small increases in markup on low-cost items can significantly boost profit margins.Review Practices: Regular review of job quotes and actual costs can prevent profit leakages. Implement 'job autopsies' to understand where you're losing money.Pricing Psychology: Dive deep into how pricing impacts customer perception and attracts quality clients who appreciate value over cost.Operational Efficiency: Simple changes in operations, like optimizing travel routes or purchasing strategies, can save costs and increase efficiency.📚 References in this episode:Pricing Psychology 101 podcast episode📞 Want Tailored Advice?Book a FREE strategy call with Andy! Get clear, actionable advice to push your business forward and achieve the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. 📱Follow Lifestyle Tradie for More Insights:InstagramFacebookReady to revolutionise your trade business? Press play and let's get into it! 🎧 

May 6

29 min 47 sec

Today, Andy and Ange dive deep into the often-overlooked goldmine of retention marketing. If you're tired of the constant hustle for new customers, this episode is your ticket to easier profits and loyal customers. 🛠️💡 FREE download for this episode: Nailing Repeat Business: 39 Retention Marketing StrategiesKey Strategies and Insights: Retention vs. Acquisition: Retention marketing is cheaper and more effective than constantly seeking new customers. Studies show that acquiring a new customer can be up to 25 times more expensive than retaining an existing one. Big Impact: A small 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25% to 95%.  Real Life Success: Andy shares how focusing on retention helped Dr. DRiP Plumbing achieve 77% repeat business. Simple Techniques: From asking for rebookings to leveraging a CRM for regular customer engagement, small changes can lead to big returns. Cross-Selling: Expand your offerings to increase the average job ticket. Simple add-ons or complementary services can significantly increase revenue. Engagement Strategies: Use a mix of both digital (emails, social media) and physical (fridge magnets, business cards) strategies to keep your brand top-of-mind. Grab your FREE tickets to Lifestyle Tradie on Tour here.This episode is packed with practical advice to turn your current customers into your biggest fans. Tune in, apply these insights, and watch your trade business thrive! 

Apr 29

27 min 42 sec

Join Andy and Ange as they dive into the world of emotional intelligence and its transformative impact on leadership in the trades. It’s time to debunk the old "tough it out" mindset and explain how understanding and managing emotions can propel you to new heights of leadership. 📌Key Insights & Strategies: Emotional Intelligence isn't about suppressing feelings but about harnessing them to foster better relationships and effective leadership. The Four Key Components of Emotional Intelligence. Self-awareness: Recognise your emotions and their impact on your actions. Self-regulation: Manage your emotions constructively, especially in stressful situations. Social awareness: Understand the emotions of others in the workplace, enhancing teamwork and conflict resolution. Practical Leadership Advice And more ...    📥 FREE Downloads for This Episode: 1. How To Be A Good Leader Guide📞 Want Andy to look at your business? Book a free strategy call for tailored advice that provides clarity and direction to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here.   🔗 Stay Connected with Lifestyle Tradie:- Instagram- Facebook   Tune in, download the free resources, and step up your leadership game with emotional intelligence today! 

Apr 22

24 min 15 sec