Sparky Coach

In this episode of “The Crowe Show” Greg Crowe takes us through the mid year reset. And while technically it’s May (ie not mid year), it’s amazing how much you need to check in with yourself (and your business) to make sure that you are still on track and that the wheels haven’t completely fallen off the wagon. As the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery says “a dream without a plan is just a wish”. So what do we dream about? That do you dream about? What are our goals? What are your goals? What should your goals be? I always like to start at the high level, which is “make money, build wealth, be kind”.The next stage is to “generate revenue, drive profits + control your time”. The granular stage is to work out where your focus points are. What season are you in? Are you needing to generate revenue? Drive profits? Or set some time boundaries on tasks, business events + your work hours? This is why every week at Sparky Coach we close the week, and every month we close the month. It is in mastering the mundane where we work out where our focus and focus points should be. Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up. Enjoy the pod xx SummaryIn this episode, Greg Crowe discusses the importance of mid-year reset, goal setting, and strategic planning for business and personal growth. He emphasizes slowing down to speed up, recognizing seasons of life, and aligning actions with true desires to build wealth and maintain relationships.Keywordsbusiness reset, goal setting, wealth building, personal development, time management, business strategy, season of life, financial goals, personal growth, productivityKey TopicsMid-year reset importanceGoal setting and revisiting goalsRecognizing seasons of life and businessThe importance of slowing down to speed upAligning actions with true desires for wealth and relationshipsTitlesThe Mid-Year Reset: How to Reclaim Your Business and LifeSlow Down to Speed Up: The Power of Strategic ResetSound Bites"A dream without a plan is just a wish.""Seed, time and harvest.""Slow down to speed up."Chapters00:00 Mid-Year Reset: A Time for Reflection05:02 Setting Goals and Building Wealth09:51 Understanding Seasons of Business14:52 The Importance of Slowing Down20:07 Closing the Week: A Key to Success24:57 Taking Action: From Dreams to Reality

Today on Sunday Skool Joey walks us through how to create a basic CRM (Client Relationship Management). This kind of tool is essential when reaching out to new businesses (whether it’s a warm reach out, hot chip in or cold as ice). What’s colder than ice? Oxana. Lol. We have a sheets template that I would be happy to send over if you need one, but yeh enjoy the session as Joey runs you through the concept and how to components. Of course you can also use excellent ones through ready made apps such as GHL, Monday, Click Up, Asana etc. Enjoy the pod xx Title: Building a Basic CRM in Google Sheets for Client HustlingHook:In this episode, Joey walks us through creating an effective yet simple CRM using tools like Google Sheets and ClickUp. Perfect for small businesses or solo operators, this method helps you organize and track your client outreach, especially when prospecting for new work.Key Topics:Definition and purpose of a CRM for small-scale hustlingTools comparison: ClickUp, Google Sheets, Excel optionsStep-by-step process for building a custom CRM sheet in Google SheetsImportant columns: Client Name, Contact Info, Stage, Next Contact Date, Notes, Client TypeUsing dropdown menus for stages, contact methods, and client categoriesSetting up conditional formatting for follow-up reminders (dates highlighted in colors)Strategies for sourcing prospective clients: VA data mining, social media, in-person spottingPractical example: contacting kitchen installers in the Sunshine Coast areaTips for maintaining and updating the CRM: drag-and-drop, date tracking, notes collectionTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to CRMs and their role in client prospecting00:30 - Explaining what a CRM is and how it helps in finding new clients01:00 - Overview of popular CRM tools like Monday, Podium, GHL, Salesforce01:30 - Demonstration of building a basic CRM in Google Sheets02:29 - Structuring the CRM: Boards, stages, contact info, client types03:04 - Using Google Sheets to track builders, accommodation, aged care, etc.04:01 - Example of a client pipeline sheet setup in a workbook05:18 - Setting up dropdowns for stages, contact methods, client categories12:02 - Color coding stages for visual clarity16:13 - Conditional formatting based on contact date to indicate urgency19:06 - Automating date formats and follow-up scheduling21:21 - Practical sourcing ideas: VA data, Instagram, in-person spotting22:37 - Building outreach in real-time: a scenario with kitchen installers26:40 - Tracking successful contacts and planning follow-ups28:21 - Final tips for maintaining and updating the CRM effectivelyResources & Links:ClickUp — Project management tool used for more advanced CRM workflowsGoogle Sheets — Free spreadsheet software for custom CRMsExcel — Alternative to Google Sheets for building client tracking sheetsEnjoy building your own simple CRM! Stay consistent, customize based on your client types, and use visuals like color codes to stay on top of your outreach efforts.

On the weekend I was going through my notes folder and I noticed some dot points from an “invoicing” session I delivered maybe almost 5 years ago to this date. It definitely jumped out to me so I thought I would listen the trade gods and share all my thoughts in and around all things invoicing. So here’s a fresh take on one of my fave subjects! Enjoy the pod xx Mastering Invoicing: How to Make It the Best Part of Your WeekJoin us as Crowey shares his raw, honest insights on how efficient invoicing is crucial for cash flow, business growth, and personal well-being. Learn practical tips and mindset shifts to transform invoicing from a burdensome task into a productive and even enjoyable process.Key Topics:The core principle: If there's a problem with your invoice, there's a problem with your processWhy invoicing is the most critical part of your business - cash flow equals survivalCommon pitfalls like getting behind and how to avoid themThe importance of regular, consistent invoicing (preferably weekly)How to ensure your invoice matches the scope of work and the project notesThe significance of early communication and addressing issues proactivelyStrategies for delegating invoicing tasks to save time and increase accuracyThe emotional barriers around making money and how to overcome themThe role of systems, checklists, and proper documentation in business healthThe 80-20 principle: focusing on invoicing and quoting to drive 80% of your business resultsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Why invoicing doesn't take a holiday, even on your birthday00:29 - The importance of sitting on what you do and the lesson from recurring notes01:22 - Main takeaway: Problems with invoices reflect issues in your process01:51 - The relationship between invoice accuracy and process integrity02:44 - The reality of getting busy and the first things to go: invoicing and quoting03:14 - The importance of timely invoicing to ensure cash flow04:13 - Weekly invoicing: the cornerstone of financial discipline05:03 - Diversifying work to safeguard against market fluctuations06:27 - How market shifts (e.g., COVID, economic tightening) affect different sectors07:25 - The significance of project diversity and resilience in business08:51 - The story of a small job turning into a key client09:49 - The importance of consistent invoicing and not letting small jobs slip through the cracks10:37 - Stop making excuses: invoicing is the business’s bloodline11:44 - The benefits of networking and building relationships (BNI experience)12:09 - The consequences of not having enough work and how to stay proactive13:07 - Playing the long game: the power of referrals and diversifying clients14:22 - Be cautious of the “cult” of networking groups and focus on genuine relationships15:52 - The role of a holistic business mindset and varying industry backgrounds16:46 - Pricing systems: the benefits of cost-plus and wholesale rates18:14 - The importance of confronting your emotional barriers around money and success19:38 - Invoicing should be the most fun part of your week – shift your mindset20:37 - Regular communication with clients about invoices can prevent issues22:02 - Making invoicing straightforward and positive, not stressful23:23 - The power of clarity and transparency: check invoices before sending25:46 - Fault-finding in invoices like resolving electrical faults—apply similar logic27:10 - Early intervention and communication to prevent invoice disputes29:34 - Invoicing for progress: the importance of invoicing for work completed32:54 - The process of closing the week to maintain business health34:15 - The seed time and harvest

Today our good mate + all round lord Tom Ryan from Ryelec Automation sits down to chat through all things life + business. Each week in the Sparky Coach platform Tom runs our “Plus $1m Club” which aims to build community + foster business growth + increase profits + increase business owner productivity + more. We talk about the importance of exercise, morning routines, being effective + efficient in the office, home automation, prioritising business tasks, quoting + much more. Enjoy the pod xx From Sparky to Success: Insightful Conversations with Tom80z & Sparky CoachDiscover practical strategies and personal stories from electric professionals Tom80z and Sparky Coach, covering everything from business growth, time management, and tech integration, to staying motivated through fitness. Whether you're a seasoned tradesperson or just starting out, these insights will help you elevate your game and build a sustainable, successful business.Key Topics:The importance of morning routines and exercise for mental clarity and disciplineBuilding and managing a business with flexible hours and work-life balanceTransition from technician to business owner—knowing when to go all-inStreamlining project management with Slack, SOPs, and automation tools like Loom and ScribePrioritizing high-impact tasks to increase productivity and profitHandling variations and client expectations in automation and electrical projectsThe role of long-term staff relationships and forming "partners" like MaxiePlanning and designing high-end smart homes with invisibility and automation featuresTips for managing stress, unexpected challenges, and maintaining focusFuture-proofing business through branding, social media, and innovative tech setupsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and casual chat about hats and personal branding02:30 - Teenage years: troublemaker to thriving entrepreneur06:00 - Starting a business: motivation, freedom, and early challenges10:15 - The role of exercise in business resilience & mental health15:00 - Productivity hacks: high-impact task focusing and office efficiency20:00 - Communication tools: Slack, SOPs, and team management25:00 - Prioritizing quotes, variations, and client relationships30:00 - Transitioning roles: handing over responsibilities and creating SOPs35:00 - Managing variations, client expectations, and project control40:00 - Smart home and automation design: invisible setups and future plans45:00 - Building an iconic house as a showcase & influencer opportunity50:00 - Final advice: prepping for success, mindset, and habits to cultivateResources & Links:LoomScribeFergus Project ManagementKNX Smart Home SystemSavanta Automation ControlOpal LightingThis episode is packed with actionable advice, humorous anecdotes, and future trends — a must-listen for tradespeople aiming to scale and innovate.

"I care desperately about what I do. Do I know what product I'm selling? No. Do I know what I'm doing today? No. But I'm here, and I'm gonna give it my best shot" // Hansel from Zoolander Welcome to part 2 of planning an admin day. Let’s face it, most of us wouldn’t employ ourselves to work in the office. But we need to turn that around.Too often we are consistently underperforming and then the work creeps over into our personal lives and headspace, robbing us of good quality precious time with loved ones. If we (and our team) can consistently perform in the office, it’s going to change your business (and its profitability) forever. Today we chat through how to set yourself (and others) up for success in the office, and then make sure you (and they) achieve it. Get after it xx Ps If you haven’t already watched (or listened to) it, scroll back to #260 for part 1. Or if you’re feeling lazy here is the link… https://youtu.be/CRNGLEgTlpw SummaryThis episode offers practical insights on how to optimize your admin and office days for maximum productivity. Sparky Coach emphasizes the importance of planning, environment, and self-awareness to turn busy days into truly productive ones.Keywordsproductivity, office efficiency, admin day, time management, business growth, self-accountability, work environment, planning, efficiency tipsKey TopicsThe importance of planning your admin dayHow environment affects productivitySelf-awareness and accountability in workStrategies to prevent floating and procrastinationThe role of environment and distractions in efficiencyTakeawaysYou have 8 hours of productivity and 8 hours of floating; the key is how you use them.Plan your admin day with set up and pack down routines to maximize efficiency.Create a distraction-free environment to stay focused and productive.Reflect on your day to identify what went well and what went off rails.Set clear KPIs and define your responsibilities to enable accountability.TitlesMaster Your Admin Day: 10 Proven Strategies for Office ProductivityThe 8-Hour Rule: How to Maximize Your Office EfficiencySound Bites"There's the truth and the truth.""You are a weapon in the office.""Reset, reset, reset."Chapters00:00 Planning Your Admin Day: The Sequel01:27 Understanding Productivity vs. Procrastination05:11 The Importance of Accountability in the Office08:27 Creating an Efficient Office Environment11:13 Assessing Performance and Catching Up16:31 Structuring Your Ideal Week21:33 The Art of Quoting and Invoicing26:16 Reflecting on Your Day: The Pack Down30:33 Resetting and Maintaining Focus36:19 Long-Term Planning for Business SuccessResourcesBuilt to Sell by John Warrillow - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7U7Q4Q

“No I don’t want no scrubs” // TLCIt’s a tale as old as time; kind business owner hires and then keeps average staff members around for too long only to feel the wrath. You weren’t born to be average, and your business was not created to do average work with average people for average clients. You were born to be exceptional, and your business was created to do awesome work with awesome people for awesome clients. So stop hiring + keeping around average team members only to watch them bring down the culture, team, vibe, retention, work quality, and eventually your reputation. Hire the best people in the industry, and let them cook. Be exceptional. Enjoy the pod x SummaryThis episode explores the importance of maintaining high standards in staff, culture, and business practices. It emphasizes the dangers of holding onto average staff, micromanagement, and the significance of hiring elite talent to foster a thriving company environment.Keywordsbusiness culture, staff performance, hiring, leadership, team management, company reputation, employee turnover, business growth, leadership tips, staff developmentKey TopicsThe impact of average staff on business culture and reputationThe importance of hiring top talent and letting them 'cook'Recognizing and addressing underperformance earlyThe iceberg theory: seeing only 10% of staff issuesThe dangers of micromanagement and meddling in team dynamicsCreating and maintaining a strong company cultureThe role of honesty, necessity, and kindness in communicationHow to identify and let go of underperforming staffThe importance of a rigorous hiring and probation processThe emotional and reputational costs of holding onto average staffTakeawaysAverage staff can undermine company culture and profitabilityHire A-players and let them excel without micromanagementRecognize the iceberg of staff issues—what's beneath the surfaceTrust your gut feelings about staff performanceLet go of underperformers quickly to protect cultureA strong culture attracts great staff and clientsUse the 'true, necessary, kind' filter in communicationImplement a thorough probation period for new hiresAvoid the trap of justifying poor staff performancePrioritize your business's reputation over comfort in difficult conversationsTitlesThe Hidden Cost of Average Staff: How to Build a High-Performance CultureWhy 'Scrubs' Can Kill Your Business and How to Avoid ItSound Bites"Hire the best people and let them cook.""Let them cook, do whatever you want.""You're only seeing 10% of the iceberg."Chapters00:00 Introduction: The Cost of 'Scrubs' in Business00:57 The Skill Level of Staff and Business Expectations01:56 Hiring A-Players and Building a High-Performance Team03:21 Managing Staff and Avoiding Micromanagement05:15 The Power of Company Culture and Its Creep06:38 Communicating Effectively: The 'True, Necessary, Kind' Filter08:59 The Dangers of Underperforming Staff and Letting Go12:04 Probation Periods and Trusting Your Gut16:10 The Iceberg Theory: Seeing Beneath the Surface19:20 Handling Client and Staff Feedback on Performance23:11 Measuring What Matters: Morale, Culture, and Reputation26:02 The Importance of Reflection and Slowing Down28:08 Hiring for Attitude and Skill: The Perfect Balance30:53 The Slow Creep of Culture and How to Stop It32:17 Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Business's Reputation and CultureResourcesNo Rules Rules by Reed Hastings - https://www.amazon.com/No-Rules-Rules-Netflix-Innovation/dp/0385544775

Coming to you live from our live event in the Gold Coast! Today Cam hosts Sam Hooper (SBH Electrical), Brad Hibberd (Hib Electrical) + Josey Bremner (Bremner Electrical) for a bunch of questions our live event attendees through in a bowl. The crew had no preparation for the questions, which always makes for a great organic answer. We chat through gross profit, finding clients, hating builders, loving builders, real estate work, margins, materials moves, mains pulls + much much more. What a time to be alive. Enjoy the pod! Keywordsclient acquisition, staff retention, business growth, work-life balance, commercial contracts, self-doubt, financial confidence, operational management, AI automation, personal needsTakeawaysClient acquisition often starts organically through personal networks.Persistence is key in chasing builders and clients.Vetting processes should focus on character and fit, not just experience.Work-life balance is crucial for long-term success.Understanding financials boosts confidence in taking on larger projects.Communication is vital in managing client expectations and pricing.AI can streamline processes but should not replace personal touch.Separating personal identity from business is a challenge for many entrepreneurs.Improving gross profit requires strategic pricing and labor management.Building relationships with clients can lead to more consistent work.SummaryIn this engaging conversation, the Sparky Coach Group discusses various aspects of running an electrical business, from client acquisition strategies to staff retention and the importance of work-life balance. The participants share their personal experiences, insights on overcoming self-doubt, and the significance of understanding financials when taking on larger projects. They also explore the role of AI in streamlining operations and the challenges of separating personal identity from business. Overall, the discussion provides valuable tips and strategies for electricians looking to grow their businesses while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.TitlesNavigating the Electrical Business LandscapeFrom Struggles to Success: A Sparky's JourneySound Bites"Client acquisition often starts organically.""Persistence is key in chasing builders.""Understanding financials boosts confidence."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background Stories05:40 Finding and Vetting Staff17:52 Gaining Commercial Clients33:12 Expanding Business Horizons39:44 The Balancing Act of Operations Management50:45 Leveraging AI and Automation59:16 Improving Gross Profit Strategies