The ToolShed Podcast

As builders, we've all faced late nights wrestling with estimates, drowning in spreadsheets, and wondering if there's a better way. Well, V2E is here to say, "There is." V2E stands out by not just crunching numbers but by bringing projects to life with 3D modelling, offering a level of clarity and efficiency that paper plans could never match. V2E integrates into your current workflow and is made to fit your business like a glove. This personalised approach ensures that your projects aren't just numbers in a system, but visions brought closer to reality. It's about working smarter, not harder, and reclaiming those precious hours for what really matters.

I've had the privilege of sitting down with Michael Read, the owner and founder of V2E, short for Vision to Estimating, a company that's not just another service provider but a beacon of innovation for residential builders. As we always say here at Builders Business Black Belt, “Ask Who, Not How?" and V2E might just be the "Who" you've been searching for. It can transform your building projects, and perhaps, your life. Remember, it's not just about building houses; it's about building a future.

Key takeaways:

• The right partnership eases the estimating load, freeing builders to concentrate on their skills.
• V2E gives builders the ability to manage the volatility of material costs.
• Building estimates will become a lot easier with V2E.
• Increase accuracy and save more time with the help of V2E.
• V2E’s personalised approach to service for builders navigating the complexities of modern construction.
• V2E’s foundation was built on creating efficiency in the estimating process for builders.
• Integrating 3D modelling into the estimating process.

All this and more, on this week’s episode of The ToolShed.

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about Mental Health Is Something You Do. So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon as it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

https://www.v2e.com.au/

Social proof is becoming increasingly important in attracting and converting clients. Potential customers are more likely to trust a business with many positive reviews and testimonials. Handling negative reviews with care and using them as an opportunity for growth can turn a negative into a positive. Creating a remarkable customer experience and investing in reputation marketing can yield long-term returns and set a business apart from competitors.

In this episode of The ToolShed, I have with me Karl Schwantes. Karl is a Customer Experience Expert and an international award-winning author, a Telstra business award finalist and winner of the My Business Awards 2020 for the Best Customer Experience. We discussed the importance of reputation marketing in the digital age. We talked about the power of social proof and how it can be used to attract and convert clients. We also discussed how negative reviews can be an opportunity for growth and how to handle them carefully. Building a remarkable customer experience and investing in reputation marketing can set a business apart from competitors and yield long-term returns. This episode is full of insights and activities that everyone can pick up and use.

Key takeaways:

• Google reviews are a crucial part of reputation marketing, with high trust and influence on potential customers
• Businesses should focus on creating exceptional client experiences that go beyond delivering the expected product or service
• Social proof, such as positive reviews, plays a significant role in building trust and attracting new clients
• Negative reviews can have a significant impact on a business, but they also provide an opportunity for improvement and showcasing excellent customer service
• Reputation marketing involves actively managing and amplifying your brand story through customer reviews
• Having a strong online reputation can lead to pre-converted clients and higher conversion rates
• The combination of great product/service, experience, and positive reviews increases the chances of attracting and retaining customers

All this and more, on this week’s episode of THE TOOLSHED.

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Stay tuned next week because Richard Armstrong will be back. We will have a fresh conversation that will change how we operate. So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

• https://reputable.global/program/

The right mindset is crucial to achieving business success. It’s essential to focus on cultivating a growth mindset, allowing individuals to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and persist in facing obstacles. Implementing effective systems and strategies, building client relationships, understanding their needs, and joining a group of like-minded entrepreneurs are key to achieving business success. Entrepreneurs can achieve their goals and build successful businesses by adopting these strategies and cultivating a growth mindset.

In this episode, I have the pleasure to sit with Adam Wolfe, the Director of “Builders Of Architecture,” an award-winning architectural builder in Melbourne since 2009. With a passion for delivering exceptional renovation and construction experiences, Adam is committed to transforming the industry and shaping the future. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continual learning make him a beacon in the industry, resonating with his team, architects, and homeowners. Adam shares valuable insights on achieving business success by feeding your mind with the right stuff, working on your systems and procedures, and focusing on your team’s growth.

Key takeaways:

• Business success begins with the right mindset and implementing effective systems
• Creating an environment for team input and problem solving leads to continuous improvement
• Nurturing connections with clients and architects leads to repeat work and deeper relationships
• Building a culture of continuous improvement drives performance and positive results
• Investing time and effort into understanding the fears, frustrations, wants, and aspirations of clients
• Deepening relationships with clients and professionals takes time, effort, and patience
• Joining a group of like-minded entrepreneurs can provide support and guidance for business growth

All this and more, on this week’s episode of THE TOOLSHED.

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Stay tuned next week when I talk with Katie Crismale-Marshall on finances and implementing profit-first. So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

• https://buildersofarchitecture.com.au/

Builders cannot be successful by relying solely on their building skills. They need a community of peers with the same values and passion for improving the industry. Through building a community, builders can share experiences, advice, and resources to help them grow their businesses. Being part of a community can help builders improve their skills and knowledge, which will help everyone thrive in the industry.

In this podcast episode, I discuss everything about the community of builders and Builder Registration with Colin Brewer, a senior executive with experience in national and international corporations. Colin is a 65% shareholder of the Builder Registration Group of companies, where he helps clients become registered builders and run their own building companies successfully. He emphasizes the importance of developing a solid team and promoting a positive culture in the industry.

Key takeaways:

• Having a supportive community is crucial for builders to succeed in their profession.
• Builder Registration helps builders with the assessment process until they obtain their license.
• Support offered by Builder Registration, including legal support and access to documentation
• The Registered Builders Network provides a platform for builders to connect with peers and access benefits.
• The network offers purchasing discounts and legal support to its members.
• Building a supportive community can help alleviate the anxiety and isolation often felt by builders.
• Importance of protecting yourself as a builder and not going broke.

All this and more, on this week’s episode of THE TOOLSHED.

Join the toolshed - thetoolshed.com

Stay tuned next week when we talk about The Power of a Growth Mindset for Business Success with Adam Wolfe. So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

https://builderregistration.com.au/

• VIC - 03 9122 8624
• NSW - 02 9023 2066
• QLD - 07 3522 5692

Cash flow problems, tax headaches, and surprise expenses—sound familiar? Most builders struggle with managing their finances, but the right accountant can literally save your business. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with Bryn Harwood from Tradies Accountant to discuss why builders NEED a specialist accountant who understands the industry inside and out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The biggest financial mistakes builders make (and how to avoid them) ✅ Why a general accountant isn’t enough for a construction business ✅ How AI and automation are revolutionizing accounting for tradies ✅ The hidden risks in construction finance that could cost you BIG ✅ Invoice fraud in the industry—how to protect your business

To connect with Bryn Hardwood, check all the links below: Website: https://www.tradiesaccountant.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradiesAccountant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiesaccountant/ Email: [email protected] Are you a small to medium business owner? Call Tradies Accountant at 1300 775 048 📌 Want to identify and fix the ONE issue holding your business back? Take the Builder’s Scorecard in just 90 seconds and get personalized insights on how to improve your business. https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard Stay tuned next week when we talk about it. So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.