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Tradies In Business

Warrick Bidwell and Nicole Cox

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Whether you're a plumber, electrician, builder, motor mechanic, landscaper, tiler, glazier, painter, carpenter, concretor or any of the myriad of trades and contractors that keep the world running, this podcast has been produced with you in mind. Your hosts, Warrick 'Waz' Bidwell and Nicole 'Nic' Cox, were both born into tradie families and have first hand experience of the gut busting, money stress and pressures that trade businesses can place on their owners and their families! Nic and Waz ...
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If you’ve ever thought about bringing an apprentice on board but felt a bit lost in the process, you're not alone. Jeff Cooke from Apprenticeship Support Australia is here to clear up the confusion and myths around hiring apprentices. He breaks down the process, addressing common concerns like the initial learning curve, wages, and legalities, and …
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Looking to buy a home but feeling blocked by strict bank requirements? Ryan Gair, founder of Rate Money, shares how his team helps self-employed tradies overcome the obstacles banks often set. Ryan reveals why traditional banks’ rigid loan requirements can be tough for people with variable incomes and explains how Rate Money’s tailoured lending sol…
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As the holiday season approaches, trade business owners face the challenge of avoiding the dreaded Christmas hangover. In part 2 of this Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic shares how to keep your marketing game strong amid the pre-Christmas rush. Discover the importance of staying connected with clients through emails and social media while others may…
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Christmas is around the corner, and with it comes the typical chaos that can catch trade business owners off guard. In this first part of the Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic share some practical tips to help you prepare for the rush and avoid common pitfalls, like cash flow gaps that hit hard in the new year. From handling last-minute jobs to creat…
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Ever faced issues because you didn’t have a written agreement with your clients? Alex Solo from Sprintlaw shares practical tips on securing your business structure, locking in key contracts, and protecting your brand name from the start. He talks about how clear, written contracts can save you from headaches down the line—whether it's dealing with …
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How do you balance growing a trade business with family life and long-term goals? Rhys and Renee from Functional Air Conditioning QLD share their story of building a successful business while juggling the demands of parenting and personal aspirations. They talk about the importance of getting the right advice early, avoiding bad habits, and how hir…
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Can a business really grow too fast or too big? Waz and Nic take on the question of whether it’s possible to expand too fast or get too big for your own good. They challenge the common fears around growth, pointing out that the real issue usually lies in shaky systems and lack of preparation. They also share why it's important to set clear boundari…
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Running a trade business can feel chaotic, but it’s not always about needing more systems—it’s about improving the ones you’ve already got. Waz and Nic are breaking down how refining your existing processes can lead to more efficiency and less stress. From sales and operations to managing clients, they are sharing practical tips for streamlining yo…
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When it comes to hiring, focusing on leadership and soft skills can make a real difference in building well-rounded and effective teams. Do you agree? Leah Mether, a Communication & Soft Skills Specialist, joins Waz & Nic to chat about communication, leadership, and the importance of soft skills in today's workplace. Leah shares her insights on cou…
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Ever find yourself puzzled by why your profit doesn’t match your bank balance? Or wonder why there never seem to be enough hours in the day? Waz & Nic are answering the top three questions trade business owners ask the most. Plus they clear up the difference between profit and cash flow, share practical tips on managing your time, and discuss the c…
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For this special episode, Waz and Nic chat with Ben Hulsbosch, aka "Bin Chicken," who’s won the "Top of the Trade - Sole Trader" award two years in a row at the Tradies in Business Excellence Awards. Ben shares his journey from heavy diesel contractor to award-winning business owner, offering practical tips on crafting standout award submissions. T…
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Many business owners shy away from planning for the future and protecting their assets—like figuring out what happens to your business when you pass away. Vanessa Emilio from Legal123 brings her law and finance expertise to guide us through the essentials of will preparation, the importance of updating your will after major life events, and the key…
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Waz & Nic share personal stories on parenting and personal growth, from breaking away from negative family patterns to reflecting on the joys and challenges of being later-life parents. They discuss the power of a positive mindset, the importance of venting emotions, and the balance between caring for others and financial sustainability. They also …
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Waz & Nic sit down with Dr. Gina Cleo, a habit change expert who’s here to challenge everything you thought you knew about breaking bad habits and creating lasting change. Dr. Cleo emphasises that making consistent, small changes is more effective than an all-or-nothing approach. They also touch on the significance of authenticity and vulnerability…
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Feeling the weight of the tradie life? August is National Tradie Health Month so we’re cutting through the noise and getting real about the challenges tradies face. Waz & Nic talk about the daily stress, isolation, and overwhelming workload that many tradies endure—because simply knowing there’s a problem isn’t enough.. We need practical solutions,…
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Ever tried taking a holiday only to have work crises follow you? Many trade business owners experience this. From the struggles of phones that never stop ringing to team mishaps when the boss is away, the list could go on and on.. You might also believe that only you can manage your trade business, but empowering your team can lead to amazing resul…
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Waz and Nic sit down with the incredible Maggie Dent to explore the challenges men face in today's world. Maggie, passionate about helping boys transition into adulthood, clears up misconceptions about trade careers and advocates for recognising the value men bring to fields like education and tech. She discusses the different stages of growing up,…
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Let's explore the cultural phenomenon of "tall poppy syndrome"— where highly successful people often get criticised, and see how it affects tradies thinking about entering business awards. Waz & Nic talk about how these awards can do more than just give you a nice plaque; they're a surprising but powerful way to boost motivation, get marketing bene…
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Dreaming of getting rich quick through real estate? Matthew from Rosie & Rosie chats with Waz & Nic about revealing the truths and challenges behind property investment and the pitfalls that many first-time investors stumble into. Matthew also touches on the nitty-gritty of finding suitable properties—using client briefs, real estate alerts, and le…
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Are arguments with your spouse turning into war zones? Join Nic and Waz as they share insights on handling disagreements effectively while ditching the "winning" mentality. Learn how to truly listen, understand your partner's perspective, and find common ground, even when you don't see eye-to-eye. Because in healthy relationships, it's not about wi…
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Today is all about one of the most annoying aspects of putting yourself out there: trolls. Yeah, those not-so-cute, not-so-fuzzy internet pests who live for bashing your posts. Have you or your business ever been trolled on social media? How did you deal with them without losing your sanity or your business reputation? Join Waz & Nic as they chat a…
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Have you tried using ChatGPT in your business? Join Waz & Nic as they chat with Donna McGeorge—who penned a book on this ever-evolving technology—as she talks about why it's important to be mindful of cybersecurity when using AI, similar to how we protect our personal and financial info. She clears up some common misconceptions about AI and shares …
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What would it be like to trade the warm, bustling city life for the frozen, isolated beauty of Antarctica? Connor Gordon, a tradie business owner, made just that switch. Leaving his carpentry business in Canberra, he ventured to the icy expanse of Antarctica. Connor shares why he made such a bold move and recounts his surreal first moments in this …
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Have you ever thought about the opportunities you might have missed by not hiring sooner? In this episode, Waz and Nic tackle the big question of when to hire staff—breaking down the common fears and excuses that hold trade business owners back. From understanding the financial clarity to reaping the benefits of adding a team member, they cover it …
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Known for his genuine motivational approach, Trevor Farmer from Topcatz explores the essence of leadership and finding a higher purpose at work. Drawing from his own experiences overcoming challenges, he emphasises the importance of keeping sight of your goals and the role of mindset in overcoming fear. Join Waz & Nic as they touch on Trevor's pers…
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One of the scariest thing to do is making change in your trade business—specially raising your rates... “What if I lose clients? What if no one pays?” There's these ideas that money changes people, and having more money makes you an a**hole or those sorts of ideas. But the truth is: clients who value quality are willing to pay for it. Join Waz & Ni…
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Do you find it challenging to cut through the noise and make your job ad stand out online? You're not alone. One of the key highlights is the importance of making job ads 'sexy' to stand out in a cluttered online space. Waz & Nic will talk about some recruitment strategies that'll make your job ads pop and attract the BEST candidates! From catchy h…
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One of the things we usually hear from trade business owners is they're stuck in the endless cycle of 'Where do we start' or 'What do we do next?' Whether you're overwhelmed by the sea of potential changes or just uncertain about your next step, Waz & Nic will help you explore the three key areas that every trade business owner should focus on to e…
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Why do some tasks fail despite clear instructions? Waz & Nic are breaking down the ins and outs of delegation vs. abdication in your trade business, and how common abdication is specially in trades where accountability is key. If you're a trade business owner, mastering this distinction could make a significant difference in your operational succes…
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Curious about how businesses manage to stay compliant with ever-changing laws and regulations? From sharing her experiences running a compliance training business to cracking the code on balancing work and family, Deborah Coram, a seasoned professional in compliance training, shares her practical wisdom and valuable insights on how effective traini…
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What does it take to grow a YouTube channel from zero to hero? From green keeping to becoming a full-time content creator and savvy online entrepreneur, Ben shares his inspiring journey and the secrets to his thriving YouTube channel and online business—Lawn Tips. With an impressive 140,000 subscribers and a top video hitting 4 million views, Ben s…
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How can you build a brand that goes beyond the product and truly resonates with people? Well, let's take a peek behind the scenes at Totally Workwear's journey as Troy shares how they've shaken up the workwear game, not only by transforming the industry but also by standing up for the hardworking folks who wear their gear. From forging strong partn…
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Running a successful building business and maintaining a healthy personal life is possible and that's what Liam and Samara demonstrate in their business and family life. In this episode, Liam and Samara share the importance of communication and boundaries, both at home and at work, the immense value of personal time, and the courage to seek help in…
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Ever wondered what it takes to transition from being a builder to a building certifier and then a successful business owner? Tune in to Real Tradie Stories as Waz & Nic sit down with Scott Wrigley and chat about the importance of seeking outside feedback, embracing coaching, and the challenges faced by trade business owners. Scott shares insights o…
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The saying goes, never argue with an idiot because they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. The same could be said about arguing with clients... or the licensing bodies! Today's guest is a former builder turned consultant who learned the hard way how important paperwork and awareness of your obligations are. This applies t…
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Waz loves camping. Nic... used to but now not so much! Find out why Nic's fallen out of love with her caravan and what's wrong with caravan parks. Waz tries his best to turn it all into a business lesson. Not sure he succeeds this time though! --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on …
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Saying no. It's a skill many of us wish we had but are either too scared to use or unsure how! In today's quickie episode, your hosts run through some simple, actionable tools you can use to say no when you know you should instead of saying yes when you know you shouldn't! --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcas…
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We have another chat to Ryan Wilson who, back in 2017, founded 'Free Trade Day'. Free Trade Day is an initiative that helps those less fortunate with basic tradie services, free for a day! Ryan's also an electrician and business owner and since we last spoke here on the podcast, he's had some interesting lessons. We share them with you on this epis…
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Nic pops on her tin foil hat and tunes it in to the conspiracy channel today. What's REALLY going on with the NRL going to Las Vegas and what's it got to do with your kids and your family? --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube, explore our website…
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There have been some changes to employment law in Australia that could affect trade business owners. Nic and Waz run through some of the key changes that you should be aware of and how they might impact your business and your bottom line. For more specifics, click HERE to chat with our mate Kristy-lee Billett. --- Connect with Tradies in Business! …
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When Rakesh Nairn's family fell on their face in business, he decided to educate himself and avoid the same mistakes. He's gone on to work with some of the country's biggest accounting firms and now runs his own practice along with our mate Jackson Milan from Aureus Financial. While this topic can be drier than the millennium drought, Rakesh manage…
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We all complain about stuff. It's natural to feel like a rant or a vent at times. Problem is, many of us complain but don't do anything about changing the situation! And what about when you complain about something you can't control? What are you supposed to do then? Nic's got a suggestion that might shock you! Click HERE if you'd like to book a ch…
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Do you struggle to come up with content to share on your social media pages? You're not alone... most trade business owners are confused, scared or just overwhelmed about sharing images, videos or posts to their business feed. Nic and Waz give some quick, actionable tips on what you CAN share so you can get started right away, stay consistent and p…
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Other than a cool name, Dante St James has a ton of experience using social media for business. He happens to be one of a small number of Meta contractors here in Australia so he gives us the inside running on using the platform wisely. When people are mostly on Facebook and Instagram to watch videos of Kim Kardashian, how the heck do you get prosp…
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Waz has a very sensitive 'being taken advantage of' nerve and lately he's been feeling a little triggered. Find out what online shopping has to do with his rant today and why Nic thinks something should be done about crappy service. --- Connect with Tradies in Business: Facebook: facebook.com/tradiesinbusiness Instagram: instagram.com/tradiesinbusi…
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Make variations profitable again! Nic and Waz drag another episode out of the back catalogue and give you the short version (tough for Waz to do!) For the full ep, head to TIB161 How to avoid headaches when clients change their mind --- Connect with Tradies in Business: Facebook: facebook.com/tradiesinbusiness Instagram: instagram.com/tradiesinbusi…
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You're in business to make money. More specifically, you should be in business to make a profit. Profit first, then cash and we all love cash right? Problem is, many tradies think increasing profit is complicated, confusing and hard. The truth couldn't be more different. Nic and Waz talk through some of the super simple things you can do to get you…
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Coxie goes to town on Australia's favourite TV show. Waz offers his best advice on getting over it and then we're pretty sure they end up off in the weeds, offering coaching advice to you! Tune in to another Fire Truck Friday episode for a bit of a rant, some deep and meaningful thought and a few laughs. --- Connect with Tradies in Business: Facebo…
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Up or down... what's your bet? Aussies have been hit by some horrendous interest rate hikes in the past year and it's starting to land hard for trade business owners. As clients tighten their purse strings, leads are slowing and cash is not flowing as much as it was. Some are saying rates are going to come down but what if they don't? Are you prepa…
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Grab your girl-gang (or mates), head to yoga and then, release the puppy-dogs!! Huh? Yep, puppy-yoga is a thing and Waz tries to understand it. Plus, Nic and Waz chew the fat on friendships, getting away with mates and why having a girl-gang is an important part of life. Oh, and puppies. Puppies are awesome. --- Connect with Tradies in Business: Fa…
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