edition # 28

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+ How To: Create Winning Habits Cool iPhone apps for tradies Proudly Australian Issue #28 Oct-Nov-Dec 2012 THE #1 TRADESMAN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Aaron & Dani McGregor Aaron’s Complete Electrical (ACE) Platinum VIP Members From a disorganised business with little direction to a profitable machine with an exciting future Paperless Revolution CRM for tradies – the review youve been waiting for… TIC Boot Camp Guess who said YES to sharing their knowledge…

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Page 1: Edition # 28

+How To: Create Winning Habits

CooliPhone apps for tradiesProudly Australian

Issue #28Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

THE #1 TRADESMAN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Aaron & Dani McGregorAaron’s Complete Electrical (ACE)

Platinum VIP Membersʻ‘From  a  dis-‐‑‒organised  business  with  little  direction  to  a  profitable  machine  with  an  exciting  futureʼ’

Paperless Revolution

CRM  for  tradies  –  the  review  youʼ’ve  been  waiting  for…

TIC Boot CampGuess  who  said  ʻ‘YESʼ’  to  

sharing  their  knowledge…  

Page 2: Edition # 28

TradeTalk 1

Welcome  gang…  this  is  it…the  month  of  the  TIC  Boot  Camp  (Friday  26th  and  Saturday  27th  October)  and  it’s  only  weeks  away.  We’re  totally  pumped  and  hope  you  are  too…  

Get  ready  to  be  inspired…  in  fact,  you  can  read  about  three  more  of  our  crazy  line-­‐up  of  special  guests  speakers  that  have  been  hand-­‐picked  to  present  at  the  event  on  page  11.    

From  the  London  Olympic  Games  and  Paralympics  straight  into  the  Footy  final  season…wonder  if  the  sports  ever  ends?  (I’m  not  complaining…)  I  must  admit,  with  Manly  now  out  of  the  Grand  Final  (totally  bummed!)  the  Sydney  Swans  game  certainly  made  up  for  it...  We  put  our  new  ‘kit’  to  work  while  we  sing  the  red  &  white  anthem…  check  out  the  ‘new  kit’  on  page  21.  You  might  just  be  inspired  to  purchase  one  for  yourself…  the  envy  of  your  mates,  guaranteed!

This  month  we  want  to  acknowledge  another  avid  footy  fan  (except  he  barracks  for  the  Broncos…)  Aaron  McGregor  and  his  beauWful  wife  Dani  from  Aaron’s  Complete  Electrical  (ACE  Electrical).  The  dedicaWon  they  consistently  show  in  their  business  is  admirable  –  the  vision  is  painted,  weekly  targets  are  set  and  the  profit  is  regular.  You  should  be  excepWonally  proud  of  your  achievements.We’re  a  big  fan  of  your  ‘favourite  tool’  Aaron,  but  perhaps  not  the  woollen  socks…  shameless…  Check  them  out  on  page  7.

    From  sport  to  business…the  key  topic  of  discussion  over  the  last  few  months  has  overwhelmingly  been  about  the  ‘paperless  revolu<on’.  A  double  topic  to  include  taking  on  board  a  CRM  so\ware  package  to  capture  database  and  track  informaWon  on  one  hand,  and  cloud  accounWng  packages  on  the  other  .  It’s  so  topical  that  we’ve  developed  a  CRM  Comparison  Report  (see  page  4)  and  a  Financial  Package  Comparison  

Paperless Revolution. Page 4

The review you’ve been waiting for.. CRM for tradies. Which ones best? You decide.

3 Easy Ways To Succeed In Sales. Page 6

If you’ve ever asked yourself why you’re so terrible at selling then this article is for you…

ACE Electrical Page 7

VIP Platinum Members Aaron & Dani from ACE Electrical share their top 3 business tips.

Page 3: Edition # 28

TradeTalk 2

TIC Boot CampPage 11

3 more special guest speakers are introduced… get ready to hold your hats!

How to Prevent a $20K FinePage 13

It’s not something you’d think you have to do before you call someone on your OWN database…but don’t be fooled…

Other articles include;

• The Big Guns are at it again - page 9

• Working from home can be the biggest challenge - page 15

• How to Create Winning Habits - page 17

• Have a laugh at our expense - page 20

• Be the Envy of your mates. Guaranteed - page 21

Report  (on  MyWc.com.au).  I  know  you’re  going  to  LOVE  this!  

Boot  Camp  couldn’t  have  come  at  a  be`er  Wme  for  asking  others  ‘what  package  they  have?’  and  ‘how’s  it  going  for  you?’.  There  are  many  using  a  varied  array  of  CRM  and  have  chosen  a  different  financial  soluWon.  Everyone  has  a  different  and  valid  opinion  –  ask  around  at  the  Boot  Camp.

So  what’s  been  happening  in  your  biz?  The  Dr.DRiP  team  conWnue  to  trial  the  ipad  system  with  2  members  of  our  team  (with  posiWve  feedback  to  date  –  we’ll  share  more  with  you  at  the  Boot  Camp),  plus  we’ve  been  prevenWng  a  $20K  fine  while  talking  to  our  OWN  database  (you’re  going  to  want  to  read  this  one  on  page  13),  and  chahng  with  our  team  about  the  3  Easy  Ways  To  Succeed  in  Sales…so  we  thought  we’d  share  this  with  you  too…(see  page  6).

And  for  those  that  work  from  home,  which  is  most,  there  are  a  few  Wps  from  Ange  about  how  to  stay  professional  –  like  the  tracksuit  is  completely  ‘out  of  bounds’  (I  just  saw  you  look  down  at  your  own  clothes  with  a  sigh…).

Can’t  believe  I’m  saying  this  already  but…  hope  Santa  is  good  to  you  (he’s  watching!).  

Looking  forward  to  seeing  all  your  smiling  faces  at  The  Vibe  Hotel,  North  Sydney  at  8:30am  on  the  Friday  26th  October…  if  not  before…where  I’ll  share  with  you  my  latest  ‘crazy’  experience  with  the  21km  ‘Tough  Mudder’.  Check  it  out  on  You  Tube...  Who’s  in  for  next  year?  To your success,Andy

P.s. A huge congratulations to Brett & KammiBeuzeville from StepUp Constructions for being nominated as 1 of 5 finalists in the National HIA Awards for their latest completed project, plus Kammi for her nomination as 1 of 4 finalists for Business Partner of the Year. We wish you all the best of luck for the HIA Awards night come the 20th October.

Andy

Page 4: Edition # 28

Tradesman inner CircleHelping You On The Road To Success

MEMBERS – You are never far from help.

Unlimited phone support on 1800 704 822.

Page 5: Edition # 28

Lay it on the plate...

T                          he  movement  for  many  industries                        to  shi@  from  a  paper  based  business  to  one  founded  on  technology.That  said,  there  are  two  separate  and/or  combined  discussions  at  play  here;  .  

1.  Moving  your  business  from  a  simple  MYOB  form  of  capturing  customer  data  to  a  professional  CRM  system  that  helps  with  this  component  in  addiHon  to  many  more

2.  Moving  your  business  from  a  server  based  financial  package  like  MYOB  (stored  on  your  computer/internal  server)  to  a  cloud  software  solution

In  any  business  you  can  switch  JUST  between  CRM  systems  or  financial  soOware  soluHons.AlternaHvely  you  can  switch  to  a  CRM  System  that  partners  well  with  a  specific  financial  soOware  soluHon  of  which  it  is  important  to  consider  when  reviewing  your  business  overall.

OOen  number  #1  above  will  come  with  a  move  to  a  tablet  of  some  descripHon  such  as  the  iPad.

For  the  trade  industry  there  are  a  number  of  different  soluHons  that  can  work  in  both  categories  of  CRM  and  financial  packages.  They  can  vary  for  small,  medium  to  large  sized  business.  

Ques<on:  So  where  do  I  start?

The  starWng  point  here  is  understanding  exactly  what  requirements  you  have  in  your  business.  Write  them  down.

With  this  in  hand  it  is  easy  to  review  the  CRM  Comparison  Report  and  immediately  rule  in  or  out  a  

The biggest buzz phrase at the moment is the ‘paperless revolution’

TradeTalk 4

Description

The FieldOne field management software is designed to run and manage your day to day operations. FieldOne is designed to grow and expand with the augmentation of your business meeting your unique demands while providing software that is user friendly and specific to your area of expertise.

Easy-to-use online software for the service industry. Ideal for Plumbers, Landscapers, Computer Service, Electricians, Handyman, Pest Control, and much much more.

Connect2Field is a cloud based field service job management solution for your service business. It allows you to schedule work to your fieldworkers & dispatch jobs to their mobile device such as iPhone, iPad or BlackBerry. Users have been able to throw away their diaries & paper job sheets by moving to an electronic system.

simPRO comes loaded with features that make running your business a breeze. Understanding how business works in the trade contracting industry. So in consultation with hundreds of contractors, thry’ve developed and refined modules to make every step in the process simple. And keep your business profitable.

I-Man is a web based service software solution designed specifically for the service based industry. With a powerful suite of products, I-Man features an easy to use console allowing instant access between offices and remote staff. I-Man works just as well on a smart phone as it does with a tablet.

ServiceCEO makes it easier for field service companies to get customers, schedule jobs, dispatch work crews and bill customers.

MYOB accounting software has made business life easier for over one million Aussie and Kiwi businesses. Manage your invoicing, expenses, GST, cashflow and inventory all in the one place.

GeoOp is an award winning cloud solution for managing jobs, quoting, time, materials, invoicing through to Xero and now inventory control together with Unleashed. Its combination of online job management and industry leading mobile applications for iPhone, iPad and Android provides a paperless platform to transform the efficiency of your mobile employees.

With Finga, they equip you with all the tools to take your business to the next level. They provide an easy to use set of software tools that runs on any Mac or PC. It lets business that are constantly on the go to operate efficiently and allows managers & supervisors to monitor what is happening out in the field.

Platform Windows, Web Based Web Based Web Based Windows, Mac and Web Based Web Based Web Based, Mac and Windows Windows, Mac and Web based Web, Android, iPad, iPhone Mac and PC

Package Sizes Not Provided

Basic Lite - 2 employees, Basic - 5 employees,

Basic Pro - 10 employees, Pro - 15 employees and

Enterprise - unlimited employees

One Size (pay per user). Over 1000 users permitted.

SimPro Streamline (covering every aspect of the business from estimating to project management and service

delivery), Simpro Enterprise (for busy owners who are likely to still be on the tools - no tablet function). Both have the option

of the addon of SimPro mobile to allow you to access while on the

road.

Not Provided

Dispatcher - Job Dispatch Management,

Office Manager - Sales and Job Management,

CEO - Total service business management

Various options to suit your needs

GeoOp is designed to pay by the job. The more jobs you do, the cheaper each individual price

becomes.

Not Provided

Offers n/a 14 day free trial period 14 day free trial periodFree 30 day trial period for both SimPro Enterprise and SimPro

Streamlinen/a Free 15 day trial period n/a Free 30 day trial period n/a

Prices (as at 220812) Based on needs and size of business on consultation.

$19/month (Basic Lite), $49/month(Basic),

$99/month(Basic Pro), $149/month(Pro) and price for

Enterprise is determined on size of business.

$65 per admin user $10 per field worker

$39/month (Streamline), and price for Enterprise is given upon

request.

Based on needs and size of business on consultation.

$99/month (job dispatch management),

$159/month (Sales and Job Management),

$199/month (Toal service business management)

Prices starting from $239 for software or $25/month for MYOB

Live Accounts

35c per job. 100 jobs - $33 (33c each), 500 jobs - $143 (29c each), 1000 jobs - $266 (27c each), 2500 jobs - $615 (25c each)

Based on needs and size of business on consultation.

Website http://www.fieldone.com http://www.servicesidekick.com http://www.connect2field.com http://simpro.com.au http://www.i-man.com.au http://www.serviceceo.com http://myob.com.au http://www.geoop.com http://www.finga.com.au

Accounting Integration

Quickbooks

Quickbooks

Quickbooks, MYOB and Xero

Quickbooks, MYOB, MYOB EXO

and Xero

Quickbooks, MYOB and Xero

Quickbooks

MYOB

Xero, Fresh Books

Appointment management

Billing and Invoicing

Call Centre Management

CRM Integration

Custom User Interface

Customer Accounts and Database

Customisable functionality

Customisable Reporting

Data Import/Export

Dispatch Integration

Expense Tracking

Industry Specific Configuration

Job In Progress Tracking

Location Service History

Mobile Access - Service Bridge - MYOB Live

Payroll Integration

Reporting

Scheduling

Service History

Software Development Kit

Work Order Management

Defining Features No Defining Feature Dashboard is clean and simple, easy to navigate

Uncluttered interface, great visual displays, simple, easy to

navigate

Straight forward and easy to navigate

No Defining FeatureDispatch Board clearly displayed,

extensive detail per customer allowed, easy to navigate

For basic CRM, mainly an accounting program, easy to navigate through software

Clear undestandable display, list and grid view of jobs side by side, signatures drawn onto

touch screen.

Dashboard display clear and detailed.

GeoOp FingaServiceCEO

Customer Service Relationship Management System (CRM) Comparison

MYOBFieldOne Service Sidekick Connect2Field simPro I-Man

About

Features

Page 6: Edition # 28

5 TradeTalk

number  of  the  companies  we  have  reviewed.  The  same  can  be  done  with  the  financial  package  solutions.This  can  be  found  on  myWc.com.au  under  the  Training  Centre/Paperless  RevoluWon.

When  you  have  your  short  list  the  real  research  begins…  Watching  the  video  we  have  provided  (on  mytic.com.au  as  above)  to  quickly  help  you  understand  exactly  what  soluWons  each  program  provides.

Remember:  when  looking  at  the  CRM  systems,  give  thought  to  the  financial  package  soluHon  that  they  recommend,  in  light  with  your  business  needs.

PLEASE  NOTE:  This  informaHon  is  provided  to  allow  you  a  one-­‐stop-­‐locaHon  to  review  the  most  recent  ‘talked  about’  CRM  systems  and  their  compaHble  financial  packages  today.  That  said,  this  does  not  rule  out  other  alternaHves  on  the  market.  With  this  knowledge  you  will  have  a  beYer  base  on  which  to  consider  your  business,  your  needs,  your  plans  for  the  future  and  hence  make  a  decision  about  ‘which  one  is  right  for  you’.  

Description

The FieldOne field management software is designed to run and manage your day to day operations. FieldOne is designed to grow and expand with the augmentation of your business meeting your unique demands while providing software that is user friendly and specific to your area of expertise.

Easy-to-use online software for the service industry. Ideal for Plumbers, Landscapers, Computer Service, Electricians, Handyman, Pest Control, and much much more.

Connect2Field is a cloud based field service job management solution for your service business. It allows you to schedule work to your fieldworkers & dispatch jobs to their mobile device such as iPhone, iPad or BlackBerry. Users have been able to throw away their diaries & paper job sheets by moving to an electronic system.

simPRO comes loaded with features that make running your business a breeze. Understanding how business works in the trade contracting industry. So in consultation with hundreds of contractors, thry’ve developed and refined modules to make every step in the process simple. And keep your business profitable.

I-Man is a web based service software solution designed specifically for the service based industry. With a powerful suite of products, I-Man features an easy to use console allowing instant access between offices and remote staff. I-Man works just as well on a smart phone as it does with a tablet.

ServiceCEO makes it easier for field service companies to get customers, schedule jobs, dispatch work crews and bill customers.

MYOB accounting software has made business life easier for over one million Aussie and Kiwi businesses. Manage your invoicing, expenses, GST, cashflow and inventory all in the one place.

GeoOp is an award winning cloud solution for managing jobs, quoting, time, materials, invoicing through to Xero and now inventory control together with Unleashed. Its combination of online job management and industry leading mobile applications for iPhone, iPad and Android provides a paperless platform to transform the efficiency of your mobile employees.

With Finga, they equip you with all the tools to take your business to the next level. They provide an easy to use set of software tools that runs on any Mac or PC. It lets business that are constantly on the go to operate efficiently and allows managers & supervisors to monitor what is happening out in the field.

Platform Windows, Web Based Web Based Web Based Windows, Mac and Web Based Web Based Web Based, Mac and Windows Windows, Mac and Web based Web, Android, iPad, iPhone Mac and PC

Package Sizes Not Provided

Basic Lite - 2 employees, Basic - 5 employees,

Basic Pro - 10 employees, Pro - 15 employees and

Enterprise - unlimited employees

One Size (pay per user). Over 1000 users permitted.

SimPro Streamline (covering every aspect of the business from estimating to project management and service

delivery), Simpro Enterprise (for busy owners who are likely to still be on the tools - no tablet function). Both have the option

of the addon of SimPro mobile to allow you to access while on the

road.

Not Provided

Dispatcher - Job Dispatch Management,

Office Manager - Sales and Job Management,

CEO - Total service business management

Various options to suit your needs

GeoOp is designed to pay by the job. The more jobs you do, the cheaper each individual price

becomes.

Not Provided

Offers n/a 14 day free trial period 14 day free trial periodFree 30 day trial period for both SimPro Enterprise and SimPro

Streamlinen/a Free 15 day trial period n/a Free 30 day trial period n/a

Prices (as at 220812) Based on needs and size of business on consultation.

$19/month (Basic Lite), $49/month(Basic),

$99/month(Basic Pro), $149/month(Pro) and price for

Enterprise is determined on size of business.

$65 per admin user $10 per field worker

$39/month (Streamline), and price for Enterprise is given upon

request.

Based on needs and size of business on consultation.

$99/month (job dispatch management),

$159/month (Sales and Job Management),

$199/month (Toal service business management)

Prices starting from $239 for software or $25/month for MYOB

Live Accounts

35c per job. 100 jobs - $33 (33c each), 500 jobs - $143 (29c each), 1000 jobs - $266 (27c each), 2500 jobs - $615 (25c each)

Based on needs and size of business on consultation.

Website http://www.fieldone.com http://www.servicesidekick.com http://www.connect2field.com http://simpro.com.au http://www.i-man.com.au http://www.serviceceo.com http://myob.com.au http://www.geoop.com http://www.finga.com.au

Accounting Integration

Quickbooks

Quickbooks

Quickbooks, MYOB and Xero

Quickbooks, MYOB, MYOB EXO

and Xero

Quickbooks, MYOB and Xero

Quickbooks

MYOB

Xero, Fresh Books

Appointment management

Billing and Invoicing

Call Centre Management

CRM Integration

Custom User Interface

Customer Accounts and Database

Customisable functionality

Customisable Reporting

Data Import/Export

Dispatch Integration

Expense Tracking

Industry Specific Configuration

Job In Progress Tracking

Location Service History

Mobile Access - Service Bridge - MYOB Live

Payroll Integration

Reporting

Scheduling

Service History

Software Development Kit

Work Order Management

Defining Features No Defining Feature Dashboard is clean and simple, easy to navigate

Uncluttered interface, great visual displays, simple, easy to

navigate

Straight forward and easy to navigate

No Defining FeatureDispatch Board clearly displayed,

extensive detail per customer allowed, easy to navigate

For basic CRM, mainly an accounting program, easy to navigate through software

Clear undestandable display, list and grid view of jobs side by side, signatures drawn onto

touch screen.

Dashboard display clear and detailed.

GeoOp FingaServiceCEO

Customer Service Relationship Management System (CRM) Comparison

MYOBFieldOne Service Sidekick Connect2Field simPro I-Man

About

Features

Page 7: Edition # 28

TradeTalk 6

Shut Up and Listen…3 Easy Ways to Succeed in Sales

Have  you  ever  really  asked  yourself  why  you  are  so  terrible  at  selling?The  answer  is  very  simple…  because  you’re  selling.

There’s  a  big  difference  between  buying  and  selling.  

Buying  is  a  happy  exchange  of  money  for  something  I  need  or  want.  Selling,   however,   is  generally   a  process  of   trying   to  convince  someone  that  they  want  or  need  what  you  have.  It  involves  coercion,  at  Wmes  manipulaWon,  and  it  paints  a  pre`y  ugly  picture  of  the  sales  person.

Selling   is   a   tough   gig.   An   uphill   battle   and   not  pleasurable  at  all.  Likewise,  being  sold  to  as  a  customer  is  not  fun  either.   It  probably  explains  the  reason  we  all  have   inbuilt   sales  resistance   that’s  automatically   and  unconsciously  triggered  when  being  sold  too.

Here’s   the   thing…It   won’t   matter   how   good   your  product  /service  is,  at  a  great  price,  or  that  you  offer  an  exceptional  service  to  your  customers,  if  you’re  selling  them,  you  won’t  get  anywhere.

The  critical  key  here  is  to  create  the  right  circumstance  for  buying  to  take  place,  then  sit  back  and  let  your  prospect  buy.

Now  there’s  a  little  bit  of  science  to  this.  In  fact,  3  easy  steps  need  to  be  followed  if  you  want  to  create  the  right  buying   circumstance.   Over   the  phone  or   face-­‐to-­‐face,  the  lesson  is  the  same.  Let’s  take  a  look  at  them.

1.  Ask  Ques<onsThe   only   way   to   find   out   what   your   customers  problems  are  is  to  ask  a  few  quesWons.  To  begin  it’s  important  to  make  them  feel  comfortable  so  that  they  feel  like  they’ve  contacted  the  right  person  for  the  job.  Nothing  works  better  than  a  friendly  smiling  voice/face.  Friendly   banter   (like   commenHng   on   the   dog   that  greeted   you  at  the  door)  will  always  start  you  off  on  the  right  foot.

That   said,   if   they   treat   you  in   a  casual  manner   and  want  a  chat,  then  chat  (but  not  forever!).  If  they  treat  you  with  a  very  ma`er-­‐of-­‐fact  manner,  then  you  do  the  same.  You  need  to  mirror  the  type  of  person  they  are  (anyone  channelling  Judeth  Wilson’s  presentaHon  from  TIC  Boot  Camp  2011  about  now?).

From  there  you  can  switch  gear  to  the  issue  at  hand:

➡  So,  <Mrs.  Jones>,  what  seems  to  be  the  problem?

➡  Can  you  talk  me  through/show  me  ……..?

➡  QuesBon…  

➡  QuesBon.…

➡  QuesBon…

Once  you  ask  each  quesWon  there  is  only   one  thing  you  should  be  doing…  you  need  to  -­‐  

2.  Shut  Up  &  ListenListen   to  their   problems,   listen  to  what   their   needs  are  and  while  you  are  listening  formulate  a  soluWon  in   your   head.   Remember   to   repeat   back   to   them  what  they’ve  said   in  your   own  words  so  they   know  you  are  thinking  about  everything  they  are  saying.  

There  is  a  rule  of   thumb  that  needs  to  be  followed  here:   the  customer   needs  to  talk  for   60%  to  70%  of  the   Wme.   That   said,   if   the   customer   controls   the  discussion,   usually   it   produces   an   unsaWsfactory  result   for   you.   So,   you   sWll   need   to   steer   the  discussion  through  your  quesWons.

And  finally  –  step  3…

3.  Give  them  a  Solu<onThey’ve   called   for   your   professional  advice   on   the  problem   at   hand,   so   give   them   exactly   that…your  advice.  Of  course,  you  might  want  to  do  that  face-­‐to-­‐face   so   that   you   can   provide   one   or   mulWple  soluWons  that  come  with  a  quote!

This  is  all  about   helping  them  come  to  the  decision  all   by   themselves.   Arm   them   with   the   right  informaWon   that   set   the   scene   for   buying   to   take  place.  And  the  killer   line  “Where  do   you  want  to  go  from  here?”.   Leave  the  decision   in   the  hand  of   the  customer,  that  way  they  feel  like  they’re  in  complete  control  and  NOT  being  sold  too.

So,   next   <me   you   find   yourself   launching   into   a  sales   spiel,   quickly   shut   your   mouth   and   smile…  take   a   deep   breathe   and   start   crea<ng   the   right  circumstance   for   buying   to   take   place   so   that   you  can  sit  back  and  let  it  happen!

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Tradesman Inner Circle Member Profile“From a disorganised business with little direction to a profitable machine with

an exciting future”

1. Tell us a bit about your situation, your business and family etc.

I finished my electrical apprenticeship in 1996 and did the travelling thing in between jobs. I quit the trade in 2001 to day trade the stock market where I made a bit of money before losing it all in 2002. The last thing I wanted was to go back as an employee so decided to start my own business. ACE was born in 2002.

In the past we’ve had up to 6 guys on the tools, but I wasn’t organised enough and had very little business skills. I took a step back, changed a few things, realised I needed to learn more about management, business and marketing to give me the skills I needed.

Currently, we operate a much better business. I have 2 trucks on the road with a 3rd ready to go. We’re searching for the right guy as we speak.

My family includes me plus 3 gorgeous girls Ella(4yrs) and Chloe(2yrs) and my beautiful wife Dani.

After having our 2nd child, Dani decided it was time to wind up her Personal Training Business and help me with ACE. She works in the office 3 days per week as an office manager/office octopus/mind

reader. We also have a book keeper one day a week and a part time office junior to help Dani out. I love all sports. I play golf and surf regularly. I am a passionate NRL footy fan following the Broncos and of course QLD! I also like any team that is playing against Manly!

A big highlight was a long trip to the Kimberly's last year where we hired a camper trailer. Now we can't camp any other way, so much so we’ve just bought a Camper Trailer of our own. We’re currently planning a trip to Cape York next year and our first weekend away to test it out in a few weeks time.

2. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the last 12 months? Our biggest challenge has been getting over a client who went into liquidation at the start of the year who owed us $16,000.

3. How have you tackled that challenge? How do you feel about it?

This year has been up and down for us. Luckily we are doing solid numbers each week to keep the ball rolling. That 16K basically came off our profit which

Aaron & Dani McGregorAaron’s Complete Electrical (ACE Electrical)Platinum VIP Memberwww.myelectrician.net.au

Aaron featuring on A Current Affair as their ‘professional’ electrician

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translates to about $200K worth of work. I’ve had to put my head down and work my butt off to try to make up for it. It has been tough!!

I don't think I'll ever get over it personally simply because it was a low blow... Luckily we had personal signatures on our documents and currently it is in my solicitor’s hands to try to get some money back!

We’ve had a quiet start to the year so invested extra money in marketing our business which we are now starting to reap the rewards from.

4. How have you and your business changed since joining TIC? What has been your biggest achievement?

Since joining TIC we have clear direction and focus. I know my numbers, we set weekly targets and now make a profit (something we have never really done before).

We’ve spent a lot of time getting all our systems down into Manuals/ Work Books which are really easy to follow for any staff member and are continually making changes to improve them. We are ready to grow and I know 100% we’ll be able to cope with a bigger team again and multiply our profit instead of our headaches.

Our biggest achievement has been changing from hourly to flat rate pricing. I am really comfortable with where we sit in the market place. Our prices are great value and our clients love it. Justifying the cost to whinging clients is almost a thing of the past and we have a profitable business that will be around for years to come.

5. Where do you see your business in 5 years?

In 5 years I see ACE virtually running itself with 5 trucks, 5 tradies and a great team on board. I may even be able to cope with an apprentice again…

Dani and I love property and have always wanted to start a Development Company so maybe working on that. Another option is to start up another division of ACE in QLD. We’ve always wanted to live there closer to our families. I can't wait to see what the future brings!!!

6. What are the top 3 things you have learnt about business that you would recommend to others, and WHY?

Tip 1Systems and Delegate. Once you have clear written systems it's easy for employees to replicate what you do. It takes away the pressure of feeling like I have to "do it all myself to get it done right."

Tip 2Schedule Regular Team Meetings to discuss and get feedback on the past week. It helps to keep us connected and motivate us all. Share client feedback because positive feedback from a raving fan makes a happy team member. Get everyone to set their own goals and reward them when they achieve them.

Tip 3Not everyone is our ideal client. I have learnt that you can't be everything to everyone. It’s best to stick to what you’re good at.

7. My Favorite Tool:

My favourite part of the job is showing our clients the final results. Flicking the switch to see it all working and making sure they’re happy. Then using the EFTPOS machine to immediately get paid.So... my favourite tools is definitely the EFTPOS Machine, it brings in the money!

8. Tell us something quirky about yourself that your buddies don’t know.

I love and own a pair of those knitted woollen socks that Grandmas make. I sit on my recliner at night with my dressing gown and those socks on, happy as a pig in mud...much to my wife's disgust! Also I don't know why, but I am really into that Lara Bingle Show!!!

9. Who would you most like to have lunch with and why?

Darren Lockyer or Tony Robbins, but I'd want to say so much in that hour that I wouldn't know where to start and would be too nervous to talk.

I'd be happiest out to lunch with my wife, selection of seafood, a few drinks and no kids!

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LOSTIN THE

WEB

9 TradeTalk

The Big Guns are at it again…

Apple iTunes Match versus Amazon Cloud Player

Amazon has recently updated its music service to rival Apple’s iTunes Match. iTunes Match is a version of iTunes in which the music is stored in the clouds as opposed to on your hard drive, making it accessible from almost anywhere. Both Amazon’s Cloud Player and Apple’s iTunes Match have the same primary function, to store your music collection in the clouds and make it easily accessible, however there are several key differences which should be considered when making your decision. The first basic difference is the storage

capabilities of both clouds. The iTunes match is only capable of storing 25,000 songs whereas the Amazon Cloud Player is capable of storing 250, 000 songs.

The second major difference is the type of platform each cloud uses. iTunes Match only has an iOS platform (the software all Apple devices are formatted with). Amazon Cloud Player is more versatile, having both an iOS platform and an android platform. With this said both systems support Mac and PC computers, iPhones, IPads, iPod touch and Apple TV so you can play your music

With technology moving at lightening speed, it is often difficult to stay ‘in touch’ with the latest happenings…

That said, the ‘Big Guns’ are always ones to keep an eye on as yet again they never fail to disappoint. Head to head fighting for market share in the online music market, but which is better?

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on any device (streaming from the cloud). Amazon offers multiple platforms and is also able to support android devices, Kindle Fire, Roku and Sonos.

For both music storage options you will need a specific iTunes account or a specific Amazon account for whichever option you proceed with. Both options are $24.99 a year, which just includes the use of the program and the storage of your music. Any purchases you make through out the year will be paid for at the time of purchase. Another difference is the size of the music catalogue to choose from. ITunes Match has a bigger music catalogue with 28 million songs to choose from where as Amazon Cloud Player has 20 million.

Both programs scan and match all songs before purchasing, however iTunes Match has the capabilities to let you as the u s e r k n o w t h a t t h e r e a r e duplicates of songs before purchase.

Amazon Cloud Player also offers

a free option where you can store up to 250 songs. iTunes Match does not have a free option.

So which one’s the best? It depends how obsessed you are with your music collection (clearly Amazon holds more), yet give your entire entertainment a thought (music, movies, books social calendar). In short I’d say the answer to this one will come down to personal preference.

www.amazon.comwww.apple.com

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Tradesman Inner Circle Boot Camp

n exclusive members ONLY event.

Have you secured your seat? Introducing more of our very Special Guest Speakers – These highly successful business owners have been personally hand-picked and invited to our Boot Camp based on their wealth of hands-on knowledge and personal formula for success. Their achievements are nothing short of captivating!You won’t want to miss these three phenomenal entrepreneurs…

Greg CassarInternet Master

Greg Cassar is an Internet Marketing Strategist, Entrepreneur and Speaker based in Sydney, Australia.

He is the leading Internet Marketing Strategist behind the scenes of many of the biggest Internet marketers in Australia and abroad. His company, The Web Marketing Center Pty Ltd has been mastering Internet Marketing since 2005, specifically traffic and conversion of leads and sales. The team’s main focus is

return on investment for websites that sell.Greg has plenty of ‘insider knowledge’ direct from the closed doors of Google themselves. His insights and information about trends originate from the coal face of the technology revolution.

If you wanted to stay ahead of the pack, this is one presentation you don’t want to miss…

Tony GattariSales Guru

Author, sales guru and now inspirational business speaker Tony Gattari will be hitting the TIC Boot Camp stage to provide advice for today’s increasingly challenging business environment.

Tony’s previous hands on sales experience includes the challenging role as general manager of Harvey Norman’s computer and communications division in the height of the internet boom. This position laid the foundation for his ‘guru status’ when he

A

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Friday 26th October and

Saturday 27th October 2012

SYDNEY

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increased the divisions turnover from a healthy $12 million to a staggering $565 million. His story shows the importance to ‘think outside the box’ and lead through unchartered waters in the pursuit of success.

Tony’s high energy and passion for business is certainly contagious, and his ‘real world’ experience and tips for real sales results is transferable to any industry. Get ready to be moved to take action!

Dale BeaumontAustralia’s Next Generation Business Strategist

Back by popular demand, Dale Beaumont’s cutting edge business advice never seems to fail… If you were looking for some traction to gain back an hour every day (at least) then make sure you’re listening up for this one. Dale’s step-by-step know how on productive tools for improved efficiency are not only simple to follow, quick to implement but work in every trade.

Dale is the Founder and Managing Director of Business Blueprint – Australia’s fastest growing business education and mastermind program.

His the author and publisher of 16 best-selling books which have collectively sold over a quarter of a million copies. Incredibly, 11 of those 16 books were published in a single year, a feat that earned him the title ‘Australia Most Prolific Author’.

As a result of Dale’s success, he has been interviewed on Sunrise, Today Show, Mornings with Kerri-Anne, Ten News, ABC Radio, Radio 2UE as well as being featured in over 100 newspapers and magazines including Wealth Creator, My Business Magazine, AFR Boss and Virgin’s In-flight Magazine.

Tradesman Inner Circle Boot Camp

BOOK NOW!See MyTIC for more details under Events/Next TIC Boot Camp

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SPILL THE BEANS. . . . . ‘MIND-BLOWING SECRETS FROM A MARKETING MAVEN’

If you want to prevent a $20K fine ‘talking’ to your database, then you better read this…   t’s  a  quiet  Tuesday  so  we  get  this  bright  idea  to  individually  call  our  database  in  one  specific  locaWon  to  let  them  know  ‘we’re  working  in  the  area’  and  ask  if  they  need  us  to  have  a  look  at  any  dripping  taps  etc.  The  girls  are  Wcking  through  the  calls  with  one  booked  job  and  then  another,  unWl….  

STOPWe  realise  we  haven’t  ‘washed’  our  database  through  the  ‘Do  Not  Call  Register’.  Don’t  want  to  risk  a  $20K  fine  from  a  measly  60cent  call.

Have  you  heard  of  it?The  public  can  access  the  site  www.donotcallregister.gov.au  and  list  their  home,  personal  mobile  or  fax  number  to  reduce  telemarkeWng  calls.  RegistraWon  is  free.  

Once  your  numbers  are  listed  on  the  register,  telemarketers  and  fax  marketers  must  not  contact  you.  The  only  groups  legally  allowed  to  contact  you  a\er  you  register  are  chariWes,  research  companies,  poliWcal  parWes  and  educaWonal  insWtuWons.

You  can  register  yourself  too.  But  what  does  this  mean  as  a  business?

In  short,  if  you  want  to  tele-­‐market  or  fax  broadcast  your  database  you  need  to  acWon  this  simple  step  BEFORE  you  make  any  calls.  The  law  clearly  states  that  you  are  only  allowed  to  call  a  customer  about  work  

while  you  are  currently  working  for  them.  Once  you  have  completed  the  job,  even  if  they  are  a  member  with  your  business  (and  signed  documentation  to  agree  to  contact),  they  are  no  longer  considered  a  customer.

So,  if  they  are  a  member,  why  would  I  get  in  trouble?Great  quesWon,  but  the  simple  fact  is,  if  they  have  registered  on  the  Do  Not  Call  Register,  they  could  get  nasty  and  complain  about  you,  and  we  wouldn’t  want  that!  The  possibility  of  a  serious  fine  and  an  upset  customer  is  really  not  worth  the  60cent  call.  

Think  it  won’t  happen  to  you?Think  again…  there  are  a  number  of  small  businesses  listed  on  the  ‘Enforcement  Outcomes’  page  that  received  a  serious  slap  on  the  wrist.  

I

13 TradeTalk

ACMA cautions Duct Masters for Do Not Call breaches5 June 2012

Duct  Masters  Vic  Pty  Ltd  has  been  given  a  formal  warning  following  an  inves?ga?on  by  the  Australian  Communica?ons  and  Media  Authority  that  found  the  duct  cleaning  company  had  breached  the  Do  Not  Call  Register  Act  2006  (the  Act)  by  making  nine  telemarke?ng  calls  to  numbers  listed  on  the  register.

The  ACMA  found  Duct  Masters  had  failed  to  check  its  call  lists  against  the  register  and  was  unable  to  produce  records  showing  that  it  had  the  consent  of  customers  on  the  register  to  make  the  telemarke?ng  calls.  The  ACMA  will  be  monitoring  Duct  Masters  for  ongoing  compliance  with  the  Act.

The  Formal  Warning  serves  to  remind  businesses  using  telemarke?ng  to  check  their  call  lists  against  the  register  every  30  days,  as  required.

Don’t  let  this  be  you….

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TradeTalk 14

You have 2 choices in life...which do you decide?

Go to MyTIC for You Tube ‘Best of’ Videos. Check it out and let me know what you think.

So  where  to  from  here?

The  simple  steps  include;

1.Work  out  what  you  want  to  do  with  your  database  specifically  –  what  is  the  strategy?  (call  every  member  to  offer  special  Spring  offer?  Fax  all  the  nursing  homes  in  the  area)

a.  because  when  you  ‘wash’  your  database  it  is  only  available  for  use  for  30  days,  then  you  have  to  repeat  the  process

2. Cut  the  database  to  smaller  chunks  that  are  manageable  to  complete  the  above  strategy  

a.  We  cut  ours  to  1000  at  a  Wme.  A  manageable  number  to  get  through  within  the  month.

b.  Needs  to  be  prepared  in  a  specific  format  eg.  02  before  every  Sydney  number.

3.Go  to  the  ‘Telemarketer  Access  Portal’  at  h`ps://www.donotcall.gov.au/dncrtelem/Telemarketers  and/or  fax  marketers  can  use  this  website  to:

• register  to  create  an  account  to  'wash'  numbers

• select  a  subscripWon

• ‘wash’  contact  lists

• check  or  update  account

• make  an  inquiry

• find  relevant  informaWon  about  an  industry

4. Then  get  busy  using  your  30days  to  contact  everyone  that  was  NOT  on  the  list…

For  a  measly  AU$79  you  can  ‘wash’  a  20,000  database.  I  think  it’s  worth  the  investment…  what  do  you  think?

The  law  is  fierce  on  this  one,  make  sure  you  comply.

The  Do  Not  Call  Register  is  managed  by  the  Australian  CommunicaBons  

and  Media  Authority  (ACMA)  on  behalf  of  the  Australian  Government.

             ‘Best  Of’  Video

There are only 2 choices in life…to survive or succeed. The choice is up to you, but if you take a chance with success, this video shows you the endless opportunities this path provides.

Nothing like a great motivational video in only 2:47 minutes.

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think   it  would   be   fair  to   say   that   all   trade  business  owners  have  claimed   ‘home’  as   their  primary   base   when   they   first   started   out.  Many   have  continued   to  do   so   although   their  business  has   grown   considerably,  while  others  have   chosen   to   move   locations   to   an   office/warehouse   for   a   multitude   of   reasons.   What  ever  works   best   for   you  –   from  location,   cost,  mindset   to   name   a   few   –   if   you   call   ‘home’  your  ‘office’  then  you  might  be  like  many  other  solo-­‐preneurs  that  struggle  keeping  time  in  the  office  ‘professional’.

Let  me   share  with  you  my  thoughts  on   this  one  seeing   I   too   am   a   ‘home’   based   professional.  Although  we   have   an  office   in  Artarmon,   I  have  done  a  complete  flip  and  prefer  to  work  from  our  home   office.   There   is   nothing   more   liberaWng  than  wearing  my   ‘training   gear’   to  work   for   the  day  instead  of  a  suit  &  heels  (as   fun  as  it  was  at  

+mes).   I   just   kept   thinking   about   the   ‘wasted  hours’   I  spent   in   a  car   travelling   to  and   fro   that  could  be  put  to  good  use…  but  are  they?

I  will  be   honest   and   say   I   struggle   at   times   to  separate   the   ‘home’   from   the   ‘business’.   Doing  a  load  of  washing,   channel  surfing  and   time   on  facebook  does  not   constitute   ‘good  use  of  your  time’  between  writing  a  new  ad,  reviewing  your  P&L  and  business  calls.   In  fact,   it   is  often  harder  to   put   yourself   ‘back   in   business  mode’   after  a  walk   through   the   house   to   hang   out   the  washing.  The  floors  are   often  screaming   ‘sweep  me!’…  it  kills  me  to  turn  a  blind  eye…

Understanding   the   internal   struggle   at  Bmes,   I   penned   a   few   guidelines   to   help  maintain   a   professional   image   while  working  at  home.  I  hope  they  work  for  you…  

How to maintain a

professional image while

working at home

Working from home can be your biggest challenge and at times your greatest joy, the important part about calling it ‘your

office’ is how to stay professional at all times.

I

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Get out of your pajamas and into your work wear.It   is  o\en  said  that  ‘sloth  clothes’  equal  a  ‘sloth  mentality’,   so   perhaps   even   a   tracksuit   is  considered  out   of  bounds…     The   effort   it   takes  to   change   your   clothes   could   provide   a   huge  return  if    your  mindset  switches  with  it.  

Stick to a schedule. True,  working  from  home  allows  you  to  set  your  own   schedule   and   gives   you   the   flexibility   to  prepare   dinner   early,   take   care   of   children,   or  otherwise   tend   to   your   personal   life.   But   if  you’ve   allocated   ‘Wmes’   to   work   on   the  business,  then  do  it!

For  tradies,   your  customers  need   to  be   able   to  reach  you  at  all  Wmes,   so  a  late   night  watching  movies  does  not   allow   a  sleep  in  Wll  noon.   You  can’t   jeopardise   your   professional   reputaWon.  For  the   adminstraWve   tasks  that   do  not   require  direct   contact   with  customers,   you  may   decide  you   work   best   a\er   dinner   and   set   a   weekly  Wme-­‐slot  of  Tuesday  nights  between  7-­‐9pm.

That   said,   depending   on   the   nature   of   your  business  and  when  you  work  best,  once  you  get  into  a  schedule,  try  to  sWck  to  it.  This  is  all  about  self-­‐discipline  and  gehng  the  work  done.  

Discuss and agree your schedule with your partner. If   your   schedule   consumes   some   of   the   ‘us  Wme’,   make   sure   your   partner   is   in   agreeance.  They   need   to   know   that   your   plan   is   to   work  every   Tuesday  night   so   that   perhaps  that’s   the  perfect   night   for   them   to   hang   out   with   their  friends.  Be`er  sWll,  it’s  their  night  to  listen  to  an  audio,  read  an  arWcle,  conduct  some  research  all  for  the  be`er  of  the  business!

Manage your incoming phone calls.  If   you   use   your  mobile   phone   for  business  and  

personal  calls,   remember   to   answer   calls   from  unfamiliar   numbers   in   a   professional   manner.  Resist  the  urge  to  answer  a\er  consuming  a  few  too  many  drinks  or  if  you’re   in  a  noisy   locaWon.  Be`er   to   have   a   professional  message   on   the  phone  than  for  the  caller  to  hear  you  struggle  to  chat   to  them…   terrible   first   impressions.   If   you  can,   walk   away   to   answer   calls   in   a   quieter  locaWon  to  ‘focus’  on  the  caller.  

Set up a separate workspace. If  you  don’t  have  a  spare  room  and  you’ve  been  working   from   the   kitchen   table   for   years,  perhaps   it’s   Wme   to   convert   a   corner   of   your  living  room  or  closet.  A  devoted  work  space  will  not   only   help   you   ‘flick   the   switch’   on   the  business   mindset,   you’ll   save   hours   now   that  you  are   organised  and   you   can   finally   separate  work/life.  Sihng  at  your  desk  is  ‘work  Wme’  and  the   couch  or  the   kitchen  bench   is  now  Wme   to  ‘relax’.

Get out of the house when you have to.  Sometimes   it’s   hard   to   feel   like   a   professional  when  you’re  surrounded  by  laundry  that  needs  to  be   folded   or   last   nights   dishes   stacked   on   the  kitchen  sink.  In  those  cases,  it  makes  sense  to  work  somewhere  else,  at  least  part  of  the  time.  It’s  also  smart   to   have   a  place   outside   of   your  home   for  business  meetings  with   external   people,   even   if  that  is  the   local  coffee  shop.  An  opWon   is  always  coworking   spaces   which   o\en   let   you   rent  conference  space  by  the  hour  or  the  day.  

The bottom line? Maintain  a  professional  mindset  and  create  some  separa:on  

(physically  and  mentally)  between  your  business  and  your  personal  life.

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id you know around 40% of our decisions are not decisions at all? They are basically a habit. A habit that we can control… Let me explain what I mean…

The author of ‘The Power of Habits’, Charles Duhigg, explains a habit as a reaction where we don’t actively think about the decision, we just respond automatically.

As activity becomes more automatic, more routine, a habit is formed. That said, they are not our destiny.

The clue to creating winning habits lies in the simple formula: cue, routine and reward. When we experiment with these we alter our behaviours and ultimately our results.

Let me explain how it works: There is often a ‘cue’ or ‘trigger’ that sets off a

‘routine’, an automated response conducted literally without thinking, that provides a specific ‘result’. As an example: the cue could be boredom or procrastination or even low blood sugar levels (cue) that trigger you to head to the fridge/pantry for some food (routine), that once consumed provides the feeling of ‘gratified delay’ (reward).

Think about what ‘routines’ you have in your day.

Is it something you want to change?

If so, the first step is to acknowledge and work out what triggers the ‘action’ you want to change and the reward provided. Notice the pattern – the when, where and with whom it occurs. What is the reward? The physical sensation linked to the cue?

TradeTalk 17

Automatic Success

How To Create Winning Habits

‘We  are  what  we  repeatedly  do.  

Excellence,  then,  is  not  an  act,  but  a  habit’

Aristotle

Derived from: The Power of Habits,

Charles Duhigg

D

!

!Cue

!Routine

!Reward

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TradeTalk 18

Only armed with this ‘truth’ can you set yourself up to create winning habits.

The trick now is set yourself up for success by following the 3 Rules of Winning Habits.

1. Plan ahead. Now armed with the knowledge of what the ‘triggers’ are that set off your actions (like heading to the pantry), you can set yourself a new course of action.

Next time you consciously say to yourself ‘I’m hungry’, ask yourself ‘am I really?’. You clearly need a ‘fresh start’ and no better time to take a quick 20 min jog around the block.

2. Total belief in yourself. You need to believe you can do this. That you can change your habit. This is the most powerful tool you have.

3. Support Network. Immerse yourself in a group that already possess the desired habits you wish to achieve. They will spur you on in your moments of doubt. Why do you think support groups such as Weight Watchers are popular?

It is proven that if are you are held accountable then you are more likely to succeed.The reverse is also true, if you continue to be surrounded by people who do not support your goals it is more likely you will not succeed. Who you hang out with makes more of a impact on us than you realise!

Time to use the power of our TIC Group Facebook page peoples. Share with us your goals and be held accountable by the group! Nothing more frightening and motivational than that!

To read the entire Book Summary from Book Rapper – Log into MyTIC, Training Centre, Book Rapper. The full downloadable file can be found here.Resource: Book Rapper

CHALLENGE: What habits do you want to kick? And which do you want to grow?

Now’s your chance. Pick one today to create automatic success.

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To  our  Members,You  are  never  far  from  help.Unlimited  Phone  Support  

Call  us  whenever  you  need  us  on  1800  704  822

Tradesman Inner CircleHelping Tradesman

Australia Wide Since 2008

19 TradeTalk

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All  we  saw  was  the  value.  It  was  CRAZY  big.  $2,085  to  be  precise,  and  immediately  my  mind  was  working  overtime  as  to  HOW  anyone  could  receive  a  Fine  so  large.  

What  did  one  of  our  team  do?  Drive  60kms  over  the  speed  limit  in  a  school  zone?  I  really  hope  not….  

In  reading  the  Fine  print  it  was  produced  because  DRIP4  (who  will  remain  nameless..)  was  driving  68km  in  a  40km  zone  through  the  Cross  City  Tunnel.    

As  the  story  goes,  they  were  conducting  ‘work’  and  hence  had  a  ‘slow  down  sign’  with  a  ‘new  speed  limit’  in  one  tiny  200metre  stretch.  Funny  enough,  the  automatic  cameras  were  set  perfectly  to  capture  those  unsuspecting  travellers  that  didn’t  comply.  

Can  you  even  imagine  the  revenue  they  made  just  from  that  one  section  of  road?

And  yes,  they  caught  one  unsuspecting  driver.  Ours.  And  yes,  it’s  real.  I  have  it  in  my  hand  and  wanted  to  share  it  with  you  for  a  number  of  reasons.

1. because  we  laughed  based  on  the  complete  absurdity  of  a  Fine  so  BIG  and  thought  you  would  too…

2. because  we  thought  we  could  all  use  a  little  reminder  to  stick  to  the  speed  limit  on  the  road  because,  as  surprising  as  it  is,  we  are  not  the  ‘Ruler  of  the  Road’…

3. and  because  I  am  sure  your  team  will  think  the  same  way  ours  do,  and  will  enjoy  the  laugh  and  lesson  at  our  expense!  

Why  do  we  always  think  ‘it  won’t  happen  to  me?’.

This  is  proof  that  it  does…

TradeTalk 20

Just for Laughs… or not……..BOOM…  and  there  is  was….  an  unsavoury  gift  from  the  NSW  Of=ice  of  State  Revenue.

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This is where we talk about all cool things that should or could be in the man cave. Gadgets, new tech, cool tools, new inventions or big boys toys, if it’s cool and With footy season at its end and my beloved ‘Sea Eagles’ falling short of a Grand Final position, I hope you were as prepared as I in case we made it to the big one! We were ready!

So to get you into the groove and enhance your ‘Game Day’ experience, whether it be AFL or NRL, there are a couple of quirky gadgets that will set you up nicely…

If you’re heading out to the game with a few mates but don’t want to miss half the action by standing in the ‘beer queue’, then the beer belly is just the answer… there’s one for the ladies too, the wine rack… hilarious to say the least, but I guarantee you’ll be the envy of all your mates!

This masterful invention will only set you back a mere $30 +postage and handling from www.thebeerbelly.com

If staying home relaxing around the pool with mates to watch the action is more your thing, then we’ve even found a gadget for you.

No need to move yourself from the lilo in the pool, or even get off your chair to fetch a refill. Send for the remote controlled armored drink carrier.

MAN CAVE?IS THIS IN YOUR

21 TradeTalk

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If you notice someone trying to thieve your beverage delivery whilst on the move, you can fend them off with a quick squirt of water from its cannon.

It caters for you and 3 friends (carrying 4 cans) and can sail to and from any location at your command from up to 250’ away.

Just to keep things interesting, when it’s not doing it’s ‘beverage duty’ the wheels retract and its twin propellers can push the carrier across calm water and launch a waterborne assault on an unsuspecting sunbather!

Oh what fun a $99.95 price tag can bring you…

Catch this one on www.hammacher.com9" L x 9" W x 7" H. (2 1/4 lbs.)

TradeTalk 22

Cool  iPhone  Apps  for  Tradies

FEATURES:✓ Save  &  listen  again  (30  sec  preview)✓  Buy  tracks  easily  on  iTunes  &  find  more  by  tagged  arWsts✓  Share  on  Facebook,  Twi`er  &  email✓  See  streaming  lyrics  in  Wme  to  the  music✓  Discover  new  music  in  Shazam  Friends  &  Charts

How  o\en  have  you  been  sihng  in  the  car  on  the  way  to  a  job  and  heard  a  new  song  you  love  but  missed  the  name  and  arWst?No  longer  will  this  remain  a  mystery!  Shazam  is  able  to  scan  the  song  and  idenWfy  exactly  what  song  it  is  and  who  the  arWst  is,  making  it  easy  for  you  to  add  it  to  your  music  collecWon!With  direct  links  to  the  iTunes  store  what  more  could  you  ask  for?  

Shazam

Price:  FREE

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NEXT ISSUE

TradeTalk  is  published  by  and  ©  copyright  by  Andrew  &  Angela  Smith,  Tradesman  Inner  Circle  Pty  Ltd  2012.  All  Rights  Reserved.  This  newsleVer  and  any  accompanying  

material  are  for  general  informa?on  purposes  only.  It  is  the  responsibility  of  the  reader  to  comply  with  any  local,  state  or  federal  laws.  S?ck  with  me  here  while  I  con?nue  

with  this  legal  blah-­‐blah.  The  Publisher  has  taken  all  reasonable  measures  to  ensure  that  the  material  contained  within  this  newsleVer  is  correct.  The  Publisher  provides  no  

representa?on  and  gives  no  warranty  as  to  the  accuracy  of  the  informa?on  and  does  not  accept  any  responsibility  for  errors  or  inaccuracies  in  the  informa?on  contained  

herein  and  shall  not  be  liable  for  any  loss  or  damage  arising  as  a  result  of  any  person  ac?ng  in  reliance  on  informa?on  contained  herein.  All  done!

For more information, contact:Tradesman Inner Circle Pty Limited Email: [email protected]: +61 1800 704 822 Web: www.tradesmaninnercircle.com.au

NEXT ISSUE: No more excuses NOT to delegate a task… this software will not only send you to lunch but pay for it too…

“NO” doesn’t necessarily mean ‘no’… not in the case of a ‘question asking’ prospect…

We share the fun from the TIC Boot Camp and get geared up for 2013.

See you on the other side…

Andy & Ange Smith

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recommended  suppliers  and  any  other  information  that  will  benefit  

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