Sparky Coach

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345

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Oct 2026

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🌴 Be excellent. Make money. Build wealth. Be kind. 📈 We help sparkies build generational empires 🎙️ Weekly podcasts

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October 25, 202622 min

#346 // Your February Starts Now (Part 3)

What you do in October + November decides if February is a flop or a success. This “All I want for Christmas Is A Market Wage + A Business Net Profit Of 20-35%” series is about getting on the front foot for the back end of the year. In this episode: -how to get ready for the “busy” season ahead -why “busy-ness” is like a rocking chair (it gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere) -the importance of closing the week (it should be the only thing to stay not the first thing to go!!) -being up to date on quotes, invoices + variations -how an excellent 30-35 hours beats a good 50-60 -valuing headspace + making good decisions May this podcast help + inspire you as you build a business that is a blessing to yourself, your family, your clients, your staff, your community, and anyone who comes in contact with it. Much love x Summary Greg Crowe shares practical strategies for business owners to plan ahead, recognize patterns, and work effectively to build a sustainable and profitable business. This episode emphasizes the importance of long-term vision, efficient work habits, and maintaining control over finances. Keywords business planning, efficiency, long-term vision, cash flow, invoicing, client management, business growth, productivity, work-life balance, strategic planning Key Topics Recognizing busy patterns at year-end The importance of long-term planning and vision Effective work hours and productivity Cash flow management and invoicing discipline Client relationship and experience management Strategic hiring and delegation Order and process optimization in projects Closing weekly financial and operational gaps Self-management as a business owner Sowing seeds for future success Action Items Plan your February now by recognizing demand patterns. Normalize working 30 to 38 hours a week, not after hours. Ensure weekly revenue exceeds weekly expenditure. Close the week every week to get accurate data. Identify bottlenecks in invoicing, quoting, and project management. Delegate tasks to improve efficiency and free up time. Focus on long-term vision and sow seeds for future success. Sound Bites "Your business should provide a market wage plus super." "Stop talking negatively about your business." "Close the week. It's the only thing that should stay." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Planning Ahead for Business Success 00:29 Recognizing Busy Patterns and Demand Cycles 01:25 The Power of Recognizing Business Patterns 02:20 Long-Term Vision and Building Wealth 04:05 The Cost of Overworking and Negative Talk 05:03 Starting February Planning Now 05:31 Cash Flow and Invoicing Discipline 06:01 Identifying Bottlenecks and Pain Points 07:27 Work Effectively and Efficiently 08:51 The Myth of Normalizing After Hours Work 10:00 Hiring and Client Management Strategies 12:21 Slowing Down and Planning in Busy Seasons 13:19 Maintaining Quotes and Invoicing Up to Date 15:37 Client Experience and Feedback 16:05 Invoicing, Variations, and Backlogs 17:25 Focusing on One Thing at a Time 18:25 Closing the Week and Financial Discipline 20:19 Data-Driven Decision Making 21:17 Final Thoughts: Consistency and Self-Care

October 24, 202638 min

#345 // Sunday Skool “Getting On The Front Foot For The Back End Of The Year” ft Cam + Joey

Today Cam + Joey take us through how to best plan for the busy / holiday season ahead. In this episode: Forecasting labour + materials for December Planning + creating options for January by moving jobs back Organising key items + dates (Christmas party, annual leave, staff coverage over break, final day of invoicing, return to work, notifying key customers (if needed), wholesaler closures, last day on site) Checking the cash position (ie no / little money coming in, lots still coming out) Secure + lock down / remove equipment + tools from site Re-stock vehicles + return to warehouse if needed Pre prep payroll and schedule transfers Let’s get on the front for the back end of the year! Much love x Summary In this episode, Cam and Joey discuss how tradespeople can effectively plan for December and January to ensure a prosperous and stress-free holiday season. They cover key dates, staffing, holiday planning, invoicing, and maintaining cash flow, providing practical tips to start the new year strong. Keywords trade business, holiday planning, December January, invoicing, staffing, cash flow, business tips, end of year, new year planning Key Topics December holiday schedule and key dates Staffing and leave planning for the holiday season Scheduling and forecasting work in December and January Managing cash flow and invoicing before the holidays Planning Christmas parties and team celebrations On-call and emergency coverage during holidays Preparing your tools, vehicles, and site security for the break Communicating with clients and suppliers about holiday schedules Maximizing work opportunities during the holiday period Starting the new year with organized finances and work schedules Takeaways Plan your last working day before Christmas and your return date in advance. Book your Christmas party early and consider partner-friendly options. Communicate holiday schedules and on-call arrangements with your team. Forecast work and fill December with projects to avoid last-minute stress. Ensure all invoices are sent before Christmas to maintain cash flow. Secure and lock down tools, equipment, and site assets during the break. Prearrange payroll and supplier payments to avoid issues over the holidays. Be aware of public holidays and reduced hours at suppliers. Use the holiday period to clean and organize your workspace and vehicles. Start January with a full schedule and organized finances. Sound Bites "Understanding December's schedule is crucial." "Book your Christmas party early to secure your spot." "Plan ahead to start January on a strong footing." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:45 Understanding December's schedule and key dates 06:09 Forecasting work and managing client expectations 08:39 Planning Christmas parties and team celebrations 12:01 Setting leave dates and holiday shutdowns 14:19 On-call coverage and emergency planning over Christmas 17:17 Final workday and return date planning 18:27 Checking wholesaler hours and material availability 20:22 Managing workload and overflow work in December 24:37 Final invoicing and cash flow considerations 28:09 Customer communication and holiday notifications 29:41 Securing tools, equipment, and site assets 32:04 Vehicle and workspace organization for the new year 35:43 Awareness of public holidays and scheduling pitfalls 37:11 Preparing for a strong start in January 38:33 Closing remarks and holiday wishes

October 21, 202647 min

#344 // Lessons Learned ft Megan Furner from Impact Electrical

Running a business with your partner can make you or break you. Megan and her husband Lachlan have run Impact Electrical on the Central Coast NSW for 8 years. They’ve built a crew of 9 that includes an ops manager, an estimator, tradies and apprentices, and they cover Level 2, commercial, industrial, projects and service work. Megan shares her 6 biggest lessons: -why your partner in the business needs to be a weapon at their role -building the right team around you (accountant, bookkeeper, coach, broker) -recruiting staff worth keeping, and actually keeping them -sleeping on big or emotional decisions before you make them -having the hard conversations most owners avoid -knowing your numbers If you’re running a sparky business with your other half, send this one to them. Much love, Crowe x Summary In this episode, Megan shares her insights on building a successful business partnership, recruiting the right team, and managing business finances effectively. Discover practical tips for growing your electrical business and creating a positive team culture. Keywords business partnership, team building, recruiting, electrical business, business finances, leadership, business growth, team culture, work-life balance Key Topics Importance of building a good team around you Recruitment questions and interview tips How to retain staff and create a positive culture Managing business finances and understanding numbers The significance of saying no and taking time to reflect The role of a business coach and ongoing learning Investing in equipment and team resources Future growth plans and expanding into level two work Sound Bites "It's all about roles and responsibilities." "Small gestures create a positive culture." "Know your numbers to grow your business." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Megan and her business journey 03:46 The importance of clear roles and boundaries 07:08 Choosing the right accountant and financial advisor 09:36 Selecting a business coach and ongoing support 10:36 Recruitment strategies and interview questions 12:24 Hiring your partner for the right skills 13:30 The importance of temperament and personality in team members 14:48 The significance of good onboarding and probation periods 17:20 Effective recruitment practices and avoiding common pitfalls 20:07 How to structure interview questions 22:13 Probation periods and performance reviews 27:09 Retaining staff and creating a positive work environment 28:44 The impact of small gestures and company culture 30:55 Investing in equipment and team resources 33:35 The importance of taking time before making decisions 35:19 Having difficult conversations with staff 37:34 Providing constructive feedback effectively 38:30 Knowing your numbers and financial metrics 41:18 Understanding business metrics and improving profitability 44:48 Final reflections and future plans

October 18, 202627 min

#343 // Your February Starts Now (Part 2)

What you do in October + November decides if February is a flop or a success. This “All I want for Christmas Is A Market Wage + A Business Net Profit Of 20-35%” series is about getting on the front foot for the back end of the year. In this episode: -how to get ready for the “busy” season ahead -why “busy-ness” is like a rocking chair (it gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere) -how to plan out your on site capacity for the rest of the year -cash is king! Ensuring cash is in the bank + you are getting paid (see pod #341) -identifying the key bottlenecks (ie supply, demand, profit) and then making a plan accordingly May this podcast help + inspire you as you build a business that is a blessing to yourself, your family, your clients, your staff, your community, and anyone who comes in contact with it. Much love x Your February Starts Now - Part 2 Greg Crowe continues the series by pushing business owners to get in front of the busy season instead of being surprised by it. This episode focuses on planning capacity, protecting cash, and identifying the real bottleneck in the business before the end of the year creates pressure.He also ties the strategy back to long term reputation and profitability, reminding listeners that the decisions made now shape what the business looks like 3 to 6 months from today. Key topics He stresses that busy season is predictable, not surprising, and that strong businesses get ahead of the yearly rush instead of reacting late. Greg shares why your business today is the result of decisions made 3 to 6 months ago, and why burning bridges now will show up in next year’s workload. He walks through planning on-site capacity by forecasting workload, checking labour availability, and deciding whether subcontractors, apprentices, or new hires are needed. He strongly encourages building around “weapon” people - excellent staff, subcontractors, and apprentices - rather than holding onto average performers who block better ones. He explains why annual leave should be handled with respect, and why staff should not be guilted for taking legitimate time off. He breaks down how to estimate the amount of cash needed to survive shutdown periods by forecasting wages, tax, super, overheads, and expected receivables. He distinguishes the three main bottlenecks in a trade business - supply, demand, and profit - and says you need to know which one is actually holding you back. He reinforces that profit is simple at its core: revenue must exceed expenditure, consistently, across jobs, days, weeks, and months. Timestamps 00:00 - Why part two is about getting on the front foot 00:49 - Business results come from decisions made months earlier 02:46 - Recap of part one and the shift into planning mode 03:16 - Forecast on-site capacity before the year ends 05:35 - How much work is actually already on the books? 06:34 - Hiring apprentices and building around strong performers 08:00 - Stop holding onto average staff and average clients 09:27 - Why it is too early to push work into next year 10:23 - Respect annual leave and keep your team refreshed 12:35 - Use simple forecasting to see capacity problems early 13:05 - How much work can you actually say yes to? 14:30 - Cash is king and cash in bank is what matters 16:01 - Send invoices fast, but do not confuse invoicing with payment 17:24 - Forecast shutdown cash needs before Christmas hits 18:52 - Identify whether the real bottleneck is supply, demand, or profit 20:40 - The harsh reality check: current facts versus long term faith 22:02 - Close the week and month to see what is really working 23:26 - Gross profit, net profit, and why simple measurement wins 24:51 - Why businesses need to measure jobs and days properly 25:20 - The golden triage: when staff, work, and profit all line up 26:46 - Wrap up and preview of part three

October 17, 202652 min

#342 // Releasing Admin + Operations with Cam, Ford, Hib +Josey

Today on the podcast it’s a panel discussion (recorded at our live event this week on the Gold Coast) hosted by Cam ft Fordy (New Age Electrical), Hib (Hib Electrical) + Josey (Bremner Electrical). All four of these guys have released admin + operations and they are here to share their insights, thoughts, success stories, horror stories, and everything in between. At Sparky Coach we have developed what we call the “critical pathway” where it shows you what order to let what tasks go. What’s the one task you’re still doing that someone else should own by Christmas? Feel free to reach out if you need a hand navigating! Enjoy the pod! Much love x Content Type Panel Summary In this episode, Greg Crowe hosts a panel with Hib, Forty, Josie, and Joe to explore the journey of delegating admin and operational tasks in business. They share insights on recognizing the need for help, hiring the right people, and stress-testing business systems through time away. Keywords business delegation, admin support, hiring, business growth, operational efficiency, team management, stress testing, business systems, leadership, entrepreneurship Key Topics Recognising the need for admin help Hiring the right support staff Building processes for delegation Stress testing business systems through time away Developing trust and team culture Handling false starts in hiring Setting clear roles and expectations The impact of delegation on business growth Learning from mistakes in delegation The importance of ongoing training and development Sound Bites "You just gotta bring in and figure it out" "You're better off employing someone better than you" "You can't run a business without admin support" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Panel Overview 01:19 Snapshot of Business Structures 03:29 Recognizing the Need for Help 05:27 First Experiences with Admin Support 07:23 Timing and Readiness for Delegation 09:32 Apprehensions and Challenges in Delegation 11:44 Training and Process Development 13:05 Hiring the Right Person 16:08 False Starts and Lessons Learned 18:11 The Power of Trust and Team Culture 21:21 Building a Supportive Hiring Process 24:50 Cost and Value of Delegation 27:27 Stress Testing Business Systems 33:36 Travel as a Stress Test 36:37 Setting Expectations and Roles 40:46 Involving Staff in Business Performance 44:57 Developing Future Leaders 48:50 Overcoming Hesitations and Barriers 52:33 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

October 14, 202629 min

#341 // 3 Things That Stop Money From Coming Into Your Business

You are doing a good job, with good people, for good people, using good materials, for good money (on paper). Cool. None of it counts until the money hits your account. In this episode: -why invoicing + getting paid should be the BEST part of your week -the fear behind late invoices + variations, and how to face it head on -sending invoices + variations on time, every time -talking about money on site, and in the office, before it becomes a problem -having someone chase up overdue invoices every single week Remember, the only way to get better about talking about money is to talk about money. Combine talking about money with knowledge of money (ie GP, NP, %’s etc) and you will progress much faster in building a business that is a blessing to yourself, your family, your clients, your staff, your community, and anyone who comes in contact with it. Much love x Primary goal Educational Summary In this episode, Greg Crowe explores the three key reasons why businesses often struggle to receive payments and how to overcome these obstacles. He emphasizes the importance of timely invoicing, clear communication, and aggressive follow-up on receivables to ensure cash flow and business success. Keywords business cash flow, invoicing, receivables, communication, business tips, payment collection, financial management, entrepreneurship, small business, Greg Crowe Key Topics The importance of invoicing and getting paid Common reasons for delayed payments How fear and disorganization affect invoicing Strategies for timely invoicing and variations The role of communication in payment collection Chasing overdue receivables effectively Using systems like Dave for business management The mindset shift needed for better cash flow Takeaways Invoicing and getting paid should be the best part of your week. Fear and disorganization are major barriers to timely payments. Communicate clearly and regularly about invoices and variations. Always send invoices on site or immediately after work. Chase overdue receivables weekly and persistently. Use systems to track and manage receivables effectively. Understand your numbers to communicate value confidently. Sound Bites "Invoicing and getting paid should be the best part of your week." "Fear and disorganization are major barriers to timely payments." "Chase overdue receivables weekly and persistently." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why Cash Flow Matters 01:53 The Root Causes of Payment Delays 03:48 Fear and Disorganization as Barriers 06:04 The Power of Timely Invoicing 07:52 Systematizing Invoicing and Admin 10:01 Communicating About Variations and Extra Costs 11:47 The Importance of Regular Follow-Up 14:00 Using Numbers to Strengthen Payment Conversations 15:56 Chasing Overdue Receivables Effectively 17:48 Case Studies and Personal Stories 19:56 Taking Control of Your Cash Flow 21:52 Final Tips and Mindset Shifts 23:45 Conclusion: Make Invoicing the Best Part of Your Week

October 13, 202625 min

#340 // Your February Starts Now (Part 1)

Welcome to the “All I Want For Christmas Is A Market Wage + A Business Net Profit Of 20-35%” series! This series is about getting on the front foot for the back end of the year, and yes it’s obvs inspired by the greatest Christmas album of all time (Mariah Carey of course). In part 1 we go through the following including, but not limited to: -how to get ready for the “busy” season ahead -why “busy-ness” is like a rocking chair (it gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere) -recognising the key bottlenecks where your business may be caught out -setting clear standards + vision across all aspects of your company -ensuring you always treat your ideal clients well -getting ready for February which starts now! May this podcast help + inspire you as you build a business that is a blessing to yourself, your family, your clients, your staff, your community, and anyone who comes in contact with it. Much love x Primary Goal Educational Summary In this episode, Greg Crowe shares practical strategies for finishing the year strong and setting up for success in the new year. He emphasizes the importance of setting standards, treating clients well, and planning ahead to ensure profitability and reputation management. Keywords business growth, year-end planning, client relations, profitability, standards, team management Key Topics Year-end planning and preparation Importance of setting standards and vision Treating clients and staff well Financial discipline and paying yourself a market wage Building relationships for future success Recognizing patterns and bottlenecks in business The impact of busyness versus productivity Strategic planning for January to March Sound Bites "Worrying's like a rocking horse. It gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere." "Busy being busy isn't a benchmark of success. It's a skid mark to avoid." "All I want for Christmas is a market wage and a business net between 20 and 35 percent." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why Year-End Planning Matters 00:27 The Common Distractions During Year-End 01:19 Understanding Christmas as a Business Deadline 01:48 Goals for a Thriving Business Next Year 02:17 Paying Yourself a Market Wage and Super 03:14 The Benefits of Treating Yourself as an Employee 04:07 Financial Discipline and Budgeting 05:06 Recognizing Business Patterns and Hotspots 06:05 The Power of Pattern Recognition in Business 07:26 Maintaining Reputation and Standards 09:23 Focusing on Your Role and Delegation 11:14 Setting Standards and Vision for Your Business 12:39 Defining Your Business's Core Values 14:22 Communicating Standards to Your Team 15:47 Treating Your Ideal Clients Well 18:30 Consistency in Client Relations 20:00 Building Long-Term Client Relationships 21:28 Starting Now for a Successful Next Year 23:21 The Importance of Quoting and Relationship Building 24:15 Final Thoughts: Focus, Standards, and Planning

October 7, 202628 min

#339 // How To Excel In The Office (Part 4) with Greg Crowe

In part 4 of our 4 part series of how to excel in the office we discuss the following including, but not limited to: -1 // Understand That’s Where The Money Is Made -2 // Start changing, Stop complaining -3 // Hire weapons + work for weapons -4 // Get To Know Xero -5 // Recognise The Patterns -6 // Invest in the right software -7 // Allow Time To Build Stuff -8 // Stop working at night and on the weekend Remember!! You can do hard things. You can learn new things. You can excel at hard and new things. So let’s get you firing. Enjoy the pod! Much love x Content Type Solo Primary Goal Business + Education Summary Greg Crowe shares practical strategies for excelling in the office, emphasizing pattern recognition, effective planning, and the importance of boundaries to boost productivity and business growth. Keywords office productivity, business growth, pattern recognition, time management, software investment, work boundaries, business strategy Key Topics Understanding the money made or lost in the office Changing mindset from complaining to action Hiring weapon staff and clients Reading profit and loss statements and balance sheets Recognizing patterns for better decision-making Investing in the right software and people Allowing time to build systems and processes Setting boundaries to prevent burnout Planning your day and week effectively Sound Bites "Stop whining and start changing" "Pattern recognition is your real-time indicator" "Set boundaries to improve your performance" Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why excelling in the office matters 00:23 Performance mindset: From unsure to thriving 02:13 Understanding the financial fundamentals of your business 03:03 Stop complaining and start changing 03:27 Hiring the right staff and clients 03:53 Mastering financial statements 04:24 Recognizing patterns for success 06:43 Using pattern recognition to improve performance 08:05 The importance of closing the week 09:30 Recognizing good and bad patterns in business 12:24 Investing in the right software and people 12:52 Allowing time to build systems and processes 15:45 The importance of boundaries: Stop working nights and weekends 21:57 Planning your day and week for maximum productivity 23:25 The value of working smarter, not longer 26:40 Becoming a business owner asset builder

October 4, 202627 min

#338 // How To Excel In The Office (Part 3) with Greg Crowe

In part 3 of our 4 part series of how to excel in the office we discuss the following including, but not limited to: -why you need to get really good at reading Xero -the importance of exploring + getting comfortable with your accounts -how to make sense of your profit loss statement -your profit loss is a record of what happened over a period (month, quarter, year) -how to read a balance sheet -your balance sheet is a snapshot of what your business owns + owes at a single point in time. Think of it as what’s the business worth right now if you stopped + tallied everything up Remember!! You can do hard things. You can learn new things. You can excel at hard and new things. So let’s get you firing. Enjoy the pod! Much love x Primary Goal Educational Summary In this episode, Greg Crowe shares practical insights on mastering business finances, understanding zero, and building a weapon team to elevate your trade business. Learn how to read profit-loss statements, balance sheets, and implement strategies for profitability and growth. Keywords business finance, profit loss, balance sheet, zero, trade business, financial literacy, business growth, team building, profitability, accounting Key Topics Importance of understanding profit-loss statements and balance sheets How to read and interpret financial reports The significance of knowing your accounts management system Strategies for building a weapon team and client base The role of financial literacy in business growth How to optimize overheads and operating expenses The importance of paying yourself a market wage and super Building relationships and reputation for long-term success The impact of good client and staff partnerships on profitability Practical steps to get comfortable with financial management Sound Bites "What was once hard is now easy." "Your profit loss is the health sheet of your business." "Get to know zero, it’s the key to your success." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why Financial Mastery Matters in Business 04:12 The Power of Embracing Hard Things and Learning New Skills 07:52 Getting to Know Zero: Why It’s Critical for Business Success 11:47 Understanding Profit and Loss: Reading Your Financial Reports 16:02 Managing Overheads and Operating Expenses Effectively 19:54 The Importance of Paying Yourself and Managing Wages 23:00 Getting Comfortable with Financial Data and Building Confidence 24:53 The Holistic Approach: Combining People Skills and Financial Knowledge 25:45 Final Thoughts: Challenging Yourself for Business Growth

September 30, 202647 min

#337 // 5 Business Lessons In 5 Years ft Sam Hooper from SBH Electrical

Today we have Sam Hooper from SBH Electrical on the podcast to share his 5 business lessons from the last 5 years of business. Based out of gods country aka Melbourne, SBH Electrical has grown from 0 to 8 staff while maintaining a healthy balance of excellent clients, excellent staff, excellent materials, excellent profit + excellent purpose. Plenty to take away out of this podcast as Hoops shares his wisdom. What a time to be alive! Enjoy the pod x Content Type Interview Primary Goal Business + Education Summary Sam Hooper from SBH Electrical shares five key lessons learned over five years of business, emphasizing the importance of knowing your numbers, building the right team, and working with clients who value your work. This episode offers practical insights for electrical contractors and tradespeople aiming to grow sustainably. Keywords business lessons, electrical contractor, team management, financial literacy, client relationships, business growth, work-life balance, pricing strategies Key Topics Knowing your numbers is essential for informed decision-making Building a team with good character and communication skills Working with clients who value quality and communication Outsourcing admin to focus on core business activities Understanding and communicating about money confidently Recognizing seasonal clients and knowing when to move on Hiring and training staff for attitude and character The role of systems and processes in business growth Balancing work and life through effective business management Learning from mistakes and continuously improving Sound Bites "The only way to get better at talking about money is to practice." "Learn your numbers, you're going nowhere quickly if you don't." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sam Hooper's Business Journey 02:09 Starting SBH Electrical During COVID 03:13 The First Lesson: Know Your Numbers 04:41 From No Knowledge to Business Savvy 06:49 Key Metrics: Big Picture and Small Details 08:33 Getting Comfortable with Financials 09:47 Talking About Money Confidently 11:04 Practicing Money Conversations 13:00 Building a Strong Team Culture 19:28 Traits of Good and Bad Team Members 23:03 Hiring and Training Staff for Success 27:21 Outsourcing and Delegating Effectively 31:21 Handling Admin and Processes 36:56 Finding and Retaining Ideal Clients 43:40 Recognizing Seasonal Clients and Moving On 45:34 Final Wisdom: Know Your Numbers