Don’t Get Left Out In The Cold

Don’t Get Left Out In The Cold is a show for tradespeople, by tradespeople. This is the podcast that gives tradesmen and tradeswomen a voice, where the real talk of life as a tradesperson can be heard and it’s a place for like-minded experts of their craft to hear about how to really scale their trade-based business. Let’s be honest, most people don’t understand the challenges of being in a trade - one minute you’re on the tools and the next you are required to become a business person. It is a tough journey and this podcast is designed to help you understand that transition, from the perspective of people who are out there doing this every day.

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Episodes

Friday Oct 04, 2024

In this video, we discuss the challenges of running a plumbing and heating business, including low margins, high training costs, and inadequate government support. Highlights include the difficulty in recruiting skilled workers, navigating strict regulations, and the impact of low profit margins. The video also covers issues like insufficient training funding and intense market competition. Key insights emphasise the need for better training accessibility, streamlined regulatory processes, and strategies for improving profitability and market adaptability.

Friday Oct 04, 2024

In this video, we explore how running a plumbing and heating business demands ongoing learning in marketing and management to drive growth and prevent burnout. Highlights include the need to adapt to evolving marketing trends, invest strategically in marketing for revenue growth, and shift from a technical to a business mindset. Emphasising teachable processes, team building, and accurate data tracking are crucial for scaling and effective decision-making. Continuous improvement and embracing a growth mindset are key to achieving long-term success.

Thursday Oct 03, 2024

In this video, we tackle the issue of ageism in the plumbing industry and stress the importance of value and pricing strategies for young business owners. Highlights include how ageism can affect pricing perceptions, the role of delivering high-value services, and the impact of successful partnerships, such as Joel’s with Woodcock Homes. Joel’s journey emphasizes the need for hard work, continuous learning, and building strong business relationships. Key insights cover overcoming age-related pricing biases, leveraging networking for growth, and focusing on revenue generation for new businesses.

Thursday Oct 03, 2024

In this video, Chris shares his journey from school to entrepreneurship, highlighting his early ambition inspired by his parents and his experiences in property and construction. Despite attending a mediocre school and struggling with coursework, Chris excelled academically and pursued studies in construction and property management. Graduating during the 2008 recession, he faced a tough job market but focused on gaining experience and building valuable connections, notably with Joe from an estate agency. Chris underscores the importance of prioritising education, resilience, and networking, while also stressing the need to align hard work with clear goals and overcome procrastination for long-term success

Wednesday Oct 02, 2024

Welcome back! I'm Mick Norris, returning to the podcast scene after a 2-year hiatus. Join me as I dive into the challenges of running a plumbing & heating business, sharing insights from my journey. In this episode i cover Chris's journey from school to Entrepreneurship, how we're tackling the issue of ageism in the plumbing industry and importance of pricing strategies, exploring how running a plumbing and heating business requires ongoing learning and much more. Whether you're an industry pro, a business owner, or a curious consumer, this podcast is for you! Don’t miss our weekly content. #PlumbingBusiness #SmallBusinessTips #Podcast #MickNorris #MRPlumbing

Wednesday Oct 02, 2024

In this video, we explore strategies to keep a heating company busy during summer, focusing on service plans, marketing, and new projects. Key tactics include implementing service plans to maintain steady business, targeting large projects like those at universities, and introducing new services such as power flushing. Emphasizing consistent marketing efforts, flexible pay structures, and careful cost management helps navigate slower periods. Insights cover the importance of seasonal planning, cross-training employees, and proactive customer engagement to ensure ongoing workflow and profitability.

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024

Work culture is crucial for organisational success, driven by leadership and a focus on team well-being. Highlights include how effective leaders shape culture, the importance of regular meetings for communication, and addressing issues like disruptive team members. Prioritising team care and engaging in team-building activities boosts morale and motivation, leading to a successful business environment. Key insights emphasise that leadership influences culture, treating employees with care enhances loyalty, and regular communication fosters a positive atmosphere.

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024

This video covers key strategies for onboarding engineers to boost company growth and efficiency. Highlights include offering competitive pay to attract talent, thoroughly vetting candidates with targeted questions and reference checks, and balancing apprentices with experienced hires for rapid expansion. Emphasis is placed on investing in efficient systems and processes, tracking finances to prevent overspending, and using effective communication tools to enhance team collaboration and customer service.

Monday Sep 30, 2024

In this video, Mick Norris discusses essential sales and marketing strategies for small businesses, highlighting the importance of investing in marketing, leveraging social media, and maintaining a professional image. Key points include allocating funds for advertising to drive growth, using platforms like Facebook to boost brand visibility, and constantly testing different strategies to find what works. Emphasising a polished appearance fosters customer trust, while actively managing online reviews enhances reputation. Staying aware of competitors and consistently marketing, even during busy periods, ensures sustained growth and ongoing customer engagement.

Monday Sep 30, 2024

Mick Norris is back in the podcasting world after a two-year break, diving into the challenges faced by plumbing and heating businesses while offering valuable advice for success. He covers key issues such as managing customer expectations, transitioning from solo work to a team setup, and the role of operational systems in boosting efficiency. Mick also emphasizes the importance of customer service, consistent engagement, and continuous learning. His insights draw from personal experiences, aiming to help both industry professionals and consumers navigate and thrive in the competitive plumbing field.

Don’t Get Left Out In The Cold

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