Better Back Office

Director

QC COMMUNICATIONS PTY LTD

Chief Operating Officer

Elecdata Australia Pty Ltd

Active Tree Services

Chief Performance Officer

Group Business Development Manager

Laser Plumbing and Electrical Artarmon

Plumbing and Electrical, Communications, Data, Energy Management. Fibre Optics

Specialising in National Service and Maintenance and Roll Outs. With the largest national foot print for Electrical and Plumbing service Laser can offer national customers local service with a national foot print.

Santuary Energy 

An interim CEO role

Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting to board and shareholders
Managing Sales Distribution Channels
Energy Market Regulatory Compliance 
Safety and quality
Customer service and customer billing
Solar installations

Australian Electrical Group

Responsibilities:
Business Development
Safety and Quality
Marketing and Sales
Operational delivery
Recruitment and team building

General Manager

PDY Partners

Business Consulting
Client Management
Business Development
P&L Accountability
Development of business processes and redesign of the client service offerings to ensure a client centric delivery of all services

National Electrical Contractors Association

I developed a management training  program for the National Electrical Contractors Association. This course is designed to me a 'mini MBA' for tradesmen to help bring them 'from site office to head office' and help those running their own businesses. The course is conducted annually and is building up a great Alumni amongst the industry.

Author and Facilitator

The Mortgage Store

Founded, grew and sold this business. Revenue $4mill + and staff 16.

Co Founder

The numbers tell part of the story.

They show us the symptoms NOT the cause. It's behavior in the business that drives the numbers and its behavior that is at the cause. 

Behavior in a business is a mix of people, processes, and systems.

At Better Back Office we make sure the accounts are accurate and timely without you having to lift a finger. Then we dig deep and uncover the business behavior that is leading to the results.

With this insight, you can make informed decisions and we can help you fix and improve your results.

🔧 Unlocking the Speed of Trust in Your Contracting Business 🔧
We all know that in our industry, trust isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the fast track to getting things done. 

Whether you're wiring a house, fixing a leak, or laying down a new patio, building a relationship of trust with your clients means fewer hold-ups and more efficient workflows. 

Here’s why trust can be your best tool:

1️⃣ Repeat Business: Long-time clients tend to skip the bidding war and come straight to you. They know your work and trust your process. This means less time proving yourself and more time doing what you do best.
2️⃣ Faster Decisions: When trust is established, decisions are made swiftly. Your proposals might be approved faster, and projects can kick off without lengthy negotiations or doubts.
3️⃣ Streamlined Communication: Ever noticed how communication is simpler with clients who trust you? There’s less back-and-forth, fewer confirmations needed, and misunderstandings are quickly cleared up.
4️⃣ Enhanced Reputation: Trust doesn’t just stay between you and your client; happy clients talk. This word-of-mouth can become your most powerful marketing tool.
5️⃣ Reduced Costs: Fewer misunderstandings and delays mean projects run smoother and often cheaper. When you can predict and plan with confidence, you save on unexpected costs.

Actions to Build Trust:
▶ Consistency is Key: Always deliver quality work and stick to your promises. Reliability builds trust.
▶ Be Transparent: Keep communication clear and straightforward. Update your clients regularly about project statuses.
▶ Exceed Expectations: Go the extra mile when you can. Small gestures can make a big impact.

In our line of work, building trust is the most profitable job you take on. After all, when trust speeds things up, who needs to step on the gas? Keep building those bridges, and watch your business accelerate at the speed of trust! 🚀

#BusinessGrowth #ContractingBusiness #TrustInBusiness #TradeSecrets

Peter Wesley, Finance Function for Trade Businesses

Helping Trade Business Owners get accurate financials so they can control cash, make smart business decisions, and scale without stress.

What are some best practices for building trust in contracting business?

How can consistency help build trust in contracting business?

Michelle is a great lawyer. Her knowledge of construction is extensive, you'd want her in your corner if you had a dispute. The next best thing is to learn from one of the best and check out her Negotiation School. She can explain complex legal issues in clear and easy-to-understand language.

How can I benefit from Negotiation School?

What are the recent collapses of builders and civil contractors?

How important is knowledge of construction in legal disputes?

Principal Lawyer - Subcontractor Legal | Adjudicator | Director Tricks of Your Trade

Michelle Cirson 🏗👷🏼‍♀️🦺⚖️

View Michelle Cirson 🏗👷🏼‍♀️🦺⚖️’s profile

When I don't post for a week or more, I often get emails, text messages and direct messages asking if I'm OK.

This literally gives me the biggest warm fuzzies 😍 

Due to the unfortunate collapses of builders and civil contractors so far this year, and the picking up the pieces after the collapses of those last year, we have been focusing our efforts on getting our clients paid, every moment of every day. 

And now it's almost May, I have forgotten to tell you all, our Negotiation School course starts on Wednesday next week!!! 😱 

I had decided to only open the course to our Annual Subbies' Toolbox members, but in recent days I have been overwhelmed by enquiries from subbies asking when the course will be offered again.

So, if you think the content I post on here is good - imagine how good my topics are when there are no builders watching. 🤤 

The best way to get involved in Negotiation School is to send me a direct message and I'll provide you with the course details and signup information. 

Signup will close 12 noon on Tuesday (so our software nerds have time to make all the magic happen in the background).

🔨 Hiring Right: The Blueprint to Building Your Team 🔨
A team is like a toolbox—a well-organized one will help you fix just about anything!

Hey, trade business owners—a solid team is crucial whether you're keeping the lights on, pipes flowing, or gardens growing. But before you stick that "Help Wanted" sign in the window, let's talk strategy. 

Here's how getting your org chart and profit plans squared away first can make all the difference:

Why Prep Your Org Chart?

Clarity: New hires need to see where they fit into the big picture from day one. This avoids the "all dressed up and nowhere to go" syndrome.
Efficiency: Clear roles mean everyone knows who to go to with questions, cutting down on those time-wasting "who does what" meeting

Using a Profit Planner Forecast Sheet:
▶ Smart Spending: Know what you can afford. A new salary should mean new profits, not just more expenses.
▶ Growth Focused: Align new hires with business growth areas. Plan your labour requirements to match your business growth.

Action Steps:
1️⃣ Draft Your Org Chart: Who’s on first, what’s on second. Make sure it’s clear who reports to whom and what the key responsibilities are.
2️⃣ Plan with Your Profit Planner: Look at your forecast for the next quarter—can you justify the new hire financially? Make sure the math adds up.
3️⃣ Communicate the Plan: When interviewing, lay out the org chart. Candidates should know where they’ll fit and who they’ll work with.

Get these ducks in a row, and you’re not just hiring; you’re adding value to your business. 



#HiringStrategy #BusinessGrowth #TradeBusinessTips

What are the benefits of having a clear org chart?

How can clear roles increase efficiency in a team?

How can the Profit Planner Forecast Sheet help me hire right?

Your high standards could be making your business worse. 

🔗 The Pitfall of Perfectionism: If you find yourself involved in every decision or checking every piece of work, you might inadvertently stifle your team's growth. This constant oversight can lead to a dependency where team members rely on you as the ultimate quality control, not trusting their own judgment or initiative.

🌀 The Vicious Cycle: Such oversight creates a self-defeating cycle. Team members might not fully commit to delivering their best work, knowing it will undergo your scrutiny and likely correction. This not only limits their development but also places unnecessary stress on your shoulders.

🛠️ Empowerment Leads to Improvement: The true test of leadership is the courage to step back. When team members are given autonomy, they not only take ownership but their work quality can improve dramatically. This shift not only boosts team morale but also enhances productivity and innovation.

💡 Takeaway: Letting go is easier said than done, but it’s essential for scaling your business and reclaiming your time. Trusting your team's abilities can transform your firm’s dynamics and free you to focus on growth and strategic planning.

Sometimes, less is truly more. 

#Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Teamwork #Empowerment #Trade Business

What benefits can empowering team members bring to a business?

How can effective leadership impact team growth and productivity?

How does teamwork contribute to business growth and innovation?

Are Late Payments Killing Your Business? 
5 Cash Flow Hacks for Trade Contractors (It's Easier Than You Think)

Look, I get it. We've all been there. You finish a job for a client, feeling good, then...crickets. No payment. Suddenly, that invoice feels more like a sweaty handshake.

The truth is, 68% of trade contractors (plumbers, electricians, you name it!) struggle with late payments. 

Frustrating, right? 

But here's the good news: there are ways to fight back and get that cash flowing smoother than a perfectly sealed pipe.

Here are 8 Tested Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Cash Flowing:

💼 Invoice Fast = Get Paid Fast: Don't let completed jobs sit. Make invoicing a daily habit.

💰 Deposits: Your Financial Shield: Request deposits upfront, especially for service calls. It secures the job and injects cash.

💳 Multiple Payment Options = Win-Win: Offer credit card, debit, and direct debit for happier clients and faster payments (up to 20%!).

🔔 Gentle Payment Reminders: Use automated reminders in your accounting software to nudge clients about upcoming due dates.

💡 Spread Out Costs, Not Stress: Negotiate payment plans with suppliers to ease pressure on your cash flow and avoid late fees.

🛒 Shop Around, Save Big: Don't be brand loyal! Compare prices and payment terms across different suppliers.

💼 Debtor Funding - A Strategic Option: For large projects or slow payers, consider debtor funding to get paid upfront. (But be mindful of profit margins.)

🤝 Outsource & Focus: Delegate the administrative tasks to virtual assistants that can handle tasks like bookkeeping, freeing up your time to focus on your business.

Remember, you're not alone in this! Take control, put these tips into action, and watch your business flourish!

Better Back Office can help you get control.

hashtag

#cashflowmanagement 
#tradecontractors 
#plumbers 
#electricians 
#hvac 
#landscapers 
#finances 
#smallbusiness

What are some common struggles for trade contractors?

📞 Keep the Conversation Going: Mastering Client Communication 🛠️
Attention all trade business owners—from electricians and plumbers to landscapers and builders! 

It's no secret that maintaining regular communication with your clients can be the lifeline of your business. Silence might be golden in movies, but in our world, it just gives your competitors a chance to shine. Here’s how to stay connected without sounding like you’re begging for breadcrumbs:

The Pitfalls of Radio Silence:

▶ Out of Sight, Out of Mind: If you're not on their radar, clients are more likely to pass new projects to those who are.
▶ Opportunity Lost: Not following up? That’s like leaving money on the table—money that could end up in a competitor's pocket.

The Art of Effective Communication:

▶ Provide Value: Always have a reason for your call or email, whether it’s sharing a helpful tip, giving a quick update on industry standards, or just checking in post-project.
▶ Be Consistent, Not Clingy: Schedule regular check-ins that keep you at the forefront of their minds without overwhelming them. Quarterly might be just right.

Action Steps:

▶ Create a Communication Calendar: Plan your interactions—whether it’s a seasonal greeting, project anniversary, or a quick check-in.
▶ Use Multiple Channels: Mix it up with emails, phone calls, and maybe even a newsletter with useful content that reminds them why they chose you.
▶ Feedback is Your Friend: Encourage feedback with every interaction; it shows you value their opinion and want to improve their experience.

Keep those lines open and ensure your business is the first one they think of—not just another contact lost in the shuffle!

#ClientCommunication #BusinessNetworking #TradeTips

What are some best practices for mastering client communication?

What are some effective ways to use multiple channels for client communication?

How can I create a communication calendar for my business?

 I don’t think there is a better sector for someone to build wealth in business right now. 

I’ve observed firsthand the unique potential the trade sector holds for business owners looking to create substantial wealth. 

You're not being “offshored” or replaced by AI. 

Automation is saving time in the office and physical effort in the field and making the job safer, but we still need skilled operators.

The built environment is messy, complicated, and compliance-heavy. So many businesses rely on getting a person to a site, safely with all the right clearances/inductions to do something with their hands. If you can make that happen there is money to be made.

I’m not saying it’s easy to make money in the trades, but I see it over and over again: good business operators can build a solid business to provide for their families and build wealth.

However, building a successful trade business isn't just about mastering the craft. It requires a strong, reliable financial system. That's why I founded BetterBackOffice—to help trade businesses streamline their financial processes and harness the power of their data for better decision-making.

🔍 **Why a Solid Financial System?**
A robust financial system transforms chaotic, incoming data into clear, actionable data. This reliable, timely information is crucial whether you're planning to scale, take a well-deserved break, or prepare your business for sale. 

🛠️ **Automation and Systematization**
By automating and systematizing operations, your business can operate smoothly without your constant oversight—essential if you aim to take time off or eventually hand over the reins. This level of efficiency is not just about keeping things running; it’s about maximizing potential and ensuring sustainable growth.

📈 **Take Your Business to the Next Level**
Getting your financial system right can act as a force multiplier. At BetterBackOffice, we provide the tools and insights necessary to elevate your trade business, turning everyday data into a strategic asset.

Let’s discuss how we can tailor our solutions to fit your needs and help propel your business forward. Because in the trade industry, the right foundation isn’t just a benefit—it’s a necessity.

#TradeBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #FinancialManagement #BetterBackOffice

What impact does the trade sector have on wealth creation?

Why is a reliable financial system crucial for business success?

You know how trade contractors often need help with financial management, finding themselves overwhelmed by unorganized invoices, compliance issues, and unclear financial reporting.....

What we do is simplify this chaos through a structured finance system that not only keeps your financial records in order but also minimizes stress and saves time, leaving you feeling confident and in control of your business.

Even if you're unfamiliar with financial software or detailed financial practices, our process is straightforward and accessible.

Within just one week, you can have a robust financial system operational, transforming how you manage finance from a source of anxiety to a streamlined process.

In fact, one of our clients, a mid-sized building business, implemented our system and reduced their monthly financial management time by 60% while increasing their financial accuracy and compliance.

How can the finance system benefit trade contractors?

What impact do compliance issues have on financial management?

What are the challenges faced by building businesses in financial management?

A great team, quality people with a bright future. 

What are some best practices for HV system design?

How important are energy solutions in today's market?

How important is it to have quality people on a team?

Join our dynamic team, focusing on Utility PV and BESS projects. This role is crucial for someone with a strong background in HV system design and implementation, who is eager to contribute to our growing suite of energy solutions.

Job by Greenwood | Renewables EPC & Educator

Taplio

Peter Wesley, Trade Contractor Finance System's Linkedin Analytics

Peter Wesley, Trade Contractor Finance System

What is Peter Wesley, talking about?

Peter Wesley, Trade Contractor Finance System's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?