Aussie Painting Contractor December

Issue 15 December, 2012

Aussie Painting Contractor Simple Ideas for Making the Festive Season Mean More David shares his experience to inspire safety in workers

Blast from the Past

Master Painters & Decorators Australia

Play in the PGA Pro Am! for TWO Lucky members General Ladder Safety

How to Make YOUR Business GROW in the Future

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CONTENTS 6 Editor Editor Nigel Gorman

Deputy Editor Caroline Miall

CONTRIBUTORs Belinda Ross Caroline Miall Graeme Franklin Jennie Gorman Jim Baker Leanne Staff Michael Farrugia Nigel Gorman Stephanie Gadd GRAPHIC DESIGN J.Anne Delgado

7

8

Member Consultant Simple Ideas for Making the Festive Season Mean More

12 David shares his experience

to inspire safety in workers

16

Blast from the Past

Master Painters & Decorators Australia

19 Redesigning your website 23 Play in the PGA Pro Am! for TWO Lucky members 24 Time to Move On 26 General Ladder Safety

28

30 32

How to Make YOUR Business GROW in the Future The Body Corporate Challenge Curb Your Consumerism!

36 37

Industry Idiots Important Contacts

Hello readers, Not long now, and we can all take a break, at last! I’m sure you’re as longing for one as we all are here. The silly season will soon be upon us again, and I hope that everyone is on track to finish up and relax for a bit, knowing that they have measures in place to get the New Year up and running with work on the books.

This month’s issue has a few ideas for the festive season, reducing expenses for your home, and you can even brush up on your ladder skills (simple but potentially lifesaving!)

We hear from our friends in WA and Fiji, and count down to the announcement of the winners of the Golf trip to play in the Victorian PGA Championship Pro Am. Less than 2 weeks until the draw, keen golfers, so this is your last chance to join Aussie Painters Network to be in the running.

From the Editor

Nigel Gorman nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0430 399 800

I would like to thank those readers that replied to the recent email seeking suggestion for content they’d like to see in our magazine. We are listening, and have found your feedback to be really valuable; you may notice a few new inclusions in future issues.

Wishing you all a fantastic festive season, whatever you get up to. Be safe and enjoy.

Nigel

Opinions and viewpoints expressed in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Home Painters Info staff or related parties. The publisher, Home Painters Info and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. All information contained in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine. Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Hi Painters!

By now you will be aware that we are here for good! By providing you with vital industry information and excellent membership benefits we want to emphasise to you that we are ‘HERE FOR YOU’.

As painters ourselves we understand that times can be outrageously profitable and other times can be rock bottom. We endeavour to include helpful articles in our monthly emag, Aussie Painting Contractor, to assist you and your business during both the ups and downs of life in our industry.

It’s time to join together and stop being separate from other painters. By listening to each other we will learn from each other… Egos aside, nobody will nick your work opportunities… this month is your last chance to enter our PGA Competition! Don’t miss out if you love Golfing! Join us at Aussie Painters Network for only $49.97 and you will go into the draw for this competition along with being able to access our great member benefits.

Be safe and enjoy the read this month.

Steph

Visit us on

Facebook

Membership Consultant

Stephanie Gadd

steph@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0433 724 794

Simple Ideas for Making the Festive Season Mean More (and Cost less!)

by Caroline Miall I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that usually by this time of year, I’m just exhausted. A phenomenon of ‘busyness’ and over-activity seems to have come over us over recent years with technological availability making us work all the harder, with a feeling that we never stop; or maybe it’s just that I’m just getting old!

Either way, It’s hard not to get to this time of year and feel a bit flat and incapable of tackling the tasks ahead that are expected of us; particularly those of us with children and extended families close by. But remember the way it used to feel as a kid? When it was just so exciting that you’d be counting down each day?

I sometimes envy those who have the spirit and energy for the season (although secretly sometimes I want to slap them too!) and there’s nothing quite like the excitement on a small child’s face. I started thinking about ways to bring that feeling back, for ourselves and our families as a whole; ways that might also help to address the incredible over spending and materialistic attitude to the whole season, not to mention some of the waste.

If you get a break this year, spend some time helping the kids prepare for their Christmas or whatever you celebrate. Encourage them to make at least one gift for someone. Show them how, or figure it out together from info online. Tradespeople have a few great skills to share; you could give your child the gift of a commitment to building something together. There are no excuses with the World Wide Web at your disposal; search for instructions on anything from Billy Carts to Doll Houses, from the most simple to the most elaborate. So much advice is available.

8 Aussie Painters Network

Most of us and our children have so much ‘stuff’ now that we hardly know what to do with it. Consider buying ‘experiences’ as gifts instead of things. Fun parks, aquariums, laser tag, bridge climb, facials, massage, classes of special interest, the list goes on. Think ‘bucket list’ type of gifts for your partner , or things the family can do together.

If you won’t disappoint too much, you could use the opportunity to teach your children about those who have so much less; give them one gift of charity for someone else in need, like buy a goat for a village (see World Vision or Oxfam online; there are hundreds of ideas for different budgets). Perhaps you could get the family to contribute to one larger gift for the year that you know will make a huge difference to a family just like yours born into a different situation, or agree to sponsor a child together starting in the new year.

On a lighter note, start your own traditions that will bring you together and make sure everyone has a memorable time. Make it fun; a water fight! Or a sporting challenge; a Sandcastle competition, whatever, as long everyone joins in and enjoys.

Happy Holidays!

e

C

lin o r a

“It’s fantastic! It will even do walls and ceilings inside with a great finish.”

“Man, this is a really tough outside roller but it can give a smooth finish for most jobs inside too.”

“The 21mm nap won’t do gloss but WOW can it do everything else!”

“Amazing finish for a 21mm nap roller on the wall” According to the WA DULUX winner of the year.

Guaranteed - 500 m2 surface coverage ( “you will probably get 10 times that ! ” )

David shares his experience to inspire safety in workers

12 Aussie Painters Network

A split second was all it took for David Galvin to go from being an active, outdoors-oriented full-time fire fighter to having to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Safety at work was David’s number one mantra.

The married father of two teenagers was with the Queensland Fire & Rescue Service for 23 years.

“Working for the Fire and Rescue Service, I did a risk assessment before every job,” David said.

“I’ve abseiled off bridges, down buildings and there’s not a rescue scenario I haven’t been involved in.”

However, while on a beach holiday with his family in 2009, David said a momentary lapse resulted in life-long repercussions.

Extremely physically fit, David enjoyed nothing better than a body surf in the ocean. However, on this particular day, he dived into the water without checking its depth and hit a sandbar. The force of the impact led to him sustaining a spinal cord injury at the C3 level, the third of the seven vertebraes in the neck.

“My working life was all about safety. But all it takes is a split second lapse in judgement, whether at work or at home, and the consequences could be with you forever,” David said.

Because of the level of his injury, David uses an electric wheelchair which he operates by a chin control. Each day it takes two nurses three hours to get him out of bed and prepared for the day and from there his wife Renee does the bulk of his personal care.

As a Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) presenter, David shares his story with workers throughout Queensland with the aim of inspiring them to stay safe and avoid the injury that he has sustained that has forever changed his life and the lives of his family.

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Bruce Milligan said because there was no cure for a spinal cord injury, prevention was vital.

“There are no second chances with a spinal cord injury,” he said.

“A split second decision or doing something dangerous that you may have done plenty of times before can cause a permanent disability.”

To learn more about SEAT, please visit www.spinal.com.au

2012 December Issue 13

434 Anzac Av, Kippa-Ring QLD 4021 PO Box 446 Kippa-Ring QLD 4021 P: (07) 3283 8848 F: (07) 3283 8847 E: admin@austplanfs.com.au

Maintain your family’s living standard

If you have a financially dependent family, you should ensure you have enough Life insurance.

If you have a home loan (or other personal debts), you should consider Life, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Critical Illness insurance.

What are the benefits?

By using this strategy, you could: • Provide a lump sum payment to clear your debts, and • Pass on the full value of your assets to your dependants if you pass away.

How does this strategy work?

If you’re like most people, you’ve used debt to fund a range of purchases, including your home.

However, if you die, become totally and permanently disabled or suffer a critical illness, the loan repayments will still need to be made, even though the salary your family has relied upon is temporarily or permanently unavailable.

In the event of your death, your lender may even require the outstanding loan to be repaid immediately, and sometimes the only way to do this is to sell the family home.

To avoid these potential problems, you should consider Life, TPD and Critical Illness insurance.

These insurances can provide a lump sum payment that could be used to clear your debts.

14 Aussie Painters Network

Insurance Premium Funding A lending facility for business clients who wish to spread the cost on annual insurance premiums over monthly instalments so that they can smooth out their cash flow.

Unsecured or secured by policies financed: finance is generally available without tying up the business and personal assets.

In most instances no additional security is required. Directors’ guarantees are usually required when financing is $250k.

Flexible financing term: terms of 6 – 12 months, smooths out cash flow by breaking one lump sum into a series of payments over the year.

Finance a variety of insurance types: bundle all insurance costs together, such as PI, Workers Compensation, general business insurance, motor vehicle fleet registrations etc.

Budget with certainty: rate & repayment are fixed for the term.

No ongoing fees: upfront documentation fee is the only fee applicable, competitive interest rates & fixed monthly instalments.

80% of your debtors in your hands

Within 24 hours

Worth thinking about!

Rod and Ian Scanes Phone: (07) 3278 0825 Fax: (07) 3278 0894

Mobile: 0421 383 314 (Rod) 0421 383 315 (Ian)

Email: rscanes@firstcharteredcapital.com.au

Blast from the Past!

It appears not much has changed with regard to quoting and estimating.

Please find below an article written in 1996 by then President of the Master Painters & Decorators Australia Richard George Gipson.

Recognise the risk One particular fact which I can never seem to convey to the consumer of our services is that we, the painters earn nothing from the expensive businessof preparing and submitting quotations and estimates. I know that in order to get any sort of work one has to issue quotations, which is fair enough providing the person who requests the quotation is genuinely in the market for a painting job to be carried out.

Unfortunately a large number of the enquiries one has to service are neither genuine nor honest. My experience is that many people use quite blatantly, the goodwill and expertise of trades people like ourselves for personal gain, self promotion and even amusement and quite frankly it stinks.

16 Aussie Painters Network

These people are in general what I would call USERS and there are a number of different categories which I’m sure you will recognise.

1.

The body corporate user.

The user calls for a complex quotation for their thirty unit development generally split up in different areas and substrates, but don’t get too excited they won’t be painting it for years. The exercise is to establish a budget figure to fix the maintenance levy. Invariably someone else will do the painting.

2.

The insurance user.

Generally relates to fire or water damage and is always frantically urgent. Don’t think this enquiry will result in a contract; the owner has no intention of employing you to carry out the work. All they require is an official written quote for the insurance company. The money goes into their pocket and they either do this job themselves or find they can live with the damage after all.

3.

The management user.

He is a bright young executive who is probably not performing well and is off east to see the boss. How can he impress him? Easy, by deciding that the company’s image in WA needs sharpening and upgrading and what better way than to paint the office. To prove how efficient he is he obtains a quote to show his boss. The job has as much chance of success as the executive has of keeping his.

4.

The builder user.

Never ever expect your tender quotation to win the job, even if it was the lowest. Try again after the tender closes and you might get a chance to join the post tender bidding but by the time the dust settles, it probably won’t be worth having.

5.

The lessor user.

The premises have been vacated at the end of termination of the lease and the lessor requires a quotation to refurbish the vacated premises ready for new tenants. Don’t worry you won’t be painting it, the lessor only requires a value so he can sue the outgoing tenants.

These are five examples of situations where we are used by certain people for purposes other than actual painting, and we do it all for nothing.

In other trades, professions and industries estimates and quotations are a chargeable item and it seems ludicrous to me that our industry, despite the individuality and specific nature of every job and the amount of time in assessing, measuring and travelling to and from the site, we give this effort and expertise to all and sundry absolutely free.

I’ve rapidly arrived at the opinion there is a very strong case of charging for estimates and quotations, but at the same time ensuring that there are built-in-safeguards’ to protect genuine consumers.

This article was written by our former President deceased life member, Richard George Gipson.

masterpainters.asn.au 2012 December Issue 17

info@zebraweb.com.au 18 Aussie Painters Network

Redesigning your website Doing a redesign to your current website can change an ineffective site to something more powerful.

A few items you can correct which will have a huge impact on how your site presents is the page load time. Achieving fast load times for your website makes a huge difference to those clients trying to access your business. Have you ever been stuck waiting and waiting and waiting for that website to load and ended up just clicking away from it? Annoying isn’t it? You don’t want that to be your website! We expect everything to happen fast online so we don’t want to be waiting for some flashy animation or image slide show. We want the information and contact details. Also, site speed is a consideration by the major search engines when ranking sites.

Perhaps reconsider how your website functions.

The usability of your site for clients can determine whether they persevere or move on. Make the journey through your website an easy experience for your client. Give them what they want quickly and simply. Go through your site and assess what does and doesn’t work. Maybe your content is too wordy or not written to suit your client?

Some elements will need to be tidied up and others removed. Break your site down to its basic elements and assess whether they still fit in with your overall vision for the business. If it doesn’t fit in, get rid of it.

If you have changed your branding or company name you need to reflect these changes on your website. Change the logo’s and website colours to reflect the new image. Your website is one of the first impressions clients will get of your business so make it consistent with the rest of your corporate identity.

Once you do make alterations to your site it can effect how your site presents in the search engines. Why? Once your site is submitted to the search engines any changes need to wait for the site to be re-indexed. It will be done eventually.

Making changes to your website is also a good chance to prelaunch and generate some attention about your product or service. A big relaunch can draw more traffic to your site and generate more interest in your business. Don’t miss out on this chance to push your business name out there!

2012 December Issue 19

20 Aussie Painters Network

2012 December Issue 21

Join now for your chance to win this once in a life time golfing experience.

22 Aussie Painters Network

Play in the PGA Pro Am! TWO Lucky members of Aussie Painters Network

will WIN a

Home of the Victorian

PGA Championship

5 day package (twin share accommodation), COMPETE in the Pro Am, a seat at the Championship Dinner and a ticket to the Corporate Marquee during the Championship. *Conditions Apply

Visit our website : aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Call us at 07 30401234 0430 399 800 Send us an Email info@homepaintersinfo.com

January 16 - Pro Am January 17-20 - Tournament

Here’s to another fantastic tournament in the Forest!

TIME TO MOVE ON For some time now Aussie Painting Contractors have provided me the opportunity to add an article each month with a Pacific Island Focus of our trade in this section “pacific News”. The articles I write are often with a focus on the work being done by Australian Aid Project, Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC).

As of January 2013 I will no longer be working with APTC. But, I will still be staying in Fiji, I have decided to try something a little different and support the industry from a different perspective.

How it all started I arrived in 2007 with two other trainers, one mechanic, and one tiler, it was the most exciting work experience I ever had. Despite not sleeping for 24 hours due to the red eye flight I couldn’t relax. As soon as I checked into the accommodation I hit the streets looking for painters!

I heard that APTC had been told that there were no professional painters. Some of the managers of APTC were told that the carpenter or builder does the painting..

Just 100 metres from where I was staying was a building that was being repainted. I met a painter and I said “do you only do painting?” he replied “Yes I only do painting.” In a tone of almost shame about the fact that it was all he did. I met the foreman who told me that the team are taken from one site to another doing only painting and decorating. So any rumour of no professional painters was busted immediately.

I soon realised three things: 1) there are plenty of people who have as their only profession Painting & Decorating; 2) the industry was suffering from a poor image, some leading people were under the impression that painting was such a demeaning trade that anyone could do it and that builders and carpenters did it themselves. Incidentally I found that these types of ignorant and misguided judgments came from people who had never walked on a construction site in their life. These same people were making judgments on the direction of vocational training, the same people who were advisories to APTC. Fortunately the voice of industry prevailed. Many contract construction companies and lead consultants within the industry said they had to employ painters from Australia to try and lift the standards of finishes. For example in Vanuatu painters from Australia were employed to finish the Casino.

3) The industry standard was very bad! Workmanship was shocking and painters had never

been taught to even hold a paint brush correctly.

We have worked hard to address all three of these issues. I arrived with no resources and no training facility as such. Five years later I can see that we have made a difference, now as a trade representative within the industry itself I hope and intend to lift standards even higher.

24 Aussie Painters Network

Where to now?

I will still be heavily involved in our industry. In my new venture I intend to develop entry level training programs as a feeder for the APTC programs. Through my connections with Dulux I intend to lift the standards of finishes and introduce more advanced finishes into the market as well as supply sorely needed trade tools.

In my role within the National Institute of Painting and Decorating I intend to develop quality education resources for use within our industry for training of apprentices throughout Australia and in the Pacific.

With permission from Aussie Painting Contractors I will continue to provide articles in the “Pacific News� section of the magazine.

With pride I hand over to Mavuku Tokona, one of my first students and over 23 years’ experience as a painter. He will be joined by one Trainer from Australia (still to be advised) and assisted by a tutor Eroni Civalakeba.

Article by Michael Farrugia

Safety Solutions WA General Ladder Safety Every year, large numbers of workers are seriously injured whilst using portable ladders. Ladder use is an activity that is carried out every day at many workplaces, which can lead to a sense of complacency and poor practices. Gravity usually always wins.

As soon as you set foot on the ladder’s first rung and pull your body off the ground, gravity works to bring you back to earth.

Proper ladder setup will help prevent slips and falls.

Always inspect your ladder prior to use, looking for signs of damage or wear. Place the base on a firm, solid surface. Avoid slippery, wet or soft surfaces. If you must put the ladder on a soft surface, place a board under the ladder’s feet to provide firm footing.

Make sure the top of the ladder has firm support and you secure or tie off extension ladders.

Never lean a ladder against a window pane or other unstable surface. If you’re using a straight or extension ladder, the angle of the ladder is the next critical safety factor. A straight or extension ladder should be placed with the “1 to 4 rule”. Ensure that for every 4 metres in height the ladder extends, the base (or feet) of the ladder is 1 meter away from the support structure.

If you use a ladder to access a roof or platform, make sure the top of the ladder extends at least 1 metre above the roof or platform edge. Be sure to securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support. If you have angled the ladder properly and still have doubts about its stability, have someone hold the ladder before climbing up.

26 Aussie Painters Network

If you’re using a step ladder, be sure to open it completely before you climb and check the locking/ support mechanism. If you use a step ladder near a doorway, lock or barricade the door and post signs so no one will open it and knock you off the ladder.

When climbing, always face the ladder and grip the rungs of the ladder to climb, not the side rails. Never get on or off a ladder from the side unless it has been secured to prevent movement. Never climb with equipment in your hands. Use your pockets, equipment belt, or a tool pouch and raise heavy objects with a hand line. If you forget something, always climb down the ladder to retrieve it yourself; don’t have someone toss it up to you.

When you descend a ladder, practice the same safety rules. Face the ladder, keep your body square and hold on to the rungs. Lastly, step off at the bottom rung of the ladder. Never jump off of a ladder.

Graeme Franklin

Director / Principle Consultant 0466 821 474 graeme@sswa.net.au PO Box 3711 Success WA 6964

Ladder safety may seem simple, BUT many injuries occur every year. Below are some ladder safety dos and don’ts: • Do use the right ladder for the job • • • • • • • • •

(industrial or tradesman rated).

Do inspect the ladder before and after a job.

Do read all warning labels carefully and follow directions before you climb.

Do clean the ladder after each use to prevent dirt build up.

Do wear clean, dry, slip-resistant shoes and use ladders with slip resistant feet.

Don’t stand any higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder.

Don’t lean too far or overreach. Reposition the ladder closer to the work instead.

Don’t use a ladder as a bridge or scaffold.

Don’t put a ladder on a box, crate or other object to gain additional height.

Don’t use a damaged or unsafe ladder.

For more information on this topic or any other OSH inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact Safety Solutions WA.

www.safetysolutionswa.com.au

How to Make YOUR Business Grow in the Future

by Jennie Gorman

www.connexionsunlimited.com.au

28 Aussie Painters Network

One of the things that many business owners find hard to achieve is working out their niche market and how to make their business grow in the direction they want.

First it is critical to identify what it is that you want to achieve and whether it is what the marketplace is looking for! Sometimes this is harder than it sounds as we can become very blinded by our desire to go one way without realising it may not be what others are looking for to gain their own business growth.

For many of my clients and me MasterMinding has become a wonderful way to gain objective ideas from their peers as well as being made accountable to create what we desire. By being in a solid group, which meets on a regular basis, you can move forward much faster than without that support. It is important that you develop good relationships with the others in the group as this will move you and your business towards your goals.

Mastering the skills of business networking and honing them will give you another opportunity to move toward your desired goals. Find your niche marketplace and develop the relationships with other businesses that you can support to achieve their desired outcomes. By doing this, as a result you will move closer to your outcomes.

Social Media Marketing (SMM) has become essential in the business world of today. The Fortune 500 companies would not be there if it weren’t great benefits!! So, are you developing your skills and profile in this area too?

Having a Mentor or Coach is also essential if you wish to move forward fast. This gives another dimension to looking at your business. Note that this is different from being in a MasterMind group as the process is very different. MasterMind groups are not coaching sessions and/or networking or referral groups. Note that all the successful business entrepreneurs around the world all have their own mentor or coach to take them to their next level.

With a new year about to start, it is time to set your goals for 2013. Do you need help with goal setting? It is easy if you know how and doing this process will bring great benefits to you, if you learn how to determine what you want in your future and to bring it towards yourself.

Connexions Unlimited offer all of the above services, like a one-stop shop. So let us know if you are interested in pursuing any of these great business building strategies mentioned here.

Copyright Š 2012 Jennie Gorman 2012 December Issue 29

The Body Corpo My first experience with a Body Corporate Paint Project was interesting to say the least. My instructions were, “paint it any colour you like except yellow”. The building was one of the first on the Redcliffe Peninsula near Brisbane to be repainted and it was a test, not just for me but for the whole area. They had already had a Colour Consultant see the site and, with the same instruction as I was given, chose a lovely shade of yellow - go figure! So I was already with a heads up, as far as Colour Consultants and listening to instructions went.

“Ah, so you are the Colour Consultant; have you heard about our last disaster?” said not one, but several of the owners, tenants and body corp. representatives. “We told the last chic any colour but yellow and look at this!

Its yellow and we hate it.” Perhaps there was something unclear to the last consultant or a communication issue?

One can only imagine… but it was likely that to coordinate such a large scale of works with potentially a large number of people to please I would want to plan this out carefully, and communicate clearly. Here’s how I approached it.

Not having dealt with a body corporate before, I was a little apprehensive as I attended the first meeting with the Body Corp the unit complex’ gym. “Ok”, I said, “I’m pretty clear on the instructions, let me provide you with 2 colour schemes, before your next meeting.

I will answer any questions put to me. I promise I will not use yellow.” If you undertake body corporate work, try not to have to deal with everyone on the panel, and just communicate with the painting committee, or suggest they vote in a contact or coordinator. Remember a few cautions to prevent pitfalls; Always use a 3rd party’s input for the colour scheme, and test paint an area.

Always wait for approval in writing before ordering the paint. And, finally, always use a Branded Paint Specification and apply type and paint colours as per the specification.

30 Aussie Painters Network

rate Challenge As promised, I formulated two schemes – both based in neutral colours, as is appropriate for a shared building so as accommodating a wide variety of tastes. One possessed slightly muddy tones and a deep aubergine trim. The other, warm tones with a rich burnt orange/tan shade highlights.

I went around the entire unit development with my camera taking happy snaps here, there and everywhere, not forgetting to take close ups of smaller details of the building. The detail is critical in these projects because you can be sure that if there is going to be an issue, as they say, the devil is in the detail. I printed the photos and used arrows, lines, and whatever means possible to show where each colour would go as I had little faith in my ability at the time to transfer colour via computer technology to the right places on the pictures, so I figured the real life low tech application would be best.

I needed to articulate to the panel how the colours would apply to ‘common areas’ of the development.

This encompasses hallways, stairwells, balconies, car parks, the outside front door of the units, broad wall exterior facing, external ceilings, walls, facing edges to balconies … all need painting. This is why a scheme has to have broad appeal, and achieve consensus from the panel.

Another major thing to consider is those parts of the building that won’t be changed, for example, powder-coated windows and balustrading; especially if they have not powdered off, needing a repaint.

Sadly, sometimes these colours seriously limit what can/should be done with the rest of the colour scheme.

As it happens, despite my hesitation, I nailed it. They were happy and it still looks gorgeous now, even several years down the track. It was a challenge and there were a few lessons learned throughout the experience though; I was just pleased that both myself and the building came out all the better for the experience.

Happy Painting!

Belinda Ross Colour Transformations 0413 464 289 07 3886 4488

2012 December Issue 31

Curb Your

Consumerism!

32 Aussie Painters Network

It’s been a lean year for many of us, and our hearts go out to those who have been doing it tough. With Christmas only a few weeks away, there’s no time of the year that highlights a cash flow problem more. After the Christmas blow out is a good time to review a few basics and stop the mindless spending; remembering that our families are targets for billions of dollars of advertising. Here are a few things you can consider making changes to in the New Year to claw back a few expenses, and provide a bit of fiscal relief!

• Use your local library for DVDs and music, magazines, audio books, some even have free downloads online.

• Plan cheap (free) fun days out – we are lucky to have amazing National parks, children’s playgrounds, bushwalks etc., take advantage of them.

• Compare providers – There are so many options now for electricity, phone, internet, insurance…and if you’re not checking on your costs, you may be paying too much. If you’re like me you’ll anticipate it all being a right pain in the neck and put it off for as long as possible. But check the net; things have changed since we had to spend hours on the phone to get someone to help navigate the bureaucracy. Many companies now provide comparison services as their core business, and a new provider will often undertake the changes for you, or they can be done easily online.

• Remember, and teach young family members, that conservation is not only good for the earth, but also our wealth. Many of us have probably forgotten the water saving message already.

Certainly those of us who were inundated with water over recent years can easily forget how much it is costing us. But if you remember you are paying for your water by the litre, you soon turn off the tap while you brush!

• Same goes for electricity, which has gone through the roof over recent years. Turning off lights not in use, reducing load at peak times, and switching to energy efficient bulbs can all help reduce costs. LED technology means that this is still improving and alternative lighting options are growing.

So, take the time to do a few searches and comparisons, or make a few phone calls to see if you’re getting the best rates, and plan family time well so it’s not about the dollars you spend on them.

If you have ideas that work for you, share them with me at: caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2012 December Issue 33

Even low levels of lead are harmful Paint Contractors, Parents, Renovators, Child-care Centre Operators,Teachers, Landlords, Agents, Pet-owners: Find out if paint, dust, Soil, drinking water, toy paint, Plastics, ceramics, jewellery, and other items are safe for humans and pets.

Buy a DIY-sampling / lab analysis lead kit The LEAD Group’s lead test kits are the only ones available in Australia for testing a wide variety of samples at a lab (which charges us a charity rate so you pay less).

Order online • print form • fax/call : 1800 626 086 Click here for videos on how to use the sampling kits The LEAD Group is a charity (ABN 25819463114 )

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*The water test kit requires less lab work and a lot less interpretation that is why it costs less Prices include postage within Australia, handling, lab charge, results, interpretation & GST.

You take the samples, and send them to Sydney Analytical Labs.

The lab analyses the samples, and we explain the results.

34 Aussie Painters Network

www.lead.org.au

How To Become A Really Successful Painter My name is Jim Baker. I have been a painter for 42 years My book has been thoroughly approved by Dulux, Master and have run my own successful painting business in Brisbane Painters, Be Constructive Qld. and TAFE teachers from various colleges around Australia. 1200 books are being for 27 years under the name of James W. Decorating. given out by Dulux to every final stage painting apprentice At the Dulux National Conference in 2004 and 2006, I won the and Post Trade graduates in Australia each year. It title of Dulux Accredited Painter of the Year for Queensland. is also being used as a reference book by Dulux in New I have also been a finalist in the Action Coach My Business Zealand and a TAFE College in Fiji.

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When I was first in business, my main concern was to be cheaper than my competitors’ price. Experience has taught me A copy of my book is available by emailing your name that this is not what a client is looking for, which is the reason I and address to jimbaker@notjustapainter.com.au wrote a book, “How To Become A Really Successful Painter”.

If you are in business, or one day want to start up a business, then my book can help you. I can show you how, using a www.housepainteradvice.com.au series of 8 easy steps, your business will be one jump ahead of Regular retail price: your competitors and more profitable. It doesn’t matter if you $25.50 (inclusive of GST and postage). want to be a one man operator or have 50 people working for you. The outcome is the same. Success for your business!

What I have learnt through trial and error, attending seminars, observing how others run their business and being in the trade myself for 42 years, will be of huge benefit to you.

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Just one small detail could mean either a Yes or a No on a job acceptance. By following even a few of my proven ideas, I assure you that you will have more success in winning a job over your competition. This is not done by lowering your prices.

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Grab a Copy Today!

2012 December Issue 35

The Industry Idiots

36 Aussie Painters Network

Important Contacts

Aussie Paainters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Ph. 0430 399 800

Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au

Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65

Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au

Ph. 13 13 94

Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au

Ph. 1800 003 338

Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au

Ph. 1300 642 111

Workplace Health and Safety Contacts STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877

Cancer Council Australia STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au

Phone (02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000 (08) 9212 4333

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