Aussie Painting Contractor March 2015

International Womens Day Victoria Reviews

Licensing Legislation How to spot

Fraudulent Compo Escaping Blunder in business

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

From the Editor Hey all,

EDITOR Nigel Gorman

While a lot of us have been plodding on with business over the past month, there are many who have been dealing with much greater issues with their lives disrupted by bushfires, cyclones and floods.

Sadly, a lot of those affected are all too familiar with the scenario in their homes and/or businesses, and know they have another long road to rebuild and recover ahead. There are plenty of ways to help, and places to donate, so if you can help, I encourage you to do so.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORS

This month we have a look at International Women’s Day, and the role of women in our industries. The number and variety of contributions of women in traditionally male dominated fields is growing all the time. On the subject of women’s achievements, we would also like all everyone to get behind our fellow painter Sonia Venn, who is doing the World’s Greatest Shave later this month. Donate what you can to her Shave for a Cure, and get behind this great cause. There would be few, if any, of us whose lives have not been affected by cancer in some way.

It’s something that involves all of us.

• Anne-Maree Russell

Well done Sonia, for doing something positive! You’ve probably heard a bit about the NSW Licensing changes and how they will affect the profession and put the consumer at risk. At the moment, there is a review undertaken of the Victorian building regulations. This is a standard ten year revisiting of legislations, which we hope will consider the introduction of licensing for painters. Please check out the article on page 18, complete the survey, and email us your thoughts on the topic; because now is the time to ensure policy makers are properly informed.

• Jim Baker

Next week, Mates in Construction are holding their 2 annual conference in Sydney, hosting speakers from all over the world, highlighting an important issue and working towards more solutions. This organisation is really making a difference to the tragic statistics for suicide across construction in Australia. See pages 16-17 for more information and join the conversation. Remember if you need some assistance or just someone to talk to, they are there to help.

• Caroline Miall • Daniel Wurm • Jennie Gorman

• Justin Barlow • Leo Babauta • Monroe Porter

nd

Enjoy this month’s read, Nigel Gorman

nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

07 3555 8010

• Robert Bauman • Simon Clayer

GRAPHIC DESIGNER J. Anne Delgado

Contents Page 06

Why should boys have all the fun?

Page 10

What Direction are you heading?

Page 13

The Things that get in the Way of Doing

Page 18

Victorian Painters Licences

Page 23

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Page 27

Is Your Networking Building Your Business?

Page 28

For The Love Of Black Muntins

Page 30

Onsite Irritants

Page 33

Cherry Picker Fall

Page 37

How to spot a Fraudulent Workers’ Compensation Claim

Page 40

Escaping Blunder

Page 44

Whose Houzz??

Page 45

NEW LAWS Create a Snakes and Ladders Game For NSW Home Builders

Page 46

Cutting Business Costs Ethically and Effectively

Page 48

Industry Idiots

Page 49

Important Contacts

Opinions and viewpoints expressed in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Aussie Painters Network’s staff or related parties. The publisher, Aussie Painters Network and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. Information contained in the 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 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.

Just-In Hi Good people, Another busy month; everyone is running around juggling work and Business Activity Statements for the end of February. It’s been a great month for training. Apprentice training on-site and on-line has definitely been welcomed by both apprentices and employers.

We are receiving loads of positive feedback from industry about the benefits of engaging in this flexible training model.

The streamlined collaboration between trainer and employer for onsite training lends itself to strong training strategies, complimentary and compliant with Certificate III in Painting Decorating.

Coupled with flexibility for the student to complete basics and theory online at their (and their employer’s) convenience, the training and employment outcomes are set to be excellent.

Educating in our industry has been a very rewarding job for me over the past 10 years. I am now finding the rewards are far greater, on a personal and professional level with direct involvement, input and feedback from the employer and site supervisors. Together the trainer and employer can more easily identify strengths and weaknesses in the apprentice’s skill level, and are able to focus on developing those skills to ensure our apprentices become competent tradespeople.

Whilst engaging in on-site training I am also seeing employers and tradespeople engaging some very good trade practice using some fantastic ideas. It has inspired me to start and new column starting in next month’s article “Tricks of the Trade”.

I would like to invite any painters and decorators who have any “Tricks of the Trade” that you are happy to share with fellow painters around the country and internationally, please send any photos or ideas to justin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au.

The first “Tricks of the Trade” will feature Bayden and his team from Innovative Painting based on the Sunshine Coast, Qld, and Troy & team from Capital Painting Industries from Brisbane. Bayden and Troy are both happy to share an idea that is very effective and will make your painting business more money by saving in labour costs. The ideas came to my attention from an onsite training visit with their apprentices. You’ll have to look out for it next month!

Justin Barlow 07 3555 8010 / 0433 724 794 justin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Why should boys have all the fun?

Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

To mark International Women’s Day, March 8, with the theme of Make it Happen, I’ve had a bit of a look into the growing presence of women in the construction industry.

Building and construction presents some wonderful opportunities for women to make a good living, and also to seek out a diverse and interesting career. Skills gained are easily applied overseas, and there are travel opportunities in a globally competitive industry. New technologies are making entry into various fields broader, with new skills and specialisations being sought after.

Training and education is changing, and as gender bias becomes less and less of an obstacle for women, more and more follow their strengths into a trade.

6 | Aussie Painters Network

Painting is an ideal trade for women to enter, given it isn’t as perhaps as physically demanding as some, requires attention to detail, a great eye for colour and a steady hand. Women have thrived in painting possibly due to some of these being strengths. Let’s face it, women are necessarily great at multi-tasking, often tidier, and may even be more appreciating of a perfect interior finish than the average bloke (not to generalise of course, sorry fellas ;) and often women are attracted to, and very good at, the more creative aspects like matching tints, combining colours, and fine finishes like stencilling, marbling and lettering. The tasks performed are both technically challenging - measuring and determining quantities - as well as design orientated. Makes for a fulfilling work situation.

Construction is one of Australia’s largest industries, employing 9% of the workforce or around a million people. Currently 12% of workers in the industry are women, although still only a small proportion of these work in traditional trades roles. www.masterbuilders.com.au/cams The number is growing though, and there is a corresponding growing number of organisations developed to encourage and support women in their chosen trade, and assist them in success in such a male dominated arena.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC): http://www.nawic.com.au • Is a Not-For-Profit organisation formed in 1995 whose mission is to promote and improve the construction industry by the advancement of women within it; and • Provides a forum for its members to meet and exchange information, ideas and solutions to problems; • Offers individual members an opportunity to expand personal and business networks, maintain awareness of industry developments, improve skills and knowledge, and to make a contribution to other women in the construction industry.

NAWIC’s Objectives • To unite women actively involved in various areas of the construction industry for their mutual benefit • To promote co-operation, fellowship and a better understanding among members of NAWC • To promote education and contribute to the betterment of the construction industry • To encourage women to pursue and establish careers in construction • To provide members with an awareness of issues relating to the industry

Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen (SALT)

Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) is a non-profit incorporated organization which began in 2009 to provide a support network for tradeswomen, apprentices and women who wish to enter the trades. The aims of SALT are: • Provide support to tradeswomen in Australia including apprentices and women seeking to work in the trades • Provide avenues for women to meet other tradeswomen, and share experiences • Promote women in the trades to the general public and industry • Advocate for change to attitudes to women working in the trades • Campaign for changes which enable women to train and work in trades • Promote diversity and acceptance for all people in the trades

SALT has a number of different trades represented and their membership is extended to non-affiliated members as the partners of their tradeswomen expressed the wish to join their organisation.

Currently Salt Holds monthly meetings in Wollongong and Sydney, Facebook and Twitter connections, emails relating to tradeswomen initiatives and news. They also provide contacts and support to women seeking work in the trades.

SALT is run solely by volunteers who are passionate about their trades and bridging the gap to a gender accepting, skilled workforce in Australia.

One of the main reasons we began Aussie painters network was because there was a culture in the industry where no one talked to each other; imagine how isolating it must feel for women to start out, already being part of small minority, in a trade where no one seeks to help each other. Thank goodness there are people like Nawic and Salt.

I urge you to support them!

Whilst it’s a difficult topic to write on, I do think it’s important to recognise other challenges for women in the construction trades… particularly in Australia. You’ll be working on building sites. There is little doubt you would be working with mostly male tradies.

Continue to Page 9...

2015 March Issue | 7

Contact Graco Australia: 03 9468 8500 | 0417 723 360 darren_jones@graco.com

8 | Aussie Painters Network

Why should boys have all the fun?

Cont’d from page 7....

It’s been a bit of a long, slow journey for Australia and women’s rights. (Our “Minister for Women” isn’t even a woman for god’s sake!). True enough, Women in construction trades need a sense of humour and not to mind getting their hands dirty, but the reality is that its often a very confronting experience for women to adjust to the very male setting of a construction site.

I guess, however, if you want equality, then on a building site is where you might just get it – you will be treated like one of the boys, at least this will be your preference.

You should be happy to work on a ‘blokey’ site with some bad language, and a few crude jokes, but make it clear that it is never acceptable for it to feel threatening or sleazy. ‘Gender inequality in organisations and in society places women in particular positions of vulnerabil-

ity to workplace violence’. (http://www.urcot.org.au/ Safe at Work? Women’s Experience of Violence in the Workplace)

Poor behaviour of your colleagues really becomes a workplace health and safety issue, as everyone has the right to a safe secure working environment. Make sure you are aware of your rights and intervene early if there is an issue, don’t let a situation sour. I am hopeful that these days that most men know what is, and is not, acceptable in any workplace, and that given the diversity of skills and abilities that painting appeals to, more and more women will consider it as a career path.

Even peripheral industries are growing from the new demands women in construction create.. She Wear has been blown away by the response to their compliant, purpose built work boots for women, and other accessories too. Check out their range: http://www.shewear.com.au/

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2015 March Issue | 9

What direction are you heading in?

It’s frightening to know but there are so many businesses that fail! Statistics show that it could happen to 80% of them in the first 5 years.

The problem is, when we know something isn’t working, we get so attached to it that we keep doing the same thing, even when it has become ineffectual. Often this is because we subconsciously train ourselves not to expect the best. We take the ‘that’ll do’ approach.

Now you have all heard of the saying, ‘Better the devil you know than the one you don’t’ and, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ , well unfortunately the message in these have the effect of making us settle for something that isn’t necessarily suitable to operate a good business. In life we get by with this sort of mentality but in business this is not acceptable. Doing so can lead to disaster.

SO! What is it that makes a business a success and what does it take to make a good business owner?

I have given some answers to these questions in previous articles in the magazine and they are fully covered in my

10 | Aussie Painters Network

book, ‘How To Become A Really Successful Painter’ but one of the main factors for success is knowing how to listen and not being afraid to ask questions. This is one of the major problems a business owner has, especially for men, as we are too proud to admit we are doing something wrong. We may think we know everything and don’t require help, but there is so much to learn in running a successful business. You don’t always have to go to a professional to get advice either (but I do advise it); it’s as easy as taking note of how others are operating.

Check what they are doing right and adapt it in your business. See what they are doing wrong and apply the opposite.

In the days when I first started in business (when there were no avenues where you could seek advice), I applied this method and observed my opposition. How did they present themselves personally? (That question was answered every time I went to the paint shop). What condition were their vehicles because in a clients’ mind, a neat and tidy vehicle could reflect on how a tradesperson would treat their home. Also a question I asked the client was for their opinion of how I presented myself compared to the other painters. I also took sneak-peaks at the oppositions’ quotes.

This was not to check on the price but how they had written them out. In a lot of cases they were just scribbled out in a quote book or on a back of a business card (if they had business cards). But one thing I made sure of was to turn up on time as I knew in 75% of the cases, the other painters did not. That really annoyed the clients.

By doing this, it didn’t take me long to distance myself from other painters because I learnt what they were, and were not doing. My business became successful as I understood what the client expected from a tradesperson. I learnt to become a complete package, a professional, not just a person that could apply paint to a wall.

Nowadays, because of the internet, there are many avenues where you can seek advice from. There are

professionals out there that want to help you become more successful and being part of Aussie Painters is just one of them.

When you do get advice though, be open-minded and look at the changes you may have to put into place. Be willing to take advantage of changes in technology as it doesn’t pay to behind the times. It may be completely opposite to how you have been doing things, but it could possibly be what your business needs to turn things around, especially if you have noticed that your profit margin has declined over the years. by : Jim Baker

www.mytools4business.com

Looking for improvements in your business?

“How To Become AReally Successful Painter” can really help you.

A copy of my book is available online jimbaker@notjustapainter.com.au

Watch Business Management for Painters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OczJfZH8M4I

2015 March Issue | 11 www.mytools4business.com/howtobecome

12 | Aussie Painters Network

The things that get in

the Way of Doing After working on my procrastination, mindfulness and productivity habits for the last 9 years, I’ve gotten much better at doing and accomplishing.

Today I sent out the digital editions of my book to Kickstarter backers, for example, while working on a 13-person coaching program, a habits membership program that has several thousand readers, writing a guide on mindfulness, preparing for several webinars, and of course writing this post. One task at a time, but lots getting done.

And yet … I still have things that get in the way of my doing. Some of them I’m OK with, but nonetheless I thought I’d share what I’ve learned about the things that get in our way.

“Doing” Obstacles, & Some Solutions

This list isn’t complete, but just some ideas to get you thinking: 1. Online distractions. This is a big one for me. I can go to my favourite online sites (just a quick check) and get lost for an hour or two. Or more, if I hit on something that really fascinates me.

What has worked for me: To overcome this, I try to remember to pause … and often get up and walk around, and realize that I’ve gotten lost again. Then I’ll clear my screen and just have one thing in front of

me, and try to stick with that until I’m done. I don’t always succeed, but when I remember to do this it works very well.

2. Being overwhelmed. If you have a crap-tonne of things to do … it can make you feel helpless. How can you possibly get it all done? So you don’t even start. You can’t get it all done … at least, not right now.

What has worked for me: Right now, you can do one thing. So when I’m overwhelmed, again, I’ll clear everything, and make a list of 1-3 things I need to do most right now.

Yes, sometimes the list is just one thing, because that helps me focus and not feel overwhelmed.

3. Email is piled up. When my email inbox has a lot of messages piled up, it can feel overwhelming.

What has worked for me: I use Google Inbox or Mailbox, and just ‘snooze’ a bunch of things I don’t need to worry about right now.

Then I’ll deal with as many of the others as possible, and leave some to deal with later. Instead, I close email and get to work on a more important task.

4. Feeling indecisive. What if you have so many things you can’t figure out what to do? Often, that leads to doing nothing. I remind myself that not deciding leads to stagnation, and while I don’t believe you need to move at a million miles an hour,

I don’t like myself held stagnant by fear. What I’ve learned is that this is a fear of not knowing the perfect decision, because we don’t know what the future will hold. Is it better to take that new job or keep this one? Is it better to work on this project or that one? It’s impossible to know, because the future is uncertain.

What has worked for me: I try to just pick one based on whatever information I have (usually a gut decision) and take some action. It’s better to work on something than to stop moving because of fear of uncertainty.

5. No energy. This is a huge one, bigger than most people realise.

When you have a lack of sleep, you are low on energy and you just don’t feel like working on anything hard. You can’t focus and you have a hard time pushing through.

What has worked for me: Either I give myself a break but really focus on getting to bed earlier and getting some good sleep … or I push through and do the hard stuff. Just because we don’t feel like doing something hard doesn’t mean we should skip it.

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2015 March Issue | 13

The things that get in the way of doing 6. Lack of discipline. This is usually the result of low energy, or being in fast mode and not wanting to stop to focus on something. You tell yourself you’re going to do something, but then you don’t.

9. Task seems too big. We all fall into this one, and we all know the answer. It’s too big, so we put it off. The answer, of course, is to break it into smaller tasks, but we rarely follow this advice.

What has worked for me: I forgive myself for messing up, and instead I try to be mindful about what’s going on.

Am I tired? In fast mode? Not inspired by this project?

Instead of the general “I lack discipline” diagnosis, I try to find a more specific problem, and then address it.

And then get to work.

What has worked for me: I focus all of my energy into starting. All I have to do is write the first few words.

Once I do that, I focus on the next few paragraphs. One bite at a time.

7. Task switching. Again, being in fast mode means that you’re doing lots of little tasks, constantly switching between apps and tabs in your browser. You can’t stick to one because you’re constantly switching.

What has worked for me: Again, I will take a break and then clear everything, and refocus myself. I try to stick to the one window mode (close everything else) and focus on one thing for as long as I can. I’m not always successful.

8. Getting little things done. We feel productive when we’re taking care of lots of little tasks (emails, calls, errands, small admin tasks, paperwork), but while those do need to get done, they aren’t the important things. We’re avoiding the important things but we feel productive because we’re busy.

What has worked for me: I fall into this trap a lot, so when I catch myself doing it, I stop and ask myself what my big task is for the day. Sometimes I can’t choose between 2-3 big tasks, but it doesn’t matter … I just need to pick 1-3.

Then I ask myself: “Am I working on it?” If the answer is no, I’m not really being productive — I just feel like it.

14 | Aussie Painters Network

10. We’re afraid we’ll fail. We also all have this problem — we don’t feel competent at this task, it’s confusing, it feels like we’ll embarrass ourselves. And this is understandable when we’re doing something that’s not in our wheelhouse.

What has worked for me: I remind myself that letting myself be controlled by fear is not the way I want to live. I remind myself that failure is actually not the worst outcome — not even trying is a much worse outcome. Why? Because if you try something and fail, you learned something, you got some practice, and next time you’ll be better. You’re further along than before.

But if you don’t even try, out of fear, you don’t learn anything, and you’ll probably keep doing this because you’re creating a pattern of running from fear. Instead, push through and do it anyway, because the value of doing is so much greater than the value of being safe and doing nothing.

by Leo Babauta, a successful ‘simplicity’ blogger & author from California, is the creator of top 25 Blog, Zen Habits, chronicling his insights from acting significant changes in his personal and working life.

2015 March Issue | 15

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2015 March Issue | 17

Victorian Painters Licensing It’s a topic debated for decades; when will Victoria, Australia’s second most populous state, start regulating the painting industry? Most painters in Victoria bemoan the fact that almost anyone in their state can pick up a brush, slap a sign on their car and start quoting painting work. It’s lead to hundreds of cases going to court, thousands of disappointed home owners, and probably cost Victorian economy millions in defect rectifications and premature paint failure.

Whether you agree with licensing or not, there is no doubt that licensing leads to a professional and respected industry. Painting contractors in states such as NSW, QLD, SA and WA, where licensing has been around for years, usually have higher rates of pay, and higher rates of apprenticeship take-ups. The need for qualifications to be able to contract freely has lead to a culture of workforce training, and professionalism.

Although there have been attempts in the past to introduce licensing in other states, they were unsuccessful, usually due to lack of political will,

18 | Aussie Painters Network

lack of clear leadership, and general climate of the building industry. Now, a new opportunity has arisen, with the imminent review of the Victorian Building Regulations.

According to the Victorian Building Authority, “all Regulations are evaluated every 10 years to ensure they are still relevant or whether changes are necessary – a process known as ‘sunsetting’. In early 2014, the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), with the support of the VBA, began preparing for the sunsetting of the Building Regulations 2006. So far more than 370 issues and suggestions have been raised through submissions from industry stakeholders and individual practitioners.

An Industry Reference Group was set up in mid-2014 and will provide further valuable input to the project as the collection of evidence continues into 2015. DELWP and the VBA will continue to liaise with stakeholders to request information during the year, with further opportunity for input in response

to the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), which is scheduled for release in October 2015.”

In light of this development, Aussie Painters Network and the National Institute of Painting and Decorating will be working together to present a case for licensing to the Victorian Building Authority. Preliminary surveys of the Victorian industry, conducted by the NIPD, have shown overwhelming support for a licensing system in Victoria. The challenge will be to convince the VBA, and the government, that we need licensing, and what the industry’s preferred model would be. It’s not enough to say to the government, ‘we want a licensing system for our trade’; we need to be able to prove why it’s better for the building industry, for the government, and for the consumer. Over the coming weeks and months, NIPD and Aussie Painters Network will be conducting research and collecting data to support our belief that regulating the industry makes economic, business, and social sense.

Skeptics might ask why the government would listen to such a small part of the building industry. However, painters in Western Australia will be quick to tell you that it was only the dedication of committed painters in the that state during the 1960’s that lead to an act of parliament bringing in painters registration in WA. This legislation has created one of the strongest, professional, and most vibrant painting industries in Australia. There is no reason why our industry in Victoria cannot bring about similar change. The first thing we need to establish is, will the industry support it, and what is the preferred model?

To collect that data, we have created a simple, 3 minute survey for painters in Victoria to complete.

Please take three minutes to contribute to improving your own industry: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WM9Y87J

Once we know what the industry wants we can formulate a submission, and ask for signatures of support.

Daniel Wurm is a Victorian born and bred painter and decorator. He ran a local painting contracting business in Melbourne for 7 years before becoming a qualified trainer and assessor, and is passionate about helping painters in Victoria become more professional. He is happy to answer any questions about how licensing might work, and how it can help the industry. Contact details are daniel.wurm@painters.edu.au

My Costing Guide ‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully automated program where all you have to do is add or change the variables and the total price will appear in an instant. It is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business.

Personalise your own rates instead of using a recommended rate!

www.mytools4business.com/mycostingguide 2015 March Issue | 19

Smart tips from

Savvy Business Owners “There are many ways to create a successful business, but certain approaches work time and time again and are worth paying attention to.

Every day Bartercard works with approximately 1,400 members with a trade business to conserve cash and attract new customers – this is what some of the most successful ones are doing.”

1. Learn from your mistakes “We all make mistakes, and even the most successful entrepreneurs in the world have admitted to their shortcomings.

If a new product or service hasn’t worked the way you envisioned, treat it as experience and use it to take your business in a better direction.”

2. Outsource “Being an expert in your field allows you to offer a higher level of service to your customers, but you don’t need to be an expert in every aspect of your business.

Hire expertise where you are not, such as accounting, so you can focus on what you truly do best.”

3. Commit to future-proofing your business “Finding the time to plan for the future allows you to take stock of what worked and what didn’t, so you can stay on track with your business plan or adjust your goals accordingly. Planning ahead will help you stay agile when unexpected events hit.”

Brian Hall is the founder and CEO of Bartercard

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Bartercard abolishes joining fees, guarantees extra sales and customers The grass is greener for trade professionals joining Bartercard, with the world’s largest trade exchange abolishing joining fees. Coupled with no lock-in contracts and a 100% cash-back sales guarantee, now it’s even easier to grow your business and improve your cash flow.

In the trades industry Bartercard is used by members to generate extra business and more referrals. We then help you to offset your cash expenses on essential costs like equipment, materials, accounting, advertising and more – keeping more money in your pocket and in the bank to invest where you want.

We also assist start-ups with the capital to fund their business with an interest free-line of credit of up to $25,000.

Bartercard is offering three packages conveniently tailored to your size and needs, with affordable monthly fees replacing all upfront costs.

For more information and pricing, visit www.bartercard.com.au/pricing or call 1300 BARTER (1300 227 837).

2015 March Issue | 21

Contact Us Phone: Email:

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22 | Aussie Painters Network

CELEBRATING

International Women’s Day March 8 is International Women’s Day! It’s one day of the year when people from all different cultures and backgrounds unite to celebrate and raise awareness of the rights and accomplishments of women and girls, and also highlight the need their safety and security.

Each year, the Australian National Committee for UN Women hosts International Women’s Day events across Australia. These events are attended by more than 8,000 people each year.

In 2015 Beijing +20 also marks the 20th anniversary the landmark Beijing Platform for Action which was signed in 1995 by 189 countries. A great deal has been accomplished for the standing of women in our communities, but there is still a long way to go. Beijing + 20 highlights what still needs to be done, so hopefully it doesn’t take another 20 years to achieve gender equality.

International Women’s Day has been observed since in the early 1900’s, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

Now, thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and

social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

1908 Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women’s oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

1909 In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman’s Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

1910 In 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named a Clara Zetkin (Leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women’s Day - to press for

their demands. The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women’s clubs, and including the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament, greeted Zetkin’s suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women’s Day was the result.

1911 Following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) was honoured the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. However less than a week later on 25 March, the tragic ‘Triangle Fire’ in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labour legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women’s Day events.

1911 also saw women’s ‘Bread and Roses’ campaign.

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2015 March Issue | 23

1918 - 1999 Since its birth in the socialist movement, International Women’s Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD has grown from strength to strength annually. For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for women’s rights and participation in social, political and economic processes.

1975 was designated as ‘International Women’s Year’ by the United Nations. Women’s organisations and governments around the world have observed IWD annually on 8 March by holding large-scale events that honour women’s advancement and while diligently reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women’s equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.

2000 and beyond IWD is now an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother’s Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models in every

24 | Aussie Painters Network

aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

The annual day of celebration is also used to highlight the achievements in the trades and to encourage women to pursue a career in construction. Women undertake a vast range of jobs in this industry; they are painters, carpenters, scaffolders, crane operators, truck drivers and tradespeople. As gender equality grows, so does the opportunities for women in our sector.

Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

To see events across the country, and the globe, go to: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/esearch. asp?page=2&country=13&town

Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

2015 March Issue | 25

Employment Page Advertisements are placed for free!

26 | Aussie Painters Network

www.aussiepantersnetwork.com.au

Is your NETWORKING

BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS?

As a business person I know you know how important networking is for the growth of your business. So I ask you, is your networking building your business?

Many people who attend networking events, enjoy the experience but don’t attract more clients and/or increase their business profits. They don’t even build a new relationship.

Do not expect just because someone likes what you offer, that they will be keen to catch up for a coffee. They may exchanges business cards with you BUT nothing usually comes of it. This in NOT their fault!! It is because they are not sure why they went to the event in the beginning or what outcomes they wanted to receive as a result of attending. They enjoyed what they got from the event, but wasted their time, money and energy as they had not set an outcome prior to attending. Unfortunately, I see this happening at most networking events I attend.

If this happens to you, consider what you did or didn’t do to make this a reality! Why wait for the other person to make contact? If you liked them and thought you had synergy, make the contact yourself.

If you want to have a good relationship with someone, you need to put in too! Maybe the other person is unaware of what follow up is necessary after an event. So, I ask you these few questions.

• Why did you go to the event?

• Did you plan and have a goal prior to attending?

• What did you do at the event?

• What follow up did you do afterwards?

If you want to turn your networking into profits you need to create the relationship with the person. They may not even be aware of the potential of knowing you.

Most people don’t do business after a first time meeting. If you exchanged business cards, and made contact within a few days of the actual meeting via email, social media or a phone call, you can then follow them up to arrange to get together to learn more about what they are needing help with for their business!

It is all up to you. Do not wait for others to make the first move if you want to go further with any business building.

If you want to form a genuine relationship, you need to put in firstly. Most people networking are not aware of what they need to do after the event so they miss out on not only supporting someone else but helping themselves too. by : Jennie Gorman

www.connexionsunlimited.com.au 2015 March Issue | 27

For the love of

Black Muntins

28 | Aussie Painters Network

To me, a window isn’t a window unless it has ‘muntins’, and ‘lights’. Muntins are the slender bars that divide a window into a grid of smaller panes of glass (‘lights’).

Muntins are sometimes called sashes or glazing bars too.

a practical and economical solution to the limitations of a material became an essential architectural element in period buildings.

http://www.miamism.com/historic-windows/

Now, black muntins in between white mullions (the big bits of wood dividing the windows) are even more heart-stopping in the world according to A-M! Muntins do have a historical origin. Back in the day, glass could only be made in small pieces, so to create windows of practical size the small glass panes were joined together with muntins. Even when larger glass panes became possible, they were expensive to make. I guess that’s how the 9 x 1, the 6 x 1 and the 4 x 1 double hung window combinations originated. With 9/ 6/ 4 panes on the top of a double hung window and one pane on the bottom sash, the view was unobstructed in the window pane at eye level and the higher sash provided the economical alternative, with smaller panes of glass.

A lot of the buildings that had them replaced with the larger modern panes, are now being restored with the glazing bars, which many now see as an essential architectural element in period buildings. So what began as

Living rooms, bathrooms …. anywhere!

Funny, it was more expensive for me to do my 4 x 4 windows in The House than to do my 4 x 1 windows!

The big pane of glass was the cheaper option and it cost more to split it with muntins!

Muntins reflect light in multiple directions and help even out the light in a room. And as a pop of black in a beautiful white room, nothing beats black muntins!

Anne-Maree Russell is the Principal/Owner of Cape Cod Residential - a bespoke approach to the presentation & marketing of premium properties throughout Brisbane, as well as author of popular home design blog http://www.thehousethatambuilt.com/

2015 March Issue | 29

Onsite Irritants Decorating Pet Hates

In February, I put the word out for what ‘gets your goat’ in your day to day working life. Whether it be business woes, cash flow, unreliable staff, or technical annoyances in painting, we thought perhaps a problem shared is a problem halved.

It’s not easy getting painters to come out and share what’s on their minds. It does seem we’ve become a little notorious for not talking to each other. So, we’ve sought out opinions from various individuals across the industry to see what giving you the sh*ts! Here are a few of the onsite issues you might be familiar with too.

Some are peeved off by the problems left behind by others.

Decorating Pet Hates “Brushed window reveals and brush marks around sockets/light switches. Get the mini roller out you lazy gits.

You can see the texture difference a mile off.”

Not having cleaned off sockets and light switches whether it’s there over painting or the previous decorators.

Removing miles of inch thick caulk and gloss on gloss!

Paint being used as filler Bumping Bloody great St Andrews crosses over light switches how hard is it pop them off first, THEN not score massive crosses into the plastic?

Jokers who get paid off from whatever, get a couple of brushes, then as if by magic They’re Decorators. silicon sealant used instead of caulk, you try to paint over and it just sprreeeaads. You’ve gotta then scrape it all off and redo - hate it.

30 | Aussie Painters Network

also despise toilet/bathroom skirting boards which have never even seen a bit of sandpaper in their lives and reaching behind the toilet waste pipe to try and smooth em down. not quite manly enough for that sort of stuff......

Clients who can’t tell a good job from a bad job.

I curse the invention of the Nail gun, why put 3 or 4 nails in a length of architrave when 20 will do ........chippies, they just love firing them things When you work for a new customer and previous painters have paint all over their furniture and cupboards etc and you have to point out to the customer before you start it’s not you, come on lads Dust Sheets!

Customers who paint thick squares of colour from colour pots all over bare plaster walls Customers who say we’ll do the stripping.. then, when you turn up half of it (normally the high bits and around the rads’ is still there.

Carpenters who leave thick pencil marks on woodwork that is to be varnished.

Electricians who just walk in and turn the power off, before leaving ends of screws, wire off-cuts, little cardboard boxes and plastics bags everywhere!

A seasonal one for you - customers who book you in to paper or paint a lounge on a December date, and when you arrive they have put all the Christmas decorations up, - including the tree!

Chippies who think its ok to use your tins of paint as makeshift stool to cut lengths of timber up on.

If you have any others just email us and we will publish them. If you have some solutions, we’d like to hear them! by : Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

2015 March Issue | 31

www.consolidatedi .com.au Phone: +61 7 3292 1100 | Fax: +61 7 3292 1110 Email: contactus@consolidatedi.com.au I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for referring me to Consolidated Insurance Pty Ltd. I spoke to Scott about our Business Insurance and with little time, Scott emailed me back a comprehensive package for our Business and we saved over $1,000.00. Thanks again Aussie Painters Network for the great referral and all your ongoing help.

Sonya Baker www.bakerbrosmasterpainters.com.au

32 | Aussie Painters Network

Man painting apartment block, killed by

CHERRY PICKER FALL

The stripping back of licensing requirements in NSW was not even a month in, when the industry may have seen the first fatality as a result.

work day. Without the proper training and education in safe work practices, dangerous situations are easily created for both the worker, and surrounding public.

Tragically, a painter was killed in Sydney’s north-west on January 24, when working at height, apparently without the necessary precautions. A cherry picker the man was operating toppled, killing him onsite. Witnesses say that the cherry picker lacked the outriggers that they would have expected to see under the circumstances.

A very steep road alongside the apartments meant a steep fall from the front of the apartments to the back.

The victim fell around 7.5m. The neighbour said that the steepness of the road meant that knuckle booms or cherry pickers with additional supports, called outriggers, would usually be used.

If you agree, you can still sign our petition to repeal the legislation. It’s the least we can all do! Help us to fortify, not degrade, the industry and reassert to the policy makers, that the greatest priority is the necessity for safe work environments. https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/protect-nswpublic-from-lead-paint-and-asbestos Check this link : http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/man-killedas-cherry-picker-topples-over-20110124-1a2g2.html

Working at heights is just one of the life threatening hazards that painters can encounter in their average

2015 March Issue | 33

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standing numbers and investment choices are not the most interesting activities for many people. The problem is that without a clear strategy, it is hard to become wealthy.

There are only 3% of Australians who can retire comfortably and there are many Australians who have to work well into their retirement to live.

There is a different way that most Australians don’t know about – if they did, do you think they would be doing it?

Creating wealth for many people is challenging as there is a lot of choices and far too many so called “experts” who are only trying to sell their particular financial product. At the end of the day and after all the research, you are still left with many questions and maybe unsure of what steps to take… Has anyone been able to sit down with you and look at your numbers from a truly holistic point of view?

David has a full team of financial experts behind him that can implement an amazing investment strategy that could see you also become his next millionaire: • • • • •

Having worked in his own business and also many years in the corporate world, David understands what it is like to be extremely busy and knows that under-

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As a special offer for the Aussie Painters Network, you are invited to call David Shire on 0423 012 542 to book a complimentary 90 minute in depth Financial Wealth Check which is valued at $220. To be eligible, you will need to make contact by Tuesday 10th March 2015.

There are only limited slots available, so don’t miss out!

2015 March Issue | 35

4 /1311 Ipswich Rd, Rocklea, Queensland, Australia 4106 1800 355 344 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

How to spot a

Fraudulent Workers’

Compensation Claim Fraudulent workers compensation claims across Australia cost employers millions of dollars each year, not only in increased premiums, but in lost time of the employee and overtime to cover that lost time.

Worker’s compensation fraud is when a person dishonestly obtains a payment or other benefit under the State or Commonwealth workers’ compensation legislation.

WORKER FRAUD INCLUDES: • Claiming for an injury that did not occur, or happened outside of work; • Exaggerating an injury; • Earning a wage while on income maintenance and not declaring it; • Receiving Centrelink payments while on income maintenance and not declaring them; • Altering medical certificates; or • Providing false or misleading information in relation to a claim for compensation.

Employees found guilty of workers compensation fraud can be liable for fines and/or criminal convictions. They can also be ordered to pay back any money obtained dishonestly and costs incurred by the relevant workers compensation regulator to investigate and prosecute the matter.

For example, from 2010 to 2014 WorkCover in Victoria ran 58 successful prosecutions involving fraud totaling $1.7 million.

What should an employer look out for?

Any of the following occurrences may be an indication of a fraudulent claim and serves as a warning to the employer to follow the claim closely: • Did the employee report the incident immediately or was there a delay?

• When did the injury occur? If it happened on a Monday, the alleged injury could have occurred on the weekend.

• Can the employee remember the exact details of their injury?

• Has the employee changed their story as the claim progresses?

• Are there inconsistencies in the employee’s story about the accident?

• Has the employee developed new secondary conditions?

• Did the injury occur immediately before retirement?

• Did the employee suffer severe injuries from a minor accident?

• Were there any witnesses when the injury occurred?

• Did the injury result from reasonable management action taken in a reasonable way to manage the employee’s performance?

• Is the employee having financial hardships at home?

• Does the employee have more than one active claim?

• Does the employee have previously rejected claims?

• Does the injury relate to a pre-existing condition?

• Has the employee changed their treating medical practitioner?

• Is the employer having difficulty communicating with the employee out of work and at home?

• Is the employee missing medical appointments?

• Has the employer received reports the employee is doing strenuous work at home?

Continue to Page 38...

2015 March Issue | 37

How to spot a Fraudulent Workers’ Compensation Claim

If an employer suspects an employee has lodged a workers’ compensation claim that should not be accepted they should contact the WorkCover authority immediately to get advice on the best way to handle the claim. If possible, the employer should submit a comprehensive response while the claim is being initially assessed and before it is determined.

38 | Aussie Painters Network

Further information If you need any assistance drafting your response to WorkCover or conducting a workplace investigation please call Simon Clayer on 07 3221 0013 for an obligation free and confidential discussion.

by Simon Clayer, Practice Leader, Dundas Lawyers

from $45.00 2015 March Issue | 39

ESCAPING BLUNDER

I recently wrote an article concerning the different types of structures a contracting business can have for maximum success. As a follow up, I wanted to write an article that delves into contractor blunder. A stage of business many contractors find themselves in. I describe a blunder contractor as someone whose sales have grown but profits have not kept up. They never seem to have enough cash, work long hours and are frustrated by the business. The following is a list of pitfalls that can cause contractors into blunder as they grow.

1. Failure to calculate something for a nonworking owner’s salary.

Small contractors are working foreman and much of their salary is earned as a working foreman.

When they put down the tools, they have to add something to their bid to cover a non-working owner salary. If a contractor has five field employees, they will bill 10,000 hours (40 hours a week times 50 weeks a year). If they want to make $50,000 a year, it takes $5 an hour just to pay their salary.

40 | Aussie Painters Network

2. Poor field leadership.

Good foreman are hard to come by.

You cannot simply run a want ad and they show up. It takes a while to build a field force. Out selling field capacity almost ensures failure.

What if you use subs? There is also no magic tree that subs grow on.

Use of incompetent subs can create call backs and reputation issues.

5. Failure to charge enough.

Smaller companies can make it because the owner earns money in the field as a worker and is a hard worker but this only goes so far.

Contractors must calculate their overhead and charge accordingly.

As related to labor, not sales, many contractor’s overhead is larger than their actual install costs.

3. No job costing.

Contractors don’t particularly like paperwork and the ones that do job cost, tend to use the Las Vegas slot machine method. They remember the jobs that pay out big but ignore all the ones that ate their dollars.

When the owner is not working, he or she must track costs and no whether the job came in on time.

6. Weak admin.

As contractors become overloaded they tend to hire salespeople and production managers. What they need is better admin support. A strong office manager can help keep you and the business organized. Such administrative people are going to cost as much as a good craftsman or foreman. If you are disorganized that is how Mother Nature created you. It is much easier to hire someone to help keep you organized than you trying to do it yourself. If you try hard enough, you may be able to teach a chicken to climb a tree but it is much easier to start with a squirrel.

4. Bidding work as if the owner is doing it.

Too many contractors don’t put enough time into their jobs and are poor estimators. In fact, we have tracked production and find that installation costs go up 20% when the owner first steps off the job. Eventually a company can build strong field leadership but this takes time.

7. Failure to stop and keep score.

Owners work hard and are busy. There is a tendency to think that if I work hard all will be ok and that is not always the case. It is important to run a monthly financial meeting to see where you are and what needs to be corrected. At that meeting you should review a profit and loss statement, a balance sheet, an accounts receivable aging report, job closing ratios and your backlog. Contracting is a fast paced business and things can change quickly.

8. Poor sales practices.

There is always going to be someone with a wheel barrow and a ladder that is going to be cheaper than you.

You cannot communicate with customers and sell value, you are delegated to the life of a low bidder. It is not your customer’s job to determine the difference between you and your competition.

9. Denial.

It is amazing how many contractors I talk to that are losing money but they do the same thing over and over.

I think many don’t know what to do, so they just work harder. I think others simply hide in work and avoid the truth. Two plus two is four. It’s like gravity. It’s science.

If you jump off a cliff, you are going to die when you hit the ground. If you do not get the math right, you are going to fail.

In a networking group, a contractor stood up and said.

“I am 56 years old. I was an alcoholic; let me correct that, you are always an alcoholic but I don’t drink anymore. I am into my third marriage. I have been bankrupt. I lost my house.” As a big tear ran down his face, he said, “and it was all because of math.” Don’t destroy your life because of math and denial.

10. Failure to understand cash flow.

I hear contractors say, “Well I just took that job for cash flow.” Really. That’s like saying “I am going to eat more fried food to get a heart attack.” Cash is like pulling a trailer behind your truck. If you charge the right price, produce the job within budget and collect your money, cash is going to come in. It’s just like that trailer, if everything is hooked up correctly and the trailer is sound, you don’t have to constantly look to make sure it is behind you. It will follow.

Monroe Porter is president of PROOF Management a firm that teaches seminars and runs networking groups for painting contractors. Several Aussie painting contractors travel to the US each year to participate in his programs.

www.proofman.com

• • • • • • • for more details, visit our website!

www.paintershrpolicies.com

2015 March Issue | 41

Painter, Sonia Venn, to take the challenge!

1000

42 | Aussie Painters Network

2015 March Issue | 43

Whose Houzz?

You may have seen the name Houzz pop up on your search forays online recently; I know I have. I registered with Houzz to access an article I wanted to read some time ago. Since then, the name just keeps turning up in various places that suggest rapidly growing popularity. Our regular contributor, Anne Marie Russell has just been given a 2015 Houzz Best Badge, readers choice. Looking at her profile on Houzz, its not difficult to see why. www.houzz.com/projects/users/capecodresidential beautiful array of photographs and designs. The layout of the page so well done; it all works together to be like pinterest, facebook and yellowpages all rolled into one. So, exactly what is Houzz?

Houzz is a web site and online community

dedicated to architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement. The complex process of renovating their home inspired the founders, Adi and Alon, to build Houzz. A place online where incredible images could be found alongside the professionals who could work the magic. “A place to connect with others who have been there too. Houzz started as a side project but has become a community of more than 25 million homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals—across the country and around the world.�

by : Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

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New laws create a snakes and ladders game

for NSW Home Builders

ABIS New laws have been brought in by the NSW government in order to fix problems regarding bad builders, but some are complaining that the new laws are creating even more problems than they were devised to solve them. The second phase of the new law went into effect in January 2015 and the third phase will go into phase in March 2015.

The law dictates that a major defect has to include flaws that create a building uninhabitable, possible to collapse, or the building cannot be used for its purpose.

The warranty for these major defects only lasts for six years and definitions are still left to be argued.

Apartment owners are warned to take any legal action over disputed jobs now, rather than later with the new laws in place.

Builders should also take any actions to legalise their business now or they could face prison sentences.

Karen Skinner, Owners Corporation Network executive officer, is warning that the legislation singles out apartment owners to face problems on their own that emerge in any newly built building.

The Home Building Amendment Act says that any builder who performs unlicensed construction will be subject to a 12 month prison sentence. The law is coming down on

“phoenix� companies - i.e. those that have a pattern of going bankrupt and then resurface under a new name.

Any construction work that is done for less than $5,000 is legal to be done without a license, however specialist work will need a license no matter what the cost is.

Some are concerned that this could make a loophole for those unqualified workers to demolish asbestos or even construct potentially dangerous buildings on hills, or other circumstances. The biggest complaint of all is that the new law cuts down the time for residents to pursue claims for crap construction work from six years to two. The only exception to the rule is if the fault is considered a major defect, but this only leaves room for the residents and builders to argue what isconsidered to be so.

Any homeowners that have concerns about the condition of their buildings are advised to seek legal help as soon as possable to see where they stand under the new laws. Builders need to also seek advice about how these new changes can impact them and their business.

Phone: 1300 887 959

www.aubis.com.au 2015 March Issue | 45

Cutting Business Costs

Ethically and Effectively It’s an unpleasant reality of running a business – sometimes you’re going to have to cut costs.

You only have to look at the sobering examples of Holden and Toyota announcing they’ll take their car manufacturing operations overseas, which will ultimately see the loss of hundreds of jobs.

When your business is facing financial strain or is simply not making as much money as it used to, cutting costs is inevitable. And sometimes that will mean having to let employees go. But what measures can you consider before having to go with this last resort?

Are there unnecessary costs?

When talking about unnecessary costs, we’re referring to anything your business pays for that it doesn’t necessarily need to. An example would be how big businesses may run a cafeteria or hire an external catering company to provide food and beverages to employees.

While a cafeteria can bring in profits, it is worth weighing up whether the cost of running such a service is being justified by a notable revenue stream.

This can be a tough call as an in-house cafeteria could lead to the loss of valued employees, but if you’re hiring an external catering company that is simply costing you money without any real return, then perhaps you’ll need to consider whether you can truly afford it. Some businesses may absolutely need catering services (such as the mines), whereas others could survive perfectly well with your employees bringing in their own food or going out to lunch.

Other unnecessary costs could include yearly upgrades when you could change it to every two years or even the simple costs that occur from… …keeping your electronics on 24/7 – it is not needed

46 | Aussie Painters Network

While you should definitely keep your computers, printers and other electronics on throughout the working day, do you absolutely need them on when you’re out of the office? As long as your computers are relatively up to date, booting them up in the morning will, at worst, take one or two minutes. Once on, they’ll perform just the same as always. When you have an office space where your computers are staying on anywhere between 12 to 16 hours while no one is there, that is effectively 12 to 16 hours worth of electricity being needlessly used. Such usage is only going to escalate over the weekend.

Yes, your electronics may go into power saving mode during this time, but it’s still more electricity being used than if you simply turn everything off while gone. Turning electronics off is also beneficial for their longevity.

Routers can sometimes encounter problems when never being turned off, and the key way of resolving such issues is through turning them off and disconnecting them from power outlets – it removes the build-up of static electricity and allows your router to properly reset; this is known as power cycling. If you manage to do this more often through turning off all electronics when they don’t need to be on, you’ll find it will help both financially and in terms of giving your electronics a longer life.

The best way to encourage such a mindset is by teaching your employees about the benefits of cutting electricity costs and how it will help your business be greener and have a more positive influence on the environment.

Assess productivity

Productivity matters to any good business, not only in terms of reaching goals but also in terms of gaining customers and clients that will help keep your business in a financially positive standing. If productivity goes down, this can affect profits and, consequently, your business’s financial well being.

While you can cut costs from removing unnecessary internal factors and cutting back on electricity usage, a big way of addressing financial issues is by finding out where your business’s productivity is falling short.

Ultimately, this could be through assessing whether any of your employees are slacking off on the job.

If your business is failing to meet deadlines which, in turn, is costing you customers/clients, then you need to find out who is responsible for these operational shortfalls. A lazy employee hurts you financially in two ways:  They’re failing your team in meeting deadlines and costing you paying customers/clients  You’re giving them a wage that, in itself, is costing you thousands each year There is nothing more problematic than an employee taking advantage of you while genuine, hardworking employees suffer. So it’s important to take the time out to examine your business as a whole and investigate any troublesome employees. If they show no signs of looking to improve to be worthy of actually earning their wage and getting you new customers, then they are a liability to your business.

It’s always better to find out if the cause of your financial struggles is a couple of troublesome employees instead of having to blindly fire your good employees, regardless of whether they’ve been with your for years or a few months.

Cutting business costs is a tough predicament to be in, but just always remember you have several more ethical options at hand before having to resort to firing employees en masse or shutting your business down altogether.Please Note: Many of the comments in this article are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances.

A D Hamilton & Associates www.adhamilton.com.au Copyright © 2015 Robert Bauman.

2015 March Issue | 47

The Industry

Idiots

48 | Aussie Painters Network

Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Ph. 0430 399 800 National Institute for Painting and Decorating www.painters.edu.au Ph. 1300 319 790 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 Comcare WorkSafe ACT Workplace Health and Safety QLD Victorian WorkCover Authority WorkCover NSW SafeWork SA WorkSafe WA NT WorkSafe WorkSafe Tasmania

www.comcare.gov.au www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.worksafe.qld.gov.au www.vwa.vic.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/ www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.worksafe.tas.gov.au

1300 366 979 02 6207 3000 1300 362 128 1800 136 089 13 10 50 1300 365 255 1300 307 877 1800 019 115 1300 366 322

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

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

Cancer Council Australia ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

2015 March Issue | 49

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