Aussie Painting Contractor

Issue 7 April, 2012

Aussie Painting Contractor

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Editor

Page 6

Editor- ‘Home Painters Info’ to ‘Aussie Painters Network’

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Members Consultant-

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Business Principals ‘Respect’ The final instalment in our Business Principles series

Nigel Gorman Deputy Editor Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORs Belinda Ross

Jim Baker

Welcome Member Number 148

7 Principles to Achieving Work-Life Balance

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Caroline Miall Jennie Gorman

Page 12

Leanne Staff

Series of Seven will attempt to break down the work-life balance juggle into an achievable ‘to do’ list.

Invest in Induction rather than Recruitment

An induction helps new recruits settle into their

jobs quicker and boosts their motivation.

Luana Holzworth Michael Farrugia Mel Holzworth Nigel Gorman

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TAXMAN LOOKING AT PAINTERS

Page 17

Paint – More than Just a Pretty Face

Concrete Cancer

Stephanie Gadd Tamara Simon GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Page 18

Building a Better Business by Networking The most stabilising force behind any business, is ‘Networking’ or ‘Business Relationship Building’.

Anne Delgado

Why it’s better not to do it yourself !

Page 23

Just like a professional painter, using a professional web designer means that you have a wealth of knowledge available.

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Colour in the Bedroom It’s also important to recognise whose

bedroom we are looking at.

How To Plan a Successful Event or Conference for Dummies

Behind every successful Event is a successful promotion plan to encourage a good turnout.

Sheen Staining of Plasterboard The Importance of Three Coat Systems

The Industry Idiots See what not to do

Important

Contacts

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

ADVERTISING / MEDIA KIT CONTACT info@homepaintersinfo.com WEBSITE www.homepaintersinfo.com

You may have already heard our latest news; that we’re changing our name from ‘Home Painters Info’ to ‘Aussie Painters Network’. Following some feedback about who we are and what we are about, we decided to change our name to better reflect us, and more effectively represent our Members.

Our main objective of late has been to secure more Member benefits. Already this year we have established a special purchase price with Resene Paints; If you haven’t already, check out this month’s special on page 3. To make it cheaper for you, and easier for your accountant (no more dockets to keep), apply for a Motorpass fuel card; see page 9 to get an account with a $55 credit. Have your Website built with Zebraweb for under $500; see page 22! And get discounted Insurance with Austplan on page 16.

The coming months will mark just a year since we started operating in our current capacity. We’ve tried to set up things so as to assist our Members in saving time and money in running their business. Don’t forget as a Member you receive information when you need it most.

From the Editor Nigel Gorman nigel@homepaintersinfo.com 0430 399800

We will be contacting painters in the coming weeks to ensure that we have your correct details should you wish to list online for free, and to make sure you aren’t missing out on any of our special offers. We know how annoying it can be to get the phone calls, however we will only take a moment of your time to ensure you are the best informed of what is happening in your industry.

Your Partners in Painting

Would You Like To Advertise Your Products?

Hi all!

Firstly, WOW! What an exciting Month! As our member base grows so do we. We have just welcomed member number 147 and naturally,we are very excited about our growth and the continued recognition we are gaining in the Painting world.

Members Consultant

Aussie Painters Network is flying at such a rate of knots that we can barely keep up. It’s really exciting and we love the feedback we are getting from you! Keep it coming.

A couple of painting contractors have mentioned that they would like to hear more about special effects decoration and new techniques which have come to light, or developed here in Australia.

If you do specialise in this area, we would love to hear from you! If you’re a member you may even have your work featured in the mag. By getting your name seen by our growing readership, other contractors may approach your business for decorative help… it’s about working together!

Stephanie Gadd Membership Consultant 0433 724 794

Any member of Aussie Painters Network is invited to send in a rundown of what you do and we may feature you in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine. Your work could even feature on our front cover!

Until next time, Ciao!

Email or Call Us : info@homepantersinfo.com 0430 399800

Business Principles Respect The final instalment in our Business Principles series addresses a trait that is all too often forgotten in the context of busy modern life. However, having and demonstrating respect for others is really the only way anyone should expect to receive the same. In Business is it no different, but should come under the banner of professionalism in your practice. And it should be present at every level of your operation; showing respect for your apprentice is as key to your success, as affording it to your best customer.

In business, generally being polite and possessing good manners will serve to enrich and fortify your whole organisation.Anyone doing business with your companywill appreciate courtesy; be it your staff, customers, or vendors. Living up to your obligations, showing up for appointments, paying your bills and tying up loose ends and defects will all go a long way to building your business a strong reputation. Just as missing appointments, failing to live up to your promises and obligations, and engaging in generally rude behaviour, will quickly degrade your image in the eyes of your customers and your community. It’s simply bad for business.

In a very real sense, good customer service is all about respect, politeness, and really listening to what people have to say about your products and services. The feedback provided will not only prevent client defection in the here and now, but could also improve your current service and help develop new approaches to old problems.

If a customer hasn’t been treated well and with respect, they probably won’t even tell you, but you can be assured they will tell their networks, who will in turn, will tell their networks. It must be remembered, that in the techno age of social/ business networking, these avenues for bad press could number in the hundreds and cost you unknown fortunes!

Even if you are dealing with a difficult customer who doesn’t afford you the same respect, view this as an opportunity to engender good will. If you can address their disappointment or concerns in a more than satisfactory way, you can turn it around to become a positive for your business.

So consider making the idea of ‘doing unto others’ a key underlying principle in the way you run your business. You will most certainly have happier staff who will want to stay with you, customers who will return, and tell others of their experiences, and be able to build on a solid foundation of a sound reputation.

7 Principles to Achieving Work-Life Balance

Here at Aussie Painters Network (APN), we’ve been focussing on how

to achieve business success through simple principles to embed in the

daily/monthly operation of your company. But seriously what is the point of being successful at your work, and financially sound, if your home life sucks because of it!?

There really isn’t any. As it has been pointed

out many times, those nearing the end of their life usually ruminate on

their families and their passions, and often wish that they’d spent less of their time working so hard and more of it doing what they love with the people closest to them. So, our next Series of Seven will attempt to break down the work-life balance juggle into an achievable ‘to do’ list.

Much has been written about this problem, especially as we plunge head

first from an industrial age to a technical one. Even for those providing a

trade, we carry devices that mean multiple people can contact us where ever we are, by multiple means. We can only take so many phone calls,

but unlimited voicemails can pile up. What used to take us days now takes seconds, and whilst we can’t control the influx of emails to our desk,

many of us are still expected to address all of them in a timely manner.

But whilst the online presence and technological access to us all could be

increasing our work tenfold, opting out is not an option for most successful businesses. The key must be to use the tools to your own advantage, prioritise the important stuff, and work smarter.

Whether you’re a one man business, or are directing a number of staff, your over arching challenge is to balance your personal time, although the approaches to the problems may differ. Keep reading to find out some practical principles that we’ll be breaking down over the coming months.

It’s

a work in progress, and one that we’re fine tuning so watch this space for a refreshing take on an evolving problem!

Invest in Induction Rather than Recruitment Induction is an essential component of the recruitment and selection process, but as Business Systems Specialist, Tamara Simon, explains many employers make the mistake of overlooking this important process.

First impressions really do count. So why do employers forget this essential rule when it comes to inducting new employees into their business?

Businesses spend substantial amounts of time and money on recruitment each year; and yet, for many, induction is just a simple tour of the office, rather than a structured induction program.

So, a. b. c.

why is this the norm rather than the exception? Unfortunately many employers: Feel it’s not important Say they don’t have time Aren’t sure what to put into an induction program.

A structured induction program includes training, allocation of work and a performance review at the end of the probation period.

An induction helps new recruits settle into their jobs quicker and boosts their motivation, and should be an essential component of the recruitment and selection process, rather than something that is forgotten, ignored or glossed over.

By not developing an effective induction program, employers are forgetting the probation period is not only their opportunity to assess the new employee’s potential, but the new employee is also determining whether the organisation, its people, processes and culture match their employment needs.

Research shows over 35% of employees leave organisations within the first 12 months due to: • Lack of understanding or clarity about their role • Unrealistic work expectations • No formal or informal performance review, and thus no idea of how they are fitting in • Uncertainty in where to find things • Uncertainty in the ‘correct’ way to do things.

If this sounds all too familiar, here are some of the things you need to develop to ensure return on your recruitment and selection investment, and to minimise employee turnover in the first twelve months.

1. Induction kit Develop an induction kit which includes: • Key names, positions and contact numbers • An office layout plan to show where everyone sits • Organisational information, including HR policies, procedures and relevant forms • A copy of their position description and signed letter of employment • Procedures manual which detail tasks, steps and templates specific to their position.

2. Sample work Allocate work for the first few months that eases them into knowing how things are done in your business. Not paid work for clients, but rather sample work – the client shouldn’t be penalised while someone is learning the ropes, nor does the new employee need any additional pressure as they try to fit in and get up to speed.

3. Buddy/mentor Allocate a buddy or mentor to the new employee. It is also important to provide the buddy/mentor with training and a ‘buddy handbook’.

4. Training During the induction program, the new employee should receive training in: the email system and how to book meetings in an electronic/shared calendar; any technical software specific to their position; and business systems such as policies and procedures specific to your organisation.

5. Performance review Ensure the buddy or supervisor holds informal meetings at the end of each week with the new employee to give and receive feedback, ensure they are settling in, and to address any concerns. These should be supported by formal monthly performance reviews during probationary period.

The relevant manager or director should hold a formal performance review with the new employee upon completion of the probation period to determine if employment continues.

6. Feedback Provide ongoing formal and informal feedback so the new employee feels valued and part of the team.

Investing in induction will ensure a better return on your recruitment investment, and will help keep knowledge and skill in your business, rather than it walking out the door.

Tamara Simon was a Queensland Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards. With extensive experience in over 10 industry sectors including building design, training, auditing and marketing, she is passionate about helping build profitable and sustainable service-based businesses.

TAXMAN

LOOKING AT PAINTERS I just had a friendly visit from my ATO - Tax Practitioner Relationship Manager. This is always an interesting visit where we are able to tell them what improvements they need to make and they drill us on what we need to do to help them collect more tax.

I guess after my time of making suggestions, the ATO had 3 main themes.

1.

The Cash Economy.

2.

Record Keeping 3.

Contractor & Employees.

The Cash economy is happening again, so they say. Be assured the ATO are on the hunt for under declared income, especially in known industries like this one that has a history of “cashey’s”. They recognise that most Painters are doing the right thing and most customers pay by direct debit to the bank account or cheque. But they also recognise that some in the public induce a lower cost from you by offering cash.

I strongly suggest that your deposit book reveals you are depositing cash during the year. The Banks have this data and can provide the ATO a list of their account holders that do not deposit cash in their accounts. Now I know that some painters may rarely if ever come across any cash transactions, but be warned and be ready to defend yourself.

The best defence is good record keeping.

Keep your quote records, invoices and receipts of payment. If you are using cash payments from clients to then buy materials, keep those records. You may say that cash is used to buy materials, but if there are no cash receipts, then your argument is invalid. Receipts that show a credit card as a method of payment are not “cash” receipts.

Be aware that by not disclosing your Cash Receipts & you are GST registered, you are not only falsely reducing your taxable income, bit also defrauding the Government of the GST on that nondisclosed income. The ATO takes a very dim view on this and the legislation is very harsh. So be warned that if you are GST registered and not disclose your Cash Transactions, then there is a sting in the tale that even can extend to imprisonment.

Record Keeping is also under the watchful eye of the regulators. This is not new. If you need help in setting up your systems to be compliant, we can be of assistance. There are also another set of rules for those that have retail outlets and use a cash register, till or other POS devise.

The daily takings and cash reconciliations need to be stored. The Z tape is what is needed, not the whole tape for the day. Many smart registers can store the data and download via a USB storage devise. This is fine.

Fair Work Australia and the ATO are also on the hunt for employers who have contractors that are in reality employees. The ATO no longer just hands out an ABN to everyone that applies for one. I am not going to go into a lot of detail on this as it would take up pages, but I will list some websites to refer you to. Be assure that Fair Work Australia also is on the hunt for these situations and they have heavy fines that can apply, especially to employer Companies who breach.

A Employee/Contractor questioner that gives a result at the end : Click here A link that gives written explanations : Click here Many employees seek to have their staff register as Contractors rather than as employees. This allows the Employer to save on Penalty Rates, Holiday Pay, Sick Leave, Superannuation etc etc.

Well so they think anyway. There are broader definitions within Workcover and Superannuation (SIS) Act than the Income Tax Act where you may have a liability for Workcover & Superannuation entitlements for some Contractors. I strongly advise that you seek some assistance in determining if your Contractors are just that or are they employees & if you owe them Superannuation & should be covered by Workcover. You do not want one of your Contractors hurt at work and you then find out they are supposed to be on your policy and not. Ouch!

If you are a contractor, you should also have a look to make sure where you stand. There are many contractors that are in fact employees under the definitions.

I know that the industry is tough at present. I know that you are having to discount your margins to get the work. I know that there is greater competition. I also know that the ATO & Fair Work Australia are on the hunt, so be prepared and follow the advise given. You have some “To Do� points I am sure. Contact my office if we can be of help.

www.holzlaw.com

Eliminate Debt on Death, Disability or Illness 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 family home.

However, if you die, become totally and permanently disabled or suffer a critical illness (such as cancer, a heart attack or a stroke), 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.

When determining how much cover you may need, you should: • Add up all the debts that would need to be repaid (including your mortgage, personal loans, credit cards and hire purchase arrangements) • Deduct any existing insurance and other financial resources that could be accessed (such as your superannuation balance), and • Add any legal and other expenses that could be incurred.

To find out the type and amounts of cover you may need to clear your debts, you should speak to a financial adviser. A financial adviser can also review your insurance needs over time to make sure you remain suitably covered.

When we apply paint cover concrete, we are doing more then just making something look pretty. I like to think of painters as protective coatings applications technicians.

When I was a young fellow on the Gold Coast crawling around the outside of high-rises cutting rust out of concrete with an angle grinder, I had no idea of how important my trade was to this building staying in an upright position.

I recently was visiting a remote island in Fiji called Rabi. To get there, I had to take a 12 hour overnight boat trip from Suva to Savusavu, sleeping on the deck between two big Fijian men (the only available floor space I could find on the deck). The men probably could have done with a shower before the trip started. Not that I was going to say anything, nor was I going to complain when they snored. After that stint I had to take a 5 hour bus trip, no, not a coach trip, a Fijian bus, with no windows, choking on diesel smell and dust all the way. I then had a 45 min trip in a fishing boat that I was not sure was going to make it. Needless to say that Rabi is not a popular tourist destination. I was there to visit a local family I had come to know very well in Suva.

While I was staying in Rabi, I was amazed by this beautiful old building that was sort of a meeting hall. It was the product of a bygone colonial age and still had some architectural charm. Unfortunately, it was eaten out by concrete cancer. I was concern that a big piece of concrete would one day fall on top of one of the children playing near it. I fear that it will cave in during a cyclone and probably kill someone eventually.

How did a beautiful old building like that come to be so destroyed? Paint failure, leading to concrete cancer! It emphasized to me how important our trade is.

So the paint we apply is more than just making a pretty face. The coating we apply today may mean a building still stands tomorrow.

Building a Better Business by Networking The most stabilising force behind any business, is ‘Networking’ or ‘Business Relationship Building’.

I prefer to use the words ‘business relationship marketing’, ‘word of mouth marketing’ or ‘business relationship building’ as people around the world often relate the word ‘networking’ with either multi-level marketing or interconnected computer systems.

Not only do we need friends and supporters in our personal lives, we also need them in business.

There are several reasons for this, and several types of relationships that need to be built.

People used to refer to the ‘old boys network’, a group of mates, usually men, who referred their buddies for future business. There is a difference in the marketplace today though.

Where once people referred friends and colleagues without considering the effectiveness of these contacts, I now believe people work more on the level of ‘trust’ rather than just the ‘like’. A referral is a reflection of you in the marketplace so make sure you give one that will be successful if followed up.

Making money isn’t always the reason. If you are currently in business you know the going can get tough and it’s the community and relationships you build around you that can make the difference between keeping your doors open or having to close them. Another primary reason for relationship building is mutual support and contribution – education and guidance you both give and receive. Every person you meet has something to teach you. Likewise, you have something to teach them.

Sometimes, it can be a good idea to get clarity about where you are in your business by making a list of the peripheral people that help, edify, teach, refer, or otherwise help you to grow your business. Who are the people who believe in you and are willing to tell you the truth even when you may not want to hear it? These are your business friends. These people are a very important foundation for your business, especially if you are in small business.

http://www.connexionsunlimited.com.au Phone : 0414 278 344

The most important thing in any business is your attitude and the extent of your daily communication skills.

This will show how you maintain your integrity and reputation.

Consider all your business communications as a stepping stone to not only the person you are communicating with but all the people they know as well. Word of mouth is a powerful tool to harness. Referral is the easiest way to build a good and solid foundation for any business, and the repeat business that comes from it strengthens it. It is far easier (and cheaper) to keep an existing client than look for a new one!

Nurture the opportunities that come your way by providing something of value. It never hurts to be the first person to put something on the table. It builds trust in a world where trust is often challenged. While you do need to look after your cash flow, it can be a good idea to sometimes consider opportunities that won’t make money, because sometimes these opportunities build dynamic pathways to larger financial avenues.

A good example of this is the female publicist who began working with a fairly unknown author but had faith in his abilities. As it turned out, this author was a fountain of contacts within the media industry – to other well-known authors, and to additional businesses. The work performed by the publicist for free, for this one person, became the best advertising ever generated for her business. In turn the relationship she built with the author became bonded for life through goodwill.

Let’s consider the possibilities for you to find and build more business relationships. What organisations do you belong to, discussion lists, open forums, breakfast networks etc?

I’ve heard too many times from business owners that they do not have time to join groups and ‘socialise’. Believe me, you don’t have the luxury not to, especially if you have a small business. It’s not only necessary…it’s vital.

The most important business-building tool is your business card. This is your shop window.

It may be the one thing that makes someone contact you. I am surprised at the numbers of people who either don’t have a business card or don’t present professionally or don’t have the proper information on them. Your card must give all your contact details as well as information of what you do and what services you offer.

Another way to support your business is to find someone whom you trust to give the same service and professionalism as yourself, who has a complimentary business. You can then support each other in what we call co-operative business building. This is very effective and time saving.

If you haven’t already started to build your network, it’s time to locate the organisations in your industry and start making friends. It will pay you back one hundred fold. Building relationships in business is in effect building your business, so consider it time well spent and get started today!

A one-on-one session, a one day course or a copy of Jennie’s e-book will give you all the basics to get your business moving forward.

Resene Clinicalcote is a low odour, washable waterborne paint with antimicrobial silver for use on broadwall areas in building s such as hospitals, rest homes, medical centers and clinics.

For many people the word ‘hospital’ conjures up thought of drab, institution buildings. However this is not the case today as designers strive to create healthcare facilities and buildings that support wellness and uplift the spirits of patients and staff with the use of Resene Clinicalcote to enhance, protect, deodorize, and sanities.

This is more true today than ever.

Hospitals must be easy to clean and maintain so appropriate and durable finishes and materials need to be specified for each functional space. New anti-microbial silver paint coatings (Resene Clinicalcote) minimize bacterial contamination and cross-infection as well as providing a durable finish designed to withstand alcohol and glycol containing hospital cleaners and an enhanced appearance to aid in the healing process with comforting colours.

These facilities provide care for non-acute and long term conditions.

Most residents are aged and/or frail but not necessarily bed-ridden.

As these are ‘homes’ to the patients they need to be sensitive and responsive to long term human needs and wellbeing, both in a physical and emotional sense. Studies have proven that certain colours help with calming anxiety, stress, accelerate healing and rehabilitation. With the expert knowledge of Resene’s dedicated staff, we are able to assist in the colour selection process with rendered images of the chosen/recommended colour schemes to ease the feeling of anxiety over treatment and unfamiliar process that contribute to stress.

Why it’s better not to do it yourself!

As a professional painter you can appreciate the frustration of the ‘do it yourself-er’. You can tell immediately whether the paint job has been completed by the home renovator or a professional painter. It’s obvious.

Take that train of thought and apply it to your website. There is a vast difference between a do-it-yourself website and one that has had a professional do the work.

There is an abundance of do-it-yourself templates, software and information online that can help you create your own website. So, why shouldn’t you do it?

Here is why. Your website is the first impression of your business to a potential customer. If it’s reflecting a less than professional impression, how is that going to leave your potential client feeling? Does this reflect the nature of your business?

Other reasons are time and money. Yes, it does cost money to have a designer build a website for you. But it would also cost you money to build it yourself. The time it would take you to decipher the template, resize images, create a logo, write your online content, submit your website to search engines, not to mention arrange your hosting and email accounts - you could be spending this time earning $$ for your business and then pay a professional to create a smart and affordable website for you.

Just like a professional painter, using a professional web designer means that you have a wealth of knowledge available. All the tricks of the industry that are going to make your website stand out will be at your disposal when you engage the services of a professional web designer.

Now, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to achieve this either. Small business can’t afford huge marketing budgets. But it also doesn’t mean that you have to spend your spare hours trying to learn how to make your website run efficiently on multiple platforms.

Zebraweb is a small business, just like you. We use our skills to give other small businesses a chance to have a professionally designed and built website that doesn’t cost a small fortune.

You can get a great presence on line which includes your domain name, hosting, email accounts and website starting from $360!

We are happy to discuss your business needs further. Contact us at info@zebraweb.com.au.

How To Become A Really Successful Painter My name is Jim Baker. I have been a painter for 42 years and have run my own successful painting business in Brisbane for 27 years under the name of James W Decorating.

At the Dulux National Conference in 2004 and 2006, I won the title of Dulux Accredited Painter of the Year for Queensland.

I have also been a finalist in the Action Coach My Business Awards for Best Small Business in 2008, the Dulux Accredited Business Professional finalist in 2011 and the Micro Business Queensland Telstra Business Awards finalist also in 2011.

When I was first in business, my main concern was to be cheaper than my competitors’ price. Experience has taught me that this is not what a client is looking for, which is the reason I wrote a book, “How To Become AReally 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 series of 8 easy steps, your business will be one jump ahead of your competitors and more profitable. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a one man operator or have 50 people working for you. The outcome is the same. Success for your business!

My book has been thoroughly approved by Dulux, Master Painters, Be Constructive Qld. and TAFE teachers from various colleges around Australia. 1200 books are being given out by Dulux to every final stage painting apprentice and Post Trade graduates in Australia each year. It is also being used as a reference book by Dulux in New Zealand and a TAFE College in Fiji.

If you are looking for improvements in your business, then “How To Become AReally Successful Painter” can really help you.

A copy of my book is available by emailing your name and address to jimbaker@notjustapainter.com.au http://www.housepainteradvice.com.au Regular retail price: $25.50 (inclusive of GST and postage).

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.

I will show you how to: • Advertise efficiently without spending a fortune.

• Get more exposure.

• Increase the number of your potential clients.

• Win the job even though you are the highest quote.

• Improve quote acceptances.

• Be more of a business person rather than ‘just a painter’.

• Make your quotes more appealing.

• Design graphs to help keep track of calls and clients.

• Get and keep that competitive edge over other painters.

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.

From feedback I receive from my clients, I am often the most expensive and I am usually booked 3 to 4 months in advance.

Grab a Copy Today!

Colour in the Bedroom I could start with the psychology of colour and all that stuff, but really who’s that interested…

• • • • • •

To boost romance use pink To spice up your sex life use red To be creative add orange To relax add blue For healing add green For dreams use purple

Now that is just a start, but don’t forget there are many shades, hues and tones of all these colours, and they will all have some emotional affect on everyone who resides in the room.

If you are in a partnership it is vital that both people agree with the colour scheme.

Sometimes, it is best to add these colours in small doses – even with soft furnishings, eg, curtains, wall hangings, cushions, so they don’t overwhelm. Even a carpet mat or dot can be amazing for bright pops of colour.

It’s also important to recognise whose bedroom we are looking at.

Babies and young children need soft nurturing colours, to encourage sleep and peacefulness. They also need colour when they are playing so, if they are lucky enough to have a play room, make it bold and beautiful, but their bedroom needs soft pastel hues or a nice neutral.

Teenagers are loud, active, vibrant, they are, their language often is, their friends are… so here’s when you add colour in splashes. Buy them one of those big pre-stretched canvas’ and suggest they paint it whatever colour they want, add some cushions in whatever colour they want, and just monitor their behaviour and activity.

I would seriously be mindful of adding too much red, or orange to a teens room, all those hormones!

Young adults, this is probably the time to be a bit daring if you wish, add a feature wall in the colour of your choice, monitor sleep/ behaviour patterns for about 6 weeks before adding extra colour.

Parents of young children, peaceful, restful, sleepy… zzzzz choose colours that you find relaxing.

Parents of teens/ young adults may like to once again spice up their love lives a bit, so the perfect way to do that is to redecorate the bedroom, add flashes of colour, cushions, a feature wall, a new bed. All these things will help reinvigorate the love life of parents whose children no longer dominate the sleep hours.

Empty nesters, go for it, if you haven’t done it yet, now is the time. Get to it, what’s your favourite colour, just do it. Start from the floor and work up, new carpet, new bed, new linen, curtains, paint even a new light.

Now you’ve got it all new, just change your linen every now and then along with your mood. If you painted a feature wall and are tired of it, just go over it in a neutral.

Whatever you do in a bedroom, energetically changes will settle in within 6 weeks, so be mindful of sleeping patterns, behavioural patterns and add or delete colour accordingly.

Start with a bit then add more, it’s so much easier than doing the whole thing then having to delete colour…

Most importantly have fun with it. Be creative, be you.

Your bedroom is your space to be who you really are, it’s also a place to rest and sleep.

Belinda Ross

Colour Transformations 07 3886 4488 0413 464 289

How To Plan a Successful Event or Conference for Dummies The condensed version.

I have to apologise, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t mean an event or conference that is full of ‘dummies’ in attendance. Also, you probably don’t need me to tell you how much work is involved in planning, organising and managing a conference or any important event. I can however give you some tips and tools that might be helpful in the future if ever you find yourself in that precarious position of accepting the responsibility of planning an event be it a large corporate conference, business meeting, training or seminar; a non-for-profit organisation, fundraiser; appreciation events; a work Christmas party; your son or daughter’s unexpected wedding, or come to think of it your own significant milestones or accomplishments.

Whether this is your first event or one of several there is always something you can learn from others.

Most of these events share common elements. Here are several tools that will help you plan a successful event.

• Proper Preparation • Precision Planning • Prompt Promotion • Troubleshooting • Evaluation

Ever heard, ‘behind every great man is a great

woman”? Well, behind every successful Event is a successful promotion plan to encourage a good turnout. Remember without people at your event it’s NOT an event. Events are not only to meet an immediate purpose but also helps to develop interaction, and greater lasting relationships and future prospects. Communication, publicity and early planning are vital to promoting your event successfully. You will want to firstly captivate your guests or audience by choosing a creative name for your event to be used for invitations via post, email, social media networks, websites, advertising, newspaper, or relevant business publications.

You will generate interest and participation by the way you communicate your event with the necessary information and how your guests will benefit, and the wonderful opportunity it would be for them to attend.

Not withstanding how prepared and well planned

your event will be, almost always something goes wrong or a problem arises. Make sure you have gone over your checklist and event outline with a fine tooth comb, allowing and preparing for inevitable events and how you will tackle them. Have a backup plan or alternatives ready for any mishaps.

Preparation and communication with all those involved in the event is also a key to its fulfilment and success. Make sure all team members are aware of the event format, and their respective responsibilities. Supply a running sheet, have a contact list in case of a problem, post clear signs and directions, arrive early in case of last minute changes or adjustments to make and for re-checking your checklist, and remember to stay calm.

Terrific!

time to take a seat, and put your legs up as you deserve a well earned rest after planning and executing such a successful event. Or at least you thought so. This is the perfect time to grab a coffee, a pen and paper and any relevant others and gather some feedback as to the positives and negatives of the event. Evaluating your event is a very important part of any event plan. Your team can add imput to what went well or where there is room for improvement. It is good to get feedback from those who attended the event as well. This would be a great time to add some photo’s and comments to your website or blog or tell the media the results and outcome of your event. This can create good exposure and positive interaction for your business or cause.

Thank you’s are generally in order about this time too.

Successful event planners skills: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Verbal and written communications Organization and time management Project management and multi-tasking Self-starter and team player Understand Microsoft Office applications Detail and deadline-oriented Calm and personable under pressure Negotiation Budget management Staff management Marketing and public relations Interpersonal skills w/ all levels of management

I believe it is possible for anyone with the above skills and mindset to achieve a successful event no matter what your experience or background may be. Through my years of experience I am confident that there is always room for improvement and any task great or small will not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Sheen Staining of Plasterboard -

The Importance of Three Coat Systems This statement refers to joints that have been set consistent with good practice.

Incidences of what is commonly known as sheen staining or gloss banding have been investigated by an APMF Technical Reference Group, in conjunction with experts representing the plasterboard manufacturers.

After reviewing laboratory test results, scientific analyses and information gathered from the field, the Working Group has established that sheen staining is a multi-variable phenomenon involving jointing compound composition, paint characteristics and the manner and conditions in which both materials are applied.

Factors which promote sheen staining include: full drying between coats of jointing cement; use of low viscosity joint cement; and, low viscosity paint. Products that perform satisfactorily in by far the majority of all applications can still be susceptible to sheen staining when subjected to a combination of the variables.

The Working Group has, therefore, reached the conclusion that to minimise or eliminate the occurrence of sheen staining, a three coat paint system must be specified, as defined in Australian Standard AS 2311: The Painting of Buildings.

The first coat would need to be a sealer of specific composition to substantially reduce migration of material into or out of the substrate.

Ideally, this sealer would be water-borne to avoid: a) fibre raising of the paper facing; b) VOC odour concerns; c) delays in re-coating.

Where there is any doubt as to the correct sealer to be used, advice should be sought from the coating supplier.

Since the new housing market often utilises paint systems which do not meet these requirements, no guarantee can be provided against the occurrence of sheen staining. The Working Group believes that only the specifier or builder can assess whether the low incidence of sheen staining justifies the use of the formally recommended three coat system on all work.

If the three coat system above is not selected, the plasterboard and paint manufacturers’ cannot rule out the possible occurrence of sheen staining, albeit low, and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for rectification costs.

The Working group believes that all paint manufacturers should be technically in a position to recommend effective, minimal cost, rectification painting procedures, should sheen staining be experienced when the builder/specifier has selected a two coat system.

The Industry Idiots

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