Free Workshop: Build a better business. Then a bigger one. Save Your Spot → Free Workshop: Build a better business. Then a bigger one. Save Your Spot → Free Workshop: Build a better business. Then a bigger one. Save Your Spot → Free Workshop: Build a better business. Then a bigger one. Save Your Spot →

Articles

Check out our articles

Strategies and skills on all parts of growing a trade business, from John and the Serve SME team.

Ladder on a trade van
Team & HiringLatest3 min read

Before you hire someone, work out what you're actually trying to get off your plate

A new hire won't free you up unless you define what they're responsible for. How to sort your week and hand over authority, not just tasks.

Read article Pricing a trade business quote
Pricing & ProfitLatest3 min read

Are your quotes covering the cost of running your business?

A 20% markup isn't a 20% profit. How to make sure every quote helps cover your overheads, not just the job.

Read article New home under construction with timber frame and roof trusses
Pricing & ProfitLatest3 min read

Your trade business can be busy and still be losing money

Experience doesn't tell you whether a job made money. The numbers do. Four things to compare when every job finishes.

Read article Trade business team
LeadershipLatest2 min read

You've hired managers. Here's how to stop being the person who makes every decision.

Clear responsibilities, numbers that show how each manager is going, and meetings that actually happen.

Read article Trade business owner back on the tools
Systems & TimeLatest2 min read

Going back on the tools? Don't leave your next month's work behind

When you jump back on site, the quoting, follow-ups and scheduling can stop. Check these four things before you go.

Read article John Grout in conversation
Team & HiringLatest2 min read

The person you need to hire changes as your trade business grows

Hiring into a small team and hiring into an established crew are two very different decisions. Here's how to work out what the role actually needs.

Read article Customer paying by card on an EFTPOS terminal
Cash FlowLatest3 min read

The Monday morning habit that helped my electrical business get paid

A simple weekly system for chasing overdue invoices, and four things to check in your accounts receivable this week.

Read article

No articles found

Try a different word, or browse all articles.

Want help applying this to your business?

Book a chat with John and get a clear picture of what to focus on next.

Book a Chat with John