The subject of systemising your trade business is dull, right? The problem is, this The subject of systemising your trade business is dull, right? Many tradies come to us for tradie business coaching expecting to talk strategy and growth, but quickly discover that without systems, there’s no foundation to build on. Don’t be “that guy (or girl)” — the one that knocks business systems, but is too proud to admit you’re drowning in the chaos..
What happens, when … ?
What happens when you have a day off sick?
What happens when you want a week holiday?
Can your business make money without you?
How do you feel just thinking about it?
Systemising your trade business has many benefits, from productivity to profitability. So, why aren’t more trade business owners implementing systems? Systems are a bit of a head screw, and they do take time. Without this investment of time, you’ll stay on the treadmill of chaos forever. In The Freedom Formula below, you can see how everything fits together.
Systems: Systems represent your way of doing things, with a step-by-step process to follow.
Accessibility: Your systems should be accessible to your team in a cloud-based location.
Accountability: Every team member is accountable for following specific systems.
Training: With training, your team will be clear on responsibilities and expectations.
Why Trade-Specific Systems Matter
Every trade faces unique operational challenges. Through our tradie business coaching programs, we’ve worked with businesses across multiple industries to develop systems that actually work in the real world:
- Electrical contractors need systems for compliance, safety checks, and emergency callouts
- Plumbing businesses require scheduling systems that handle urgent breakdowns alongside planned work
- Building and carpentry businesses need project management systems for longer-term jobs
- Auto repair shops need workflow systems for multiple vehicles and customer communications
The Freedom Formula applies to every trade, but the specific systems you implement will vary based on your industry. Whether you’re in electrical, plumbing, building, carpentry, or air conditioning, we help you create systems tailored to your trade.
Big wins with systems
For many of our Lifestyle Tradie members, systemisation is one of the main drivers to join the program. In terms of results, the biggest wins come only occur when business systems and structures are in place:
“Without systems, we wouldn’t be able to scale and have control. We’d be running around like headless chooks in chaos.
Systems have given us the freedom to focus on the big picture, without spending time on the small nitty-gritty things. Systems have allowed me to achieve a high-performance business.
My team is like the Navy SEALS – highly trained and capable. They love systems because they feel like they’ve got control. Without systems, I wouldn’t have a business – I’d have a job. I wouldn’t be an entrepreneur. I’d just be a worker.”
– Simon Mucha, Same Day Trades, Adelaide and Perth, Australia
Systems in Action: Industry Examples
Through our tradie business coaching programs, we’ve helped trade businesses implement game-changing systems across various industries:
Electrical & Solar Contractors
Our electrical business coaching clients use systems for safety compliance checklists, testing procedures, and customer handover processes. Solar business owners implement systems for site assessments, council approvals, and installation workflows.
Building & Construction
Builders, carpenters, and joiners need systems for quote-to-completion workflows, supplier ordering, and site safety management.
Mechanical Services
Plumbing and air conditioning businesses benefit from systems that handle emergency callouts, preventative maintenance schedules, and warranty tracking.
Specialist Trades
From cabinetry makers to cladding contractors to excavation businesses, every trade needs customised systems that fit their workflow.
Auto Services
Auto repair businesses use systems for vehicle intake, diagnostic processes, parts ordering, and customer updates.
No matter your trade, our tradie business coaching helps you create systems that eliminate chaos and create consistency. See all industries we serve.
What’s next?
- Want industry-specific tradie business coaching tailored to your trade? Whether you’re in building, electrical, plumbing, or any other trade, we have proven systems ready for you. Book a Game Plan Call with Andy to see if it’s a good fit for you.
- Download our Survive the Sh*t Storm resources, which includes Lifestyle Tradie’s Break-Even Analysis Guide for Tradies, our Cash Flow Guide for Tradies and KPIs for Tradies.
- Join our free Kick-Ass Tradies Facebook group to learn how to set team targets using your business’s break-even point.
