And the Top 10 Services for 2009 are ....

How to write a good business email in the trades industry

In the trades industry, more and more communication is being done via email and even channels like Facebook messages. So how do you write a great business email? Use these tips from our CEO to keep your communications professional and improve your quote vs work ratio. Read More...

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5 Tips for making a good first impression

All trades businesspeople that I've ever talked to advocate word of mouth as your strongest marketing tool, but that also means that the first impression you make may not be your website or Service Central web profile. Here are 5 tips to help you make a great first impression and win more work. Read More...

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10 Great Marketing Tips to Drive your Business Further

As the business world gets more and more competitive you can gain a huge advantage over your competition if you get your marketing right. Whilst many are reluctant to admit it, customers are the core to every business, and it is marketing that drives new customers to your business and reminds old customers of who you are, what you do and why you are so good at it. For these reasons you should take your marketing seriously, and to help you on your way here are 10 great marketing tips for driving your business further. Read More...

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Can I ask for a deposit before works are completed?

Answering the question that many businesses ask before commencing a major project. Read More...

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Why Word of Mouse is replacing Word of Mouth: Social media for trades businesses

Businesses have for years clamoured for Word of Mouth to help grow their businesses, today's modern businesses are pursuing Word of Mouse instead. How can social media help your trades business? Read More...

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Cash discount for no receipt? Just how dodgy is it when tradies offer you a cash price?

So you've hired a tradie to do a job for you - big or small. And they offer you a discount if you pay cash and don't take a receipt. Or, you hire them but ask for a discount if you pay cash, and they agree as long as you don't need a receipt. What's actually happening here? Read More...

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What does the Climate Change white paper mean for the trades industry in Victoria?

Businesses are really just a collection of people, and so many of the changes experienced as individuals will be experienced by trades businesses, especially with the extension of the Energy Saver Incentive scheme to small and medium businesses (previously only for households). But there is also a further effect to businesses who work in trades related to the actual delivery of the goals outlined in the white paper. Read More...

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How to reduce the impact of a slow economy on your small business

Recession times = luxury industries suffer. While Australia is no longer in a recession, things can be slow as consumers spend less on luxury and also become more price sensitive for essential items. This advice applies to all trades businesses but we've used plumbing as a specific example. Read More...

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How does a trades business handle sick days?

Some jobs make the choice between being at work or being at home an easy one. Not because they're horrible and you can't wait to be away from them, but some jobs can still get done if the rest of your team picks up the slack, or can be done from home - helping you avoid the strain of driving or public transport when ill. Some people can do their job from anywhere - coffee shops, pub, or bedroom. So how does your trades business handle the downtime? Read More...

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How do you eliminate tyre kickers?

Tyre kicking customers are a big time waster for businesses. What can be done to eliminate tyre kickers from your business? Read More...

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Jobs for garage door professionals!

Service Central has lots and lots of jobs for garage door professionals. Does your business repair tilt garage doors? Install roller garage doors? Repair garage motors? Find jobs in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland today! Read More...

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Victorian Building Commission's 2009 report summarised for you!

The results for Victoria's building industry growth are out, and we've summarised the report for you. Headlines are that Victoria is stealing builders from other states and key areas to focus your marketing on are Melbourne's inner North. Read More...

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Tools of the trade: Using Google Maps to quote from your office

You'll remember our blog about Google Maps, the free online map service. But two of the features of Google Maps have far more benefits for some tradespeople than just a simple map. Here are some ideas on how to use the this free service to improve efficiency in your business. Read More...

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Tools of the trade: Email, it's essential!

Why is it important for your business to use email? And if you do - what kind of email account is best? Read More...

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NSW stamp duty cuts - what's the real deal for trades and home services?

It's a week or so after the NSW government announced the scrapping of stamp duties for first time home buyers and over 65's. What's the deal with stamp duty cuts, and how does it benefit the trades and home services industry? Do stamp duty cuts actually make a difference? Read More...