aussie painting contractor may 2013
DESCRIPTION
The Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is here to assist Painters and Decorators, Small Business in the construction industry as well as consumers.TRANSCRIPT
Construction ApprenticeshipMentoring Scheme
Web Forums and Your Business
Aussie Painting Contractor
Aussie Painting Contractor
Aussie Painters Network is giving away 2 Seats for the State of Origin...
Issue 20 - May, 2013
Properties of Paints SeriesColour Bases
Electrical Safety and Young Workers
Smart Phones and AppYour Digital Tool Box
From the Editor
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 permis-
sion from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Nigel [email protected]
0430 399 800
There have been some big changes recently occurring within Aussie Painters Network; some loss and some gains. Sadly for us, Steph has decided to return to study in an area that she has wanted to follow since her high school days. We all wish her the very best in her future endeavours and she knows she is alwayswelcome back to APN as one of our original team members.
The good news is that I would like to welcomeColin and Dominic as our Member Consultants.Between them they have had countless years in the Painting and Decorating Industry, from different sides of the trade; One from swingingthe brush and training the next generationand the other dealing with painters over the counter throughout different parts of the country. Either Colin or Dominic may soon be in touch with you to see how we can assist with your business and increasing profitability,and in turn raise the profile of our industry. We hope you’ll welcome their call.
This month’s Magazine has some great tips and business ideas that will assist you in all
areas of your business. Jim Baker has also joined the ranks as a Contributor to the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine and we welcome him aboard with all his experience and knowl-edge that we know he is keen to share.
From listening to the industry and its needs, we have developed a new area within AussiePainters Network to bring Employers andEmployees together. If you are looking for some new staff you can post a job for FREE, and if you are looking for a job you can post yourself and your info, also at no cost for potential employers to find you.
Now on the industry scene, check out the brand new TradiesNetwork.com; A new social/professional networking site specifically for Tradies. Sharing information with the entire building industry, they can put you in touch with all the other trades. Use this as abusiness tool to improve your profile with in the industry.
Till next month, Happy Painting!
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER • J. Anne Delgado
8 Member Consultants
10 Free Advertising that Works
12 New Apprentice Scheme Offers Support
14 Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF)
16 Web Forums and Your Business
21 National Licensing
26 Properties of Paint Series Colour Bases
28 New and Young Workers
30 Is Gluten Making You Fat?
32 Smart Phones and Apps Your Digital Tool Box
34 12 Traits that Make a Great Networker OUTSTANDING
39 Writing Good Content for Your Website
40 Colours of Autumn
46 Training Schedules
48 Industry Idiots
49 Important Contacts
Contents
CONTRIBUTORS• Belinda Ross• Caroline Miall• Colin Thompson• Dominic Parmenter • Jennie Gorman
• Jim Baker • Leanne Staff • Michael Farrugia • Nigel Gorman • Scott Collins
GRAPHIC DESIGNER • J. Anne Delgado
eDitor Nigel Gorman
eXeCUtiVe eDitorCaroline Miall
My name is Colin Thompson and I pleased to have been invited on board this fantastic organisation. I have known Stephanie for some years through my involvement in the Painting Industry and wish her all the best in her pursuit of another pathway. Hopefully she will stay in touch with Aussie Painters Network; as one of the originals, she’ll always be a part of the Team!
To give you all an insight into my background, I’ve been in the Paintingand Decorating Industry for some 44 odd years. A few years afterI completed my apprenticeship I set up my own business which operatedsuccessfully for about 25 years, employing up to six staff. I have extensiveknowledge of all facets of the painting industry; from the new and repaint house market to commercial and light industrial; with a lot of experience with in wallpaper, textures, spraying and some specialfinishes and coatings.
I moved on to teaching in another phase of my career, and may well have taught some of your apprentices! I am now studying for Cert IV in OHS and Frontline Management.
Over time, I hope to get to know some of you and become a valuable asset in overcoming any problems you may have; or maybe I can pass on my knowledge to those looking for some advice.
Colin
My name is Dominic Parmenter and I am excited to be joining Aussie Painters Network to assist in Member Services. I’ve been working in paint shops for over twenty years and have an extensive knowledge of products from a range of companies including roof and concrete coatings. I also have a great eye for matching colour which is a bit of a ‘dyeing’ art these days (excuse the pun!) with most relying on the computer to carry out this skill.
With my knowledge of industrial ranges, texture coatings, interior exterior paints, woodcare, furniture restoration products, decking materials, ins and outs of all preparation needed for all jobs, I’m hoping to be a useful resource for our Members, with some regular contributions to Aussie Painters Network eMag. Over the coming months I’ll be to calling and introducing myself to some of our readers.I look forward to being of assistance.
Dominic
Member Consultants
Colin [email protected]
0433 724 794
Domenic [email protected]
A mayonnaise Jar & two beersWhen things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a
day are not enough, remember the Mayonnaise Jar and the 2 Beers.
professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, he wordlesslypicked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘Yes.’
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
Now, said the professor as the laughter subsided, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favourite passions---if everythingelse was lost and only they remained,your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else---the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first, there would be no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that areimportant to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. * Spend time with your children. * Spend time with your parents. * Visit with grandparents. * Take time to get medical check-ups. * Take your spouse out to dinner. * Play another 18.
Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’
The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.
The original author is unknown butwe thank them for their inspiration
A
www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au2013 May Issue | 9
10 | Aussie Painters Network
We all know advertising is very expensive, so the more free advertising we do means the more moneywe can save. There are different ways this can be achieved and I want to bring one to your attention because of a phone call I received recently.
A prospective client wanted a quote on some internal painting and when I took all his particulars, I asked (as I always do) where they found my name. He said it was from a letter that I put in his mailbox when I was working next door. When I checked through my data base, I found it was a job I completed in 2009, that was three years ago.
When I work on a particular house, I place these lettersin the surrounding letter boxes.
For the houses either side and across the road I post this:
Hi
My name is Jim Baker from James W Decorating. You may have noticed that my staff and I are currently painting the house at number -----------.
Please let me apologise for any inconvenience that we may cause by working near your property but we guarantee to keep noise or disruption down to a minimum. If there is a problem, or if you would like a quote yourself for painting, please feel free to let us know.
Thank you
For the houses in the whole street I post this:
Hi
My name is Jim Baker from James W Decorating. For the next few weeks, my staff and I will be painting the house at number ------- . If you would like a quote yourself for painting, please feel free to let us know while we are in your area and I will be more than happy to come around.
Please check out my web site to view testimonials, photos and our commitment.
Thank you
So they kept it and three years down the track a quote came in on the strength of this letter. It goes to show that just because you may not have received many (or any) enquires from letter drops or any other types of advertising, it doesn’t mean it hasn’t worked. Sometimes you have to be patient.
Jim Baker AuthorHow To Become a Really Successful Painter
free Advertising that Works
Why spend a lot on advertising if you could do it for free
www.notjustapainter.com.au
12 | Aussie Painters Network
New Apprentice scheme offers supportCAMS supporting construction apprentices throughout their apprenticeships.
C onstruction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme (CAMS) is a comprehensive, nationally
coordinated approach to supporting construction apprentices throughouttheir apprenticeships. Funded by the Commonwealth Governmentthrough the Apprenticeship MentoringProgram funded by the Australia Government Department of Industry,Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education CAMS aims to support building and construction apprentices by providing them with access to Master Builders services and one-on-one mentoring.
Under the CAMS model, constructionapprentices who are signed on to participate under the program are matched with suitable trainedvolunteer mentors for one year. CAMS’ mentoring assists apprenticeto ensure any obstacles and issues arising during an apprenticeship can be resolved without unnecessary anxiety or distress while also openingup pathways and opportunities for apprentices once their training con-tract is complete. Apprentices can access mentoring for free and mayrenew their mentorship after a year.
KEY ELEMENTS OF CAMS• Online resources and information for current & prospective apprentices,including a CAMS Facebook page and CAMS twitter account• Apprentice Engagement Officers who visit schools, community events, career expos and trade shows to pro-mote careers in the construction in-dustry. The officers are also availableto answer phone, email and face-to-face enquiries from prospective apprentices, employers and other interested parties.• A volunteer apprentice mentoring scheme that connects apprentices with carefully selected and trained volunteer industry mentors for more intensive one-on-one support• The Pathways into Building and Construction program that works with schools and communities to provide information about pathwaysfrom school into an apprenticeship• A range of discounts and promotionaloffers for apprentices.
MENTOR PROGRAMVolunteer mentors play a vital role in CAMS’ goal to improve apprenticeshipcompetition rates and enhance careeropportunities in the building and construction industry. The role of volunteer mentor includes: • Provide ONE-ON-ONE support to apprentices on issues relating to on-the-job and off-the-job training, motivation, workplace communicationand work-life balance.• Help apprentices to articulate and develop their career goals in the building and construction industry;
• Offer practical guidance with net-working in the building & constructionindustry by facilitating connections between the apprentice and helpful contacts; and• refer apprentices to relevant sup-port services (e.g. our program part-ner Mates in Construction and other pastoral care services) where profes-sional advice in relation to relation-ship issues, drug and alcohol use, or mental health may be needed.
Master Builders Queensland is now taking applications for both volunteermentors and apprentices under the
new CAMS program.
For more information or to participate please call 07 3225 6407 or email
The Employment PageAussie Painters Network has consulted with some of our Members and discovered a need for a forum for both employers seeking staff and those painters lookingfor work. So, we have developed an area where both parties can find each other at no cost.
Some employers recently told us after running ads in weekend papers, they were inundated with over a hundred applications in 72 hours. They simply didn’t have the time to sort through them all, and after so many had gone to the effort of applying.
We aim to make it simpler for the employer, who’ll be able to access a list of those currently available, and easier for the painter to be seen. This is a service that we hope will save you money and a lot of time.
Advertisements are place for free, and will remain visible for two weeks. After that, to keep things current, we ask you to readvertise as needed.
We hope this service will make a difference in simplifying effective placements and matching jobs with the right people.
Go over and have a look. Never know when it might make all the difference.
www.paintersemployment.com
Check out ourwebsite
for more details!
2013 May Issue | 15
16 | Aussie Painters Network
Web forums and Your businessOnline web forums are a great way to connect and share
with the likeminded.
rofessionally, Online web forums can be a real boost for your business as a place
to gather contacts and network, drive traffic to your website, or garner opinions or reviews on products and services. It is a goodway to get involved and support yourindustry too. Forums as structured,focused communities offer a great deal of value, representing a con-centrated audience of the people that you probably want to reach. Used as a marketing channel for your business you can connect to this audience of prospective cus-tomers by providing meaningful content. There are dozens of ways to utilise a forum or web board, but there are a lot of do’s and don’ts too. Given that a forum is a community space, there are guidelines that must be respected at all times. Some will be general rules and etiquette that apply across the board, and others may be specific to an individual forum.
Think of a topic, any topic, and you’ll likely find a forum to go with it. Before you dive in with your two bobs worth though, check out a forum for a while first; there’s no harm in ‘lurking’ for a while and making sure it’s the place for you! Think about what your goals are in becoming a contributor – whether it is for interest’s sake, professional networking, product research or whatever. Read their policies carefully, as they may preclude you from posting any links, or marketing information.
Then, if it’s worth you joining, then it’s also worth spending some time on your profile; choose a user name that represents you well, and take the opportunity to write something about your busi-ness for your profile and signature (if it’s not against the forum rules of course!).
Consider joining threads on topics relating to your services, say on an interior design site, where you can provide answers or some valuable experience you’ve had relating to the subject matter. Be transpar-ent about your affiliations andintentions and be very careful not to overtly market yourself as this is unlikely to be allowed in many spaces. Write useful responses whilst remembering the number one point about posting on the web – that it is potentially visible forever! So be thoughtful about what you post, and keep in mind that healthy debate is fine, but avoid getting involved in drama, or anything resembling conflict, at all cost! Remember you’re on theforum in a professional capacity and keep it appropriate.
Keep on the look-out for forums where there may be a dedicatedspace for you to discuss your business and services. On some sites, like the new Tradiesnetwork you can create a Page, Group, or even post links and photos of your work, products or your industryknowledge; and with one click you can instantly post to your
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedInaccounts at the same time from the Tradiesnetwork platform! Spaceslike these are becoming more sophisticated and tailored to an audience.
Effectively, your well-chosen onlineforum or web board is a potential avenue of free marketing getting your business name seen, and in a specific targeted arena. Worth spending the time to get involved, create your profile, and provide participation and feedback. Not only can they help your online presence, but the end result can be an invaluable database of input on different topics which provides a reference for yourself and othersin your industry. In fact, this is whatwe hope for the Aussie Painters Network Forum.
The Aussie Painters Network Forumis already available for readers and Members to take advantage of. We have some great mediatorson board, and would love to see this arena better utilised and to evolve to suit you. Whether it be product feedback, solving a problemon a job, specialized areas like Lead Paint; you can start a discussionthread about anything at all. You may be surprised how much it can assist many facets of your business.
Check it out at: www.apnforum.com.au
Caroline [email protected]
P
20 | Aussie Painters Network 2013 May Issue | 20
2013 May Issue | 21
National licensing seems to be back on the agenda for those industries that are in the first round for consideration with COAG agreeing to extend the National Occupational Licensing Scheme project time frame to allow those jurisdictions that choose to do so, to conduct further consultation on the Decision RIS once it has been approved by the Of-fice of Best Practice Regulation.
The statement from COAG:National Occupational Licensing Scheme
COAG noted progress on the National Occupational Licensing Scheme reform and agreed to a request for additional State-based consultation on the final Decision Regulatory Impact Statements, approved by the Office of Best Practice Regulation, to better inform decision makers of stakeholder views. All governments recommitted to work towards a final-decision on the reform by the end of 2013, which will take into consideration the outcomes of the further State-based consultations, with national li-censing to commence in 2014.
Obviously the painting industries turn comes in the next wave, but with things pushing along again and the likely hood of the first round industries look-ing at a national licensing commencement date in 2014 we need to be ready and united as to how we want to see our industry licensed across the coun-try. Over the coming months Master Painters & Decorators Australia and Aussie Painters Network will bring to you details of the current regulations and licensing that exist in each state so when the national document is released for comment you have a good understanding of how things could work and determine what the best possible out-comes could or should be. This will be the time for you to have your say! One thing is for sure we do not want to see a drop in the standard of train-ing and education that will enable unqualified trades people the opportunity to obtain a license.
www.masterpainters.asn.au
National Licensing:
22 | Aussie Painters Network
Planet PaintsLeading the way from grunge to green
It’s fantastic to see that some innovative people are tackling the challenge of environmental waste head on; particularly in the painting industry where some products are a little less than ecofriendly. Mark Rowen, and the people at Planet Paints, are testimony to the fact that going green can not only be economical, but even commercially lucrative! Planet Paints use revolutionary technology to turn waste paint into solvents and high quality paints. Their patented processes turn paint residues through distillation into quality coatings rather than contributing to toxic landfill.
The only company recycling paint in this way, Planet Paints retrieves waste products from the domestic and commercial markets as well as the automotive refinish industry; a regulated waste product that must be dealt with by an EPA registered business. From this they produce high quality solvents that are then distributed back to the industry. The by product, normally going to waste, is formulated into high quality, two component concrete coating suitable for exterior or interior use. Their productsinclude a range of coatings for industrial and domesticuse, including 2-pack acrylic for industrial applicationas well as concrete coatings, and a semi-gloss acrylicpolyurethane paint for interior purposes great for workshops or garage floors.
Testimonials from all relevant facets of industryconfirm that the application is good quality and very easy to use Planet Paints is a small family business based in Toowoomba that is growing at a steady pace due to its innovative business model. “The tougher the economy gets the better our businessdoes.” Says Mark Rowen (Director). “We offer a quality product that takes money off the bottom line. Colour has been an issue for us in the past but lately our customers are finding a use for what we have, due to the price.”
Planet Paints is now venturing into architectural paints. They take the residential paint waste from the dump and then re manufacture back into variouswater based materials. “We have only done a test on one transfer station and we look like we will be taking on a further three soon. This part of our business is not new but no-one in Australia seems to be doing it. Our solvent based material is one thing however this new recovery for water based materials could transfer our business.”
Check them out at
www.planetpaints.com.au
my Hourly rate CalculatorHow much does your business need to earn to cover its expenses?
It seems like a simple question, and knowing the answer is essential.
You need to know how much has to be coming in to stay afloat. Otherwise chances are, like many other businesses, it won’t.
Now I know you’re thinking about the varying costs of your differentworkers, including theirs, and your own, wages, superannuation and holidays. How can so many variables be accommodated – the process not to be too complicated?
Finally a program is here that can tell you in a flash how much your business needs to be earning (down to the hour) to cover its regular outgoings.
It doesn’t matter whether your business employs just you or many employees. This program allows you to track the bottom line figure for your situation.
There is nothing like this on the market. Why? Because I developed it for people like you and me.
For just $35.90, you can: Know your business expenses-per hour!
My Costing GuideDo you measure and price your projects by square or linear metre?
Would you like the ability to personalise your own ratesinstead of using a recommended rate?
If so; this is the program for you. ‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully auto-mated program where all you have to do is add or change the variables and the total price will appear in an instant.
Suggested figures have been included,but if you think you can work at a faster rate, then the ability is there to change it.
And what about the cost and coveragerate of the material? This can make
a huge difference on the costing of a project! Change this to suit your buy-ing power from your manufacturer.
How many times have you gone to a job and found that it will take longerbecause of exteriorobstacles or excessivefurniture to work around?
‘My Costing Guide’ allows you to add extra time for those situations. It even calculates a workers allocated break time of 20 minutes a day (if required).
Last of all, what about your hourly rate? Everyone has a different hourly rate, so why not put your own in.
‘My Costing Guide’ is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business.
Visit My Coasting Guide at
Take the guess work out of quoting!
For $35.90;it’s money WELL SPENT
www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator/
www.mytools4business.com/mycostingguide/
2013 May Issue | 25 www.consolidatedi.com.au
We learnt in the April Issue that pigments provide the colour in paint. These are finely ground par-ticles of solids that block the light and thus make the paint opaque.
We also discussed that the white pigment (titanium dioxide) is knownas the base or primary pigment.
Understanding this will helps usunderstand the bases in paint such as white base, deep base, bright base etc. (Some companies use a different expression for its bases such as A base, B base etc.)
The base of the paint is determinedby how much white pigment it contains. The darker or more intensea colour desired, then the less tita-nium dioxide will be required.
To illustrate, below we see one glass that has water in it and one glass that is half water half milk. When you add a teaspoon of instant coffee, the glass with milk in it will always appear lighter. It doesn’t matter how much coffee we add to the glass with milk in it, it will always be lighter. The same goes with bases in paint. If we add red oxide tint to white base paint we end up with pink. But if we add red oxide to a base that has no white pigment in it, then we end up with red.
An important point to keep in mind; if you over tint paint you risk floatation. Paint has a satu-ration point. When you add too much tinter to the binder, it will
not mix in evenly. You will notice that every time you mix the paint it seems to change colour and when applying it you will noticethe colour where you cut-in will seem different to where you rolled. The binder too will not be able to secure all the pigment to the dry film, so when the film is dry, the colour will come off on your hand as you rub it.
Another problem with floatation is the premature break down of the paint. The paint will appear chalky over a period of time.
We hope this information is useful for you, and that it assists you in matching colours, selecting paint, and problem solving coating defects.
We look forward to providing some more information on paint properties in future issues ofAussie Painting Contractors.
Properties of Paint seriesCoLoUr bAses
In this issue we are going to look at colour bases and pigment dispersion.
www.painters.edu.au26 | Aussie Painters Network
28 | Aussie Painters Network
ragically Western Australia was subject to an electrical fatality during February when a trade’s assistant appears to have come into
contact with one of the live wires in a roof-space and was electrocuted.
Although in this case, the worker was training within the electrical industry, many other trades (plumbers,painters, insulation installers, air conditioning workers,etc) will be required to access areas where electricalwiring is present during the course of their work and as such are all frequently exposed to the risk of electricshock or electrocution.
This incident highlights the need to be overly cautiousand vigilant with regards to the supervision, training and guidance provided to new and young workers. This area is also one of WorkSafe’s key priority areas, due to the fact that historically, young people areinvolved in many workplace incidents/injuries.
Below are some ideas that can assist you in managingsafe systems of work for your trainees and by implementing, will ensure the risks of injury/incidentsthat they are exposed to are reduced:
• Have an understanding as ‘the employer’ of your Occupational Safety and Health responsibilities.• Identify the hazards and subsequent risks that are present at your workplaces and your personnel are exposed to (suggest document them in a risk register).• Match trainees and apprentices to tasks that are relevant to the training that they are undertaking and clearly define what they can and cannot do – don’t expect a 1st year to be able to competently carry out a task that would generally not be provid-ed until a final year apprentice for example.• Ensure you conduct company and site inductions with new and young workers.
• Ensure they hold the appropriate construction safety awareness training (white card).• Constantly supervise trainees and apprenticesduring their work.• Have new and young workers actively participate in the consultation process of compiling JSA’s or SWMS’ and satisfy yourself that they have a thoroughunderstanding of the content.• Ensure other training that may be required for the task has been completed (working at heights, etc).• Clarify who will provide any equipment, including personal protective equipment, to enable the apprentices or trainees to do the work safely. If equipment is brought into your workplace, ensure that it meets OSH standards.• Support and encourage apprentice and trainees rights to be represented in relation to OSH issues.• Establish an open communication process and encourage workers to participate in workplaceconsultative arrangements. Introduce apprentices and trainees to safety and health representatives if applicable and the person with OSH management responsibility in the area where they will work.• Verify that workers understand the OSH requirementsof your workplace.• Encourage apprentices and trainees to participate in hazard identification and management specific to the tasks they are performing.• Have a written agreement or job description with the worker that clearly outlines OSH expectations and responsibilities, including the channels to quicklycommunicate information.• Have a documented system for managing safety (Safety Management Plan) including staff trained in OSH• Ensure you have appropriate workers’ compensationinsurance and fulfil your duty to provide return-to-workpathways and rehabilitation to any injured workers.
New and Young WorkersTrainees and Apprentices are the next generation of tradesmen to improve and better our
industries. Train and supervise them well.
T
www.sswa.net.au
2013 May Issue | 29
NOTE: It is irrelevant whether the trainee or apprentice is a direct employee or sourced through a Group training scheme (or on work experience) – you are the person in control of the workplace that they are working at and as such, hold the balance of the primary duty of care for them.
Trainees and Apprentices are the next generation of tradesmen to improve and better our industries. Train and supervise them well, so when the time comes, you will be assured of a competent, effective and efficient trades-man that you can rely for years to come.
For additional assistance on new and young workers or any other Workplace Health and Safety matter, please do not hesitate to contact
Safety Solutions WA on 0466 821 474 or [email protected]
is Gluten making You fat?Sick, tired and overweight, the answer may lay in the
foods you’re eating!
ave you ever stopped to think if you’re eating too much gluten or how it
may be affecting your body?
In many western countries the spotlight has been firmly upon gluten for some time now in regards to its ill health effects and now there is evidence pointing to a connection with obesity.
With the gluten free revolution continuing to grow, more and more gluten free products are hitting supermarket shelves each year. It’s suspected that 1% of the population has undiagnosed coeliacdisease (a condition affected by gluten). Gluten causes their immunesystems start to attacking the gut causing damage to the lining which significantly reduces their ability to absorb nutrients.
The real question why are so many people becoming glutenintolerant?
Dr Davis the author of “Wheat Belly” believes that Wheat is not what it once was and throughgenetic manipulation contains far more gluten than its ancestral predecessors.
So what has this go to with putting on fat?
Dr Davis states further that wheat is addictive so you will want to consume more (i.e. increased calories) and he goes onto state it also contributes to insulin resistance.Nutritional malabsorption may also be a consideration resulting from gluten related gut injury. Gluten damages the small intestineof those afflicted by gluten, which leads to poor nutrient absorption.
If you cells can’t absorb nutrition how can they do their Job and poor cellular health can contributetoo many health conditions not just excess weight. In the case of excess body weight, nutritional malabsorption can cause the metabolism to slow down. Even if you are not a coeliac or gluten intolerant, choosing a gluten free diet may actually be beneficial when it comes to losing weight. Overweight people with coeliac disease who adopted a gluten free diet tended to:
• Have lower BMI (Body Mass Index)• Eat fewer calories per day • Have more stable blood sugar levels (wheat affects insulin)
If you consider what foods actuallycontain gluten, they are probably the ones you shouldn’t eat anyway.Researchers reported that the best weight loss results came from people who stopped eating Gluten and did NOT replace them with Gluten Free Foods which are typically higher in calories. Step 1 in changing your health might be to ditch all gluten from your diet and watch out for high caloriereplacements.
If you are challenged about losingweight call 07 554 92 554 and speak with our practitioner team to find out how we can help you. We don’t believe in diets, countingpoints, or limitations. We believe in getting the body working.
H
30 | Aussie Painters Network
www.weightandshape.com.au
32 | Aussie Painters Network
e recently circulated a surveyasking what Apps you use in your business. From those
responses we are able to share a few, plus some others that we have discovered along the way.
As we expected a lot of painters don’t use apps or even smart phones to their full advantage. It’s great to play a game of Angry Birds or check Face-book at smoko, but your smart phone could be the best business tool you’ve ever owned.
From the time you take a request for a quote, you could be using the Calendar, Reminders and Alerts, and storing numbers to make sure communication with your customeris exceptional. Take advantage of the basic bits and pieces on every smart phone now, to make you look more professional in the eyes of the customer, guiding them in theirdecision to hire you for the job.
Quoting – Camera Apps or phone camera1. Take a photo of the front of the house when you arrive. Consider adding the photo to the cover of the quote – which will give the clientthe feeling it’s been tailor made to suit their home. Take a few photos as you walk around so as to help you remember the details of the job.
2. If you can’t properly see or accessa particular area of a house, one that might require scaffolding or isobstructed during your quote, you can use your camera to get a better look, rather than having to ‘guestimate’.
3. If the house is dark or empty and has no power, you can use the torch function or take flash photos so you can take a better look back at your computer, assisting you to work out a more accurate costing & price.
BookworkThere are too many business apps to mention them all, but a few are: MYOB, Quickbooks, Quote Roller, Xero, Invoice2go, Google and also your banking apps.
On the JobHaving apps and the web at your fingertips on your smart phone can make life a lot sweeter in the middleof a job where you may need to clear up a disagreement, for example.Dropbox is great one, as you can load your quotes and contracts there, so if you are onsite and you need to check a colour or a variationetc. you can access it in an instant and rectify any potential problems on the spot – also great for sharingdocuments with staff. There are apps for tracking jobs and staff costs like ITimesheet and Time Tracker. Dozens of others are available as well. Get adventurous and have a look.
Here are some other advantages of your smart phone.1. You are prepping and then paintinga door in a dark hallway or room with a lot of shadow, it’s a bit difficultto see if you have any runs or thick brush strokes. Just pull out your phone and use the torch function.
2. You are walking around workingout how much more material you need and in which colour you are needing, most painters will go lookingfor a bit of sandpaper and a pencilto write it down. Use your Note book in your smart phone, and the calculator if need be. Then call your supplier, order what you need and get them to deliver it or have waitingfor you when you come past; order ahead so you don’t sit in a queue and then have to wait while your order is made up.
3. The weather app is fabulous for when you’re on an outdoor job. Never again will you have to look up at the skies wondering if the exposed areas you’re about to paint will get washed off; There’s an app for that! We discovered the Rainspotting app that will let you know approximately how long till you get wet where you are standing.There are quite a few of them that help with information on the weather including one from the Bureau of Meteorology.
We’re looking to compile a com-prehensive list of those that can assist you in your business and we would love to hear what helps you in yours. Please email us what works for you (and what doesn’t) so we can put the info into future editions of the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine.
smart Phones and Apps - Your Digital tool boxThese are just some of the basic apps and functions handy on your smart phone;
like a digital Swiss army knife!
W
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here are 12 traits that I feel make a good networker stand out… of course, there are more than these 12, but these are probably
some of the major ones from my perspective.
So, I ask you, are you an outstanding networker or would you like to become one? All people who have been networking for a long time will tell you that you never stop learning especially as themarketplace is continually changing and people’s priorities change with it.
Did you know that great networkers can help you achieve what you want to achieve? They can also take you where you want to go by introducingyou to the right people. They hone their skills continuously and you will see them in the marketplace in different venues, with differentpeople and making new connections to help their clients and community.
You may wonder ‘What traits does a great networkerhave to have to help their tribe/ community to move to the next level and make them truly outstanding at what they do?’
Here is my list in a little detail of some of the qualities that make a networker stand out:1. They listen and watch what others are doing – observing others around them and listening to conversations will give any good networker the opportunity to recognise where and when they can help other people.
They think on their feet and know who’s the best and most appropriate person is to help or supportthe person talking.
2. They become known by attending others events – you will notice that a good networker will always
support other networkers build their community. They will always offer to help out by jumping in without being asked and helping as best they can. A good networker knows no scarcity and is willing to share their contacts, their knowledge and their support. A good networker will always attend other networker’s events as often as they can to show their support to ‘the cause’.
3. They follow up – After meeting someone new or attending an event a good networker will follow up with the people they wish to keep in contact with in the future. They will not judge anyone on who they are and what they do, as there are aware that ‘people knowpeople’ and you never know who they are. A good referral often comes from an unexpected contact.
4. They support and encourage in public – Few things can boost your friends and clients more than praise or testimonials from a peer, especially a peer you look up to. Outstanding networkers recognise the skills of others, especially in group settings where the impact of their words is even greater.
5. They give good referrals without expectation – Become known for giving great referrals. You only need to give a bad one for people to comment, so think clearly about who you pass a referral onto. Make sure that there is compatibility between the two people.
34 | Aussie Painters Network
12 Traits That Make a Great Networker OuTsTANdiNG
What are the traits of a good networker?
T
www.connexionsunlimited.com.au2013 May Issue | 35
6. They know and understand niche marketing – The first thing a businessneeds to understand is who they wish to sell their products and/or services to. For most businesses this is hard to define and break down into their particular niche. I suggest that you try out different ones until you finally settle into a place that is comfortable. It is okay to have more than one niche as long as you kept it separated so as not to confuse your clients.
7. They use social media – This is the most powerful and cost effectivetool for your marketing, why else would the Fortune 500 companiesbe there? LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google + to name the essentials, I believe, for business owners. Understanding the etiquettes of each of these is very important as it changes with each one. Brand yourself and your business is very important if you wish to monetise your time and effort with social media. Be preparedto spend a certain amount of time a day on this medium.
8. They brand themselves – With all the changes in business today business owners have realised that they need to brand themselves with a consistent message. It is importantto have ‘good tools’ in your tool box. Your business card and/or websiteare your shop window and the first thing many future customers see of you. So, make your website, blogs,e-newsletters, magazines, social media, business cards etc using the same story.
9. They goal set – Without clear and concise goals no business can move forward into the future. So just as a business owner sets goals for his business, a good networker will also set goals for their net-working outcomes. So, never go to a networking event without know-ing what it is you want to achieve at that event.
“Don’t find customers for your products, find products for your customers.” — Seth Godin
“Transferring your passion to your job is far easier than finding a job that happens to match your passion.”— Seth Godin (Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?)
10. Ask questions for others – Somesmall business people are hesitant to speak up and really say what they need. Some are even hesitant to speak up privately. For example,a business owner asked me a question about getting referrals. After the meeting I said, “Why did you ask that question? You already know how to do that, as you area great networker.” He said, “Yeah, I did, but a lot of other people don’t — and they needed to hear the answer from you.” Outstandingnetworkers have a feel for the issues and concerns of those around them and step up to ask questions others are hesitant to ask. So, support your fellow friends and acquaintances.
11. They know that it is not who you know, but who knows you – Becoming known both in your niche as well as outside it is imperative. Profiling is what they do all the time without even realising it. Never underestimate anyone you meet. You do not know who they are, who they know and who knows them. Make the world your friends and discover the most incredible understated people out there.
12. They love people! – This is the most important part of being a networker. If you don’t like peo-ple, forget networking as it will show. Nettworkers support and promote/sell others without even realizing that they are doing it. It’s their way of giving back for all that they receive.
by : Jennie GormanPhone: (07) 3262 5343Mobile: 0414 278 344
36 | Aussie Painters Network
38 | Aussie Painters Network
2013 May Issue | 39
Writing Good Contentfor Your Website
ood online content has the ability to get the reader to understand your message quickly. What your business produces, provides or
does. They need to be able to accept, absorb and take away your message easily.
It doesn’t have to be a lengthy essay to get this across. Often the most effective online content is the shortest. They key to good website text is to get your customer to read the most important information first before they move on and potentially away from your site.
Writing text for a website means that you are exposingyour words to a much wider audience, a very diverse audience. Therefore it is the writers task to keep the important bits obvious and easy to absorb before that customer moves on.
Here are a few tips for you when you are writing your website content.
Firstly headlines are VERY important. It’s the first part the reader sees.
It needs to be clear and give a good understanding of what the rest of your content may be about.
Visually pleasing content is important. Don’t write long, wordy paragraphs. Keep it simple and clear. Use 3 or 4 sentences in a paragraph and keep it short and punchy. Using bullet points or numbered lists is agreat way to get your point across quickly. Using simpletechniques such as bold or highlight text to draw out the important words or phrases in your paragraph is another neat trick.
The number of words that you provide can be limitless.But it’s best to break up your text with sub headings, lists, links or images. This keeps the content alive and interesting to the reader.
Take your time and understand your audience and your message. It can make a huge difference to your online success.
G
40 | Aussie Painters Network
f someone should say to you, “think of autumn?” What do you see? What
image immediately comes to mind?
Most people see autumn leaves, those beautiful burnt oranges, tan, russet, chocolate, olive greens, aubergine, rich, dark, “dirty” colours,we hear the rustling of leaves, we see Aztec, ancient designs with sharp edges and odd angles.
If you were to walk into a clients home and see these colours and designs, you would be walking into the home of an Autumn person, chances are this person would have red (or a shade thereof) hair. These people don’t have time for ‘fluff’ they are ‘get into it and get the job done’ types of people.
These are the people for whom, if you say the quote will be ready in 3 days time, and it’s not- don’t bother going back to them for the answer will always be NO. These people need to know you are able to fulfil your commitment, to them.
If you are able to do the job in a month and it will take 3 weeks,
then let that be the case. Better, much better, with these people to under promise and over deliver. You will have a friend for life AND they will tell everyone they know.
You see, in profiling their home, we can also profile the person, we can know what they like, dislike, what motivates them, how they live in harmony with others, how they work and what inspires them.
These people will love the colourpalette with a warm undertone (add a drop of yellow) then dirty it up a bit (and black), in the Duluxcolour palette, example the shades of white these people will love are:Jodhpurs, Crewelwork, Gentle Touch,Raw Cotton, team it with Clotted Cream, Barrister White, Shell Havenand you will have a friend for life.
Feature walls for these people work best with a piece of artwork in the middle of it over a couch or dining table, choose shades of olives, burnt orange/reds, darkish purple/blacks, or chocolate. Aztec Tan, Nightshade, Yarwood, Logan-berry, Cornstalk, Nile Reed (Dulux Colour Specifier colours)
Most of you, professional painterswould have a portfolio of work – the one you show your customerswhen you go out to quote a project,either on line or real.
Most companies divide their portfolio into types of buildings, like with like eg. Commercial, warehouse, units, timber homes, contemporary homes, interiors, exteriors, bathrooms, kitchens, lounge, dining and bedrooms, the list goes on (and on and on – a bit like that very annoying song)
Colours of AutumnTheir surroundings would
be practical, but most of all functional
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2013 May Issue | 41
Do you have a portfolio that you show your prospective customers? How is it set up? Do you have all your favourites at the front? Do you have it set up by type of building?....what if? What if you could set it up in such a way that you only needed to show your customers “their” pages? The ones that related exactly to them…Would that be helpful? Would it make a difference? to you or your customers?
Would your customers see greater value in choosing you for the job if you could already show them what they like?
I can help you set up your photos of past projects and testimonials in such a way that you will only need to show people “their part” of your portfolio; Saving you hours, allowing you to win jobs easier and quicker because you have gained an understanding of who your client is just by turning up at their door and beingobservant. This allows you to “sell without selling”!
Now there’s a concept. Who wouldn’t like to know how to do that?
Till next time…
Belinda Ross Colour Transformations
0413 464 289 • 07 3886 4488
2013 May Issue | 43 43 | Aussie Painters Network
Insurance Premium FundingA lending facility for business clients who wish to spread the cost on annual insurance
premiums over monthly instalments so that they can smooth out their cash flow.
Unsecured or secured by policies financed: Finance is generally available without tying up the business and personal assets. In most instances no additional security is required. Directors’ guaranteesare usually required when financing is $250k.
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May 8th Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices MelbourneMay 16, 17th Estimating and Quoting (6pm - 9pm) SydneyMay 21st Course in Sustainable Painting Practices PerthMay 22nd Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices PerthMay 26th Apply Troweled Texture Coating SydneyMay 29th Apply Wallpaper Gold CoastMay 30th Course in Sustainable Painting Practices Gold CoastJune 10th Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices AdelaideJune 11th Apply Troweled Texture Coating MelbourneJune 12th Matching Colours SydneyJune 13-16 Painters Business Management Course (5pm - 8pm) MelbourneTBA Wallpaper Course LauncestonTBA Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices LauncestonTBA Painters Business Management Course LauncestonTBA Decorative Finishes MelbourneTBA Green Painters Course HobartTBA Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices AdelaideTBA Wallpaper Course AdelaideTBA Decorative Finishes Gold CoastTBA Protective Coatings Gold CoastTBA Protective Coatings GladstoneTBA Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices GladstoneTBA Anti-Graffiti Coatings Gold CoastTBA Anti-Graffiti Coatings SydneyTBA Painters Business Management Canberra
Boom Lift Ticket, Sydney, on demand ($750)
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Painters Business Management Course (distance learning) on demand.
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National institute of Painting and Decorating7 Glenbrae Crt | Buderim QLD 4556
T 1300 319790 | E : [email protected] | www.painters.edu.au
training schedule for 2013 National Institute for Painting and Decorating
2013 May Issue | 47
Course Date Time
Establish Legal and 17,18,19 June 5.00pm to 8.30pm
Risk Management 24,25,26 June 5.00pm to 8.30pm
Requirements of 2,3,4,5,6 Sept. 8.00am to 4.00pm
Small Business 25,26,27 Nov. 5.00pm to 8.30pm
2,3,4 Dec. 5.00pm to 8.30pm
Prepare Surfaces for 1 May - Resit 8.00am to 12.00pm
Painting PRB Colour 15,16,17,18,19 July 8.00am to 4.00pm
& Wall Papering 22 July - Rev* 8.00am to 12.00pm
23 July- Exam 8.00am to 12.00pm
24 July – Resit 8.00am to 12.00pm
16,17,18 Sept. 5.00pm to 8.30pm
23,24,25 Sept. 5.00pm to 8.30pm
1,2 October 5.00pm to 8.30pm
7 Oct. – Rev* 8.00am to 12.00pm
8 Oct. - Exam 8.00am to 12.00pm
9 Oct. - Resit 8.00am to 12.00pm
Identify and Produce 7,8 May 8.00am to 4pm
Estimated costs for 14,15 May 8.00am to 4pm
building & construction 20,21,22 May 5.00pm to 8.30pm
projects 27,28,29 May 5.00pm to 8.30pm
4,5 June 5.00pm to 8.30pm
11,12 June 8.00am to 4pm
6,7 Aug. 8.00am to 4pm
12,13,14,15,16 Aug. 8.00am to 4.00pm
10,11 Sept. 8.00am to 4pm
15,16 Oct. 8.00am to 4pm
22,23 Oct. 8.00am to 4pm
28,29,30 Oct. 5.00pm to 8.30pm
4,5,6 Nov. 5.00pm to 8.30pm
11,12,13 Nov. 5.00pm to 8.30pm
26,27 Nov. 8.00am to 4pm
10,11 Dec. 8.00am to 4pm
Course in Sustainable 2-Jul 8.00am to 4.00pm
Painting Practices 12-Nov 8.00am to 4.00pm
Remove Graffiti & Apply 6,7 Aug. 8.00am to 4pm
Protective Coatings 26,27 Nov. 8.00am to 4pm
Course in Restricted 4-Jul 8.00am to 4.00pm
Asbestos Removal 13-Nov 8.00am to 4.00pm
48 | Aussie Painters Network
The Industry idiots
Aussie Painters Networkwww.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Ph. 0430 399 800
master Painters & Decorators Australiawww.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662
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 & Constructionwww.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338mates in Constructionwww.matesinconstruction.com.au Ph. 1300 642 111
Important Contacts
ACTNSWNTQLDSAVICWA
www.worksafe.act.gov.auwww.workcover.nsw.gov.auwww.worksafe.nt.gov.auwww.deir.qld.gov.auwww.safework.sa.gov.auwww.worksafe.vic.gov.auwww.safetyline.wa.gov.au
(02)6207300013 10 501800 019 1151300 369 9151300 365 2551800 136 0891300 307 877
Workplace Health and Safety ContactsSTATE Website Phone
Cancer Council AustraliaSTATE Website PhoneACTNSWNTQLDSAVICWA
www.actcancer.orgwww.cancercouncil.com.auwww.cancercouncilnt.com.auwww.cancerqld.org.auwww.cancersa.org.auwww.cancervic.org.auwww.cancerwa.asn.au
(02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000(08) 9212 4333
2013 May Issue | 49
