Aussie Painting Contractor May 2013

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Aussie Painting Contractor

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Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme Web Forums and Your Business Properties of Paints Series

Colour Bases

Electrical Safety and Young Workers Smart Phones and App

Your Digital Tool Box

Aussie Painters Network is giving away 2 Seats for the State of Origin...

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From the Editor 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 always welcome back to APN as one of our original team members.

The good news is that I would like to welcome Colin 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 swinging the brush and training the next generation and 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 knowledge that we know he is keen to share.

From listening to the industry and its needs, we have developed a new area within Aussie Painters Network to bring Employers and Employees 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 a business tool to improve your profile with in the industry.

Till next month, Happy Painting!

Nigel Gorman

nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0430 399 800

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.

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Instant access to our pricing and estimating guides Quotation guide to assist you when quoting Work Method Statement and Risk Assessment Guide Personal service and phone advice Web Listing for prospective customers to find you easily Free targeted online marketing & advertising Back-links to assist you in SEO rankings Your own page on homepaintersinfo.com Painter Help section if you are looking for work or looking for painters to help Your details listed in 5 postcode areas

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www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Aussie Painters Network

Gold Membership Through the provision of services from Master Painters and Decorators Australia,

Aussie Painters Network is bringing you

more benefits. For only $99.97

• Get Aussie Painters Network Membership plus • Membership Card • Discounted Quote Books and Contract Pads • Special Give-a-ways • Discounts on Training and Education • Access to Legal Assistance

in Debt Collection

• Information on Work Health and Safety • Invites to Seminars, Forums and Webinars • Your details listed in 10 postcode areas • And many more benefits

Existing Members may

Upgrade! for $50, to become a

Gold Member

Contents 8

30 Is Gluten Making You Fat?

Member Consultants

10 Free Advertising that Works 12 New Apprentice Scheme

Offers Support

32 Smart Phones and Apps

Your Digital Tool Box 34 12 Traits that Make a

Great Networker OUTSTANDING

14 Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF)

39 Writing Good Content

for Your Website

16 Web Forums and Your Business

40 Colours of Autumn

21 National Licensing

46 Training Schedules

26 Properties of Paint Series

Colour Bases

48 Industry Idiots 49 Important Contacts

28 New and Young Workers

EDITOR Nigel Gorman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline Miall

CONTRIBUTORS • Belinda Ross • Caroline Miall • Colin Thompson • Dominic Parmenter • Jennie Gorman

• • • • •

Jim Baker Leanne Staff Michael Farrugia Nigel Gorman Scott Collins

Anne Delgado GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER •• J.J.Anne Delgado

Member Consultants 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 Painting and Decorating Industry for some 44 odd years. A few years after I completed my apprenticeship I set up my own business which operated successfully for about 25 years, employing up to six staff. I have extensive knowledge 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 special finishes 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 Thompson

colin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 0433 724 794

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.

Domenic Parmenter

domenic@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Dominic

A Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers When 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.

A

professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked 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.

Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter.

Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favourite passions---if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

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 sand is everything else---the small stuff.

The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’

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 are important 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.

The original author is unknown but we thank them for their inspiration

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2013 May Issue | 9

Free Advertising that Works Why spend a lot on advertising if you could do it for free We all know advertising is very expensive, so the more free advertising we do means the more money we 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 letters in 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 Author

How To Become a Really Successful Painter

www.notjustapainter.com.au 10 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 May Issue | 11

New Apprentice Scheme Offers Support CAMS supporting construction apprentices throughout their apprenticeships.

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onstruction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme (CAMS) is a comprehensive, nationally coordinated approach to supporting construction apprentices throughout their apprenticeships. Funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Apprenticeship Mentoring Program 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, construction apprentices who are signed on to participate under the program are matched with suitable trained volunteer mentors for one year.

CAMS’ mentoring assists apprentice to ensure any obstacles and issues arising during an apprenticeship can be resolved without unnecessary anxiety or distress while also opening up pathways and opportunities for apprentices once their training contract is complete. Apprentices can access mentoring for free and may renew their mentorship after a year.

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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 promote careers in the construction industry. The officers are also available to answer phone, email and faceto-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 pathways from school into an apprenticeship • A range of discounts and promotional offers for apprentices.

MENTOR PROGRAM

Volunteer mentors play a vital role in CAMS’ goal to improve apprenticeship competition rates and enhance career opportunities 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 communication and work-life balance.

• Help apprentices to articulate and develop their career goals in the building and construction industry;

• Offer practical guidance with networking in the building & construction industry by facilitating connections between the apprentice and helpful contacts; and • refer apprentices to relevant support services (e.g. our program partner Mates in Construction and other pastoral care services) where professional advice in relation to relationship issues, drug and alcohol use, or mental health may be needed.

Master Builders Queensland is now taking applications for both volunteer mentors and apprentices under the new CAMS program.

For more information or to participate please call 07 3225 6407 or email apprentices@masterbuilders.asn.au

The Employment Page Aussie Painters Network has consulted with some of our Members and discovered a need for a forum for both employers seeking staff and those painters looking for 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 our website for more details!

14 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 May Issue | 15

Web Forums and Your Business Online web forums are a great way to connect and share with the likeminded.

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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 good way to get involved and support your industry too. Forums as structured, focused communities offer a great deal of value, representing a concentrated 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 customers 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.

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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 business 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 transparent about your affiliations and intentions 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 the forum in a professional capacity and keep it appropriate.

Keep on the look-out for forums where there may be a dedicated space 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 industry knowledge; and with one click you can instantly post to your

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts at the same time from the Tradiesnetwork platform! Spaces like these are becoming more sophisticated and tailored to an audience.

Effectively, your well-chosen online forum 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 others in your industry. In fact, this is what we hope for the Aussie Painters Network Forum.

The Aussie Painters Network Forum is already available for readers and Members to take advantage of.

We have some great mediators on board, and would love to see this arena better utilised and to evolve to suit you. Whether it be product feedback, solving a problem on a job, specialized areas like Lead Paint; you can start a discussion thread 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 Miall

caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

2013 May Issue | 19

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2013 May Issue | 20

National Licensing: 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 Office 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 finaldecision on the reform by the end of 2013, which will take into consideration the outcomes of the further State�based consultations, with national licensing 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 looking 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 country. 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 outcomes 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 training and education that will enable unqualified trades people the opportunity to obtain a license.

www.masterpainters.asn.au 2013 May Issue | 21

Planet Paints

Leading 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 products include a range of coatings for industrial and domestic use, including 2-pack acrylic for industrial application as well as concrete coatings, and a semi-gloss acrylic polyurethane paint for interior purposes great for workshops or garage floors.

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Testimonials from all relevant facets of industry confirm 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 business does.” 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 various water 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 Calculator Take the guess work out of quoting!

How 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 different workers, 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 expensesper hour!

www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator/

My Costing Guide Do you measure and price your projects by square or linear metre?

a huge difference on the costing of a project! Change this to suit your buying power from your manufacturer.

Would you like the ability to personalise your own rates How many times instead of using a recommended rate?

If so; this is the program for you.

‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully automated 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 coverage rate of the material? This can make

For $35.90;

it’s money well spent

have you gone to a job and found that it will take longer because of exterior obstacles or excessive furniture 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).

‘My Costing Guide’ is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business.

Last of all, what about your hourly rate? Everyone has a different hourly rate, so why not put your own in.

www.mytools4business.com/ mycostingguide/

Visit My Coasting Guide at

www.consolidatedi.com.au

2013 May Issue | 25

Properties of Paint Series

COLOUR BASES

In this issue we are going to look at colour bases and pigment dispersion.

We also discussed that the white pigment (titanium dioxide) is known as the base or primary pigment.

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.

Understanding this will helps us understand 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 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.

The base of the paint is determined by how much white pigment it contains. The darker or more intense a colour desired, then the less titanium dioxide will be required.

An important point to keep in mind; if you over tint paint you risk floatation. Paint has a saturation point. When you add too much tinter to the binder, it will

We learnt in the April Issue that pigments provide the colour in paint. These are finely ground particles of solids that block the light and thus make the paint opaque.

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 notice the 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 of Aussie Painting Contractors.

www.painters.edu.au 26 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 May Issue | 27

New and Young Workers Trainees and Apprentices are the next generation of tradesmen to improve and better our industries. Train and supervise them well.

T

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 electrical wiring is present during the course of their work and as such are all frequently exposed to the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

This incident highlights the need to be overly cautious and 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 are involved in many workplace incidents/injuries.

Below are some ideas that can assist you in managing safe systems of work for your trainees and by implementing, will ensure the risks of injury/incidents that 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 provided 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 apprentices during 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 thorough understanding 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 workplace consultative 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 requirements of 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 quickly communicate information.

• Have a documented system for managing safety (Safety Management Plan) including staff trained in OSH • Ensure you have appropriate workers’ compensation insurance and fulfil your duty to provide return-to-work pathways and rehabilitation to any injured workers.

www.sswa.net.au 28 | Aussie Painters Network

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 tradesman 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 graeme@sswa.net.au

2013 May Issue | 29

Is Gluten Making You Fat? Sick, tired and overweight, the answer may lay in the foods you’re eating!

H

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 coeliac disease (a condition affected by gluten). Gluten causes their immune systems 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 gluten intolerant?

Dr Davis the author of “Wheat Belly” believes that Wheat is not what it once was and through genetic 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 intestine of 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 contribute too 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 actually contain 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 calorie replacements.

If you are challenged about losing weight 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, counting points, or limitations. We believe in getting the body working.

www.weightandshape.com.au

30 | Aussie Painters Network

Smart Phones and Apps - Your Digital Tool Box These are just some of the basic apps and functions handy on your smart phone; like a digital Swiss army knife!

W

e recently circulated a survey asking 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.

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.

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 Facebook at smoko, but your smart phone could be the best business tool you’ve ever owned.

Bookwork There 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.

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 customer is 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 their decision to hire you for the job.

Quoting – Camera Apps or phone camera 1. 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 client the 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 access a particular area of a house, one that might require scaffolding or is obstructed during your quote, you can use your camera to get a better look, rather than having to ‘guestimate’.

32 | Aussie Painters Network

On the Job Having apps and the web at your fingertips on your smart phone can make life a lot sweeter in the middle of 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 variation etc. you can access it in an instant and rectify any potential problems on the spot – also great for sharing documents 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 painting a door in a dark hallway or room with a lot of shadow, it’s a bit difficult to 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 working out how much more material you need and in which colour you are needing, most painters will go looking for a bit of sandpaper and a pencil to 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 waiting for 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 comprehensive 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.

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

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12 Traits That Make a Great Networker Outstanding What are the traits of a good networker?

T

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 the marketplace 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 introducing you to the right people. They hone their skills continuously and you will see them in the marketplace in different venues, with different people and making new connections to help their clients and community.

You may wonder ‘What traits does a great networker have 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 support the person talking.

2. They become known by attending others events – you will notice that a good networker will always

34 | Aussie Painters Network

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 know people’ 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.

6. They know and understand niche marketing – The first thing a business needs 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 effective tool for your marketing, why else would the Fortune 500 companies be 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 prepared to 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 important to have ‘good tools’ in your tool box.

Your business card and/or website are 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 networking outcomes. So, never go to a networking event without knowing 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 – Some small 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 are a great networker.” He said, “Yeah, I did, but a lot of other people don’t — and they needed to hear the answer from you.” Outstanding networkers 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 people, 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 Gorman

Phone: (07) 3262 5343 Mobile: 0414 278 344

www.connexionsunlimited.com.au 2013 May Issue | 35

36 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 May Issue | 37

info@zebraweb.com.au www.zebraweb.com.au 38 | Aussie Painters Network

Writing Good Content G

for 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 exposing your 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.

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 a great way to get your point across quickly. Using simple techniques 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.

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.

2013 May Issue | 39

Colours of Autumn

I

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,

40 | Aussie Painters Network

Their surroundings would be practical, but most of all functional

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.

Most of you, professional painters would have a portfolio of work – the one you show your customers when you go out to quote a project, either on line or real.

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.

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)

These people will love the colour palette with a warm undertone (add a drop of yellow) then dirty it up a bit (and black), in the Dulux colour 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 Haven and 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, Loganberry, Cornstalk, Nile Reed (Dulux Colour Specifier colours)

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 being observant. 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 | 41

42 | Aussie Painters Network

P: (07) 3283 8848 F: (07) 3283 8847 E: admin@austplanfs.com.au

Insurance Premium Funding A 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.

80% of your debtors in your hands

Within 24 hours

Worth thinking about!

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’ guarantees are usually required when financing is $250k.

Flexible financing term: Terms of 6 – 12 months, smooths out cash flow by breaking one lump sum into a series of payments over the year.

Finance a variety of insurance types: Bundle all insurance costs together, such as PI, Workers Compensation, general business insurance, motor vehicle fleet registrations etc.

43 | Aussie Painters Network

Budget with certainty: Rate & repayment are fixed for the term.

No ongoing fees: Upfront documentation fee, the only fee applicable, competitive interest rates and fixed monthly instalments.

Rod and Ian Scanes Phone: (07) 3278 0825 Fax: (07) 3278 0894 Mobile: 0421 383 314 (Rod) 0421 383 315 (Ian) rscanes@firstcharteredcapital.com.au 2013 May Issue | 43

Even low levels of lead are harmful...

Paint Contractors, Parents, Renovators, Child-care Centre Operators,Teachers, Landlords, Agents, Pet-owners: Find out if paint, dust, Soil, drinking water, toy paint, Plastics, ceramics, jewellery, and other items are safe for humans and pets.

Buy a DIY-sampling / lab analysis lead kit Order online • print form • fax/call : 1800 626 086

The LEAD Group’s lead test kits are the only ones available in Australia for testing a wide variety of samples at a lab (which charges us a charity rate so you pay less). *The water test kit requires less lab work and a lot less interpretation that is why it costs less Prices include postage within Australia, handling, lab charge, results, interpretation & GST.

You take the samples, and send them to Sydney Analytical Labs. The lab analyses the samples, and we explain the results.

Click here for videos on

how to use the sampling kits

The LEAD Group is a charity (ABN 25819463114 )

donate NOW

44 | Aussie Painters Network

www.lead.org.au

Training Schedule for 2013

National Institute for Painting and Decorating

May 8th Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices May 16, 17th Estimating and Quoting (6pm - 9pm) May 21st Course in Sustainable Painting Practices May 22nd Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices May 26th Apply Troweled Texture Coating May 29th Apply Wallpaper May 30th Course in Sustainable Painting Practices June 10th Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices June 11th Apply Troweled Texture Coating June 12th Matching Colours June 13-16 Painters Business Management Course (5pm - 8pm) TBA Wallpaper Course TBA Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices TBA Painters Business Management Course

TBA Decorative Finishes

TBA Green Painters Course TBA Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices TBA Wallpaper Course TBA Decorative Finishes

TBA Protective Coatings TBA Protective Coatings TBA Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices TBA Anti-Graffiti Coatings TBA Anti-Graffiti Coatings TBA Painters Business Management

Melbourne Sydney Perth Perth Sydney Gold Coast Gold Coast Adelaide Melbourne Sydney Melbourne Launceston Launceston Launceston Melbourne Hobart Adelaide Adelaide Gold Coast Gold Coast Gladstone Gladstone Gold Coast Sydney Canberra

Boom Lift Ticket, Sydney, on demand ($750) EWP Yellow Card, Sydney, on demand ($250) Painters Business Management Course (distance learning) on demand.

Suitable for BSA Queensland license ($290)

National Institute of Painting and Decorating 7 Glenbrae Crt | Buderim QLD 4556 T 1300 319790 | E : admin@painters.edu.au | www.painters.edu.au

Certificate III Painting and Decorating now subsidised in VIC, SA and QLD. Free for painters over 50.* Conditions apply +

46 | Aussie Painters Network

This course is licensed by Sustainability Victoria

Course

Date

Time

Establish Legal and Risk Management Requirements of Small Business

17,18,19 June 24,25,26 June 2,3,4,5,6 Sept.

25,26,27 Nov. 2,3,4 Dec.

5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 4.00pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm

Prepare Surfaces for Painting PRB Colour & Wall Papering

1 May - Resit 15,16,17,18,19 July 22 July - Rev* 23 July- Exam 24 July – Resit 16,17,18 Sept.

23,24,25 Sept.

1,2 October 7 Oct. – Rev* 8 Oct. - Exam 9 Oct. - Resit

8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm

Identify and Produce Estimated costs for building & construction projects

7,8 May 14,15 May 20,21,22 May 27,28,29 May 4,5 June 11,12 June 6,7 Aug. 12,13,14,15,16 Aug. 10,11 Sept.

15,16 Oct. 22,23 Oct. 28,29,30 Oct. 4,5,6 Nov. 11,12,13 Nov. 26,27 Nov. 10,11 Dec.

8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm

Course in Sustainable Painting Practices

2-Jul 12-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 4.00pm

Remove Graffiti & Apply Protective Coatings

6,7 Aug. 26,27 Nov.

8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm

Course in Restricted Asbestos Removal

4-Jul 13-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 4.00pm

2013 May Issue | 47

The Industry

48 | Aussie Painters Network

Idiots

Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Ph. 0430 399 800

Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au

Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au

Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Ph. 13 13 94

Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338 Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au

Ph. 1300 642 111

Workplace Health and Safety Contacts STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877

Cancer Council Australia STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au

Phone (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