FEATURE
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GETTING IN
ON THE ACT
FROM ARCHITECTS TO TILERS
AND BUILDERS TO PLUMBERS, A
DOMESTIC PROJECT – BIG OR
SMALL – CAN RELY ON A NUMBER
OF TRADES COMING TOGETHER.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU’RE
THE ONE THAT LANDS THE JOB,
RATHER THAN THE BUILDER’S MATE?
SmartSense™ Multiplies Energy Efficiency
DIP SWITCH AND REMOTE CONTROL
PROGRAMABLE
Sensitivity
(20-100%)
Linear-Q™ Gen 2 Hold Time
LED Weatherproof / Standard (10s-60m)
•
•
•
•
fully selectable
no additional wiring
direct replacement
instant savings
1
3
4
Activation threshold
(10-50lux)
Contact your Gemcell branch today to find out how
SmartSense™ works to improve energy efficiency.
lumexlighting.com.au
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Dim level
(0-50%)
7
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Dim to Off time
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SAVINGS AS HIGH AS 85%
lumexenergy.com.au •
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(30s-60m)
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f you’re going to be
the electrical
contractor of choice
for a job, you need to get in
early. Even if it’s a regular
client, if it’s being project
managed by someone else,
that person is likely to use
their own people. Leave it too
late, then you’re risking being
left on the sidelines.
Of course, there are no
guarantees, but follow these
five steps to give yourself the
best possible chance. insisting you’re the person
they want on a job, so keep in
regular contact with them
– offer advice and insight
when you can, and gently ask
about reno plans when you
get the opportunity. Whether
you keep in touch via phone,
face to face, social media or
email, keep putting regular
reminders of what you can
do in front of them. Offer
them bits of inspiration and
insight, and keep front of
mind.
1 2
I
BE THE TRUSTED
EXPERT
Sounds simple, but if
you’re in from the start you’ll
be there at the end. You can’t
rely on your regular clients
GET IN EARLY
The earlier you’re
involved in a project,
the better. So don’t wait to be
invited. If your client is
engaging an architect early
on (turn to Inside The Mind
of an Architect, page 29), ask
to be a part of that
conversation. The more
value you can add to the
planning, the more work you
will get.
3 DO A DRIVE-BY
4 KEEP AN EYE ON THE
DA APPROVALS
Keep a note of the
builders who have
signs up outside current jobs
in the neighbourhoods you’d
like to work in. Invite them
for coffee. Or a beer. You may
not get into the job they have
going on right now, but if
they’re doing one job in the
neighbourhood, they’ll
certainly be doing another.
Local councils
publish DA approvals online,
so keep a close eye on them,
and send a letter of
introduction to the owners of
homes who’ve had reno
applications approved.
Let them know about the
types of products and
thinking you can bring to
enhance their projects.
Offer them a
complimentary 30-minute
chat about the latest
innovations in electronics
and the types of products
that can take their home
from good to great.
5
NETWORKING
EVENTS
As we covered last
issue, networking isn’t a dirty
word – not anymore, anyway.
Suss out which local events
are popular with tradies, and
get yourself there. Even if
there aren’t too many tradies
there, every event will be full
of homeowners – and, let’s
face it, who doesn’t know
someone who’s planning a
home improvement job? Be
memorable, and word of
mouth will do the rest!
THE RETROFIT ISSUE
CELEBRATE
ANYWAY
DON’T GET PICKED TO JOIN
THE PARTY? NEVER MIND,
HERE ARE FIVE SONGS TO
WALLOW TO.
ALONE AT A DRIVE-IN MOVIE
Stranded at the drive-in? Don’t be
branded a fool. After all, what will
they say, Monday at school?
SO LONELY
The Police classic.
Interesting fact:
many people in
the UK thought the
song was a
homage to BBC
newsreader Sue
Lawley.
ALL BY MYSELF
Don’t wanna be all by yourself?
Take the advice on this page and
you’ll be A-OK!
ONLY THE LONELY
The Big O knew how
you feel tonight.
ARE YOU
LONESOME
TONIGHT?
Are you
sorry we
drifted
apart? Go
back and
read tip 1.
APR – MAY 2019 GEMCELL.COM.AU
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