Notice Board
When a customer searches for a locksmith in their local area, an area page with results will appear, and the customer finds their nearest geographically located locksmith. To join TPL all locksmiths need to have a DBS and an interview with myself to check their credentials, equipment and setup.
To learn more about The Perspicacity Life or list your locksmith business today please visit www. theperspicacitylife. co. uk
The Joys & Woes of Locksmithing
I like the challenges the trade brings and that every day is different, I could be extracting keys or fitting locks. I like helping people in emergencies, when their day is not going well, I sort out the‘ panic situation’ and get them back to doing their daily plans. People get themselves in a messy situation sometimes and, as locksmiths, we must go and sort it out. Today, I rescued a cyclist stuck in the rain when his key broke off in his bike lock, it took me two minutes to open it.
What I dislike about locksmithing is navigating new road layouts and one-way routes around Bristol, and parking in town is terribly frustrating.
Advice to New Locksmiths
If you only cover a five-mile radius then you won’ t earn much money, you need to cover a wider area ideally up to one hour away. Except for emergencies I only go up to half an hour away, as I find people just don’ t want to wait and often abort callouts because a neighbour has helped them instead.
Diversify as early as possible and try different services so you can see what the demand is like, so you don’ t waste time offering services people don’ t want. Get your head around tax and VAT as this will save you money. Don’ t be afraid to scale your business but consider the work-life balance you want and shape your business around that.
While you’ re in the car, don’ t waste your time listening to the radio! This valuable time could be used to listen to podcasts and learn new things on the go!
My Future Plans
My girlfriend and I are planning to move to Wales, so in the process of selling houses and making plans for my businesses. I plan to push TPL forward and I will also be doing some entrepreneurial talks on SEO at events around Brighton and at entrepreneurial clubs.
What I Like about The Locksmith Journal
The Locksmith Journal is a well put together publication, that has all the relevant news to keep me up to date with the industry. When I receive my printed copy, I like to sit in the conservatory and read it while having a cuppa or a beer. The magazine is a great source to find new products that help me with my work, such as Jackloc window restrictors; I saw them advertised a year ago and purchased some, they were a great find! Nothing stays still in the world of locksmithing, and TLJ is a great way of staying in touch and learning more about the trade.
Work Hard Play Hard: Decision Making
Life as a locksmith involves working hard but also playing hard. In my spare time I like to play chess; my ELO score is 600, compared to Magnus Carlson 2831, so got a long way to go! I’ m a strong club player and I enjoy the 100 % focus it requires; one wrong move and it’ s over.
I also enjoy reading and the books I recommend are: Your Next 5 Moves by Patrick Bet-David, Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel and Power of Discipline by Daniel Walter. Through reading I’ ve learned how to make decisions quickly, which has helped me in business to achieve my goals and make accurate judgements. I also listen to podcasts while I’ m driving because it’ s a good use of time and it opens my mind to endless possibilities allowing me to move forward with clarity and focus.
Aalockandkey01 @ gmail. com www. aalocksmithsbristol. co. uk www. theperspicacitylife. co. uk
FEBRUARY 2025
11
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk