When most electricians step onto the tools, the focus is clear: compliant wiring and installs, and delivering top-quality workmanship. But the moment you launch your own business, the game changes. Yes, you’re still a sparkie — but now you’re also a small business owner. And success means sharpening your business tools just as much as your physical ones. The Physical Toolbox vs. The Business Toolbox Every electrician knows the frustration of a blunt tool. It slows you down, creates risk, and...

(And What to Do Instead) When you’re busy running an electrical business, outsourcing your tendering can seem like a tempting shortcut. You send off the plans, someone else crunches the numbers, and the tender lands back in your inbox ready to send. Easy, right? The problem is, that “easy” often comes at a much higher cost — not just in dollars, but in lost opportunities, reduced control, and weakened industry knowledge. If you’re serious about protecting your profits and growing your...

If you’re still thinking social media is just for dance challenges and photos of smashed avo on toast, it’s time for a little rewiring (see what I did there ). In 2025, social media isn’t just nice to have.  It’s an essential kit for any tradie who wants to stay competitive, attract the right clients, and build a reputation that gets people talking (for all the right reasons). Here’s why: 1. Word of Mouth Has Gone Digital Once, recommendations happened over a cuppa or at the pub. Now, your...

In our line of work, getting your ticket is a massive achievement — but it’s not the end of the road. In fact, it should be just the beginning. As a small electrical contracting business working across Australia and New Zealand, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly this industry evolves. New technologies, smarter systems, changing standards — staying still means falling behind. Too often, we see young sparkies think the learning stops once the apprenticeship ends. But the truth is, if you want to...

If you run a trade business, you already know the hustle. It’s early starts, back-to-back jobs, materials to order, invoices to chase—and that’s all before you’ve even had your second coffee. But here’s the kicker: admin doesn’t pay the bills. And for many tradies, it’s the silent killer of productivity and profit. So what if we told you there’s a smarter way? One that’s cost-effective, scalable, and already transforming businesses just like yours? Welcome to the world of offshore Virtual...

by: Morgan Coleman   As an entrepreneur and management consultant, my job is to help businesses solve problems and unlock more value—or put simply, make more money. Now, every business owner I meet thinks their business is different. Special. Unique. And look, I don’t want to argue with your mum—she’s right, you are special. But when it comes to business challenges, you’re not as unique as you think. And that’s a good thing. It means the problem has already been solved—you just need to...

Running a small business comes with a unique set of challenges—managing costs, meeting deadlines, and finding the right talent, all while trying to grow. One of the smartest ways to stay ahead in today’s competitive market is by leveraging a temporary work force.   Why Temporary Staffing Solutions Matter Temporary staffing solutions allow small businesses to access skilled workers on demand, without the long-term commitment of full-time employment. Whether you need extra hands during peak...

As an electrical contracting business owner, juggling the demands of work and family can feel like a massive challenge, especially during the festive season. With end-of-year deadlines and the holiday spirit in full swing, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, neglecting your well-being and family time. The Importance of Work-Life Balance A healthy work-life balance is essential for your overall happiness and productivity. When you value your personal life, you'll return to work...

In the fast-paced world of electrical contracting, accurate and efficient estimating is not just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. A well-crafted estimate can determine the success of a project, while a poorly executed one can lead to financial losses and damaged relationships with clients. Here's why electrical estimating is a critical component of a successful electrical contracting business.   Accurate Estimates Ensure Profitability: Pricing Power: Accurate estimates enable you to set...

5 Tips to Effectively Follow Up After Submitting Your Tender   Submitting a tender takes a lot of time and effort—gathering pricing, reviewing plans, drafting letters, and ensuring every detail is perfect. But all that hard work can go to waste if you don't follow up effectively. To help you stay on top of your tender submissions, we've created a simple follow-up plan. Add these steps to your calendar as reminders, and increase your chances of securing the project!   1. Submit Your...

Running your own electrical business in Australia or New Zealand is an exciting yet challenging venture. As a sparkie, you’re skilled at handling complex electrical jobs, but getting your name out there and attracting clients requires a different set of skills. To help you keep your business thriving, here are some savvy marketing strategies to help spark success and grow your business.   Build a Strong Online Presence In today's digital age, your website and social media are your virtual...

Hey there, fellow sparkies! The new financial year is here, and with it comes a fresh start! If you're a young electrician navigating the trade in Australia or New Zealand, you're likely juggling the excitement of running your own business with the need to stay sharp and informed. By continuously improving your skills and expertise, you’re not only staying relevant but also open up new opportunities for growth and advancement.  Here's why keeping up with education is your secret weapon.  ...

Hey there! Just like a best mate we’re here to spill the beans on the 10 most common mistakes electricians make when estimating, and guess what? We've got your back with some nifty tips on how you can avoid them. So sit back & let's dive in! 1.Not understanding the documents  This is the part where critical project specific info gets missed, resulting in lower than usual tender price submissions. In other words, undercutting yourself and then when you are awarded the project you expose...

Hey Mate! Ever heard the saying, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime"? Well, let's talk about how that concept applies to the business world, specifically in-house estimating. In-House Estimating, Your New Fishing Spot: Think of in-house estimating as your personal fishing spot. Instead of waiting for others to get the job done, you now have the knowledge and tools to reel in the big projects on your own. Pretty cool, right? Here...

In the dynamic realm of construction, electrical work stands as a cornerstone, powering everything from illuminating spaces to orchestrating the symphony of modern amenities. However, electrical projects can also prove cost-intensive, making accurate estimates a crucial tool for new electrical contractors navigating the uncharted waters of business.

This period presents an opportunity to recharge, strategise, and emerge primed for a stellar New Year. So grab a cuppa or a beer, and let’s navigate the festive lull together.

As the leading electrical estimating software platform, Esti-mate Electrical understands the importance of getting your tenders right. That’s why we recommend that you don’t outsource your tendering to a third party. Here are three reasons why.

Check out our top 10 crucial tips to help businesses navigate the complex world of tendering successfully.