The Toolshed podcast keeps you up to date with what's happening in the Building Industry. Keeping your finger on the pulse of changing trends, so you can take advantage of opportunities and avoid becoming a dinosaur! Every episode we'll talk about how these trends affect you, and what steps you can take to stay ahead of the curve. You'll learn how to use new technologies to make your business more efficient and effective, how to connect with other builders and architects, and how to make sur ...
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"Burnout doesn’t announce itself—it sneaks in quietly and takes a toll on your body, mind, and business.” In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, we dive into the all-too-common challenges of burnout, stress, and exhaustion that builders and tradies face daily. I sat down with Luke Shipley, the creator of Boost Fuel for Tradies, to uncover practic…
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Overwhelmed by constant admin and missed follow-ups? Let’s fix that. In this episode, I sat with CRM expert Elena Korolkova from Kik Consulting to tackle the top frustrations builders face: scattered project details, endless client questions, and lack of time. They discuss how using a CRM tool like monday.com can simplify your workflow, automate ta…
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"Running a business together can either build you up or break you down—it's all in how you handle it." - Verity Hare Feeling the strain of balancing family and business? Mick sits down with Verity Hare, founder of Tradie Wives, who turned her frustrations with co-running a trades business into actionable solutions for thousands of partners. Verity …
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"Eight men take their lives every day in Australia. It’s time to break the silence." Many men in high-stress fields like construction are silently battling mental health struggles, feeling the pressure to "tough it out." In this episode of The ToolShed, Geraldine from Alchemy of Men joins us to confront this issue. We dig into why men hesitate to s…
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Can Virtual Assistants Transform Your Business?
33:42
33:42
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33:42"Your biggest bottleneck is you. Let a VA take tasks off your plate so you can focus on growth." Overwhelmed by tasks? In this episode of The Toolshed, Mick Hawes talks with Devang Parikh from 24-7 Direct about how Virtual Assistants (VAs) can help builders delegate, save time, and boost efficiency. Learn how outsourcing can improve your systems an…
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Are you constantly finishing projects only to find out you’ve lost money? Builders often struggle with tracking costs mid-project, leading to profit loss and financial stress. In this episode of The ToolShed, Liam Cook, co-founder of JackApp, shares how their software helps builders fix this problem. With real-time cash flow forecasting, variation …
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"You don’t need fancy equipment. Start simple, be authentic, and the results will come." – Gideon In this episode of The Toolshed, I chat with video expert Gideon about simplifying video marketing for builders. They discuss avoiding common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating your gear and focusing on perfection, and instead highlight the importance …
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In this episode of The ToolShed, I chat with Sonia Bottern and Greg from Jesuit Social Services about how genuine connection and listening can change lives—whether by supporting mental health or building stronger business relationships. We dig into how being present and having meaningful conversations help prevent isolation and foster deeper connec…
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"The moment you find clarity, everything changes—your business, your life, and your future. Purpose is the key to unlocking it all." - Mitchell Fragar In this episode, I sat down with Mitch Fragar, a BlackBelt builder who has completely transformed his business and life by finding and embracing his purpose. Mitch talks about the challenges of runni…
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"What if freeing up your team’s time could unlock a whole new level of growth for your business?" In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat down with Kody Thompson from WrkPod to explore how virtual assistants (VAs) can revolutionize your building business. We dive into the myths around outsourcing, how VAs can actually create jobs locally, and the si…
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Overcoming Time Management Challenges for Builders
31:30
31:30
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31:30"If you're spending more time on admin than on building, you're working harder, not smarter." – Greg Smith In this episode of The Toolshed, I sat with Greg Smith from Admins The Answer about how builders can save time and reduce stress by outsourcing admin tasks like invoicing, client communication, and chasing payments. Learn how delegation can im…
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Breaking Builder Burnout with Community and Mindset
31:56
31:56
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31:56In this episode of The ToolShed, I chat with builders Luke Davies and Kyle Zanetto about overcoming burnout and the power of community. They share their personal journeys, common mistakes builders make, and how shifting their mindset transformed their businesses. We also discuss Future Builder, a platform they co-created to help other builders succ…
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Strengthen Client Relations with Negotiation with Nicole Davidson
36:50
36:50
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36:50Get ready for an insightful conversation with negotiation expert Nicole Davidson! In this upcoming episode, we’ll be diving into how builders can strengthen client relationships and avoid costly disputes through effective negotiation. 🛠️ If you’ve ever faced challenges with miscommunication, team conflicts, or tricky client situations, this episode…
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Enhancing Business Success Through Professionalism
45:30
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45:30In this episode of The Toolshed Podcast, I sit down with Richard Armstrong from ProCalc for a deep dive into how professionalism can make or break a building business. They discuss actionable strategies that builders can implement to elevate their reputation, build trust with clients, and stand out in the competitive construction industry. From the…
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Unlocking BUILD-A-TREND with Aspire Projects
27:00
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27:00In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat with the experts from Aspire Projects, Jordan and Scott, about how builders can truly unlock the full potential of Buildertrend. With so many builders using only a fraction of their software's capabilities, Aspire Projects specializes in helping residential builders implement Buildertrend efficiently to stream…
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Unlocking Women’s Potential in the Building Industry with Melinda Davis
22:08
22:08
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22:08Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! In this episode, I’m excited to sit down with Mel Davis, the Chief Operating Officer of Empowering Women in Trades. We’re diving deep into how women are breaking down barriers in the building industry, and it’s not just talk—we’re talking real, tangible change. Mel shares her incredible journey, the challeng…
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How AI is Revolutionizing the Construction Industry
33:15
33:15
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33:15In this episode of The Toolshed, Mick Hawes sits down with Erik Cofield of BuilderChain to explore how AI is transforming the construction industry. Erik shares his journey from building his first house for a dog to becoming a leader in AI solutions for builders. They discuss how AI can help reclaim time, increase profitability, and streamline oper…
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In this episode of The Toolshed, we’re unpacking one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of running a construction business—marketing. Many builders experience feast-or-famine cycles, and it all comes down to how well you’re marketing your business. If you’ve ever found yourself with too much work or, even worse, none at all, this epi…
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Understanding Mental Health First Aid with Bill Carson
42:40
42:40
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42:40Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! Today, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough in the building industry—mental health. If you’ve been in the game long enough, you know it’s not just about physical endurance; the mental toll is just as demanding. And that’s why I’m sitting down with Bill Carson from Inspire L…
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In this episode of The Toolshed podcast, I sit with Ahmed Yusuf from Wunderbuild to explore how client feedback is shaping the future of builders' software. Discover how Wunderbuild’s client-first approach has helped solve critical challenges in the construction industry, from project management to financial integrations. Ahmed shares insider stori…
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Unlock the key to better client relationships and smoother projects by closing the communication gap in your building business! In this episode of The ToolShed, we dive into one of the biggest challenges facing builders today—communication. Whether you’re running a small residential building business or managing larger projects, poor communication …
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Leadership Through Listening with Angela Heise
40:14
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40:14How to strengthen client relationships and lead effectively in your building business. In this episode, I sit down with Angela Heise for an enlightening conversation on how mastering the art of intentional listening can revolutionize leadership in the residential building and construction industry. Angela dives deep into how builders and business o…
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Building Mental Resilience feat. Aaron WD Huey
28:14
28:14
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28:14Take Charge of Your Mental Well-being in the Trade Industry Mental health and personal development are crucial topics that every tradie should be paying attention to. In this episode, we’re focusing on equipping yourself mentally for the long haul in your trade. We discussed strategies like box breathing, the importance of goal setting, and why sel…
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A Builder’s Journey with Anthony Tarquinio
38:05
38:05
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38:05Transform your building business with the right mindset and strategies. The shift from working in your business to working on your business. If you’re a builder who’s felt like the day-to-day grind has you stuck, you’re going to want to listen in. We’re talking about the mindset shift, the strategies, and the systems that can completely transform t…
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The Power of Trade Alliances for Builders feat. Brett Crowther
24:17
24:17
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24:17Learn how to use collective buying power to secure better pricing and reliable suppliers for your building business. Today, we will explore the significant advantages of collective buying power for builders, focusing on how joining a trade alliance can drastically improve your business's efficiency and profitability. We’ll delve into the benefits o…
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Mastering Builder Marketing with Contractor Scale feat. Cameron Upton
32:40
32:40
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32:40How to Attract the Right Clients and Boost Your Construction Business In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most crucial aspects of running a successful construction business—marketing. Now, marketing might sound like a bit of a buzzword, but when it comes down to it, knowing who you’re trying to attract and having the right strategies…
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The Future Lady Tradies Revolution feat Taleah Henderson, Kayla & Aleah Hill
24:21
24:21
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24:21Lady Tradies Revolution In this episode of The ToolShed podcast, I host three inspiring young women from Future Lady Tradies (FLT): Aleah, Taleah, and Kayla. We dive into their journey of creating a charity to support and encourage female apprentices in male-dominated trades. We cover the origin of FLT, their mission to attract, connect, and retain…
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Leadership Mindset for Builder Business Owners feat. Jerome Lamarque
34:26
34:26
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34:26High-Performance Leadership In this episode , we discuss the essential mindset shifts and strategies needed to build and lead high-performing teams in the building industry. I sit down with Jerome Lemarque, a mindset management coach. He shares his expertise on mental fitness, overcoming repetitive challenges, and fostering trust and consistency wi…
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Slash Your Build Time & Costs feat. Toby Loft
22:56
22:56
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22:56BuiltGrid's Game-Changing Supply Chain Solutions Imagine a world where you can manage your entire supply chain with just a few clicks, automating those tedious tasks that eat away at your time and profits. BuiltGrid is not just a tool, but a revolution in how builders interact with their suppliers, from trades to materials and services. We’re talki…
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Mastering Builds with Next Minute feat. Emily Ossington
27:21
27:21
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27:21Simplify Construction Projects with NextMinute If you're a builder looking to streamline your projects, keep track of schedules, quoting, costs, invoicing, and profits, then this episode is a must-listen. NextMinute is designed specifically for residential construction, offering seamless two-way integration with popular cloud accounting platforms l…
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How Builders Can Buy Back Time with Buildxact feat. Steve Yates
28:34
28:34
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28:34Tech Advancement in Construction With so many software options for builders, it can be a real head-scratcher figuring out which one suits your business best. We're talking tools that save you time, money, and a heap of frustration. Whether you're jotting down specs on a beer coaster or wrestling with outdated spreadsheets, there's a better way, and…
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How To Have A Successful Construction Project? feat. Adrian Ramsay
40:41
40:41
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40:41Crafting Memorable Client Experiences The way you make your clients feel is just as important as the structure you build for them. From the initial planning stages to the final handover, it’s all about creating a positive and memorable experience. We discuss how to align design visions with budget realities and foster strong collaborative relations…
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Hidden dangers in our homes We spend so much time worrying about our diets, exercise routines, and overall wellness, but how often do we consider the very environment we live in? From mold to building materials and electromagnetic fields, these unseen factors can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. It's high time we shone a light o…
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How A Builder Can Improve Efficiency With AroFlo feat. Peter Darley
24:16
24:16
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24:16Streamlining Trades Business with AroFlo Softwares are essential in trades businesses as it streamlines processes, reduces errors, and improves efficiency, leading to cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction. In this episode, we discuss the innovative solutions AroFlo offers for trades and construction businesses. We'll talk about Peter’s ex…
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How Community Can Be Your Toolbox for Mental Health feat. Adrien Mamet
27:33
27:33
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27:33Creating a Stronger Construction Community We all know the construction industry can be a pressure cooker. It's a massive issue that we can't afford to shy away from, especially given the challenges we've all faced over the past few years. We'll be exploring some powerful tools, philosophies, and community-driven techniques that can help us build n…
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Embracing Mental Health in the Building Industry A critical and often overlooked issue in the building industry is mental health. In this episode, we talked about recognising the signs of mental health struggles, and the importance of open conversations. But it's not just about recognizing the signs, it's about being present, supporting one another…
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Ready to Build Better with Buildern? feat. Angus Cowan
25:25
25:25
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25:25The Revolution in Construction Management Software As the construction industry evolves, the demand for integrated, user-friendly software solutions has become more pressing. Builders and contractors are increasingly seeking out systems that not only streamline their operations but also integrate seamlessly with other essential services like accoun…
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Untapped Potential: Bridging the Gap in Construction with Women feat. Amanda Bulow
27:21
27:21
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27:21Embracing diversity, especially the inclusion of women, transforms the construction industry Today, we're zeroing in a pressing issue that's reshaping the construction industry—diversity, with a special focus on the vital roles and impacts of women in this traditionally male-dominated arena. We're unpacking the challenges they encounter, the opport…
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Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Building and Trades Through Inclusivity feat. Hacia Atherton
31:09
31:09
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31:09Explore how women are transforming the trade industry This episode is one cracker of a chat, where I sit down with Hacia Atherton about breaking new ground for women in the trades. Hacia's not just talking the talk; she's walked a tough path that's led her to champion women in a field where they've been as rare as hen's teeth. We don't just skim th…
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Can Women Thrive in Male-Dominated Trades? Feat. Louise Azzopardi
27:36
27:36
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27:36Learn how to navigate and overcome biases in mechanics industry The mechanics industry is usually male-dominated, but I see many women entering it now. They're not just breaking barriers but smashing them with a sledgehammer and building pathways for other women to follow and break industry norms. These challenges can ignite a passion, leading to s…
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Building Better Trades: Unpacking Success Strategies feat. David List
30:34
30:34
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30:34How trade businesses can leverage media and technology for growth The integration of innovative digital tools and strategies is one of the challenges and solutions relevant to building and trades-based businesses. Tools like Trade Magnet and List Media have been game-changers in the way trade businesses engage with customers and manage their operat…
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Prevention Is Better Than The Cure For Your Business feat. James Murray
29:21
29:21
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29:21Safeguarding Your Business: Prioritising Health and Safety Health and safety in the workplace is often overlooked. Neglecting preventive health measures can be costly. It affects not just our health but also the amount of money businesses lose. Early intervention programmes help a lot. Address injuries, mental health concerns, and lifestyle issues …
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Do You Need A Wealth Coach? Feat. Jackson Millan
25:38
25:38
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25:38Learn how to master financial literacy with strategic planning Many of us finish school without knowing the first thing about running a business or managing our finances. This often leaves us just working for money rather than making money work for us. We need to wise up on money matters, helping us escape the trap of living paycheck to paycheck. T…
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Mental Health Is Something You Do feat. Shannen Cooper
28:20
28:20
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28:20Learn how to implement daily practices that support your mental health. Mental health, which governs our emotions, thoughts, and social interactions, influences how we feel and handle situations. Maintaining it can be challenging, especially during hard times. This guide provides practical methods to handle these periods and promote mental health, …
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How You Can Make Estimating Easier feat. Michael Read
23:22
23:22
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23:22Learn how V2E revolutionises building estimates As builders, we've all faced late nights wrestling with estimates, drowning in spreadsheets, and wondering if there's a better way. Well, V2E is here to say, "There is." V2E stands out by not just crunching numbers but by bringing projects to life with 3D modelling, offering a level of clarity and eff…
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How To Pick The Exact Right Builder feat. Rebeka Morgan
25:12
25:12
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25:12Learn how to revolutionise building through women's leadership Men usually dominate the building industry, but we are now witnessing an increase in the number of women making their mark. They often face unique challenges but offer exciting opportunities in the builder's industry. It's all about combining practical tips with understanding the emotio…
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Learn how to reset your body and mind for holistic health wellness One of our Builders Business Blackbelt members shared that he built his business in such a way that he doesn’t have any time freedom, and it’s exhausting his body. It’s not a good situation for anybody. This episode touches on the topic of taking care of your body and how to do that…
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You're Doing Way More Than You Need To feat. James Buchanan
27:53
27:53
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27:53Learn how to use automation to enhance client communication Automation is a fundamental component of contemporary company operations. Businesses may streamline workflows, improve reaction times, and provide customised interactions at scale by implementing automation tools and techniques. Learning the art of automation enables businesses to accompli…
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Saving Money and Time Through Simplified Systems feat. James Brown
29:57
29:57
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29:57Learn how to maximise time and money for efficiency Businesses that have the systems and processes in the heads of the owner or even the people involved tend to struggle and find it quite difficult. Whereas if we get the systems and processes out so everyone can see them contribute to them, follow them, measure them, refine them. The business seems…
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The Simplest Way To Buy Back Your Time feat. James Russell
30:02
30:02
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30:02Learn how to optimise every minute for maximum profit Time freedom is the golden ticket. When we focus on adding value and streamlining, we're not just making more money—we're gaining precious time. One way we can achieve this is by hiring virtual assistants or VAs. Another is strategically simplifying our operations. These can be a game-changer in…
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