Why does one tradie relationship matter so much?
A single referral from a carpenter can reach a builder running multiple projects, and that builder can become a source of regular monthly work. One member in the session shared that a chippy he knew through friends referred him to a builder, which led to a $20,000 to $30,000 solar install every month for around 12 months, adding up to roughly 10 jobs. That all came from one person.
The point Greg makes is that small wins lead to big wins. You do not need dozens of connections to start. You need to start somewhere and deliver when the work comes in.
How do you start a relationship with a tradie you do not know well?
You go in with something to offer first. One member approached a roof painter in her same complex by bringing them a job her client needed done. The conversation then turned to whether the roofer ever needed solar panels removed before re-roofing. The roofer sent through a work order within an hour.
Going to someone with value before asking for anything back is the pattern that works. You are not cold calling a stranger. You are talking to someone who works with the same kinds of clients you do.
What is the name-drop approach and why does it work?
If you share a mutual contact with another tradie or business owner, use that connection when you reach out. Greg describes it as calling someone and saying you know their mate, then suggesting a coffee. The shared contact creates instant trust and makes it far easier to get a meeting.
The same principle applies in business-to-business introductions. If you are already working with a trade partner, ask them who else they work with and whether you can be introduced. That next conversation can open up an entirely new client base.
How do you make sure your whole team is passing on referrals, not just you?
One member raised a problem that Greg says is common: the business owner is good at recommending other tradies, but the team is not doing it because there is no process or collateral in place. If your crew finishes a job and the client is rushing out the door, there is no guarantee anyone will mention your trusted partners.
A simple, well-presented list of tradies you genuinely recommend, left at every client's house, solves this. You can ask each tradie on your list whether they are happy to be included, and in doing so you may find they start passing around their own version of the same list with your name on it.
How do you build your list when you are new to an area or just starting out?
Start with whoever you already know: subbies you have worked alongside on site, tradies your existing clients mention, mates in the trade. Write their names down even if you do not yet know which trades they cover.
For the gaps, jump on Google Maps and search for trades in your area. Look for five-star reviews as a starting filter, then have a look at their website and Instagram to see whether they look legitimate and reliable. You can build a strong list this way even if you have just moved to a new region.
What should you actually do this week?
Greg's challenge is to call or text 10 or more tradies to get conversations started. A call is better than a text, and a face-to-face coffee is better again. If you can book even one catch-up this week, do it.
Use a spreadsheet or a CRM to keep notes: who you spoke to, what they work on, what was agreed. Track the conversations so nothing falls through the cracks. You do not have to have work to send them right now. Building the relationship is the starting point, and the work flows from there.
