Today we flip the script and talk to Drew (ERG Builders) — a builder who went from being kicked out of school to running a 15-person crew. No fluff, just site truth: pricing, clients, back-office pain, hiring, mental health, and the eternal builders vs sparks banter.You can find @ergonsite here - https://www.youtube.com/@ergonsite/videosThank you to @ThePodCollective for the amazing Studio and equipment What’s insideApprenticeship → first company by 20Price work, sites, and why he went soloWord of mouth vs paid directories (and why he binned them)Quote strategy (never cheapest, never dearest—bang in the middle)Back-office reality: paperwork, cash flow, VAT, CISNightmare client stories (scope creep, late payers, material “mystery”) + fixesKeeping a team happy and paid; growing without losing standardsHonest chat on trades mental health & boundariesIf you’re a spark, builder, or any trade running jobs, this will hit home.Like the chat? Subscribe for more real-world trade talks.

Fresh from the ELEX show, I’m answering the BIG question: how do you get more Google reviews—fast—and rank at the top of local search?Google Business Master Class - https://gumroad.com/a/748252307/bcxnyQR Code Generator - https://qrcodecreator.com/This is the exact, field-tested system I use (no fake reviews, no spam). It works because it’s easy for customers and timed right.What you’ll learnThe perfect moment to ask (and why “after the invoice” fails)The 10-second in-person ask that gets yes on the spotHow to make a QR code that opens your Google review form directlyWhat to say if customers “don’t know what to write” (keyword tips: trade + town)The best time of day to send a follow-up textWhy you should reply to every review (with ranking-friendly keywords)Quick check: how to see where you rank using an Incognito searchCopy-and-paste scripts1) In-person ask (at handover)“If you’re happy, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps local customers find a reliable electrician in [Your Town].Scan this and it opens straight on the review box.”2) Text/WhatsApp follow-up (same day, early evening)“Thanks again for today. If you could spare 30 seconds for a Google review it really helps us grow: [your Google review link]A line like ‘Electrician in [Your Town] installed [job] professionally’ is perfect. Appreciate it!”3) If they say ‘what should I write?’“Something simple like: ‘Found [Your Business] on Google. Electrician in [Town] fitted [service]—on time, tidy, professional.’”4) Your public reply template“Thanks, [Name]! Great working on your [service]. If anyone in [Town/Area] needs a reliable electrician, we’re happy to help.”How to make a direct review link / QRGoogle Business Profile → “Ask for reviews” → copy your short linkDrop that link into any QR generator → print/stick in your handover pack or on your invoicePro tip: Every month, open an Incognito window and search: electrician [your town]. Note who’s ahead of you. What photos, reviews, and keywords are they using? Borrow what’s working—ethically.If this helped, hit like and subscribe for more small-trade growth tactics.

📺 How to Make Money as a Trainee Electrician (Legally!) | Earn While You Learn 🔌💷Downloads Data Sheet Download here - https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/earn5 Tools All Electricians Need to Be A Good Apprentice - https://youtu.be/U37qDC6glKIQuote & Auto Invoice - https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/products/quote-auto-invoiceAre you training to be an electrician and wondering how to start making money before you're fully qualified? In this episode of Tool Box Talk for Electricians, I break down 9 legal jobs trainee electricians can do right now to earn while learning – without breaking regulations or cutting corners.Whether you're an apprentice spark, a college student, or just getting started in the electrical trade, this episode is packed with real-world advice, stories, and practical tips from someone who's been through it all.⚡️ What You’ll Learn:The best-paying jobs you can do legally as a traineeHow to stay safe, insured, and within UK regulationsTools you should carry for solo jobsHow to turn small jobs into a reliable side hustleWhy public liability insurance is a must🛠 Legal Jobs Covered:LED lamp replacements 💡Swapping socket & switch faceplates 🔧Replacing light fittingsInstalling surface trunkingMinor fault findingPAT testing (after a course)Smart home installs (Ring, Nest)Battery smoke alarm installs 🔋Helping other trades (CCTV, AV, data)📥 FREE PDF CHECKLISTWant a free downloadable checklist of these 9 jobs?👉 Grab it here: https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/earn👷‍♂️ About Me:I’m Ben Poulter, a self-employed electrician sharing real stories, advice, and business tips to help electricians build better careers. Whether you're just starting out or ready to go self-employed, this channel’s for you.👍 Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell if you found this useful – and share with a mate who's learning the trade!#ElectricianLife #TraineeElectrician #ApprenticeSpark #ToolBoxTalk #EarnWhileYouLearn #ElectricianPodcast #UKSparks #ElectricalJobs