Why Mindset Matters in Business
Transitioning from a skilled technician to a business owner requires more than just technical expertise. It demands a shift in mindset—from focusing on the task at hand to thinking strategically about growth, profitability, and leadership. Without this shift, many tradespeople find themselves overworked and underpaid, trapped in a cycle of doing rather than leading.
Example: A plumber who excels in installations may struggle when running a business if they continue prioritising hands-on work over business development, pricing strategy, and team management.
Key Mindset Concepts for Business Success
Growth Mindset (Carol Dweck)
- A growth mindset embraces learning, challenges, and continuous improvement.
- Trades business owners must see setbacks as opportunities rather than failures.
- Practical Exercise: Identify a recent business challenge. Write down how you responded and reframe it as a learning opportunity.
Grit (Angela Duckworth)
- Grit combines passion and perseverance—essential for long-term business success.
- Example: A builder facing cash flow problems persists by refining pricing, improving invoicing systems, and educating clients on payment terms.
- Practical Exercise: Write down three reasons why you started your business and how you will stay committed during tough times.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey)
- Be Proactive: Take responsibility rather than blaming external factors.
- Begin with the End in Mind: Set a clear vision for your business.
- Put First Things First: Prioritise important tasks over urgent but low-value activities.
- Practical Exercise: Schedule a weekly planning session to focus on long-term business goals.
Drive (Daniel Pink) – Motivation in Business
- Business success isn’t just about making money; it’s about autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
- Example: A tradie who transitions to business ownership must shift from working for money to building a business that supports their lifestyle and purpose.
- Practical Exercise: Define your “why”—why did you start your business, and what is your bigger purpose?
Dangers of a Fixed Mindset
- Resistance to Change: Sticking to “the way things have always been done” can stifle growth.
- Fear of Failure: Viewing mistakes as personal failures rather than learning experiences.
- Reluctance to Delegate: Believing “no one can do it as well as I can” leads to burnout.
Building Resilience, Adaptability, and Strategic Thinking
- Resilience Exercise: List past business failures and what you learned from them.
- Adaptability Challenge: Try one new business strategy this month (e.g., digital marketing, upselling, or a new pricing model).
- Strategic Thinking Exercise: Identify a competitor’s strength and brainstorm how you can compete differently.
Mindset Diagnostic Tool
Rate yourself (1-5) on the following:
- I see challenges as opportunities to learn.
- I stay committed to long-term goals even when business is tough.
- I prioritise business growth over daily tasks.
- I take responsibility for problems rather than blaming others.
- I delegate tasks to focus on strategic decisions.
Scoring:
- 20-25: Strong business mindset.
- 15-19: Developing mindset but needs improvement.
- Below 15: Mindset shift is critical for business success.
Quick Wins: 3 Small Changes to Start Shifting Your Mindset
- Start Your Day as a Business Owner, Not a Technician: Spend 30 minutes each morning reviewing business goals before starting hands-on work.
- Delegate One Task: Choose a small task to hand over to an employee or subcontractor.
- Join a Business Network: Connect with other business owners to share challenges and strategies.
Self-Assessment & Action Plan
Self-Assessment:
- What is the biggest mindset barrier holding me back?
- Which of the above strategies will I implement first?
Action Plan:
- Immediate Action (Next 7 Days): Implement one small mindset shift.
- Short-Term (Next 30 Days): Choose one area of personal development (e.g., leadership, financial literacy) and commit to learning.
- Long-Term (Next 12 Months): Set a vision for business growth and outline key milestones.
By embracing a growth mindset, developing grit, and thinking strategically, trade business owners can make the shift from technician to successful entrepreneur.
