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TradeLines newsletters

The Resene TradeLines printed newsletter has been replaced by an email newsletter from 2021 on. If you're not on our email database already you can sign up here.

Resene Paints TradeLines newsletters

To view the archived TradeLines newsletters containing new product and painter related information and humour, click on the issue of the newsletter you wish to view from the accordion menu below or use the search tool.

Search the TradeLines archive

 
 

Issues start from issue 2 each year as no newsletters were printed during the holiday period. To view TradeLines you will need Acrobat Reader.






















Cinderella Trade - from NZ Painters and Decorators 1958, reprinted with permission Master Painters New Zealand. View article.

 

Trade Blog

Click on an article/s below for information of interest to professional painters or use the search tool to find specific topics.

      › Browse blog categories
 

7 outside-of-the-box ways to grow your business

Everybody knows the usual methods of boosting a business, from advertising on the radio to handing out business cards. But what about some out-of-the-box ideas that you haven't tried yet? Here are seven ways you may be able to boost your trade business with a little creative thinking:

  1. Try a referral programme
  2. Create a contest
  3. Find your target market
  4. Advertise outside your client's homes
  5. Pick a niche
  6. Chalk it up
  7. Keep in touch... more

Nov 2020


6 simple strategies to boost your bottom line

Are you looking for ways to improve your bottom line? Try these six ideas for strategies that can work across just about any industry:

  1. Focus on your return on investment (ROI)
  2. Cut your cost
  3. Look for big spenders
  4. Hire a professional
  5. Increase the value of your sales
  6. Offer your employees incentives for increased sales or performance... more

Oct 2020


3 easy ways to help grow a business client list

One of the hardest challenges a business can face is expanding a client list. At the end of the day, without clients, a business cannot succeed, so it's vital you keep generating leads and work hard to retain what existing customers you do have in order to grow but most of us don't have the luxury to allocate a lot of time to this task. So, how do you fit it in with all the other work that needs to get done?

Here's some tips to get you started... more

Sep 2020


How to make time for marketing

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of business and busy-ness, that it’s often hard to lift your head away from all the urgent things now to work towards the future.

However, it’s important to make time for it, as marketing will help to keep your pipeline topped up with work for the months and years ahead... more

August 2020


Maximising your productivity

Most successful painting businesses are acutely aware of how productive their business is and will target ways or look for opportunities to improve productivity. Once a professional painter moves away from being a sole trader (aka one-man-band) operating on their own or with a mate undertaking smallish painting contracts to a larger enterprise that employs other painters, the business model needs to change to be successful and remain so.

Productivity improvements are always possible and the people and businesses that chase and keep chasing improvements are generally the most successful... more

June 2020


The importance of a clean and organised workspace... including your work vehicle

Most of us have had to work in less than perfect ‘home office’ spaces for at least parts of this year, ranging from perching at the breakfast bar, hunched over the dinner table or perhaps lounging on the couch trying to get admin stuff done. It’s surprising what you can put up working wise when you literally don’t have a choice.

One of the keys to it working well though is have things neat and orderly... doing so will help your business to operate smoothly, saving both time and money. Here’s how.. more

June 2020


5 tips for dealing with difficult clients

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everything just went perfectly all the time – perfect weather, perfect timing and perfect clients? Unfortunately the chances of that happening all the time isn't likely to happen any time soon. You will always encounter a mixed bag of clients. Some will be a pleasure to work with, many will simply be your standard client, and a select few will fall into the ‘difficult client’ group.

It’s inevitable that you will encounter them at some point, so the best you can do is be prepared to handle them so you can minimise frustration and the loss of time. Remember these tips next time one of your customers turns out to be more demanding than most... more

May 2020


How to keep your business busy over winter

We know it’s only autumn, but those winter months are just around the corner so it pays to start thinking ahead. With winter on its way, you’ll likely notice a drop in projects as homeowners take a break from renovating and updating their houses.

While a break from the hectic summer months can often be a welcome reprieve, you still want to make sure you have enough work to provide a good income over the cooler months. If you’re looking for ways to boost your work over the cooler months and maintain a steady income, try a few of these marketing tips and tricks... more

April 2020


3 common cashflow problems for painters

As a small business, staying financially afloat can be a tricky task for many. Looking to Australian stats, small businesses have the lowest survival rate (56 per cent), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with experts blaming poor cash flow management as an overriding issue...

If you’re experiencing cash flow problems as a small business, there’s no need to let them weigh you down. Instead check you’re on top of these three common problems... more

March 2020


4 ways to stand out from the competition

Standing out in the painting and decorating industry is crucial for success, but how can it be done?

In an industry where every other business claims to be the best at what they do, it can seem difficult to set yourself apart from the competition. While a lot of small businesses understand that standing out is key to success, many fail to put this theory into practice – however, it’s easier to do than you think. Here are some ways to help you stand out:.. more

February 2020


What stops customers from returning?

Why don't customers return for repeat business? Here are three common reasons why you might not see them again and how you can ensure you will.

In any business, one of the best sources of new income is from old clients. This is because these past customers are already familiar with you, your services and your professional integrity. So, what could stop those old customers from coming back and using your services for a second, third or fourth time? Here are some of the most common reasons customers won't ask you for work again and what you can do to ensure that doesn't happen... more

November 2019


Time management tactics to employ during busy summer months

With the summer months nearly upon us, chances are you’re starting to book in more and more jobs as customers hurry to get their jobs done ready for the holidays. The warmer weather provides better working conditions, and longer and lighter days means more work can get done. However, if you’re struggling to juggle clients and projects, it might be time to assess your time management.

Time management is a crucial skill to nail. When utilised properly, it can increase efficiency and productivity – allowing you to successfully juggle various things at once... more

October 2019


How to come up with the perfect tag line

A tag line can be a helpful way to promote your business and ensure your clients know what your brand and company is about. You don’t need an expert to come up with one for your business. Why not have a go yourself? Here are the top tips for finding the right one that works as hard as you do... more

September 2019


Ideas to get you out of a creative rut

Now you might be thinking, my job is a painter or decorator and I’m applying the paint and colour the customer requested – why do I need to be creative? Creativity can help in all sorts of ways, big and small. It might be the answer to fixing a problem on one of your projects, it may be a new idea for attracting new business or even just the way you want to lay out your web page and the signwriting for your van... more

August 2019


The Boston Matrix: What it is and how it can help you

The Boston Matrix, otherwise known as the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) Model, was created in 1968 to help businesses segment and assess their products. Despite the tool’s half century in use, it is still widely regarded as a handy way to quickly and effectively divide offerings into useful groups... more

July 2019

The Boston Matrix

Common client characters and how to deal with them

As one of the most important factors of your business, keeping clients happy is an integral 'must-do' for all painters and decorators. However nice you may be, sometimes, customers don’t always reciprocate. If you’re looking to improve client relations, it pays to understand the different types of people you’ll deal with.

Here are some of the more challenging clients you may encounter and how to best deal with them... more

June 2019

Common client characters

Market segmentation: How to make the most of this marketing principle

Market segmentation is a classic principle that can be used by any business in the world – including tradies. Take a look at what it is, how it works and how it might benefit your marketing strategy... more

May 2019


Marketing skills you don't know you have

While a professional marketer can certainly add a depth of knowledge to any small business, there are still a number of skills you probably already have that can help boost your trade. The trick is to remind yourself that they are in fact marketing assets, and to ensure you use them as much as possible.

Here are a few skills you can use to market yourself and your business, even if you didn't know you already had them!... more

April 2019


How can professional painters better manage cashflow?

As a small business, staying financially afloat can be a tricky task for many. In Australia alone, small businesses have the lowest survival rate (56 per cent), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with experts blaming poor cashflow management as an overriding issue.

And while many sole traders go through cashflow problems at some stage, if money issues continuously rear their head, it may be a sign that cashflow is a weakness in your business that needs fixing... more

November 2018


How to deliver top customer service

Great customer service is the cornerstone of any company. So how can you ensure that's what you're offering your clients? Here's a quick list of some of the main factors that will leave customers satisfied with your service and will encourage them to pass your name onto their friends and family... more

October 2018


Have you got a plan B?

A business continuity plan (BCP) pinpoints the most important parts of your business, identifies potential risks to these critical pieces and prepares you to recover as quick and easy as possible. Contingency planning is a crucial part of continuity planning – it means having a backup if your original plan no longer works. It's your plan B... more

September 2018


Employment in painting and decorating

One of the key inputs to workforce development planning is information about total employment in a sector and how this is forecast to change in the future. In 2016 BCITO produced a Workforce Development Plan for Painting & Decorating. This was updated in 2017 with new forecast information.In March 2018 Infometrics has done their annual forecast update... more

August 2018


4 ways to grow your business

So you've set up your business, built up a great reputation, and have steady work coming in. The question usually comes down to: What's next?

Growing your business even further is the next natural step, and there are plenty of ways you can go about it. Here are four different strategies you can take your trade business to the next level... more

July 2018


How to optimise your website for mobile (and why you should)

As much as any trade is all about physical skills and tools, a lot of your branding and marketing is locked behind a digital screen.

For a long time, a well-designed, helpful and appealing desktop website was the key ingredient to marketing yourself online. While it’s certainly still important, the relevance of a mobile site has grown exponentially, to the point where it has even surpassed that of a desktop site... more

June 2018


Small business social marketing do's and don'ts

New to social media marketing? Discover some of the top do’s and don’ts for small businesses in the tradie or painting trades.

Social media marketing allows businesses to connect with their audience, build brand awareness and grow a customer base. In New Zealand alone, 93.6 per cent of businesses use some form of social media... more

May 2018


A beginner’s guide to getting your business on Instagram

We live in a world ruled by social media. From Facebook to Snapchat, there are so many platforms a business can utilise. One of the most popular is Instagram. This photo-sharing app focuses on all things beautiful – just like that of a painter/decorator... more

April 2018


How to deal with a negative review

While you can’t stop a customer leaving bad feedback, the way you deal with it can massively influence the way they and others see your business. How should you handle a bad review?... more

March 2018


The Consumer Guarantees Act and Painting

This Act provides a guarantee of performance for customers and there are plenty of grey areas in establishing just how well your painting work performs and for how long customers may take actions against painters either real or imagined, for problems that arise with work... more

October 2017


Apprenticeships – add value to your business

Taking on and training an Apprentice is a way for you to invest in our Industry’s future, give back to your trade and improve the skill set of your employees. For information on Apprenticeships and how to get involved in workplace training... more

October 2017


Working out areas

View detail drawings with dimensions for: badminton courts, tennis courts, netball courts, basketball courts and a guide for working out object areas... more

October 2017


6 things clients are looking for when hiring a tradesperson

When you're looking for your next work project, put yourself in your clients' shoes. Think about what they want from a tradesperson, then show them exactly how you tick all the boxes... more

August 2017

6 things clients are looking for when hiring a tradesperson

Material costs

The paint manufacturing industry shares data regarding market share, material trends and overall yields among other bits and bobs – some for their own interests and for others such as Government Trade and Commerce data... more

July 2017


Overheads

These are the costs used to run your business that are separated from the costs of the function of painting (paint and accessories) and are recovered (hopefully) by including an average for the overheads in prices you give customers for work... more

July 2017


Estimating and preparing quotes

Estimating and preparing quotations for work is critical to the success of any painting business and a proper understanding of all the costings is essential... more

quick check for quality quotes     › price sensitivity

July 2017


When an account becomes 'overdue'

When an account becomes 'overdue' always contact your customer and ask for payment. If there is a problem with your workmanship or other matters at least you will know and (by law) you have the opportunity to put it right... more

overdue accounts   › Terms of trade/Conditions of sale

July 2017


Painting by overall floor plan area

Because the essential elements of a house are all pretty simple the idea of a rate for each square metre of the floorplan became common with housing developments, particularly in Australia, and the idea spread into the painting trade, producing some very unfortunate consequences for painters because the rate tends to decrease with time and competition rather than increase... more

June 2017


Traditional marketing avenues: Why they’re not past their use-by

Television, newspaper and radio advertising methods do not have a use-by date, and even though there are now new methods of marketing to invest in as well, these tried and tested methods still hold an important place... more

May 2017

Traditional advertising

A guide to radio advertising

Radio advertising is just one of many forms of marketing available to you as a tradie. While they might not be able to see the awesome work you do with Resene paints, you can at least tell everyone all about it... more

April 18, 2017

A guide to radio advertising

The four ‘P’s for painters

Product, price, place and promotion. Any brand can make the most of this famous marketing mix by focusing on each 'P' to help reach your target audience... more

February 18, 2017

Marketing classics: The four ‘P’s for painters

3 marketing truths that will never change

When it comes to marketing your business, there are always going to be new and trending platforms, ideas and styles. But then, there will always be a number of truths that will never change... more

February 14, 2017

Tips for tradies: 3 marketing truths that will never change

A painter’s guide to Facebook

If you're not already making the most of this free marketing tool, today is the day to create a company account and get sharing... more

February 9, 2017

A painter’s guide to Facebook

Small but powerful: How to create the perfect business card

A business card is a staple of modern day marketing, and it's easily one of the smallest and simplest tools in your advertising arsenal as a tradie... more

January 18, 2017

Small but powerful: How to create the perfect business card

3 marketing trends tradies can use to get ahead in 2017

In 2017, it might be time to think about boosting your marketing efforts and reaching new clients to further promote your brand and business... more

January 15, 2017

3 marketing trends tradies can use to get ahead in 2017

5 things you may be doing that could hurt your business

There are a few common cases where you may be doing more harm than good, despite all those efforts! Here are five examples of things you might be doing that may hurt your business in the long run... more

January 11, 2017

5 things you may be doing that could hurt your business

A painter’s guide to Instagram

Since anyone can use Instagram for free, that's a huge amount of potential new clients at your fingertips that won't cost you a cent... more

January 5, 2017

A painter’s guide to Instagram

How to come up with the perfect tag line

Even though you might not think of yourself as a marketing savant, tradies are certainly capable of coming up with their own tag lines. You have every reason to put down that hard hat for a few hours to wear your marketing hat and come up with a new tag line... more

December 7, 2016

How to come up with the perfect tag line

5 things a painter should never do

While those tens of thousands of painters, at all levels of their careers, are spread around the country working on all types of projects, there are five things they all have in common – what they should never do while on the job... more

May 15, 2016

5 things a painter should never do

5 ways a tradie can boost business while on a break

Should a tradie wish to use their break for something a little more productive, check out these quick ways to make the most of even short breaks to boost business... more

May 9, 2016

5 ways a tradie can boost business while on a break

Painting for clients with young children around

You can never predict what you may encounter when you enter a customer's home. Not all clients will hire a professional painter for an empty house – some may just want to change up the interior design of a room or two... more

April 23, 2016

Painting with young children around the house

How to ensure your painting business is paid on time

For painting professionals who are overseeing two, three or many more different projects at the same time, project management become a key skill to master. It is vital to keep track of payment for work completed... more

April 22, 2016

How to ensure your painting business is paid on time

The top 3 things a contractor should think about

There are lots of different types of clients and they all act in different ways. Thankfully though, there seem to be stereotypes that still hold true of real life... more

November 18, 2014

The top 3 things a contractor should think about

Tradie tips: Stand out from the crowd

When you're in the business of painting houses, keeping existing customers happy as well as expanding your client pool is a fine balance to strike... more

October 30, 2014

Make your business stand out from the cloud

Extra client services that don’t cost the world

It's wise to consider ways to keep customers happy. Here are some ways you can impress your clients, without spending too much... more

September 25, 2014

Extra client services that don’t cost the world

What if the client’s got it wrong?

Sometimes, your clients will have truly awful home decorating ideas. Here are some approaches that will help reiterate to clients that they might not be making the best decision!... more

July 11, 2014

What if the client’s got it wrong?

How to manage your clients’ expectations

If you're aware of a few tricks to manage your clients' expectations when completing renovations or interior design work, you may find that running a trade business is a lot more streamlined and manageable... more

July 9, 2014

How to manage your clients’ expectations

5 ways to add value to your trade business

Bringing clients' homes up to a shining standard first requires you to win over their business. There are plenty of ways to add value to your service... more

May 24, 2014

5 ways to add value to your trade business

3 reasons to call your clients

In order to grow your margins and improve your trade business' brand, it's important to call your clients. Whether you offer full home renovations or a more nuanced service, it's essential to understand the tactics for ensuring your business' ongoing success... more

May 8, 2014

3 reasons to call your clients

The power of emotions: Marketing your renovation services

One brand strategy that's employed by agencies that world over is that which taps into emotions. While it's not appropriate for all business types, there are some interesting lessons renovation specialists can take from such an approach... more

April 17, 2014

The power of emotions: Marketing your renovation services

Terrific tradespeople: 3 tips for small business

In order to make your business succeed, there are a few things to keep on top of. Here are three tips to help... more

April 12, 2014

Terrific tradespeople: 3 tips for small business

What’s in a successful marketing plan?

Making sure your business has a competitive edge to stand out from other businesses is essential to keep your bottom line looking good and your clients happy... more

April 8, 2014

What’s in a successful marketing plan?

3 ways to make your renovation service stand out

While competition can help bring people's work up to scratch so they don't lose business, it can be tough to stand out from the rest. Here are three ways you can make your home building, plumbing or painting business stand out as the best... more

April 3, 2014

3 ways to make your renovation service stand out

6 ways to get people talking about your business

Positive recommendations can go a long way when it comes to securing jobs as a tradesperson. If you want to get people talking about your business for the better, here are six ways you can make this happen... more

March 29, 2014

6 ways to get people talking about your business

Wrestling with water damage?

Chances are you've come across more than your fair share of water stains. So, what's the best way to deal with this persistent problem?... more

March 25, 2014

Wrestling with water damage?

4 social media must-dos!

The ability to utilise social media can help your marketing activities, whether you're offering painting services or otherwise... more

March 24, 2014

4 social media must-dos!

Treat her right: Building with timber

The NZ Wood Resene Timber Design Awards 2014 have highlighted innovation in the building industry that both New Zealand and Australian tradespeople can gain inspiration from... more

March 24, 2014

Treat her right: Building with timber

Become a better painter with these insider tips

Even the most seasoned painters can appreciate a handy hint or two from their peers. Whether you've been in the renovations business for years or you've just started thinking of decorating ideas, read through the following advice before you start planning to paint... more

March 17, 2014

Become a better painter with these insider tips

Worried about spilling paint?

There are a number of things you can do to limit the chance of a spill occurring, or at least make sure that nothing in your client's house is irreparably damaged if you have one... more

March 14, 2014

Worried about spilling paint?

Make sure your toolbelt is fully equipped

Whether you're a professional painter or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools for the job can make all the difference... more

March 14, 2014

Make sure your toolbelt is fully equipped

Dealing with graffiti in your business

We may never know exactly why some people feel the need to write their names all over other people's property, but at least there are ways to deal with this form of painting... more

March 14, 2014

Dealing with graffiti in your business

How to clean your paint brushes in an eco-friendly way

Once you've finished painting, it's important to give your paint brushes and rollers a good clean. As a professional painter, you will no doubt have developed your own routine for doing this; however, this routine may not be as eco-friendly as it could be... more

March 5, 2014

How to clean your paint brushes in an eco-friendly way

Stay safe on your building site

Find out how to make your building or paint site a safer place for yourself and your fellow workers with these helpful hints... more

March 3, 2014

Stay safe on your building site

Specifying your paint gloss levels

Just when you think you have the difference between white, off-white, and cloud colours figured out, there's still the gloss levels to consider... more

March 3, 2014

Specifying your paint gloss levels

Limeburn – what is it and how can painters prevent it?

Lime burn is a real condition for paint, caused by the breakdown of paint binder from the alkalinity levels in fresh masonry, leaving colour loss and deterioration of the paint... more

March 3, 2014

Limeburn – what is it and how can painters prevent it?

Problem solving tips for tradies

Sometimes you turn up to a job and it's not as straight forward as you would have hoped. Luckily, there are also ways to work around them... more

March 3, 2014

Problem solving tips for tradies

Does your work get the Green Star seal of approval?

Under the scheme, star-rated office, industrial and educational buildings are assigned stars that signify the environmental friendliness and responsibility of each building... more

February 23, 2014

Does your work get the Green Star seal of approval?

How to differentiate yourself from your trade competitors

It can be difficult for tradespeople to market their skills and differentiate themselves from competitors in a saturated market... more

February 19, 2014

How to differentiate yourself from your trade competitors

How to maintain a work/life balance as a tradesperson

Tradespeople, such as painters and those who hang wallpaper professionally, often find they don't follow the traditional 9am-5pm workday. Follow these tips to help achieve a more healthy work/life balance... more

February 11, 2014

How to maintain a work/life balance as a tradesperson

How to use social media to promote your trade business

Promoting your personal brand can be tough, but luckily modern technology means there are many different ways you can go about this... more

November 27, 2013

How to use social media to promote your trade business

How to stay safe: Tips for painters

Here's a rundown on some of the things you should consider before you start painting... more

November 22, 2013

How to stay safe: Tips for painters

Marketing tips for tradies

Whether you're embarking on a new business venture of looking for a way to add to your existing clientele, it's time to talk marketing... more

October 26, 2013

Marketing tips for tradies

Are you insured?

No matter how carefully you do your work, there’s always a chance that something may go wrong, so before you start working it’s best to make sure you’re well protected... more

September 21, 2013

Are you insured?

Australia and New Zealand’s eco-friendly building sector

The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) 2013 Report has just been released, and it reveals that Australia and New Zealand are leading the way when it comes to eco-friendly building practices... more

September 19, 2013

Australia and New Zealand’s eco-friendly building sector

A few sign-painting tips

If you're looking for some sign-painting inspiration, you might want to check out which businesses won the NZ Sign & Display Awards (NZSDA) 2013... more

September 11, 2013

A few sign-painting tips

Why your network should be more than just a cellphone provider

"Building up a network" is a bit of jargon you often hear among business people working in concrete jungles, but it should be considered in the home renovation trades as well... more

July 9, 2013

Why your network should be more than just a cellphone provider

Toolbox essential for painters – productivity tables

Resene has devised a tool that may help professional painters to better organise their working day around their timetable, their paint and their charged hours... more

July 3, 2013

Toolbox essential for painters – productivity tables

Is advertising worth the investment?

Professional marketers are always on hand to tell you how to run your business, and they might even come with advice that translates into costly advertising programs. But is it worth it?... more

June 20, 2013

Is advertising worth the investment?

The importance of branding

If you put your mark on just about everything you do, you'll be building up your brand, which is vital to stand apart in a busy marketplace... more

June 14, 2013

The importance of branding

Construction disputes taking longer to resolve

Internationally, construction disputes are taking longer to resolve, according to UK-based consultancy company EC Harris... more

June 11, 2013

Construction disputes taking longer to resolve

The 80/20 marketing rule and how it works for you

80 per cent of your business will be generated from 20 per cent of your clients. So what does this suggest for your marketing plans?... more

June 4, 2013

The 80/20 marketing rule and how it works for you

Marketing yourself online for tradies and specifiers

Ensuring your business has an online presence is becoming a necessity for anyone wanting to make the most of web marketing platforms... more

May 30, 2013

Marketing yourself online for tradies and specifiers

Workplace safety – proper ventilation

Working with paint all day, every day can easily cause safety and health hazards without adequate precautions. Proper ventilation during painting will benefit everyone... more

May 27, 2013

Workplace safety – proper ventilation

 

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