In the world of local trade businesses, especially for electricians, building and nurturing relationships isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. The S.P.A.R.K.S. Blueprint™ by James Dewane emphasizes relationships as a cornerstone of business success. This concept is central to achieving repeat business, word-of-mouth referrals, and establishing trust within the community.

Why Relationships Matter

In trades, reputation travels fast, and positive connections lead to steady work without the need for constant marketing. Dewane notes that people prefer to hire an electrician they consider a "friend" rather than a stranger. By fostering a friendly, approachable persona and staying in touch, electricians can become the go-to choice for clients in their local areas.

The “Relationship Accelerator” Approach

According to the S.P.A.R.K.S. Blueprint™, a key strategy for electricians is creating a “friendship” with clients. Small, thoughtful...

If you’re a self-employed electrician struggling with inconsistent work, feeling like you have to constantly undercut the competition, or wasting money on ads that never seem to bring in the right customers, I get it—I’ve been there too. These challenges can stir up a lot of stress and uncertainty, and make you wonder if there’s a better way to do things.

But here’s what I discovered: there is a way to attract steady work without bending over backwards or undercutting yourself into the ground. Today, I’ll share the approach I teach through the ToolBox and the SPARKS Blueprint, a method that’s specifically designed to bring more consistency, control, and respect to electricians like you and me who want to fill our diaries with work we actually want to be doing.

The Pain of an Empty Diary and Competing on Price

In our line of work, it can feel like competing on price is the only option. How many times have you been in the frustrating position...

In the world of local trades, especially for electricians, achieving business success is not simply about skill; it’s about visibility. Awareness is the cornerstone of any thriving business because, as the saying goes, “If they don’t know you exist, they can’t hire you.” Yet, many in the trade overlook this crucial aspect, focusing on delivering top-quality service while hoping word-of-mouth will naturally bring the work in. However, to stay competitive in today’s market, building intentional awareness within your local community is essential.

The Importance of Being Known

Awareness sets the stage for trust. Imagine you’re a homeowner in Manchester needing an emergency electrician. You’re likely to reach out to a name you recognise, maybe one that you’ve seen on local vans, heard of through a neighbour, or noticed in online recommendations. Establishing awareness ensures that your name is the one that comes to mind in these...

For many self-employed electricians in the UK, the domestic electrical market can feel like an unpredictable rollercoaster. One month your diary is jam-packed, with new customer calls every day, while the next, you're staring at an empty calendar wondering where the next job will come from. This "feast to famine" cycle can be a real headache, but it’s also a common challenge for electricians working in the domestic sector.

So, what's behind this cycle, and more importantly, how can you manage it?

Feast: The Boom Times

The "feast" periods usually come when the demand for electrical work is high. This might be due to factors like seasonal surges (think about the increase in demand for installations before Christmas) or a local building boom. If you’re lucky, you’ll have several referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations keeping you busy. At times like this, it can feel like you're turning away work, with more jobs on your plate than you can handle.

Famine: The...

Running your own electrical business can feel like you’re spinning plates—one wrong move, and everything comes crashing down. You might be the best electrician in your area, but if your business isn’t growing, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate what’s going wrong. Here are five common reasons electrical businesses stall and, more importantly, how to fix them fast.

1. Lack of Consistent Marketing

The Problem: You’re relying solely on word-of-mouth or the occasional newspaper ad. While referrals are fantastic, they won’t always keep your calendar full. Many electricians think that once they’ve set up a website or signed up with Yell, the leads will just roll in, but without regular and targeted marketing, it’s easy to fall off the radar.

The Fix: Invest in a proper marketing strategy. Create a consistent presence online, whether through Google Ads, SEO, or even local Facebook groups. Consider joining the ToolBox...

I often speak to electricians who ask me how they can be a cut above the rest in their local area. There are some very simple ways you can position yourself a cut above your local competition by making a few small changes to the set up of your business.

One of the common questions I get asked is “everyone is qualified and registered in my area, how can I beat that?” Whilst all electricians have to meet minimum industry standards – there are things you can do even in this area which will seed in your customers mind that you are the better choice.

By following these examples below, you will be seeding in your customers mind that you go the extra mile, not just meeting the minimum standards that other electricians do in your area.

• I turn up in a marked van

Over the years I have spoken to many electricians who drive around in unmarked vans. Sign writing your van is one of the easiest methods of advertising your business. If you don't sign...