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In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, we explore what to learn after how to clean a pool. We talk about basic pool equipment repairs, a recommended order to learn them, and where to go to get such information. Listen & Subscribe: You can subscribe to the show in iTunes.

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk about 4 key areas that will lead to an increase in product and service sales. Contrary to common belief, sales doesn't have to be sleazy or sneaky. In fact, the opposite is true! Sales is about serving our customers and meeting their needs. Our question today comes from listener George. He wants to know how we can sell more products and services to his customers. Well thank you for asking George! I think the discussion will help many people.   Resources: I think one of the best ways to improve our skills in any area is to read, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time. I've found I have a lot more time to listen to audio content than I do to actually sit down and read. I highly recommend getting the monthly subscription to audible.com. Check it out here:http://www.audible.com/ I also recommend that you check out To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink. It is a great book that I recently read. A lot of the concepts that I talk about in this episode come from this book. Check it out here: Amazon.com Listen & Subscribe: You can subscribe to the show in iTunes.

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk to Cailley Hammel of Aqua Magazine. We talk about how we can all benefit from an industry wide marketing campaign. Several industries have successfully marketed their product or service by uniting together to multiply their impact. Take the milk industry for example. No single dairy or distributor would have been able to accomplish the reach of the "got milk" campaign. But as an industry, the world gets to hear the benefits of drinking milk, and the entire industry gains from it. Cailley wrote a fantastic article where she studied how the boating industry did exactly that. We talk about how the pool industry might benefit from something like this, and how we can get the ball rolling.   Resources: Here is the Drowning Prevention Letter Cailley's article that we mention in this episode can be found here. You can find Cailley on Twitter here. @cailleyh Listen & Subscribe: You can subscribe to the show in iTunes.

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk to Bryan Chrissan from Temecula, CA. We ask the question: "How much are you willing to do for free?" We discuss how to draw appropriate boundaries that protect you, the business owner, and serve your customer. Resources: Bryan wrote a great article on this topic. You can find it here.   Listen & Subscribe: You can subscribe to the show in iTunes.

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk to 6 different Industry Experts. While at the Western Show in Long Beach, I decided I might as well do some recording for the Podcast. I'm sure glad that I did! We quickly cover issues from learning to networking, legal issues and insurance, branding the entire industry to building a business with service employees.  Interview Guests I want to sincerely thank my guests.                       Resources Orenda TechnologiesIPSSAArrow Insurance ServicesAqua MagazineH & H Pool Services Listen & Subscribe: You can subscribe to the show in iTunes.

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk about the Do It Yourself Pool Owner. I used to see the DIYer as a competitor, someone who I could not do business with. How foolish is that!?! First of all, they still have a pool, and they are extremely likely to need my help at some point. I get in to who exactly is the DIYer, how can we help them and more. Show Sponsor: In this episode I encourage you to check out the Western Pool & Spa Show in Long Beach California. This show takes place every year, so no matter when you're listening to this it will be worth your while to check it out!Western Pool & Spa Show Listen & Subscribe: You can subscribe to the show in iTunes.    

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I interview Chris Cason of Hayward Pool Products. Chris and I talk about the importance of a health Sales Rep to Service Tech Relationship. The bottom line is that sales reps are here to help us grow our businesses. In this episode, you will learn some of the many ways that a sales rep can help you grow your business, expand your marketing reach, and help you sell more of the products that your customers are interested in.  Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by PoolBusinessWebsites.com. PBW, is a service providing a turn-key solution to your website for your pool business. With plans starting as low as $25 per month, we have something within everyone's budget. PBW is powered by Pool Business Academy. Resources: I love referrals! In my opinion, they are the most effective marketing tool. Chris mentions a book that made a big impact on him and I can't wait to read it! Grab it here:Referral of a Lifetime by Tim Templeton I'd encourage you to contact a few of your sales reps over the next couple of weeks. Shoot me an email, and let me know how it goes!

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk about a quickly emerging technology. Smart phone integration with pool automation systems has been available for a few years, but it felt like the first round wasn't quite ready. Well now things are different. Things have dramatically improved and are ready for the consumers! In this episode you'll learn how each system works, a brief overview of how to install it, and how to have the sales conversation with your customers. Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by PoolBusinessWebsites.com. PBW, is a service providing a turn-key solution to your website for your pool business. With plans starting as low as $25 per month, we have something within everyone's budget. PBW is powered by Pool Business Academy. Resources: For further information on each of these products I recommend that you call the manufacturer's technical support, or contact your local sales rep. You can learn a little more about each here:Zodiac iAquaLinkPentair ScreenLogic 2Hayward AquaConnect I also highly recommend that you download each app in your app store right away. That way you'll be ready to have the conversation with your customers and show them exactly what they look like. Another resource I recommend, is the different manufacturer's brochures. They spend a lot of money helping you to market their products to your customers. Use the brochures they provide to help you make sales. Contact your local sales representative or your supply house for them.

 In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk about Trade Shows, Seminars, and Workshops. I have gained so much by being willing to attend these industry events. They offer a wide range of education through seminars, and a lot of networking opportunities through the exhibit halls. I would encourage anyone, at any level of experience, to check out a trade show nearby. I really can't think of a better way to plug in to an industry than to start going to these things and meeting new people. One thing I mention in this episode is to not feel overwhelmed. Sometimes in order to advance your learning, you have to take classes that are way over your head. It's important to remember that you won't learn everything in one session. You have to get out there and apply what you've learned, and then go back and learn some more! Resources: There are a lot of great trade shows throughout the country and around the world. Here are some links to a few of the bigger ones:Western Pool and Spa Show Long Beach, CA Pool Industry Expo Monterey, CA Everything Under the Sun Expo Orlando, FLSouthwest Pool and Spa Show San Antonio, TXPool | Spa | Patio Expo Las Vegas, NV In addition to the large trade shows, there are also many smaller regional trades shows. Look for flyers at your distributor, or talk to your local sales reps to find out what's going on around you. You won't regret it!

In this episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I talk about 3 more things that I wish I knew when I was starting my pool service business. We talk about the importance of cash and cash flow, the dangers of debt, and how to deal with that lousy customer. Resources: Communication with customers is key. So to help make it easier for you, here are the letters that I mention in the show. Feel free to copy them word for word, or modify them however you like.Aggressive LetterFirm LetterGentle Reminder LetterIntermittent paying customer letter  

In this very first episode of the Pool Business Academy Podcast, I introduce myself as well as the show.  I also tell you the first two of five things that I wish I knew when I was starting out. Resources: In this episode, I really only mention one resource: Quickbooks.  I've been using Quickbooks for years now and have been very happy with it.  There are two versions the desktop version and the online version.  Each has their own benefits and drawbacks.  I am currently using the online version. What I like about it is I have access to my company file on my iPhone, so that way whenever I need to look something up I'm able to.   Thanks for checking out the first episode!  If you like what you heard, please leave a rating in iTunes. And don't forget to send us any questions or comments you have for the show to: podcast {at} pool business academy {dot} com