By Craig Lourens, Business Coach – ActionCOACH
10 Business Moves to Take You to the Top
Image by pressfoto on Freepik
Let’s be honest. Being great with tools doesn’t always translate into running a great business. Many plumbers get stuck working in the business instead of on the business. And while there’s pride in doing quality work, the real transformation happens when you start thinking like an entrepreneur.
So, what does it take to make the leap? Inspired by insights from Brad Sugars, the world’s No. 1 business coach, here are 10 moves every plumber should make to build not just a job—but a thriving business.
1. Think Like an Entrepreneur, Not Just a Tradesperson
Running a business is more than fixing leaks. Entrepreneurs look at cash flow, marketing, team building, and growth. Start treating your plumbing business like a machine that should eventually run without you.
2. Upgrade Your Mindset
Your mindset is your most valuable tool. Confidence, clarity, and resilience are non-negotiables. If you believe bigger things are possible for your business, you’re already halfway there.
3. Set Crystal Clear Goals
No more winging it. Know exactly where you want your business to be in 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. Break that down into 90-day action plans. What gets measured, gets managed.
4. Keep Learning (Yes, Even Now)
The best entrepreneurs never stop learning. Read books, attend workshops, hire a coach. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
5. Build a Trusted Network
Don’t isolate yourself. Connect with mentors, suppliers, other business owners, and coaches who can support your journey. It’s not just what you know—it’s who you know.
6. Deliver Value That Makes You Stand Out
Don’t just be another plumber. Be the one who shows up on time, gives a clean quote, and follows up after the job. Customers don’t buy plumbing—they buy peace of mind.
7. Be the Leader Your Team Needs
If you have a team, lead them. If you don’t, build one. Great businesses are built on great people—and great people stick around when they’re inspired and valued.
8. Systemise Everything
From quoting jobs to following up on invoices, every part of your business should run like clockwork. Systems = freedom. Document your processes and make them repeatable.
9. Know Your Numbers
Too many plumbers guess their profits. Know your margins. Track your expenses. Understand your cash flow. Profit isn’t a feeling—it’s a formula.
10. Stay Agile, Keep Innovating
What worked last year might not work today. Adapt to market trends. Experiment with new services. Keep evolving—because your competitors are.
Final Word:
You became a plumber to use your hands. But to build wealth and freedom, you’ve got to use your head too. Start thinking like an entrepreneur—and watch your plumbing business rise to a whole new level.
Want to learn how to grow your plumbing business like a pro? Reach out for a free 30-minute strategy session with a business coach who gets it. Click here to reserve a spot: https://forms.office.com/r/pUFRecWpdg
Source: Submitted by Coach Craig
