Name: Michelle Cirson
Position: Founder/Director
Company: Tricks of Your Trade, Glass House Mountains
What do you enjoy the most, working in the field of construction & development?
I get the most satisfaction out of helping people have a red hot go at small business – particularly family businesses. Our clients are humble and unpretentious, and they’re really making things happen. But, being in business in our industry requires a dichotomy of skills – a lot of people who have hands on skills really struggle with the business strategy/compliance side of things. It’s a big ask, and I really enjoy being able to grab a 400 page contract off a tradie and telling them in plain English what it says, and then watching them carry on with their project with the confidence that they understand the fine print.
It’s not about smart and dumb, it’s about harnessing the talents you have naturally and collaborating with those who can add to your talent pool. Once they understand that business is a team sport, people become empowered and confident. This is what I like the most.
Where do you see your life in the next 5 years, what possibilities are ahead of you?
Just working really hard actually. We have welcomed our second daughter, and our first is two. So I’ve bitten off way too much and I’m chewing like mad. But, from a business perspective we’re working on releasing something great for the ‘out-the-back-of-the-ute’ tradie who wants to go out on their own, and I’m currently putting together content for a podcast on topics to help sub-contractors run their business efficiently and compliantly.
If you could write a letter to a 13-year-old ‘you’ what would you say?
Luck is your own making, if you want something get out there and get it. Your attitude will make or break you, choose one that works with you, not against you.
Challenge the status quo – if something doesn’t seem right, always ask why it is done that way. If you’re still not convinced, make a suggestion. Appreciate your parents, they won’t live forever.
What are 3 skills you have had to develop to get to where you are presently?
- Reading comprehension and complex reasoning: legislation, the Building Code, Australian Standards, contracts, etc.
- Thirst for infinite self-education.
- Communication: on a personal, professional, industry and legal level.
