Books are one of the fastest ways to improve how you think about running a business—but only if they’re worth your time. In this video, I share the thinking behind a curated list of 10 business books I consistently recommend to small construction and trade business owners. These aren’t hype-driven or anecdotal “guru” books. Every recommendation meets three strict criteria: 1️⃣ Well written and genuinely engaging (especially as audiobooks) 2️⃣ Evidence-based, grounded in research and real data 3️⃣ Focused on a critical part of running a successful business Together, these books cover the core business functions owners deal with every day—brand, sales, negotiation, focus, execution, leadership, people, and long-term performance—and can be adapted to the realities of small construction and trade businesses. 📖 Read the full blog and book list here: https://www.buttress.com.au/post/if-you-only-read-10-books-for-small-business-success-it-s-these-10 I’m always keen to hear recommendations—what business book has had the biggest impact on how you run your company?

After decades of experience across the construction industry, Mat has seen how small habits can have an outsized impact on project outcomes. In this short video, Mat shares one practical approach he wishes had been adopted much earlier in his career — shaped by real-world projects, challenges, and lessons learned over time. It’s a simple idea, but one that continues to influence how teams work and how issues are avoided on site. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments: What’s one habit you’ve changed that’s made a meaningful difference in your work?

Are you repeating the same instructions on site and still feel like no one’s listening? You’re not alone — it’s a common challenge for Site Managers and Construction Leaders. In this video, Mat explains why repetition is a normal part of management and shares a simple scoring system you can use to make expectations clearer and improve performance on site. If you want to take this further, Buttress has a detailed blog covering 11 key areas to measure and improve site staff performance, plus a free performance evaluation you can use with your team. 🔗 Read the blog & try the evaluation: https://www.buttress.com.au/post/the-buttress-site-performance-evaluation Visit Buttress website: https://www.buttress.com.au/

In this video, Mat shares a simple shift he has relied on for years to make high-emotion client conversations easier to navigate. His approach helps remove the heat from difficult calls, especially for people who prefer to avoid conflict. The Buttress Mentorship Program is also now live. It connects experienced industry professionals with young builders and tradesmen who are looking for guidance and support. To find a mentor or become one, visit: https://buttress.com.au

In this video, Mat shares a key insight from Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath — a highly regarded book on improving decision-making. After exploring the question of when to trust intuition versus when to rely on data, Mat breaks down one powerful idea from the book that reshapes how leaders and teams can approach important choices. 📘 Book Mentioned: Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip Heath & Dan Heath 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe if you want more insights on leadership, decision-making, and building better businesses. Learn more about Buttress: https://www.buttress.com.au/ #Decisive #BookReview #DecisionMaking #Leadership #Buttress #ChipHeath #DanHeath

Boundary disputes can turn a simple project into a complicated mess if you don’t set things up properly from the start. In this video, I break down the 3 principles I follow on every job to avoid getting caught between neighbours and to keep the build moving smoothly. We cover: • Why your client should expect to cover the full cost • Why you should always build on their side of the boundary • The importance of never splitting bills or contracting with two parties These rules are simple, but they work — every time. Whether you’re dealing with fences, retaining walls, or anything else on a boundary line, following these steps will save you a lot of headaches and keep the project under control. If you want clearer expectations, fewer disputes, and smoother builds, this one’s for you. Learn more about Buttress here: https://www.buttress.com.au/

In this video, Mat shares five practical tips that help builders get faster answers, clearer communication, and better outcomes on site. After mentoring a number of builders, one thing is obvious: when you ask better questions, your projects run smoother. Here’s what we cover: -Why you should always lead with a drawing, image, or clear visual -How proposing a solution (even an imperfect one) speeds up decision-making -Understanding the client’s perspective and how they experience the build -The importance of watching body language and actually listening -Making sure you walk away with the next action, timing, and responsibilities locked in These simple habits make a huge difference when dealing with designers, architects, and clients — and they’ll help you manage your site meetings with confidence. If you’re a builder looking to improve communication, reduce delays, and keep your projects moving, this video is for you. 👉 Subscribe for more practical tips for builders and construction professionals. 👉 Got a question? Drop it in the comments — I’m here to support builders everywhere. 👉Learn more about Buttress: https://www.buttress.com.au/

The 5 Step Plan to Manage Unhappy Clients Every builder or business owner faces it sooner or later — an unhappy client. How you handle that moment can make or break your reputation. In this short video, Mat walks through 5-step approach to managing unhappy clients without losing your cool (or your client’s trust). It’s not about getting defensive or jumping straight into fixes — it’s about listening, understanding, and rebuilding confidence through clear communication and leadership. Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or small business owner, these steps will help you handle tough conversations with professionalism and care. 🎥 Watch now and turn client challenges into opportunities for stronger relationships. Learn more about Buttress: https://www.buttress.com.au/ #ClientManagement #Leadership #Communication #ConstructionBusiness #SmallBuilders #CustomerExperience