If you’re working in any trade profession today, you probably know that there are big jobs out there that have a high level of competition surrounding them. But if you’re just getting started in the contracting business, landing these jobs can prove to be quite difficult.
Studies have shown that even though fewer people are being drawn toward developing trade skills, the demand for skilled trade workers is still extremely high.
And though this statistic is often blamed on heightened advocacy of higher education throughout the latter part of the 20th century, the fact remains that if you’re new to the industry, and if you have the right skills and qualifications, you can easily earn a decent living as a contractor today.
Unless you know how to market yourself and showcase your skills and qualifications, as a new contractor, you may be limited to working only small paying jobs. But if you’re interested in making the big bucks and establishing yourself in your trade, the following tutorial will provide some helpful points to consider.
Also read: How to Take Your Business to the Next Level on 2022
Getting Licensed
First things first, if you want to be taken seriously as a contractor, you’ll need verifiable proof of your skills and qualifications. And getting licensed is the first step in the process.
Just about anyone can work on small jobs without having to show proof of skills. But if you don’t want to fix leaky faucets or install screen doors for the rest of your career, getting a license is going to be a wise decision.
For example, in most states, you have to have a contractor’s license to perform trade work that’s valued over a specific dollar amount, usually over $5,000 or $10,000. This means that while you can bid on $500 jobs all day long, you won’t be able to work on the jobs that could net you a $50,000 payday.
In addition to working the big paying jobs, you’ll also open up many other doors for big contracts that you’ll want to be in line for. As such, large city planning projects and government contracts will be out of the question unless you have a verifiable contractor’s license within your state.
Further, you’ll also want to keep your contractor license valid by completing any required exams, or whatever protocols are set in place in your state.
Establishing Relationships
One thing that you’ll have to learn if you want to leave the small jobs behind and start making bigger paychecks is that you have to put yourself out there and establish yourself. And this means getting out into your local community, meeting people, and establishing connections within your industry.
For example, if you’re a construction contractor and you’re specializing in framing buildings, you’ll more than likely be working around other trade professionals such as foundation contractors, roofers, plumbers, electricians, and sheetrock contractors.
Connecting with others who work alongside your discipline is a great way to build solid business relationships. And often, other jobs and referrals can come from simply networking and working alongside others.
Additionally, you’ll also want to establish relationships with other contractors within your discipline as well. Because you never know when a joint project might come about, or you could provide assistance on a bigger job that a fellow contractor lacks resources for.
Market Yourself
No business ever made it without some form of marketing. And in today’s interconnected business landscape, digital marketing campaigns are how you gain visibility in just about any industry.
Though you may prefer to pass out flyers, knock on doors, or just gain business by referrals and word-of-mouth, having a digital marketing plan can boost your visibility in your own community. And this is how you’ll be able to broaden your reach and land jobs that you may have not otherwise known existed.
For example, when you work with digital marketing professionals, they’ll analyze your business goals, give you a plan to follow, and provide marketing tools that are designed to get people in your community to notice your business.
Additionally, you’ll also be able to branch out into other locations such as neighboring communities with a sound marketing program.
Also read: 7 Effective Public Relations Strategies for 2022
Utilize Social Media
Today, just about everyone in the United States has at least one social media profile. And more businesses are using social platforms as a springboard to help promote their products or services. As such, making your presence known on social media is a great way to showcase your contracting services.
For example, on Instagram, you can showcase a portfolio of images from projects you’ve worked on, new projects you’re about to start and talk about your business to your followers.
Chances are, if your services are of good quality, your followers will begin sharing your posts, and this is how you’ll be able to broaden your reach and increase visibility within your local community and in neighboring communities as well.
Remember, success with social media requires consistency. And you have to remember to engage with your followers, respond to messages, and become actively involved with your social profile.
Making it in the trading world today can be done as long as you’re willing to put in the hard work and effort that it takes to get any business off the ground. But once you’re licensed and you’ve come up with a sound marketing plan, you’ll be well on your way to landing those big-paying jobs.
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