Getting Ahead in Construction Today
We've noticed many people in the industry getting excited about a current or anticipated upturn in business. Awesome!
Some folks in the industry see business already picking up and believe recovery is finally under way. Others think it will take a while. The truth probably lies somewhere in between and will depend on factors such as what part of the country you're in, which niche/s you work in and whether you work for yourself or work as an employee.
Either way and as always in every industry and in every circumstance, confidence will lead the crowd.
Either way and as always in every industry and in every circumstance, confidence will lead the crowd.
There are simple ways to increase your chances of getting good work.
Attitude is very important. It can make the difference between putting yourself in the right position to get the jobs that are available or benching yourself. It can also make people decide on the spot whether they want to hire you or not. Positive, confident people are hard to resist, and that is never truer than in the business world.
Flexibility is also crucial. Contractors willing to take jobs they would have previously passed over will see their possibilities multiply. For example, being willing to travel, or do a smaller repair or renovation; crossing over into commercial work, or adding to your repertoire by expanding into something like the Inspection Business. Hunt down ongoing maintenance jobs for commercial and bank owned properties. Offer Green services to set you apart from the pack. Do what it takes to re-evaluate your options and capitalize on them.
If you have always been an employee but find yourself laid off, you can still work as an independent contractor. If you're not licensed as a contractor, you can get your license or choose to work as a handyman (good handymen can get tons of referrals just by consistently doing good quality honest work for fair prices). If getting licensed is what you're after, get a good study guide tailored to the exam you'll be taking.
Go with your strength whether it's roofing, plumbing, painting or another specialty. Educate yourself about the basics of business and get some solid business cards and brochures made up. Make a simple website that details your skills and any licenses you have, include pictures of your work whenever possible. If you don't know the first thing about business start with a simple manual such as How to Succeed With Your Own Construction Business.
Go with the flow. With more people wanting to save money and attempt home improvement projects themselves, this opens up great opportunities for professionals like you to hold workshops and teach classes at local colleges, educational extensions, community centers and hardware stores. This gives you a brand new income stream and also puts you in front of lots of potential customers. Some people can follow through and get a basic job done themselves, but the majority can't and then need "help" finishing the job. The first person they'll call is you, their friendly, competent teacher -- especially if you have decent people skills, and a business card.
Flexibility is also crucial. Contractors willing to take jobs they would have previously passed over will see their possibilities multiply. For example, being willing to travel, or do a smaller repair or renovation; crossing over into commercial work, or adding to your repertoire by expanding into something like the Inspection Business. Hunt down ongoing maintenance jobs for commercial and bank owned properties. Offer Green services to set you apart from the pack. Do what it takes to re-evaluate your options and capitalize on them.
If you have always been an employee but find yourself laid off, you can still work as an independent contractor. If you're not licensed as a contractor, you can get your license or choose to work as a handyman (good handymen can get tons of referrals just by consistently doing good quality honest work for fair prices). If getting licensed is what you're after, get a good study guide tailored to the exam you'll be taking.
Go with your strength whether it's roofing, plumbing, painting or another specialty. Educate yourself about the basics of business and get some solid business cards and brochures made up. Make a simple website that details your skills and any licenses you have, include pictures of your work whenever possible. If you don't know the first thing about business start with a simple manual such as How to Succeed With Your Own Construction Business.
Go with the flow. With more people wanting to save money and attempt home improvement projects themselves, this opens up great opportunities for professionals like you to hold workshops and teach classes at local colleges, educational extensions, community centers and hardware stores. This gives you a brand new income stream and also puts you in front of lots of potential customers. Some people can follow through and get a basic job done themselves, but the majority can't and then need "help" finishing the job. The first person they'll call is you, their friendly, competent teacher -- especially if you have decent people skills, and a business card.
Improve your construction business and marketing skills fast and easy with some solid mentoring. You can start with the powerful and affordable Construction Coaching Private Club. http://www.usctca.com/index.cfm?affID=ccity
Thank you to all our readers who keep us posted on their states' residential and commercial work ups and downs. Congratulations to the growing number of professionals who stuck it out and are seeing a return on their efforts now. To those who haven't seen improvement yet, we're optimistic about increased jobs and expanding opportunities. Let us know what it's like in your neck of the woods.
To your success!
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