Networking & Your Contracting Business – Pouring the Foundation for Success
In the contracting world, you will come across many different contractors that appear to be your direct competition on the jobsite. They might bid, manage, and complete projects in different ways but the “competition” can actually help you secure more bids in the long run, if you play your networking cards right.
Most contractors and subcontractors have a specialization – a field that they are knowledgeable, reputable, and reliable in. Whether it is plumbing or drywall, specialists in the trades can help you grow your business capabilities if you network correctly as a licensed contractor. There are also local resources that feed work into business channels that add another dimension to your ability to source and bid work. Continued success as a licensed contractor hinges upon a combination of quality work output and excellent networking skills.
Network within the Industry
It is important to lay down foundations in the contracting world when you first get started. While you might see other subcontractors and tradesmen as your competition, it can be useful to create connections in the General A, B, and 43 different trades. Having a network of construction professionals at different levels with different specializations enlarges the scope and size of projects that you can bid. These individuals can also refer business to you that doesn’t fall under their trade or specialization – you never know when a C10 gets wind of a larger project and can bring you on as a reliable contractor to finish the job.
Online Construction Networks
There are many online resources and networks available for contractors looking for subcontracting work in different trades, and vice versa. Thanks to groups like BlueBook, The Associated General Contractors of America, and various Trade Networks, you can not only join and advertise your services as a reputable, licensed contractor, but also browse subcontractors, bid projects, solicit materials bids, and connect with developers. Outlets like the above are essential to build your business and expand your reach as a contractor, allowing you to secure larger projects and broaden your scope.
These networks also help you to build an online profile and book of business that improves your standing when it comes to search engines ranking your website. In our current digital world, maintaining a clean reputation online is absolutely paramount to your success as a contractor. If your website has inbound links from reputable construction networks showcasing your capabilities and quality, potential customers will able to recognize a pattern of professional reliability.
An Untapped Local Resource
While networking, contractors often overlook a critical local resource when it comes to recurring business: realtors. Most pre-owned houses in your local community that enter the real estate market need some type of repair or upgrade. Realtors have inside knowledge on home condition, property disclosures, and repairs that often need the careful eye of a licensed contractor. Whether it is a minor fix or a massive addition, every realtor has a short list of contractors that they call upon for work.
However, realtors won’t just recommend work to any old contractor – with their name and reputation on the line, they aim to only use reliable, licensed contractors that will finish the job correctly. Approach realtors with photos of your work, testimonials, and promotional materials to not only demonstrate you are competent, but also indicate you are ready and willing to take on new jobs. When you secure bids and finish projects on time and on budget, you’ll jump to the top of realtor’s list when they need to refer a contractor.
Continue to foster these relationships both on and offline and your business will certainly grow thanks to the power of networking.
About CSLS:
CSLS is the largest contractor licensing school in California with over 25 locations throughout the state. We have the highest success rate of any school – 99% of our students pass their exam on the first try, and that’s guaranteed or your money back.
Our teaching process prepares you in a step by step manner for everything you need to know to pass the law, business and trade portion of your exam. Our programs are designed for convenience. We have online programs, home study, crash-course and in-school options, making it easy and affordable for you to become a licensed contractor.
