For most new CSLS graduates who are beginning life as self-employed contractors, plans for the future looks something like this: start a business, grow and hire other construction workers, and finally enjoy the freedom and stability that comes with earning lots of money and being your own boss.
That can certainly happen, especially if you’re smart about the way you plan your future. One thing that often gets overlooked, however – and that every new contractor should remember – is that you’re going to make mistakes along the way.
This is a different way of saying that success is rarely ever a straight-line proposition. There are going to be lots of unplanned setbacks, and more than a few of them are probably going to be your fault. That’s okay – the key to being a successful contractor isn’t necessarily avoiding every little error, but knowing how to recognize and recover from them.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a career full of minor issues and major blunders:
Plan for your mistakes. Obviously, you can’t completely plan for your mistakes, since you wouldn’t make them if you knew what they were. What you can do, though, is leave a little bit of “wiggle room” in your schedule and budget so a small error won’t turn into a bigger problem later.
Have someone you can turn to for advice when you need it. Having a mentor or advisor is a great idea for anyone starting their first new business. You never know when you’re going to need some great advice, and there are lots of experienced contractors out there who will happily share their wisdom with you.
Keep learning as much as you can. Experience may be the best teacher, but it isn’t the only place to learn. Lots of our graduates come back to CSLS to learn new skills or specialties. The more you know – about your business and construction in general – the easier it is to be successful.
No matter how hard you try, you’ll never avoid all the mistakes you can make as a contractor. In fact, even the most savvy new business owners often make a few of the most common errors again and again. But, if you anticipate them and commit yourself to being smarter in the future, there’s no reason they have to hold you back from the life you’re dreaming of.
Want to be as prepared as you possibly can before self-employment as a licensed contractor? Learn from the best! CSLS has online, self-study, and classroom options to help you prepare for your California licensed contractors exam.
