How to Set Yourself Up for Success as a Contractor

March 19, 2020

Are you looking to become a licensed contractor? If so, you’re in the right place. Of course, this isn’t the be-all-end-all of reading you’ll need to do, but it’s a good start.

Here, we’ll cover 4 tips on how you can set yourself up for success in the world of contractors. Having a license means you’re credible, and it will distinguish you from the average handyman. Not to mention that having a license means you can take on larger projects and increase your earning potential.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Get the Training You Need

No matter where you want to take your contracting career, you’ll need to get an education first. Fortunately, if you’re looking to get a contractor’s license in NC or anywhere else, there are training centers that can help. These service hubs give you classes, training, and other exam prep material so that you can pass with flying colors. You can also find advice about beginning your career through these locations.

2. Do You Want to Be Self-Employed or a Company Contractor?

The fundamental question to ask yourself when you decide to become a constructor. Do you want to work for a firm, or do you aspire to start a company and become an entrepreneur? The answer to that question will change the course of your construction career.

Ask yourself if you really want to start a company. If the burning answer is yes, another question to ask is whether or not you have the time and funds to make it possible. Starting a firm will take a lot of work, and there’s nothing wrong with working for someone else.

3. Create Your Contractor Brand

Even if you end up deciding against starting a firm, you still need to be able to market yourself. No one is going to hire you unless you put yourself out there, and these days that means going online. You’ll need to create a website or business card that gives contact information.

Do you want to work on city projects like hospitals, parks, or roads? Maybe you want to help construct private structures like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores? If you want to attract specific kinds of work, you need to make sure your brand matches who is hiring.

4. Market Yourself & Your Company

It’s time to hop on the internet and create some social media profiles. Doing physical work like building gives you a lot of opportunities for progress photos. Take pictures of the initial designs, the construction process, and then the final product. If you decided on the entrepreneurial route, take a lot of photos (your portfolio will benefit).

Utilize social media to show off your previous work, whether you’re self-employed or part of a company. If you are working alone, high-quality social media posts attract clients. In a company, the photos let your team know that you’re pulling your weight and proud of your work.

If you show an aptitude for social media, who knows, maybe your company will promote you to marketing the contracting work that your team completes?

Time to Put on Your Hard Hat and Get to Work

Once you’ve established yourself as a contractor, keep up the solid work. Try as many things out as possible while you’re working at the firm. Put your best foot forward, no matter how big or small your client may be. The only way to go is ahead.

Follow the most updated safety and building standards for every project. Keep yourself abreast of updates in the construction world, since things are always changing. You’re never too old to learn new techniques, use unique tools, or work with others.