Are you itching to run your own contractor business? It offers incredible freedom as it lets you set your own schedule and work in the way that suits you best. However, the industry can be competitive. Let’s explore how you can stand out and thrive as a contractor in Australia.
What is a contractor?
A contractor is someone skilled in a particular trade who is hired from an outside source to complete a task. They can be in a variety of industries such as carpentry, insulation, plumbing, electrical and many more. In general, contractors are responsible for sourcing and purchasing products, designing and planning projects, and supervising crew members.
Benefits of being a contractor
Contractors are independent and manage their own business on their own schedule. As a contractor, you can set rates that match your skills and experience, offering greater flexibility for work-life balance. Without corporate constraints, contractors operate freely as long as they adhere to business regulations and keep track of their details.
Tips on how to be a successful contractor
Wondering how to stand out in a competitive market? Below are some of our tips on how to become successful in the contracting space:
- Look at how you define success and ask yourself what steps you need to take to get there. Create short and long-term goals to plan where you want your business to go.
- Connect with your local community so you can continue to grow your client base and stay up to date with what’s going on in the contracting industry. Attend conventions in your trade to grow your network, meet up with other contracting professionals to gain more knowledge, and join online communities to receive industry support.
- Market yourself strategically, so leads and potential customers can see how you stand out from the competition and why you would be the best choice for them. You can market and advertise through social media, your website, company emails, online ads, newspapers, and many more.
- Encourage previous clients to leave reviews online to help grow your customer base. Positive reviews on your Google Business Page can influence new customers in deciding whether to work with you.
Traits successful contractors have
In the contracting and trade industry, having personal and professional skills that enhance your work is crucial. Below are some skills commonly found in successful contractors. Take a moment to evaluate yourself and see if you possess them. If not, you can see what you may want to focus on improving.
- Have strong communication skills – Professional contractors respond quickly to emails and phone calls, frequently update clients on the state of their projects, and interact with respect each time they see clients on site. Excellent communication and professional customer service skills can help you build a network of customers who trust you.
- Stay organised – Contractors who keep their details, products, and paperwork in order tend to be more successful than those who don't plan ahead or maintain a well-structured system.
- Understand how to negotiate well – Since you'll be running your business independently, it's essential to master the art of negotiation. You'll need to negotiate rates and bids with clients and companies, and doing this effectively can boost your revenue and overall profitability. Understand standard industry prices and how your value stacks up to make sure you're getting the most from your services.
- Have critical thinking and problem-solving skills – A good contractor knows how to critically analyse problems and pick out the details that are needed to solve them. When preparing for a job, anticipate the challenges that may come your way and how you can overcome them.
- Pay attention to detail – When a client has specific requests, being able to adapt and fulfil them is vital. Attention to detail helps you produce high-quality work. This also applies to managing your business, like ensuring costs stay within margins or keeping an eye on team members who may not be pulling their weight.
- Be committed to growing – As you move forward in your business, it’s important that you continue to find ways to learn new skills and improve your expertise. Consider doing extra training or enrolling back in university courses to brush up on your knowledge. If you run a team, get them involved in activities that improve their abilities as well.
Take your business to the next level
Being a contractor offers the chance to enjoy a flexible work-life balance. In Australia, the demand for skilled contractors is growing, giving you more opportunities to thrive in your field – so why not do it?
If you need any extra help running your business, we are here for you! With Mira, you can manage all your needs effortlessly at the touch of a button with our contractor business software. Streamline payments, schedules, and client details all in one place. Start your free trial today and experience the difference!