When you’re a subcontractor searching for work, knowing what general contractors look for in the people they hire will give you a major competitive edge. To improve your chances of winning more jobs, keep these three important tips in mind.
Tip #1: Know your strengths
When bids come in for subcontracting jobs, the general contractor often finds it difficult to distinguish the different subcontractors except by price. Does this mean you can only stand out and win a job by presenting the lowest bid?
Not necessarily, if you market yourself more strategically. Ask yourself what you do that’s different or better from the way your competitors do it. Do you keep your certifications faithfully up to date? Seek new ones as the industry changes? Do you have a larger work crew who can get a job done faster? Do you have a perfect safety record? If so, use those details to present yourself as the best candidate for the job.
Tip #2: Know how to market like a pro
There are many ways that you can market your services to a general contractor.
- If you win a job, give the contractor material that they can use when presenting to the owners. If you can contribute to their success, they will remember you when future opportunities come up.
- Invest in your team’s professional development, and publicize the fact that you do so. General contractors considering your bid will know that they are obtaining trained and competent personnel for their job.
- After completing a job, remain in touch with the general contractor and send them any useful leads that you come across. It increases the chances of them returning the favor when they have another job on the table.
Tip #3: Always be professional
A professional image is important to your career. Give the contractor every reason to remember your work positively: make sure that your crew cleans up the site before going home each night, hold regular safety meetings to keep the project accident-free, and respect the contractor’s payment schedule. (Insisting on immediate payment will make you look desperate.)
Good marketing skills and a professional approach can hold more weight with a general contractor than the lowest bid. Invest in both and your career will only benefit. And if you have any questions about construction law, we’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to ask!
