If you are inclined to grasp advancement in any career of your choice, then you’ll need to know how to market yourself. Whether you’re already working under a contract, or whether you’re getting ready to apply for a new job, knowing how to market yourself is essential. Smart contractor knows that they should look for ways of leveraging their experience to win more contracts.
Here are nine ways you can show current and future clients that you’re the contractor they should pick:
1. Improve Your Resume
Anytime you learn new skills, ensure that you add them to your resume. If you’ve worked for a major business or completed new courses, these should go on your resume as well. When you actively work on making your resume as impressive as you can, you’re more likely to stand out from the competition.
Also think about skills that are in-demand in your industry, that you already have. These should also go in your resume. You want your clients to get a complete idea of the services you are able to offer them.
2. Work On Your Skills
You’ll have fewer opportunities to work on skill development as a contractor than a regular employee would have. This is why you should work on upskilling yourself. Look for short courses that you can complete when you’re free. This will let potential clients know that you’re committed to being the best in your career, as well as improving continuously.
If you get opportunities to upskill while you’re working, take full advantage of them. When you keep upskilling yourself, you’ll stay updated on industry trends as well.
3. Look For Your Niche
You should be following important publications as well as thought leaders in your industry, so you understand what clients expect from contractors as well. Select a niche you are confident you can excel in as well.
Talk to other contractors in your industry and do a market analysis to isolate areas where there’s a gap in service offerings. By offering these services, you might meet the needs of clients who aren’t finding contractors for the work they need to be done.
4. Apply Your Skills
Simply learning new skills isn’t enough, you should also be capable of applying those skills at work. Ask clients who are happy with you if you can use your new skills for their next project. If you’ve worked with them, they might give you the opportunity you need to test your skills. This way, not only will your client benefit from new skills that you’ve learnt, but you’ll also be able to work on applying and improving those skills.
5. Become More Reliable
You should be capable of completing your work within time, in order to be considered reliable. If you’re reliable, your clients will know that they can expect you to complete their work on time. Meet your deadlines, and if you have to go to client meetings, do your prepwork before you go.
Also, consider investing in contractor insurance. When you’re working as a contractor, you’re exposed to certain career risks. An unhappy client could end up suing you and taking you to Court, which could put a dent in your finances. When you have contractor insurance, you can safeguard your finances along with your career. To learn more about contractor insurance, please click here.
6. Practice Negotiation Skills
Don’t accept low offers just to get the contract. Instead, learn to negotiate for better rates. This can be easier if you offer specialized skills that competitors don’t offer. This will allow you to negotiate a higher rate. You should also clearly let the client know when you’re available. Let them understand that they can count on you to be present for work.
Instead of accepting the first offer a client gives you, try to negotiate for better rates.
7. Appear Professional
As a contractor, you have more freedom regarding setting your terms of employment. However, don’t treat your contracting jobs as if you were working from home. Understand what you’re expected to do in the workplace, and then do it. Appear to work on time, and be professional.
When you show the client that you’re professional, they might be more inclined to hire your services in the future as well.
8. Build Your Network
Building your professional network can help you build important relationships with other contractors, potential clients, and managing contractors. Attend networking events when you can and always carry business cards with you.
9. Collaborate Better
A good and professional contractor understands how to function well with the team the client has set up. When you integrate with the team better, you set yourself up for future referrals from them as well. Try to understand what the company culture is like, anytime you get a new contract. Build relationships with your new colleagues and collaborate with them at work.
Conclusion
If you want to get steady work as a contractor, then you’ll need to know how to prove your value. You should take a variety of actions to promote your career, from upskilling to professional networking. Use the tips in this guide to accelerate your success as a contractor.