I only have about 2 years of experience. I just moved to Oregon and I’m having trouble building a network. Does anyone on this forum have ideas on how I can get more work?
Look on your local county website under permitting and it will show the info for GCs that have been pulling permits in your area - give them a call.
As a contractor, I would say make a simple 1 page flyer that in very simple terms says who you are, what you do, and what you’d like to do, and why a GC should hire you.
Then look up GC’s in the area you want to work, either at chamber of commerce, building centers, local contractors association, or even the state registry of businesses. Than look them up, google them, and mark out all who have poor ratings or no BBB rating because they are most likely to rip you off. Only write down info on rated 5 star GC’s.
Then go to their web site and e-mail the flyer. If they don’t have a web site, cross them off, again no web site means good chance of being ripped off.
And lastly, call them a couple days after e-mailing, introduce yourself, ask them what they have that you could bid, or how you could be of service.
Yes, this is some work, but it’s a 1 time deal, put in the work once and you will get a handful of quality GCs who will feed you work for years to come. Don’t be worried about getting work, worry about getting THE RIGHT work with THE RIGHT GC.
I meet the most GC’s at pre-bid meetings for projects in my local area. Doing things like taking them to lunch and earning their trust by demonstrating competence could be an approach.
You can do a search for GC’s in your area and mail them your profile.
I’m sure some of them are looking for a good person.
Best for you.
Maybe drive by some construction sites. Ask to speak to the gc and Introduce yourself
Google general contractors and call them - offer to sub work with them
Hi Rick, I am a general contractor myself and there are many ways for you to get your name out. I have a few suggestions: try looking into joining your local homebuilders association. I was active for a long time in my area. Within the association are ways you can meet these GCs through luncheons, planned dinners, joining a committee or they can publish your name on their website or handbook just to name a few. General contractors can consist of both commercial and residential and sometimes they wear both hats. Couple of other suggestions are the local Chamber of Commerce, BBB and try www.linkedin.com and create a business profile for free and reach out to GC’s in your area. All these suggestions may have a cost associated to them but in my opinion they are well worth it. All one has to do is reach out and be an active member. Hope this helps and good luck!
Hi Rick, Create a one page flyer with a couple pics of your work, client reviews you have received, your hourly rate and if you provide 24 hour emergency service and to what communities of the city that you serve. Attach your business card to the flyer. Make up at least 100 of them and start making visits to the offices of contractor’s, job sites, on the windshield of trucks and remember the Property Management companies, they too would be a good client source. Whenever possible, look good, make personal contact and smile. Good Luck!
As a GC, we get a lot of our subs from ads that we see on brochures, social media and trucks. I would also recommend going personally to their offices, introduce yourself and leave a business card.
Good luck!
I’m sure it is different from City to City, but I am a design/build contractor in New York City and prior to starting my construction company, my partner and I ran an architecture and design company. A lot of electricians would give us their cards and we’d always pass it along. It may be worth it to reach out to some local architects and designers. A lot of the time they could recommend you to their clients, and/or other General Contractors as well.
I saw one post - which was to drive by … hand him your card and tell him that you are licensed, reliable, organized and are reasonably priced. I would recommend that as you can see jobs easy enough in the area you want to work (I recommend keeping a small area near you as you will be responsive, and you will save a lot of time by not having to drive a long commute).