Interested in becoming a contractor? To many, this is a dream option. But, there are a variety of important aspects to contemplate before fully committing to it.
Below you’ll discover more about why contracting is worth going into but also five vital things to keep in mind before doing so.
Why Become a Contractor?
Contracting is great for those who’d like to start their own business. Not only do you have a say in where, what, and how you’ll work, but you have the chance to build a repertoire of skills. Because you’ll likely work as a freelancer, you can test out different fields without having to feel trapped in one. Besides this, you get to set your fees and working times. You’ll have complete control over your career.
Before working as a contractor, it’s important to decide what area you’d like to specialize in. Some options include:
- Flooring installation
- Snow plowing
- Carpentry
- Landscaping
- Plumbing
By narrowing down your discipline, you’ll have a better idea of what you’d like to focus on.
5 Things to Consider Before Becoming a Contractor
Look at Your Finances
In most cases, contracting means you’re an independent business rather than associated with a company. Because of this, you’ll need to carefully manage your finances as you won’t always have a steady flow of cash.
If you’re adamant about contracting, it’s probably ideal to sort through your finances beforehand. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough in savings to get you through until you get steadier work. If you need to purchase equipment, like a tractor, think about whether you can afford it or need to take out a loan.
You might also want to think about opening a separate bank account. This way, you can keep track of monetary funds specifically for your contracting business. If need be, you can always transfer money from your personal account over.
Check Employment Opportunities
It’s important to investigate potential job opportunities to see where you might face heavy competition. For instance, if you live in a cold region, you might need to think out of the box if you want to offer snow plowing as there are likely many businesses that already do.
It can be difficult at first, but there are various ways you can find employment. One is by cold calling nearby businesses that might need you. If you specialize in drywall, try to reach out to construction companies. If you’re a plumber, reach out to local neighborhoods.
You might want to post ads offering your service. This could be through traditional print methods or with social media. You could also list your job on online job searches. With this, you can list your service, experience, and other important information to help you reach potential clients faster.
Investigate Insurance
As with most businesses, it might be worthwhile to purchase insurance. This is especially so if your work involves substantial risks or if you want to protect yourself from lawsuits.
Contractor’s insurance comes in a variety of options and can be customized to work around your specialty. Often, insurance packages will include:
- Workers’ compensation
- General liability
- Errors and omissions
- Commercial auto
- Commercial property
- Tools and equipment
You’ll find that insurance can also fit your budget. Regardless of whether you want basic or pro coverage, you can find something that works for you. If you’re still unsure, search for contractors insurance online for a quote. You’ll usually get an instant answer.
Boost Your Skills
Contracting tends to be a populated field. It might be worthwhile to learn new skills which can help set you apart from the crowd. With a versatile tool belt, many customers will be happy to keep hiring you.
Say you want to work as a handyman. You can start offering basic work you’re already well-versed in. But, as you grow, it might be beneficial to go through extra educational classes and become certified in various branches, like plumbing and electrical work.
You’ll notice that as you increase your skills, you’ll be able to offer more services. This can aid you in significantly growing your business.
Consider Recruiting Services
If you’d like to hire employees to assist you, it might be useful to use recruiting services. They can interview potential workers and determine whether they’re a good fit to help you.
While this might be a slight financial investment, recruiters ensure that you’re only hiring the best for your business.
Before you fund a recruiter though, make sure to research them. You’ll want to scour their reviews and website. You might also want to see if they specialize in certain industries.
Contracting can be a beneficial yet sometimes overwhelming career choice. With this information, you can make a confident decision as to whether or not it’s the right move for you.
