For freelancers and independent contractors, subcontracting work can be a great way to increase income and gain new experience. Whether you are looking for additional work to supplement your existing income streams, or hoping to jumpstart a new career, subcontracting is an option worthy of consideration. There are many ways to find subcontracting work, and understanding these methods is the first step to success. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify and approach potential subcontractors and increase your chances of landing the right subcontracting job. We’ll also look at the advantages and disadvantages of subcontracting work and how to determine the cost-benefit of any job offer. By following the steps outlined here, you will be well on your way to finding subcontracting work that meets your needs and helps you reach your professional goals.
- Reach out directly to general contractors in your area. …
- Set alerts for online advertisements relevant to your services. …
- Look for government contract opportunities. …
- Keep an updated website showcasing your capabilities. …
- Present your company’s best side in every interaction.
Benefits of subcontracting work
There are many benefits to becoming a subcontractor, including:
Career specialization
You are free to select your own job specializations as a subcontractor. In general contracting, freelancers complete a range of tasks for clients, even those that fall outside of their normal job descriptions. Contrary to general contracting, subcontracting enables you to carry out particular tasks on your own To assist them in finishing a project, general contractors may even work with subcontractors. You may be able to pursue your passion for a particular line of work by working as a subcontractor.
Schedule flexibility
Schedules are made by subcontractors on their own, and they include rates, operating hours, and accepted contracts. Even if you only temporarily work for a company, you can still set your own hours as a subcontractor. One scheduling advantage of subcontracting is the freedom it gives you to arrange for breaks, vacations, or increased productivity.
Company freedom
You can choose whether you want to continue working with a company as a subcontractor. Typically, you only have a very limited number of contractual obligations with companies, excluding those that are directly related to your work. You can decide to work with other companies after finishing any unfinished projects for one of them. You can work for multiple companies concurrently if you are not bound by a non-competition agreement.
What is subcontracting work?
Contractors who practice subcontracting work independently and for specific clients on a freelance basis. Similar to employees, they may work for clients on any number of occasions, from once on a single project to regularly for several. Similar to how freelancers accept clients, subcontractors are self-employed and accept contract work. They take on projects that a business cannot complete internally, like providing particular materials or conducting departmental audits. Examples of subcontractors include vendors, freelancers, independent contractors and auditors.
How to find subcontracting work
Consider taking some of the following actions if you want to find more subcontracting work:
1. Contact contractors and companies
If you’ve previously worked with various contractors and businesses, think about getting in touch with them again to see if they need a subcontractor. Keep contact information handy as you take on more clients so you can get in touch with them when you have free time. Try to network with as many contracts as you can so that you have the most flexibility with regard to your employment options. Consider allocating a portion of your day to getting in touch with former customers so you can keep reminding them of your availability.
2. Search for those looking for subcontractors
Finding clients online can help you as a freelancer or independent contractor land more subcontracting jobs. Look into any ads you think might be relevant to your position. Even if a contract you find doesn’t fit your schedule right now, you might want to save the contact details for later. To help you save time while searching, be sure to focus your search terms on your particular line of work.
3. Build a website or blog
Making a website or blog is another way to promote your services and draw in more customers. The ability to reach potential clients online, whether through social media or your own website, can help you promote your services and your availability. Update your website or blog as frequently as you can to increase the likelihood that prospective customers will find it when they perform a search. If appropriate, think about publishing your most recent work on your website so that viewers can see it and take it into consideration.
4. Network with local businesses
By networking with nearby companies, you can also let potential customers know that you are available. You can get in touch with them by phone to inquire about availability or drop by during business hours to set up a meeting with a potential client, if that applies to your line of work. To reach local businesses, you can also place advertisements in the local newspaper or on flyers.
Instead of directly working as a subcontractor for a business, you can think about business collaboration if you are unable to find clients using these methods. Working together with a company entails bartering for equal work. While working with a company may not be as lucrative as finding a client, your work with them could influence them to do so in the future. Additionally, collaborating with a company unintentionally promotes your work to any of the company’s clients.
5. Use advertisements
You can promote your business online in addition to locally to draw in more clients. You might be able to reach a wider range of people by using online advertisements on national pages. You can also choose to display advertisements on popular websites in big cities. You might be able to attract a sizable and active clientele by focusing your advertising efforts on a select group of customers.
6. Write website articles
Writing an article for another website is another way to advertise your online presence. The website might let you include information about your website or social media accounts on the same page as your article. Writing an article with your name associated can increase the likelihood that clients will find you, even if you are unable to advertise your information on the page. You could also employ a freelancer to write the article for you in order to save time. If the article topic is open to you, think about writing about something connected to your services.
7. Browse client web pages
If you look for suppliers, organizations, or independent businesses online that you want to work for, you might be able to find more clients. Visiting a potential client’s website and getting in touch with them might lead to a new job. Contacting potential clients as often as you can increases your chances of discovering new open positions because not all clients who require subcontractor services post a request online.
8. Offer volunteer services
Offering your services as a volunteer is another way to let potential clients know that you’re available. To demonstrate to those in your community that you are available for contract work, you can volunteer locally. Online volunteering is another way to achieve the same thing for a bigger audience. Potential clients can see your skills in action by visiting your website, reading your blog, or following you on social media.
9. Attend workshops
Attending workshops can help you develop your abilities and market your availability to potential clients. Workshops allow you to connect with like-minded people who are knowledgeable about your craft and make connections that might result in new clients. Asking other subcontractors about their procedures and what gave them access to more work can help you learn from them.
10. Invest in advertising material
Purchasing tangible advertising items like business cards is another way to demonstrate your availability. While using flyers to advertise locally can help you reach your neighborhood, making a business card can help you conveniently advertise wherever you are. You can hand them out to prospective customers during conversations or bury them somewhere where someone who might be interested might find them.
11. Network through personal contacts
By networking with friends, family, and other personal contacts, you may be able to find new clients. If you’re just starting out with subcontracting work and are looking for clients to help you build your clientele, this may be helpful. Your personal relationship with clients you acquire through personal connections may help persuade them to do business with you again in the future, making them very valuable clients.
Explaining the rules for subcontracting small business contracts – Eric Coffie #Subcontracting
FAQ
How do you calculate subcontracting?
The costs of subcontracting are calculated based on the final products’ gross input. the end item quantity displayed in the Ordered Quantity field of the Purchase Order Lines (tdpur4101m000) session is multiplied by the subcontracting rate factor and the subcontracting rate to determine the costs.
How do I find a local subcontractor?
Where to find subcontractors. GCs and PMs typically use websites like BuildingConnected, AGC, BIA, and other trade associations to find subcontractors. A GC will then issue an RFP (Request for Proposals). RFPs provide a list of crucial project information, including the skills required, the project’s goals, and its timeline.
Is it worth being a subcontractor?
Being a subcontractor instead of seeking out new clients or working for a company can provide a consistent source of work. However, there may be some significant disadvantages, including the possibility of less reliable pay, more complicated taxes, and possibly less control over your day-to-day coworkers.
How do you attract subcontractors?
- Ask around.
- Ask friends in the construction industry.
- Local social media groups, community bulletins, or message boards.
- Drive-by.
- Current or past subs.
- Specialty suppliers.
- Online search.
