A lot of contractors and construction companies are just getting started with their business. While it’s exciting to start a new business and acquire customers, there are a few rough patches along the way. With just a few tips from a veteran contractor, you’ll avoid a lot of hassle and be able to run a highly successful contracting company.
Start With a Brand
Every good contracting business exists behind a brand. You may want to name your business after your first and / or last name, a landmark in your city or something completely unique to you. With any name you choose, be aware that this is your brand going forward. This is the reputation you will develop and you should plan to keep the branding for a long time.
So, how do you create a successful brand? “In 2021, you have to think about your digital presence,” says Hollis Internet Marketing, an agency that focuses on contractor advertising. “Gone are the days of the YellowPages and being found on a public transit bench. Today you have to focus on distributing your brand name through digital channels like Yelp, Facebook, Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor and Google.”
But before you can distribute your brand, you’ll need a few things first:
- Logo
- Website
- Mission Statement
- Core Values
These assets will allow you to establish your company’s fundamental identity.
Tools & Equipment
If you’ve just started a new brand, you’re hopefully past the days of buying tools at Harbor Freight. You should have a tool supplier or at the very least a professional account with Home Depot or Lowe’s. You’ll be asked to complete a number of jobs, so it’s best to be well-prepared with the right tools and equipment, or have easy access to them.
Start by going to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s store. Be sure to purchase equipment from reputable brands like Milwaukee, Dewalt and Stanley. Avoid “cheap” products or you’ll end up buying them more than once.
Transportation
The last thing a customer wants to see is you showing up from some type of public transportation. Not only is this not a professional look, but it won’t build trust with the customer for future jobs. The expectation from the customer of a professional and trustworthy contractor would be a nice sized pickup truck with plenty of tools on the truck. This helps instill confidence with the customer. Plus, if you plan to service a wide geographic area, you’ll need a truck or some form of transportation to get around.
Protection
While you may be a great contractor, you need to consider other aspects of your business like how it’s protected if you ever get sued from an unhappy customer. A business attorney can help you establish your business as the proper entity (sole proprietor, LLC or a corporation), provide guidance on any legal matters and help you in the worst case scenario if you were to ever be sued. Having an attorney for any legal questions is always a great idea.
Stonebridge recommends the following business attorneys:
Scheid Cleveland, LLC
501 S Cherry St Ste 1100
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: (303) 331-7970
Site: cololawyers.com
If you can cover these 4 areas of your new contracting business, you’ll gear yourself up for success. In part two of this series, we’ll take a look at what you can do from a marketing perspective to help out your business. Stay tuned!
