The emphasis is on relationships in this final part of the 5-part series concerning strategies used by discerning construction subcontractors to prosper. If you haven’t already read the other parts, you can go here to start at the beginning.
Appreciate Your Contacts
From live contacts to online contacts, you have a variety of ways to interact with people who can improve your construction business. And it comes down to the adage that says, “If you want to make friends, you need to be a friend.”
Being part of a network of professionals in the construction industry is empowering on every level. It doesn’t happen overnight; you can’t purchase it with cash, and it is more (much more) valuable than all the tools and equipment you own.
Participate With Others – even if you’re introverted
Whoa! Even those of you who consider yourselves introverts have a part to play in the participation aspect of this strategy. In some instances, introverts are better equipped to “do it” than their extroverted counterparts. For example, they’re more likely to listen (truly listen) than their chatty extroverted colleagues.
The main point is to take the initiative. The following list includes suggestions for developing meaningful relationships worthy of the effort.
Join a trade industry association
Join other associations
Be a good listener
Look for contacts of contacts
Say “yes” as often as possible
Do favors for others
Show up
Compliment others
Be curious
Take feedback
Don’t be afraid to be human (everyone makes mistakes)
Ask for help
Volunteer
Enforce appropriate boundaries
Laugh (out loud and often)
Use social media and live contacts to interact rather than sell
Look for what you can give, not what you can get
Know Who Your Contacts Are
Some of your contacts will be long-term, and others will only be around for a specific season of your construction company’s growth. It is up to you to know who they are and how they fit into your story. Here is a list to help you think about the possibilities.
GCs
Clients or customers
Employees
Subs
Members of industry associations
Owners of other construction businesses
Suppliers
Service Providers
Bankers and loan providers
Bonding agents
Family
Friends
Don’t Forget Serendipity
Be on the lookout for serendipitous meetings. Obviously, if it is serendipitous, neither you nor the person you meet planned the encounter. But letting those “by chance” meetings go to waste is like tossing a piece of fine china into the trash bin with the paper plates.
You must be open to it, make time for it, and be prepared to take advantage of it.
Worth in Relationships
Just as both mortar and blocks can be used together to make a lasting building, there is value in cultivating relationships in both bonding affiliations and relaxed connections.
Bonding affiliations are those that can usually be distinguished by:
Frequent interactions
Reciprocation
A level of self-disclosure
Trust
Relaxed connections are those that show up as:
Infrequent relations
Incidental
Fresh idea generators
Perspective checks
Sharing Our View
We’re passionate about the people we meet who are part of the construction industry. You see, we help the owners of small to medium-construction businesses hone their professional expertise and make better financial decisions leading to greater profits. We’ve found that by doing so, we help them make a noticeable impact on their communities. That is heady stuff! Yes, we appreciate being on their “contact lists.”
Reflection: How well have you mastered each of the disciplines described in this 5-part series?
Appreciate Your Contacts
Which still needs work on your part? What steps will you take to improve your professional expertise?
Ambitious Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735