To find work as a subcontractor you have two main options:
- Look for advertisements for subcontractors in trade journals and on industry Web sites.
- Promote yourself as a subcontractor to contractors in your trade.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Market your services directly to larger firms
Find out which contractors have needs and connect with them via cold calling, mail, press kits, and networking.I recommend: The Small Business Administration Subcontracting Opportunities Directory is a list of contacts, searchable by state, of subcontracting firms with large Federal contracts. Onvia collects contractor information for government work and commercial construction projects. McGraw Hill Construction and Constructionwire specialize in construction contract leads.
Add your name to listings or directories of subcontractors
Industry Web sites and professional organizations maintain directories of available subcontractors, and you can often add your name for free or a low cost.I recommend: The National Subcontractors Association provides contractors with listings of subcontractors, and also provides a variety of other services and information to subcontractors. ServiceMagic.com matches people and businesses with the skilled professionals they need. Bids411 is another matching service with a local orientation.
Attend trade shows
Attending trade shows will give you an opportunity to connect and network with others in your industry, including the prime contractors who may be able to give you work.I recommend: The Ultimate Trade Show Resource maintains a database, searchable by industry, of over 15,000 trade shows, exhibits and events in the United States and beyond.
Read industry publications
The classified section in a trade magazine will often list opportunities for subcontractors, and the articles will give you ideas for marketing your own services as well as keep you up to date on what other subcontractors and contractors in the industry are doing.I recommend: TradePub.com offers free year-long subscriptions to industry magazines for qualified subscribers.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Try creating a sharp, professional-looking marketing kit to send to prospective clients. List your services and testimonials from previous clients.
- Diversify your efforts. If you have too much of your work lined up with one firm and the job falls through, you may be left without any income.
- Even when you're busy, always devote a portion of your time to drumming up more business and making contacts.
the Construction Contractors Information Resources page at Business.com
Qwest® Business
Your one-stop small business shop for phone, fiber-optic Internet, web site development, digital security and high-speed networking solutions.
www.qwest.com/smallbusiness
Your one-stop small business shop for phone, fiber-optic Internet, web site development, digital security and high-speed networking solutions.
www.qwest.com/smallbusiness
Travel Nursing Jobs
Looking for Travel Nursing Jobs? Search listings and reviews of providers and specialists in your local area today.
JustClickLocal.com
Looking for Travel Nursing Jobs? Search listings and reviews of providers and specialists in your local area today.
JustClickLocal.com
Physician Jobs
Free service for practice-seeking physicians and other medical professionals. Offers information for in-house recruiters and physicians.
www.practicelink.com
Free service for practice-seeking physicians and other medical professionals. Offers information for in-house recruiters and physicians.
www.practicelink.com
Web Development Employment Resources
Find Web Development Employment. Search listings and reviews of retailers, specialists and services in your local area now.
JustClickLocal.com
Find Web Development Employment. Search listings and reviews of retailers, specialists and services in your local area now.
JustClickLocal.com
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
