Plumbers can be successful in the field as well as with their business in general.
Plumbers who have completed their apprenticeships and documentation are faced with proceed in business, selling their skills to customers who need them. Like any business, marketing becomes paramount toward success. Knowing where to network, negotiate a contract, complete the job efficiently, and follow up are basic to landing ongoing work. With each successfully completed assignment the plumber will accrue references that support continued prospects. Confidence in one's skills combined with communication skills and a good job record will lead to steady growth in the field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that "employment of plumbers, pipelayers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is expected to grow 16 percent between 2008 and 2018," so chances for success are good.
Instructions
1. Set clear intentions for your work, time and financial goals. Merge these with your carefully considered general life goals to direct your next steps. Affirm your capabilities, and move ahead gradually--one step at a time.
2. Create a business card and brochure that have your basic contact information and website address. The website can be a simple one-page contact ad or a full site delineating skills, references and details, along with photographs of your work and completed projects. The more information people can access about you, the easier they can determine whether you might be the person they want to hire.
3. List yourself on state, city and plumber associations websites and printed directories. Sites such as the PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association), state contractors, business bureaus extend the reach so people can locate you.
4. Network. Tell everyone you know you aim to be successful as a plumber, and ask them to keep you in mind for any plumbing work they might need. Take your card around and introduce yourself in a pleasant manner to places that routinely hire plumbers: landlord associations, housing listing and rental listing agencies, construction companies, real estate firms, property management firms and community business organizations.
5. Pull out the yellow pages and scan for anything that might need the services of a plumber. If you are a sole proprietor, look for small businesses, home-based operations, and the like. If you work for another plumber, if work slows down, take the initiative to suggest new places to contact for potential business.
6. Create a niche for yourself. Specialize in an area that is environmentally friendly, or as the regular service provider for theaters, state park facilities, town halls, convention centers, hotels or hospitals. If new construction is your forte, keep that as your focus, even if you have to do other jobs while getting established. No job is too small, and all jobs move you in the direction of your dreams.
7. Stay informed about your field. Weekly or monthly, learn what's happening through organizations such as the World Plumbing Council.
8. Investigate the pros and cons of joining groups such as United Association (Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and HVAC Service Techs).
9. Charge fair rates, according to industry standards. Bid jobs intelligently. Offer package deals and referral discounts, as well as discounts for repeat business.
10. Embrace a strong work ethic: Show up on time; be thorough and diligent; maintain good business accounts; keep clients informed about the status of the job; bend as needed; interact well with other contractors and people on job sites; and take responsibility for any mishaps or when things don't quite turn out as you expected. Stay calm, and map out a solution that ends in a win/win situation. Every choice you make reflects arrogance or integrity.
11. When working for someone else (lead contractor or master plumber, etc.) follow directions and work within their protocols. Trust their experience, but set boundaries for yourself, especially if they cross professional guidelines or abuse work agreements. Check in and ask for feedback on your work.
12. Never quit. Never give up on your goals. You will succeed. It's only a matter of time. By steadily applying these concepts, you can enjoy every success you deserve.
Tags: your work, informed about, might need, well with
