Mastering Subcontractors' Secrets to Thrive Amidst Construction Labor Shortages

Discover nine powerful strategies to assemble top-tier construction teams and outperform your competitors

As a subcontractor, you are an indispensable player in the construction value chain, contributing your expertise and skillset to every aspect of the industry, from the initial planning stages to the final finishing touches. Your specialized skills and experienced team offer invaluable resources that may not be available in-house, elevating the quality of every project you tackle. As Steve Jobs once said, "Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people."

In recent years, the construction industry has faced mounting challenges, such as skilled labor shortages, which have made it increasingly difficult to assemble the perfect team for your projects. According to ABC, the construction industry is grappling with a labor shortage and must hire an additional 545,000 workers this year alone. Nonetheless, there is no cause for concern. We've put together this awesome guide for you, packed with nine game-changing strategies. These tips will help you build strong relationships, become a pro at putting together top-notch construction teams, and maintain your position as the go-to subcontractor for general contractors and a wide range of clients.

Here are some key aspects and strategies for maximizing work sourcing and lead generation as a subcontractor:

Strategy 1: Forge Connections with Multiple Foremen for a Competitive Edge

As a subcontractor, connecting with multiple foremen is key to assembling teams of any size, whenever and wherever needed. By building strong connections, you gain access to a larger pool of skilled workers and can quickly source labor for specific projects. Join platforms like PropAgile to create teams, find local foremen, and establish specialized networks that you can tap into as needed. This strategy will provide you with a competitive advantage in the construction industry, helping you stay ahead.

Strategy 2: Develop a Strong Network of Relationships

Building relationships with other contractors is crucial for success in the construction industry. A strong network grants you access to more resources, opportunities, and support. To build your network, attend industry events, join trade associations, trade specialized construction teams, and connect with people you know in the construction field. Utilize social media to forge connections with other contractors. By investing time in cultivating relationships, you create a solid support system for yourself and your business, increasing your chances of receiving referrals, winning bids, and discovering new opportunities.

Strategy 3: Proactively Seek Out Work and Opportunities

In today's competitive construction industry, merely waiting for work to come your way is insufficient. You need to proactively seek new opportunities. There are several ways to achieve this: attend bid openings, submit proposals, and network with potential clients. Social media is another useful tool for connecting with industry professionals. When looking for work, tailor your approach to the specific opportunity. Conduct thorough research and learn as much as possible about the project and the client, demonstrating your genuine interest and suitability for the job. By actively pursuing work, you enhance your chances of landing new projects and advancing your career.

Strategy 4: Establish a Strong Online Presence

Subcontractors need a strong online presence. Create an informative, easy-to-navigate website displaying your services and work samples, and maintain an active social media presence to connect with potential clients. Make sure to list your business in relevant online directories, join trade-specialized listings like PropAgile, increase visibility, and optimize your website with search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. Out of the 1.13 billion websites in the world, only 20% are actively maintained and visited. By investing in your online presence, you'll attract new clients, foster relationships, and ultimately grow your business.

Strategy 5: Be Prepared to Compete and Deliver High-Quality Work

Being prepared to compete involves offering competitive prices or justifying higher costs, fostering a strong reputation, and consistently delivering high-quality work on time and within budget. Distinguish yourself by meeting your customers' needs and demonstrating your aptitude for coordination, communication, and collaboration. Prioritize client satisfaction and develop content that highlights the collective capabilities of your partners and suppliers in providing an exceptional customer experience. Encourage them to share your work, thereby increasing your online visibility and recommendations.

Strategy 6: Be Reliable, Trustworthy, and Maintain a Positive Attitude

As a subcontractor, earning clients' trust is essential for success in the construction industry. By being reliable, trustworthy, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can forge long-lasting relationships. Providing unbiased guidance and helping clients make informed decisions about their projects demonstrates your commitment to transparency and builds rapport. Educating customers on various aspects of construction showcases your expertise and ensures they feel confident in your ability to deliver high-quality work, ultimately fostering trust and loyalty.

Strategy 7: Attract and Retain Talent by Offering Competitive Wages and Benefits

Attracting and retaining top talent in the competitive construction industry is essential. Research the market to offer competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring your compensation is attractive. Prioritize employee development by providing training opportunities and on-the-job growth. Foster a positive work environment where employees feel valued and respected, while encouraging their contributions, offering constructive feedback, and celebrating their successes to build a high-performing construction team.

Strategy 8: Invest in Training and Development Opportunities

Investing in training and development is crucial for your business, benefiting both your team members and your company's overall success and reputation. Some advantages of investing in training and development include increased productivity, improved work quality, reduced turnover, enhanced safety, and better customer service. Well-trained employees are more efficient, produce higher-quality work, are less likely to leave the company, have a lower risk of injury, and can provide excellent customer service. To invest in training and development, offer on-the-job training, workshops, seminars, or online courses. Consult with your employees to identify the most suitable opportunities tailored to their needs.

Strategy 9: Create a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment is essential for employees to thrive and produce their best work. Show respect by valuing their ideas and contributions, and provide a supportive atmosphere with growth opportunities to demonstrate your investment in their future. Encourage open communication and feedback to foster a sense of community and trust. Instead of focusing on reprimanding mistakes, examine the root causes, such as hiring, training, tools, monitoring, or leadership, and share the responsibility to find solutions. Lastly, make the workplace enjoyable with regular social events and gatherings, cultivating a space where employees feel valued and motivated to excel.

Conclusion

As a subcontractor, connecting with multiple foremen and implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your competitive advantage in the construction industry. By forging valuable connections, being proactive, establishing a strong online presence, and focusing on attracting and retaining top talent, you'll be better equipped to source construction teams seamlessly and tackle any job, anytime,