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So You Want To Be A Contractor? Read This First

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So You Want To Be A Contractor? Read This First

As the world constantly evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can work on a project-to-project basis has grown substantially. This growth can be attributed to businesses looking for expertise without the long-term commitment of a full-time employee. One such profession that stands out is contracting. Being a contractor offers flexibility, potentially higher pay, and an opportunity to work on diverse projects. However, starting a career in this field requires more than just skills. It s about understanding the industry, meeting certain qualifications, and continuously learning and adapting. 

If you re thinking about diving into the contractor world, this guide will give you a clear path to get started.

Understand The Licensing Requirements

Before you jump into any profession, it s essential to understand its requirements. For contractors, the cornerstone of legitimacy and professionalism often hinges on acquiring a proper license. And the process isn t always straightforward. In many jurisdictions, contractors need to pass a contractor license exam, which measures their knowledge of construction processes, business practices, and relevant laws.

This exam s aim is to ensure that you re competent to handle the responsibilities that come with being a contractor. Start by checking the requirements in your area, as they can vary from state to state or country to country. Some areas may require proof of experience, financial stability, or even additional coursework before sitting for the exam.

Specialize In A Niche

The contracting world is vast, with various niches ranging from construction and renovation to IT and consultancy. Determine where your strengths and passions lie. 

Are you into home remodeling? Or perhaps you re an expert in setting up IT infrastructure? By pinpointing your niche, you can tailor your skills and services to a specific market segment, making you more attractive to potential clients.

Just like any other business, a contractor needs a solid plan. Your business plan should outline your goals, target market, competition analysis, financial projections, and marketing strategies. This plan will act as a roadmap for your business, guiding your decisions and helping ensure you stay on the path to success.

Build Your Portfolio

First impressions matter. When prospective clients are considering hiring you, they ll want proof of your expertise. By building a portfolio, you re showcasing your best work, demonstrating your skills, and giving clients a reason to trust you. 

Start with any projects you ve done in the past - whether they were for friends, family, or previous employers. As you take on more jobs, continually update your portfolio with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.

Network Relentlessly

In the contracting business, who you know can sometimes be as crucial as what you know. Join local contractor associations, attend trade shows, and engage in online forums related to your niche. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to job referrals, partnerships, and invaluable advice.

Understand Contracting Laws And Regulations

Apart from the initial licensing requirements, contractors need to be aware of the ongoing laws and regulations. These can include safety standards, labor laws, and specific regulations pertinent to your niche. Ignorance isn t an excuse in the legal world. Stay updated and consider consulting with a legal expert if you re unsure about anything.

Set Clear Contracts

Before starting any job, it s essential to have a clear, written contract. This document should detail the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and any other essential terms. Clear contracts protect both you and your client, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and potential disputes.

Invest In Continuous Learning

The world is ever-evolving, and so should you. New technologies, methods, and best practices emerge all the time. Stay ahead of the curve by investing in courses, attending workshops, and regularly reading industry-related materials.

Conclusion

Starting a career as a contractor is an exciting journey that offers independence, diverse opportunities, and the potential for lucrative rewards. But it s not without its challenges. By understanding the requirements, specializing in a niche, and consistently delivering top-quality work, you can build a reputation that stands the test of time. 

Remember, the path to success is paved with dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. Dive in, and embrace the world of contracting with confidence!

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18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events
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18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events

I think one of the hardest things about networking events is just getting a conversation going with someone—without being awkward about it. Approaching someone new can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. So, what are some natural and easy ways to break the ice?

Here are some tips and tricks for starting a conversation at a networking event:

Go Fishing At The Food Table

Job seekers network at a conference

While waiting in line for food, start chatting up the person next to you. This is a great opportunity to get a conversation started because you already have something in common: the food. Everyone is thinking about the same thing. What am I going to try? What looks good? So instead of just standing there in silence, start a conversation.

Here are a few conversation starters for this situation:

  • “Oh man, everything looks so good. I’m not sure what to get! What are you thinking?”
  • “Yummy, they have ____! Have you ever tried it?”
  • “Hmm, I’m not quite sure what that dish is…do you know?”

Who knows, you might leave the buffet with a better plate of food AND a new contact! That’s a win-win in my book.

Find A Loner

Man networks with a colleague at work

If you see someone standing alone in the corner, clutching his or her drink, and looking miserable, don’t be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself. Typically, these people need a little help getting the conversation going.

Here are some icebreakers:

  • “Man, these networking events can be so crazy. Mind if I join you over here where it’s a little quieter?”
  • “Wow, there are a ton of people here! The food must be good, huh?”

If someone is standing alone, he or she is probably feeling uncomfortable or unconfident. If you initiate the conversation, it could make them feel more relaxed and willing to connect.

Compliment Them

Woman looks to start a conversation at a networking event

Everyone loves compliments, especially when they are feeling insecure (and many people do feel that way when attending networking events). If you’re struggling to start a conversation with someone, find something to compliment.

Here are some ideas:

  • “Yum, that drink looks good. What is it?”
  • “Cute shoes! Where did you get them?”

Talk About Sports

Group of professionals at a networking event

People love talking about sports. If you’re a sports person, use it to your advantage!

See someone wearing a Red Sox cap? Say something like, “Red Sox fan, huh? Did you catch the game yesterday?” Overhear a group of people talking about last night’s game? Express your interest in the conversation by saying something like, “Are you talking about ____?” and then chime in.

Just Say Hello

Man starts a conversation at a networking event

Sometimes, the easiest way to meet someone is to offer a handshake and say, “Hi, I’m Peter.”

Simply introducing yourself with a smile and a dash of confidence can work wonders.

Keeping The Conversation Going

Group of professionals network at a conference

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, yes, that’s all well and good, but how can I keep the conversation going after the initial question? It’s easy! Talk about something else you have in common—the event itself!

Here are some ideas:

  • “I’m Gina, by the way, nice to meet you…”
    • “So, is this your first time at one of these events?”
    • “So, how did you hear about this event?”
    • “What a great place for an event, huh? Have you ever been here before?”

After that, try learning more about them. Questions can include:

  • “Are you from the area”
  • “What line of work are you in or trying to get into?”

Next step: get them talking. Remember, people generally like to talk about themselves. So, once they tell you what they do, ask questions about it. Here are a few:

  • “That’s very interesting…”

BONUS: Your Exit Strategy

Professionals smile at a networking event

It’s that time: your drink is dry and you’re ready to move on. When the conversation starts to wind down, don’t try to force more. Remember, you’re there to mix and mingle—don’t chain yourself to one person all night.

If you’d like to exit a conversation, try one of these lines:

  • “Alright, I’m going to get some food now that the line has died down a bit. It was great meeting you!”
  • “Have you met Lisa She works in your industry as well. I’m sure you both will have plenty to talk about. I’ve got to say hello to someone, but I’ll be back.”
  • “Well, I think it’s time for me to head out. I would love to talk with you again, though! May I have your card/contact information?”

Remember these conversation starters (and enders) during your next networking event to get the most out of your time there. Happy networking!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date and was inspired by the author’s personal experiences and the advice of Susan RoAne, author of How to Work a Room.

Healing Touch – How to Become a Massage Therapist
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Healing Touch – How to Become a Massage Therapist

Soreness relieved, knots untangled, and tension eased. A professional massage can be healing. While it might seem like a luxury, it isn’t. A good massage can improve the immune system, promote digestion, and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is a good healthcare investment. A massage therapist engages a sense that you may […]

The post Healing Touch – How to Become a Massage Therapist appeared first on Jobacle.com.

Space Marketing: It’s Time To Plan Your Brand’s Future
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Space Marketing: It’s Time To Plan Your Brand’s Future

Do you remember your first space experience? I had many growing up. My first was seeing the Star Wars movie. It was a pop-culture juggernaut. We stood in line for hours, around the block just to buy tickets. People camped out, dressed up in Star Wars costumes, skipped school, and sat in the movie aisles just to see the Star Wars movie. Seeing the adventure of outer space with these amazing characters and creatures was awesome. Second, my dad was a ‘Trekkie.’ I spent many evenings hanging out watching Star Trek TV shows with him. It was a fond memory I have of time spent with my dad, enjoying one of our favorite shows that changed popular culture. And last, was an emotional time when I was in school, watching the Challenger space shuttle go up in space with all of my classmates, only to see it explode shortly after launch from Cape Canaveral back in January 1986. We were stunned realizing that the lives of seven astronauts had just died before our eyes. It was a very emotional time.

Recent years have seen a shift in what people want to consume. Younger generations are valuing trips, experiences, and exploration over physical objects. People are willing to pay for a lifestyle over materialistic objects.

Companies have an opportunity to tap into space experiences, reimagining themselves outside earth. Let’s take a look at a few companies that have successfully used space marketing tactics and four things you can start doing now to plan for your brand’s future in space.

Serum In Space

Estee Lauder contracted with NASA to take 10 bottles of its Advanced Night Repair skin serum to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronauts captured imagery and video of the product for social media with one bottle auctioned off for charity. The campaign cost Estee Lauder $128,000 (less than a big Influencer campaign).

Retail Lift Off

Under Armour and Virgin Galactic partnered to create a new generation of space apparel and footwear, as well as an astronaut performance training program. The 10-piece limited-edition collection features garments proven in space and designed for comfort and functionality. Both companies share an obsession with innovation and making the impossible possible.

Zero-G Experience

Mars Wrigley released a limited-edition Zero-G pack of Skittles, guaranteed to float while in space. The new Zero-G pack featured “intergalactic, aluminum packaging” and contained only blue and purple candies. Partnering with Jeff Bezos and the first human flight of his Blue Origin New Shepard spacecraft, he threw Skittles at his fellow passengers in a game of zero-gravity catch. Skittles also gave away a Zero-G experience for two from Zero Gravity Corporation, along with a bag of limited–edition Zero-G Skittles. Another 99 winners were also selected to receive limited edition “Zero-G” Skittle packs.

Launching Seltzer Into Space

The expert in brewing beer, Miller Genuine Draft, strapped a competitor’s seltzer to a rocket, hurling it into space. Fans could suggest which hard seltzers deserved the ride. Over 1 million people tuned in to see the launch (albeit it was via CGI) go up in flames.

Mission PGTide

Tide to Go is off to outer space, partnering with NASA to keep astronauts’ spacesuits fresh. Procter & Gamble and NASA scientists have created a fully degradable detergent that will clean clothes without wasting water. Over the next decade, they’ll be testing fabric care products, including Tide to Go pens and wipes, at the International Space Station (ISS) and on missions to the moon and Mars. This partnership could have larger implications for Earthbound consumers. Source

Marketing In Space

Let’s take a look at four ways you can start to engage your target audience as you start to reimagine your brand outside of earth.

  • Partnerships: Companies are increasingly looking beyond the atmospheric horizon as a place of business to touch their core markets and engage their audiences with brand partnerships. NASA has been looking to partner with corporations through licensing, product placement, content, and sponsorships. For example, astronauts wearing or using your products, shooting a commercial, video, or a movie in space, spacecraft naming rights, digital brand live feeds from space, the opportunities are endless.
  • Advertise: There are two types of advertising in space: obtrusive and non-obtrusive. Obtrusive space advertising is ads in space that can be recognized (i.e. skywriting) by people without supporting devices such as a telescope or binoculars. Non-obtrusive space advertising is ads that include logos on space suits, satellites, and rockets. Just think, what if you stamped your logo on the surface of the moon or placed a brand flag on the moon? Or consider this, instead of a blimp, offer a satellite from space that beams your live event during a major event (i.e. Olympics, World Cup).
  • Commercial Research & Development: Over 50 companies are conducting commercial research and development on the space station via the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory. In addition, NASA has worked with 10 different companies to install more than 14 commercial facilities on the station that support research and development projects for NASA and the ISS National Lab. Source Research projects include drug development that can lead to breakthroughs in curing disease, crop science breakthroughs that can lead to ways to feed the growing world population with less land and water, 3D metal printing, and much more.
  • Commercial Manufacturing & Production: A new NASA directive enables commercial manufacturing and production, allowing both NASA and private astronauts to conduct new commercial activities aboard the orbiting laboratory. The directive also sets prices for industry use of U.S. government resources on the space station for commercial and marketing activities. Last September, 14 companies were awarded millions to develop new technologies from cryogenic production, to developing sustainable energy generators, or building affordable propulsion systems for small spacecraft. Source

Space marketing is the next big thing in marketing right now. However, as you evaluate space marketing for your brand, be sure that it reinforces your brand values and brand promise. Start building your brand leadership today. You’ve got this!