Large construction companies handle big contracts by hiring general and subcontractors in different fields of expertise. A general contractor can accomplish the same result by networking with other contractors in their market. While working together may expose you to some risk, by networking and establishing relationships, it is possible to successfully target large contracts.

Those who try to practice many crafts are the masters of none. An individual can only pursue and master one specialty if they are going to make customers feel confident in their expertise. Keeping up to date in the practices of one field is challenging enough, don’t overtax yourself by trying to pursue too many specialties.

This doesn’t mean, however, that if you are an electrician you can’t bid on a project that includes plumbing. If you create a network of specialists that will work with you on a per contract basis, you can make sure you don’t lose out on a bid because you lack certain skillsets.

Creating a network may seem like a daunting task. It also may go against what you feel is a safe business practice. It is true that you leave yourself vulnerable when accepting a large contract and working with other general contractors. Those contractors my try to undercut you to steal the bid, or they may perform subpar work because they aren’t the lead contractor on the job. If you take the time to build a network and strengthen the relationships of those who work in your market, you can reduce the negative impact of working with other contractors.

You need to take the time to get to know the reputation of other contractors before you approach them to join your network. Find out how they perform on site, how they work with their sub-contractors, and how they work with other general contractors who may be onsite. If you find that customers and peers are satisfied with their work, then you can approach them to join you.

Make sure you approach with caution. Remember, they may be reluctant to join a network for the same reason you are reluctant to start one. You may need to let them speak with other people in your network or refer a couple of projects to them before they consider becoming a part of your group.

Once you have established your network, make sure all members and customers are happy with the performance of the group as a whole. If the work of a general contractor begins to deteriorate after they join the network, make sure they understand they can and will be replaced. And try to encourage the members of the network to speak with one another and strengthen the relationship of the group. This will help make sure that the members of the network act more as a team and less as a group of individuals to enhance job performance and client satisfaction.

Networking is a great way for general contractors to increase their chances of winning bids and finding steady work year round. Start working on your network today to help increase your revenue for this building season.