By Todd Bush, Resource Manager

A robust structure is built on a solid foundation. Likewise, a sturdy construction career is built on a strong construction network. Don’t forget that. No matter what your employment status is or what position you are going after, the bottom line is the same; never stop networking. Having the necessary construction skills is definitely required, but if you are looking to boost your construction career, you need to invest time and effort into nurturing, establishing and maintaining industry connections and relationships. Take a look at the input below on how to create a strong construction network.

Connect with the Networkers
As you ask yourself what is the best way to grow a strong construction network, remember to get in touch with the experts who have in place strong relationships with key players in the industry. Reach out to a construction recruiter and let them introduce your construction skills to a previously unknown market. Because they deal with industry professionals on a daily basis, they have the expertise and knowledge to find you the contacts you need to boost your construction career. They are going to put you in front of the right people and opportunities.

Evaluate Your Contacts
Trying to network with everyone in your field is simply impossible. Instead, you must filter through your contacts to see who is worth establishing a relationship with in order to promote your construction career. As you anticipate people are going to help you, you need to think through how you are able to help them. Make sure to present yourself as a problem solver, and not just another contact in their address book. Connect with professionals who need construction skills and traits like yours. In addition, assess your contacts by taking a look back at people from your past. Was there someone in high school or college who now has an extensive network that is beneficial to you?

Meet and Mingle
Build a strong construction network by getting yourself out there. Attend networking events and join associations to strengthen your construction skills and meet new people who have similar interests. Remember that people are more relaxed when they socialize, so try to find out where like-minded people are spending their time and make an effort to meet with them. Attend local networking events that bring together professionals from your field. This allows you to meet with local members, introduce yourself and show that you are actively working on your career.

Learn and Connect
A great way to expand your network of contacts while building your construction skills is to join education and vocational training programs. Take advantage of the fact that industry players and construction recruiters visit these programs to find the right professionals for their needs. Enroll in local apprentice programs and other learning programs that help you sharpen and improve your construction skills. This way you add value to your construction skills. You also are going to meet people who have connections in the local market and who are able to help you build a strong construction network.

Build Your Online Presence
With limited time available, a smart way to build a strong construction network is to establish an online presence that allows you to reach out to people and companies of interest in a faster way. For instance, create an up-to-date LinkedIn profile and connect with hiring managers and coworkers. Go on a company’s social media profile and take advantage of their referral program to get a foot in their door. Follow superintendents on Twitter, like company Facebook pages and join industry groups on LinkedIn. In other words, create an online presence to show you are active with your construction career.

Key Takeaways to Laying a Strong Networking Foundation:
1.  Connect with a construction recruiter and let them help you grow your network
2.  Keep evaluating your contacts to get the most out of them
3.  Attend networking events and invest in social networking
4.  Enroll in vocational programs and local apprentice programs
5.  Build a strong online presence that allows you to expand your network

About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com