Many people when they start their business fall into the trap of taking on any type of work. It’s the old ‘no job too big, no job too small’. This leads to taking on whatever job will ‘pay the bills’. The problem with this is not all work is created equal.
Sometimes a job ends up being a problem job – taking a lot longer or with nasty surprises. Or you end up taking on a job that is over your depth…and stretches you and your resources. Worse case is you take on a job in which there is no profit so you end up working for nothing ☹.
So what do you do instead?
The secret is to be really focused on the type of work that you are targeting. Now this may seem counter-intuitive but the more you focus on something… the more likely you are to get it.
And if you are focused on the right type of work, it really helps to set your business up for success right from the start.
Here’s three tips on how to do that…so you end up winning more work.
Start With Jobs You Are Great At
What types of jobs are you naturally good at? Which jobs do you have skills for? Are there certain types of jobs do you enjoy doing and come easy to you? Target those types of jobs! You will win more of them and you will find they run a lot smoother. It may sound obvious, but stick within what you know and what you are great at.
Target Work That is Profitable
Some types of work are super competitive. The margins are skinny which doesn’t leave much room for error. What can happen is people new to the industry end up working for nothing on these types of jobs. Don’t let that be you! Know the margins on each type of job that you do. And make sure you target jobs that are going to be profitable at the end of the day.
What Gaps Can You Fill?
This is great if you can find one. Is there a niche that you can fill in the market? Is there an area where no one is really servicing it well? Can you make yourself stand out in some way? By finding these gaps in the market and focusing on them you can really get traction in your new business.
So that’s the secret to winning more work.
Make sure you know the type of work that is going to be a fit for you and your business… and focus on it!
