Being self-employed is one of the smartest moves you can make, especially in the engineering industry. Unlike the rigid structure of traditional employment, where your career trajectory is often limited by a single employer, working independently gives you unparalleled freedom and flexibility.
Of course, being successful as an independent contractor doesn’t come easy. For most engineers on this path, being a small business owner can be extremely difficult.
But why is marketing yourself as an independent contractor so important? In this guide, I’ll talk about what it means to be a contractual engineer, the benefits of self-promotion, the importance of personal branding, and options to start marketing yourself to potential clients.
What does it mean to be an independent contractor?
Being an independent contractor in the engineering industry is very liberating for many because you are no longer tied to a single employer but are free to navigate your own career path and work with your own customers.
Instead of working on the same projects day in and day out, you get to pick and choose from a variety of exciting engineering challenges, from concept designs, to production support, or installation of new equipment. Imagine having the freedom to work in different client facilities throughout the year.
This flexibility is a major perk, but it also means you’re the boss of everything. You will need to write the contracts, create invoices, and collect information for tax purposes. Yes, it’s a bit more work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to be in full control of your professional life.
In the engineering field, being an independent contractor means you can dive into diverse projects that match your skills and interests. One month, you might be working on an electric vehicle battery tray project, and the next, you could be working on an innovative automation system for a pharmaceutical company.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Finding and maintaining clients requires hustle and a bit of strategic thinking. If you want to sidestep the threat of job insecurity? Start by networking like a pro, assembling a portfolio that boasts your skills, and religiously following the latest advancements in your field to keep your skills razor-sharp.
How can independent contractors market themselves?
Promoting yourself as an independent contract engineer is an absolute must for attracting clients and building a successful career. But where do you start? Below, I will show you how to stand out from the crowd by flaunting your skills and showcasing what sets you apart from your competition.
1. Build A Professional Website:
What is the first thing a company will do when researching you? They will Google your company name. So it is important that you think of your website as your digital business card.
Many contracting companies get this wrong but make sure all the information is well-organized, with clear sections for your business biography, services offered, and contact details. This is your opportunity to make a lasting first impression, so make it count.
Design a sleek, easy-to-navigate site packed with all the essential technical information about your skills and experience. Your website should reflect your prior contract work, professionalism, and expertise, using actual photographs from you “on-the-job.”
Don’t forget the basics, like using a clear call-to-action (CTA). Whether you are encouraging visitors to contact you for a free consultation, download your resume, or follow you on social media, make sure your CTAs are compelling and easy to follow.
If you really want to set yourself apart from other engineering professionals, consider adding a blog section where you share personal industry insights, project updates, and tips related to your field, either weekly or on a monthly cadence.
2. Leverage Social Media:
Platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are powerful tools for self-employed business owners to showcase their professional brand and connect with potential clients.
Pull together your skills, experience, and most impressive projects to create social posts that really garnish engagement and views. Wear your accomplishments on your sleeve by breaking down your work experience into bite-sized recordings or thoughts to express your insights into your professional reality.
On Instagram and LinkedIn, grab your followers’ attention with visual graphics, educational insights, or workplace photos. Create engaging videos or clips for a YouTube channel or Facebook. Weigh in on industry trends and news via X to have spontaneous conversations about your industry.
3. Network At Industry Events:
Try to attend several conferences, workshops, and industry meetups every year. It is crucial for independent contractors to meet the people who can help take their career to the next level, and oftentimes, it is industry peers who can help.
Anticipate which networking events you plan to attend and prepare in advance who you plan to visit and what you plan to discuss. Show up with a pocketful of business cards and be ready to share a summary of your work experience.
Engage in meaningful conversations by showing genuine interest in others’ work and challenges. Ask questions and offer insights into their problems to build rapport. Networking is about both talking and listening.
After the event, follow up with LinkedIn connection requests or personalized emails. Mention specific points from your conversations to reinforce the connection and turn these brief encounters into long-term professional relationships.
4. Ask For Referrals And Testimonials:
When you finish a project, find out if the client was pleased with your work and ask if they would write a testimonial. If you deliver great work, clients are usually pretty willing to lend you a helping hand to grow your small business.
Instruct whoever writes the testimonial on what to spotlight, such as your technical expertise, work style, teamwork abilities, cost consciousness, or attention to deadlines. Helping to instruct the writer will help show any specifics in the testimonial that you would like to highlight to your target market.
Once you have these client testimonials, make them highly visible on your website and social media pages. It might be a good idea to have a dedicated testimonial page on your website. Include client names, company logos, and, if possible, a photo to really add to the authenticity.
Business referrals are equally important for independent contractors. Don’t hesitate to ask your clients if they know anyone who could also benefit from your services. A simple, polite request can lead to valuable introductions and new projects. You can also implement a referral program, offering incentives for people who refer new business to your company.
5. Stay Active In Online Communities And Forums:
Joining online forums, Facebook or LinkedIn groups, and other online communities related to your industry is a great way to build your professional reputation and establish yourself as a knowledgeable and helpful industry expert.
You can start by identifying the most active and relevant communities in your field where industry professionals gather. Being active means regularly contributing to discussions, not just liking the post or comment. Answer questions, provide insights, and share your knowledge freely. When someone posts a problem that you can solve or a question you can answer, take the opportunity to respond thoughtfully. Your goal is to add value to the community.
Don’t just limit yourself to answering questions. Share interesting articles, recent developments in your field, and your own professional experiences. Starting your own discussions can also engage other members and spark valuable conversations.
Building relationships in these communities is just as important as sharing knowledge. Engage with others’ posts, comment on their updates, and show appreciation for helpful content. This not only builds your reputation but also helps you form connections with peers and potential clients.
6. Collaborate With Other Industry Professionals:
Teaming up with other independent contractors or businesses can significantly broaden your horizons and unlock new opportunities. Collaborations allow you to tap into different client bases and share resources, making it easier to secure larger and more complex projects.
Landing a strong support team can make all the difference, as you’re able to draw upon their collective expertise and watch your own skills soar. Collaborating with others injects fresh perspectives into your workflow, helping you grow both professionally and personally.
Highlighting your collaboration success stories proves to clients you’re not just a solo act but a people person who knows how to link up with others to get the job done, no matter how tough the contract work gets. Seek out individuals or businesses whose skills complement your own and propose projects that offer mutual benefits.
Join hundreds of self-employed engineers on JOINER Services!
While the tips above can help you cast a wider net into your industry, you have to admit that the competition is tough out there. So, why not join a platform where people are specifically looking for someone with your specific technical skills? At JOINER Services, you can showcase yourself and your skills as an independent contractor in your field. Whether you’re in welding automation or robotics consulting, JOINER has a place for you.
Join today and connect with clients and fellow engineering contractors to win more work!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below, I explain some FAQs about working as an independent contractor.
