Starting Your Own Skilled Trades Business: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting Your Own Skilled Trades Business: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve got skills—maybe you’re a wizard with electrical wiring, a master of plumbing, or a carpentry connoisseur—and you’re thinking, “Hey, why not turn this into a business?” Starting a skilled trades business can be a fantastic idea, especially if you’ve got the knack and the drive. Here’s a rough roadmap to get you going:

1. Assess Your Skills and Passion

First things first: are you ready to explore striking it out on your own? Obviously, you'll need to have a solid grasp on nearly all of the technical aspects of your trade for your target market (i.e., residential, commercial, or industrial). But beyond technical skills, you'll need to assess your ability to manage projects, handle customer relations, and solve problems independently. Starting a business requires not just technical prowess but also entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and a willingness to learn the ins and outs of running a business beyond just doing the work. If you find yourself thinking about ways to improve processes, innovate within your trade, or dreaming up new services to offer, it might be a sign that you're ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

2. Research and Plan

Next up, do your homework. Check out the market demand in your area. Are people clamoring for skilled trades services? What’s the competition like? A bit of market research can go a long way in helping you position your business effectively.

3. Get Licensed and Certified

In the world of skilled trades, licenses and certifications aren’t just badges; they’re often legal requirements. Check what certifications are needed in your state or country. It might involve some exams or proof of experience, but it’s worth jumping through these hoops to operate legally and build trust with clients.

4. Create a Business Plan

Time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). A business plan doesn’t have to be a 50-page saga; even a one-page outline can work wonders. Define your services, target market, pricing strategy, and how you plan to promote your business.

5. Sort Out the Legal Stuff

Nobody loves paperwork, but this is crucial. Register your business name, decide on a legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.), and sort out taxes and insurance. It might not be thrilling, but it’s a necessary evil. Many small businesses incorporate as LLCs and you can find more information on how to do so in your state here. 

6. Gather Your Tools and Equipment

You’re not just a skilled tradesperson now; you’re a business owner. Make sure you’ve got the tools of the trade. Whether it’s wrenches, drills, or high-tech gadgets, invest in quality equipment—it’ll pay off in the long run.

7. Build Your Brand

Time to get your name out there. Create a logo, set up a simple website or business page, and get active on social media. Your online presence matters more than you think.You can can use BluCollr to create a company profile to showcase your business, highlight flagship projects, advertise open positions, highlight benefits / training opportunities, and describe your corporate culture. Even if you’re not ready to start onboarding employees, you can use BluCollr to store your professional portfolio or advertise your business. Each BluCollr business profile has a unique URL that can be shared through email and text message, or even put on the back of a business card. To get started, create your employer account here. 

8. Start Networking

Networking isn’t just for corporate suits. Attend trade shows, join local business groups, connect with other tradespeople on BluCollr, and don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Referrals can be your best friend in the skilled trades world.

9. Provide Excellent Customer Service

It’s not just about fixing pipes or wiring; it’s about building relationships. Show up on time, communicate clearly, and go the extra mile. Happy customers are loyal customers.

10. Learn and Adapt

The skilled trades industry evolves. Stay on top of new technologies, safety regulations, and customer preferences. Always be willing to learn and adapt—it’s what separates the good from the great.

Starting a business in the skilled trades isn’t always easy, but with passion, determination, and a solid plan, you can turn your expertise into a thriving enterprise. Ready to get started? The world needs more skilled tradespeople like you. Let’s build something awesome together!