How to Build Relationships as a Contractor 

There are numerous advantages to being an IT contractor – control over your career, greater flexibility in how and where you work, and not having to deal with typical workplace stressors. However, success on this path is highly dependent on your ability to forge relationships with potential clients and your peers.

To get insight into how contractors can impress clients and build those all-important networks, I spoke to our expert.

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Making a Good First Impression

• Research and Preparation: Before starting a project, thoroughly research the client and understand their needs. Show that you can add value by aligning your skills with their requirements. This helps you continuously improve and adapt to the company culture. 
• Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders to understand the project's progress and challenges. Taking the initiative can set a positive tone and help in managing project plans effectively. 

Demonstrating Value During a Project

• Communication: Keep all stakeholders informed about the project's status. Being adaptable and open to changes is crucial. Utilize project management tools to streamline communication and ensure everyone is on the same page. 
• Honesty: Manage expectations realistically and have honest conversations about what is feasible. This helps build trust and ensures smoother project execution, which is essential for effective risk management. 
• Expertise Sharing: Share relevant experiences from past projects to demonstrate your expertise, while respecting confidentiality agreements. This can help in continuously improving project outcomes. 

Completing a Project

• Offboarding: Ensure a smooth handover and leave a positive final impression by being thorough during the offboarding process. This reflects well on your professionalism and adherence to company culture.
• Feedback and Documentation: Collect feedback and document lessons learned to improve for future projects. Maintain good relationships for potential future opportunities and continuously improve your project management skills.
• Record Keeping: Write down key experiences and challenges faced during the project for future reference, which can be useful in job interviews and for refining your project plans.

Networking Advice

• Industry Events: Attend industry events and meetups to build and maintain a professional network. These events are great for exchanging ideas and making new connections, which can be beneficial for risk management and project planning. 
• Initiate Conversations: Don’t be shy at networking events. Start conversations and be kind; it will likely be reciprocated. This helps in building a strong company culture. 

Utilizing LinkedIn and Online Forums

• References and Recommendations: Obtain LinkedIn referrals to build credibility. Positive recommendations can make a significant difference and help in continuously improving your professional profile. 
• Active Participation: Contribute to discussions and share insightful information to establish yourself as an expert in your field. This can enhance your project management skills and knowledge. 
• Profile Updates: Regularly update your LinkedIn profile with new skills and experiences to keep it current and relevant. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement. 

By following these tips, you can build strong relationships and succeed as contractors. If you have any specific questions or need further details on any of these points, feel free to ask!