In construction, success doesn’t just come from your tools or your skills—it comes from relationships. Whether you’re a subcontractor, general contractor, or tradesperson, much of your success will come from building relationships with the right people. Keep reading for practical advice about why relationships matter in the construction industry and how to build them.
Why Relationships Matter in Construction
Strong relationships lead to better projects and steady work. Here’s how:
Trust & Credibility
Everyone has had a bad experience with an unreliable contractor. So when they need something done, many people will start asking around for a recommendation. The math is simple: the more people who know you and trust you, the more often your phone will ring.
Repeat Work
General contractors love subcontractors they can count on. One successful job can lead to years of projects.
Every Person You Meet Knows Other People
Each relationship you invest in can pave the way to other great relationships.
Everyone Could Use More Reliable, Helpful People in Their Lives
Go the extra mile to earn that reputation and doors will open.
Strategies for Building Relationships in Construction
Attend Industry Events
Builder expos, trade shows, and local meetups help you connect with GCs, property managers, and fellow tradespeople.
Be Generous With Your Help
A great way to build relationships as a professional is to offer a little expertise at no cost. I’ve had small business owners offer to come to my home or office and help me out with a small repair, then tell me that I owe them nothing. A simple gesture like that shows genuine care for others and builds trust. That trust can lead to loyalty that lasts for years.
Join Builder Associations
Groups like the Associated General Contractors (AGC), Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) open the door to networking and job leads.
Introduce Yourself Everywhere You Go
Give a short, clear explanation of what kind of work you do.
Be confident and friendly. People will remember you and your reputation will grow.
Get to Know the Guys at the Supply House and the Equipment Dealers in Your Industry
Treat them with kindness, respect, and appreciation for what they do. Ask for their opinions. Bring them lunch if appropriate. They can be valuable allies because they often know a lot of people in your industry.
Look for Opportunities to Send Referrals to Those You Meet
Get their business cards, go to their website, or exchange phone numbers. Try to introduce them to someone who can help them out.
Take Advantage of Local Business Groups
Go to Chamber of Commerce events like ribbon cuttings, visit BNI groups , take advantage of small business resources like Catalyst, or check out the UAH Small Business Development Center.
Leverage Social Media (Especially LinkedIn)
Post pictures of your work. Connect with GCs and property managers on LinkedIn and message them to start a conversation.
Deliver Outstanding Service
A lot of people think their work should speak for itself, but clear communication, staying on schedule, and being easy to work with take you even further.
You Can’t Make More Time
No matter how driven you are, there are only 24 hours in a day.
Your time as a business owner is best spent doing what brings in income:
- Meeting potential clients
- Growing your reputation and network
You might be thinking, “Yeah right, how would I ever find time to do this stuff?”
If that’s you, then it’s time to start delegating and offloading tasks that can be done by other people.
That’s where outsourcing your accounting can be a game changer. Partnering with a responsive accounting firm helps you reclaim time, reduce stress, and stay focused on winning new work. We would love to talk about how we can take these time wasters off of your plate. Being intentional with building relationships can keep paying dividends for decades.
Final Thought: Relationships Drive Growth
Winning new work takes more than just skill. It takes trust, connection, and presence. You will never get business from people who don’t know you exist. So step out and introduce yourself to the people around you. Be where the opportunities are. Not only do you need people to know that you exist, but you also need to build a positive reputation for being great to work with. So play the long game, and take the high road in business relationships. Failure is not an option. Success is built one relationship at a time.