Well, 2020 is nearly over. This is a time when lots of people set their plans for the new year. Is 2021 the year you’re finally going to start your career in construction? You may need a little assistance in taking the plunge. Here are five great resolutions that can help you get started.
Save Money
Every business needs money to get off the ground. While you can certainly apply for small business loans and other types of funding to help you buy supplies and equipment, anything you can save could make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be a lot of money, especially at first. Start by saving as little as $1 per day, to begin building a habit. Consider opening a savings account or a certificate of deposit that will help you earn some interest while you save. See if your bank or credit union will help you make automatic deposits, so you don’t even have to think about it. By the end of the year, you might feel more comfortable setting more aside toward your business goals.
Improve Your Reading Skills
Reading comprehension is one of the first things the kids learn in school, and there’s a good reason for it. Being able to understand what you read quickly helps you make your study time more effective. Even if you’re just reading about the latest technologies or practices in your chosen field, improving your reading skills will help you get more out of it. Try reading articles and then summarize what you learned from the content. Then you can go back and check to see what you may have missed. Look at online guides that help you discover what to look for as you read. With practice, you’ll get faster and more accurate.
Learn More About Running a Business
Running a business also takes practice. In order to know what to do and how to do it, you should start with some research. The first year of your business is often the hardest, so it helps to give yourself some additional preparation. Invest some time into researching these topics:
- Writing a business plan
- Investigating target demographics
- Creating marketing strategies
- Applying for business funding
Once you have a little expertise under your belt, get advice from family and friends who have run successful businesses. By the time you get your license and are ready to start your business, you’ll have a lot more information that will help you make it run well.
Take a Class in Professional Communication
Like reading comprehension, writing is something that most people learn as kids in school. Unfortunately, business communications often aren’t included in the curriculum. Professional communication is one way that you set yourself apart from the competition, particularly in the way that you relate to prospective clients. The good news is that this subject is something that a lot of people don’t know how to do. That means there are lots of tools and guides available online to help you learn common communication practices.
Get Ready for the Contractor Licensing Exam
Whether you are just thinking about getting into construction or you’ve been working in the industry for a couple of years, preparing to get your contractor license is a great next step. But in order to get it, you have to pass the contractor licensing exam. One of the best ways to learn what you can expect on the exam and get assistance in preparing for it is to take a course for your license. CSLS courses are comprehensive and refined to ensure that everyone who completes the course has the best possible chance at passing the exam.
The year 2021 is full of potential. If you start now, you’ll get the benefit of a whole year of progress toward your goals. To take the first step on your career path, contact CSLS today!