Networking In Construction

Construction workers don’t want another pizza party. Loyalty costs more than a few slices. Here is what they really want... ✅ Trust – Give them ownership, and they’ll take pride in their work. ✅ Respect – They are the backbone of every project—treat them like it. ✅ A Clear Path to Growth – Training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities matter. ✅ Better Communication – Most site issues aren’t caused by a lack of skill—they’re caused by: Unclear direction, lack of tools, information, materials and poor leadership. ✅ Fair Pay – Skilled labor is in high demand. Wages should reflect the value these workers bring. ✅ A Safe and Productive Environment – Not just policies—leadership that actually cares about sending people home safe every day. If you think a pizza party is enough to keep your workforce happy, you don’t understand what drives them. And quite honestly, it's insulting. Want loyalty, retention, and high-performing teams? Give workers what they actually need to succeed. Do you agree and what would you add to this list? Like and repost. Spread the word. It's time for change. #RespectTheTrades #BlueCollarLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #ConstructionLife

The commercial construction growth playbook is changing. It used to be word of mouth, attend a bunch of local events, do good work, and that's all you needed. You didn't even need a good website. And tbh, some contractors are still crushing it with no website but they're the exception. Now the best companies have a more well-rounded strategy. And not just the BS that marketing agencies who don't understand the industry recommend. The strategies actually moving the needle in commercial construction are: 1. Thoughtful business development / outreach to potential clients and partners (calls, emails, LinkedIn). Grabbing lunch and coffees. Not just spray and pray. 2. Events / networking still work. Take it to the next level by hosting your own. It doesn't need to be anything crazy — simple mixers and meetups work. 3. Social media content — mainly LinkedIn if you're in commercial, because LinkedIn is focused on B2B (business to business). 4. Genuinely valuable content. You're not going to get millions of downloads, but if you write something that resonates with your niche + target customers, 10-50 downloads in the hands of the right people can move the needle. 5. Solid online presence. Any new potential client is going to research you online. You want your digital presence to match the level of your business. There's more, but if you nail these basics, you'll be ahead of 95% of the industry. Most contractors are still relying on the old playbook and wondering why growth has stalled. The ones pulling ahead aren't doing anything magic, they're just doing the fundamentals consistently.

🚨 Entry-Level + New-to-Canada Construction Professionals: Listen Up I get messages every week that sound like this: “No one will give me a chance.” “I’m qualified but I don’t have Canadian experience.” “I keep applying and hearing nothing.” Breaking into the construction industry - especially in a new country or at the start of your career - is no joke. Here’s what I often tell people in your shoes: 📥 Stop relying on online applications alone. If you’re sending 100 resumes into the void, it’s time to change the strategy. 🤝 Start connecting with hiring managers and decision makers. Keep it short. Introduce yourself. Let them know what kind of role you’re looking for and why you’re reaching out. 💻 Show up online. Comment on posts. Post something yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just be real. Let people know who you are and what you’re about. 📍 Put yourself in the room. The Building Show is coming up in December. Thousands of construction professionals. Tons of companies. Go. Network. Shake hands. Learn. Be seen. ✨ No one can advocate for you better than YOU. Visibility matters. Connections matter. Effort matters. And yes - timing and luck play a role, too. And if you’re looking for guidance, support, or a warm intro - we’re here to help. ➡️ Follow the Recruit Connect page to stay in the loop on new roles, tips, and industry insights. But don’t wait to be picked. Start placing yourself. #ConstructionJobs #CanadianConstruction #EntryLevelJobs #NewToCanada #ConstructionNetworking #TheBuildingShow #RecruitConnect #CareerAdvice #GetVisible

One lesson took me much longer to understand than procurement, contracts, negotiations, or strategy. People may admire your expertise. But they decide whether to trust you based on how you treat them. Over the years, I have worked with suppliers, stakeholders, and teams across different organisations and industries. What surprises me is that some of the strongest professional relationships I still have today were not built during successful projects. They were built during difficult conversations, disagreements, delays, and challenging situations where respect was tested. I remember a supplier relationship that went through a particularly difficult period. Commercially, there were reasons for both sides to become defensive. Instead, we focused on transparency, fairness, and finding a solution. Years later, the relationship still exists. Not because of the contract we signed, but because of how people treated each other when the pressure was highest. That experience taught me something important. Technical expertise creates credibility. Character creates longevity. In business, people rarely remember every negotiation, presentation, or achievement. What they remember is whether you listened, whether you were fair, whether you showed respect, and whether your behaviour stayed consistent when circumstances became difficult. The longer I work in procurement and leadership, the more convinced I become that relationships are often the most undervalued asset in any organisation. A strong relationship can solve problems that contracts cannot. A damaged relationship can create problems that contracts cannot fix. “Experience may earn respect. How you treat people determines whether you keep it.” Some suppliers I worked with years ago still answer my calls today. Not because of position. Not because of title. Simply because the relationship was built on trust and mutual respect. Titles change. Organisations change. Markets change. The way you make people feel tends to stay with them much longer. What is one leadership quality you remember most from the people who had the biggest impact on your career? LinkedIn LinkedIn News #Leadership #Procurement #Trust #LeadershipDevelopment

Networking for BIM Professionals: How to Get Referrals & Opportunities Online You could be a top BIM modeler or coordinator— but if no one knows you, you’ll stay underpaid and overlooked. In BIM, visibility = opportunity. Here’s a practical strategy to get referrals, inbound offers, and freelance gigs—without begging or bragging: 1. Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile Most BIM profiles feel like resumes. Make yours strategic: •Headline: “Helping AEC firms deliver better projects with BIM | MEP + Revit + Digital Twins” •About: Share your story. why BIM, what value you bring, and a quick success example •Featured: Add visuals, posts, or case studies •Banner: Tools + outcomes (e.g., Revit, LOD 400, clash-free delivery) 2. Post Weekly (Show, Don’t Sell) You don’t need to go viral: just be seen. Simple post ideas: •“What I Learned Delivering My First LOD 400 Model” •“Why BIM Is a Process, Not a Tool” •“How I Detected 54 Clashes with Navisworks” Trust = Opportunity. 3. Join Niche BIM Groups Be active in: •LinkedIn groups (BIM MEP, Digital Construction) •AEC Slack or Discord servers •Reddit: r/BIM, r/Revit •Facebook groups for BIM or MEP pros Contribute. Comment. Answer questions. You’ll get noticed. 4. Connect with Purpose Don’t just hit “Connect.” Do this: • Send a quick note: “Enjoyed your post on clash detection—happy to connect.” • Start real convos: → “How’s BIM going in your firm?” → “What tools do you use for coordination?” Don’t pitch. Build trust. 5. Ask for Referrals (the Right Way) After engaging or adding value, say: “I’m open to 1–2 new BIM projects this quarter. If you know anyone needing MEP coordination or modeling, I’d appreciate a referral.” Clear. Respectful. Effective. 6. Show Your Proof People need to see what you can do. Have ready: •Mini case studies •Before/after screenshots •Client testimonials This turns interest into trust. Bottom Line The best BIM jobs don’t go to the best applicants. They go to the most visible experts. Show up. Share value. Start connecting. Your next project might just be one message away. Want a copy of my LinkedIn strategy for BIM freelancers or job seekers? Comment “BIM NETWORK” and I’ll send it your way. * Make sure we are connected

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝗶𝘁) We're all stuck in our personal 'Network Bubbles'... The tricky part? Most of the time, we don’t even realise it. LinkedIn’s algorithm shows you content from people you already interact with, or from your existing network. Sounds reasonable, but here’s the problem: what if the people who truly matter for your growth, ambitions, or business are not in your network yet? You don't see these people in your feed. Your feed then becomes an echo chamber. No fresh perspectives. No strategic opportunities. No visibility into the audiences that actually move the needle. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸: • You mostly see posts from colleagues or people in your industry (comfort zone). • You miss out on potential clients, partners, or decision-makers outside your circle (opportunity or growth zone). • Your own content rarely travels beyond your immediate network (engagement bubble). 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲? • Grow your network in (other) industries where your clients, suppliers, or strategic partners operate. For example, if you're a machine builder, connect with professionals in food & beverage, pharma, packaging, and logistics. That’s where relevant conversations - and opportunities - are happening. • Engage with content from people outside your immediate network. For this example of a Machine builder, with plant managers, process engineers, or automation consultants. If a post resonates, interact first, then connect with a short, tailored message. • Follow industry-relevant hashtags like 'SmartManufacturing', 'IndustrialAutomation', 'PackagingTechnology' or 'MachineBuilding'. Even if hashtags are less important, people still use them or have so in the past. These post are still searchable. • Also engage with content from thought leaders in factory automation, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and digitalisation. This retrains your feed and expands your visibility in the right circles. 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: • 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: who’s missing that should absolutely be there? • 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲. LinkedIn only becomes truly powerful when you look beyond your own circle. In which industries are your clients' customers and key stakeholders active? And what sectors are strategically linked to your own? Here’s your #LinkedInTip of the day: Block 15 minutes a week to add 3 (*) new, relevant connections. People you don’t know yet, but should. It’ll transform your feed. And your opportunities. (*) Want more connections? Reserve more time. You also need more time in the beginning to recognise the right people. Anything you would like to add? Feel free to share your strategy or tips. #LinkedInbyGuy #LinkedInFeed #LinkedInStrategy Posted October 18th 2025, 8.38am (CET)

1990s construction: Everything was about relationships, building trust over pints after work, meeting on-site, shaking hands on deals. 2025: Everything is still about relationships but there's the key difference now: Scale. In the 1990s, your network was limited by geography and time. You could build relationships with people in your area. Maybe a few contacts in other regions if you traveled for work. Your network was capped at maybe 50-100 strong relationships. In 2025, your network is unlimited. LinkedIn gives you access to thousands of decision-makers in construction. Podcasts let you build relationships with industry leaders across the country. Content lets you stay top-of-mind with hundreds of potential clients simultaneously. The fundamentals haven't changed - construction still runs on trust and relationships. But the tools to build those relationships have transformed completely. 1990s: Build 50 relationships over 20 years. 2025: Build 500 relationships over 5 years. The companies that understand this are scaling faster than ever. They're not abandoning traditional relationship-building - they're amplifying it with modern tools. Face-to-face still matters. Site visits still matter. Pints after work still matter. But now? You can nurture 10x more relationships before you ever step on site. The best construction companies in 2025 are combining old-school relationship values with new-school relationship scale. P.S. Do you agree?

You need to be on the Supply Chain ‼️⁉️ Most construction businesses don’t lose work on price. They lose it before they’re even allowed to quote. I am at a supply chain meeting today, and it reinforced something I see time and time again. These meetings aren’t about selling. They’re about trust, capability and risk. Clients are asking: • Are you compliant before we look at cost? • Can you deliver safely, repeatedly and at scale? • Will you protect our reputation as much as your own? • Do your systems stand up when things go wrong? This is where businesses either move up… or quietly stall. If you want to expand your business, being “good on site” isn’t enough on its own anymore. You need: • The right accreditations (and knowing which ones actually matter) • Proper H&S systems not copied templates • Insurance that matches the work you’re chasing • A clear, honest scope of what you deliver • Evidence you can perform consistently, not just on a good job Before asking “how do I win more work?”, ask this instead: Am I supply-chain ready? If you’re a subcontractor, supplier or SME looking to grow, reposition, or get into better rooms let’s have a chat. A short conversation now can save years of frustration later. #SupplyChain #ConstructionUK #SMEs #Subcontractors #BusinessGrowth #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionLeadership #Procurement #Compliance

The client who taught me the most was never satisfied with “good enough.” They questioned every line of the spec, challenged every cost, and wanted to see evidence for every decision. I used to dread the meetings. There were times I would spend hours preparing for conversations that ended up being completely redirected after the first five minutes. But I learned more from those long, difficult discussions than I ever did from smooth jobs. The biggest lesson was that if you want to be respected by a tough client, you need to be able to back up your decisions with facts, not just gut feeling. I started bringing more detail to every meeting, drawings, cost breakdowns, schedules, even a list of the risks I was worried about. It forced me to get sharper and more organised. I also learned the value of saying, “I do not know, but I will find out.” Early in my career, I was worried this would make me look weak. What actually happened was the opposite. It built trust, because I was not pretending to know everything. I owned the gaps and followed up with answers. Over time, the conversations became more productive, and the client started to see me as someone who would not cut corners or pass the buck. There were tough moments, like the time a major variation was questioned line by line and I realised I had not documented every instruction properly. That was a hard lesson, but it changed the way I worked forever. From then on, I kept better records and made sure everything was agreed in writing. These clients taught me that high standards can feel harsh in the moment, but they make you better in the long run. Looking back, I am grateful for the pressure, because it forced me to grow. If you are working with someone who pushes you, try to see it as an opportunity to improve. Bring your evidence, keep your records straight, and be honest about what you know and what you do not. In the end, those are the habits that stay with you, long after the project is done. What is the toughest lesson you have learned from a demanding client or a difficult project? I would be interested to hear your stories. #Construction #ClientRelationships #Growth #Quality #ProfessionalDevelopment #LessonsLearned #BuildingStandards

QS’s – A Proven Networking Strategy for Jobs How I landed a role in Gibraltar — a small, sunny micro-country in the south of Spain where QS job adverts are almost non-existent. Summary of my approach: 1. I used Google Maps to find every civil engineering and construction company in Gibraltar. 2. I identified the directors and managers of these companies on LinkedIn. 3. I sent direct messages to all of them on LinkedIn. In total, I contacted about 20 companies. The result? I received two job offers, neither of which came from companies with advertised vacancies. From my experience, about 10% of direct messages lead to a positive response. But when you do get a response, securing a job offer becomes 10x easier. Why? Because proactively reaching out signals industriousness and self-drive—qualities every employer values. .......... The Networking Strategy: Step-by-Step 1. Define Your Target Area Use Google Maps to mark the exact region where you’re willing to work. 2. Identify Companies Search for companies in your niche on Google Maps (e.g., “Construction,” “Civil Engineering,” or your specific field) within that area. Create a list of these companies in an Excel sheet. 3. Find Key Decision-Makers Look up the directors and managers of these companies on LinkedIn. Add their names and LinkedIn profiles to your Excel sheet. 4. Send Connection Requests Send LinkedIn connection requests to these individuals. The main benefit of them accepting your request is that you can message them for free without needing a LinkedIn Premium account. If you have LinkedIn Premium, you can send direct messages without waiting for them to accept your request. 5. Send Direct Messages Once they accept your connection request (or if you’re using LinkedIn Premium), send a follow-up message. ....... Here’s a simple, professional template you can use: Hi [Name], Hope you are well. I’m an experienced [Job Role] with a goal to [Goal]. I would be very grateful if you could consider me for any current or future opportunities. Thanks, [Your Name] .......... Key Takeaways Applying online and through recruiters is important, but proactive networking is very effective and the best route for finding QS jobs in small markets. Use Google Maps and LinkedIn to identify companies and key decision-makers in your target area. Send connection requests to message for free, or use LinkedIn Premium to message directly. Use a simple, professional message template to introduce yourself and express interest in opportunities. #OverseasOpportunities #QuantitySurveyor