If you’re a handyman or contractor, you’re used to getting dirty on the job. Whether you’re painting the exterior of a home, staining and refinishing a condo’s hardwood floors, or repairing a roof, the sheer physical labor required by your job means that you’re going to get messy and sweaty from time to time. As a result, what constitutes professionalism is a bit different for contractors than for someone who has to spend 40 hours a week in an office sitting at a desk or presenting to board members and stakeholders.
All of that being said, that isn’t to say that professionalism is off the table if you’re a contractor. In fact, professionalism maybe even more important in contracting and handiwork, since many times people think of plumbers, carpenters, and electricians as lesser-than because of the more blue-collar line of work. Of course, that ignores the fact that people like you are trusted with homeowners’ most important household repairs, illustrating your value to their lives in the first place despite the physical demands of your line of work. Even so, it’s worthwhile to think about how you can handle being more professional on the job, from the way you conduct yourself to the clothing you wear. Read on for a few different ideas to kickstart your own thinking around the topic of professionalism as it relates to handymen and contractors.
Suit your outfit to the job at hand.
Just because you’re likely to get dirty on the job doesn’t mean you have to dress like a slob. In fact, even if you’re a plumber or do serious yard work, there are probably times that it makes sense to wear an outfit that’s a bit more professional. For example, if you work for a Michigan-based company handling Traverse City window installation, even if you know you’re going to need breathable clothes that are fine to sweat in while you’re performing the job, there’s no reason you can’t dress nicer during the free consultation.
After all, first impressions are an important part of getting the job in the first place, so if you go out of your way to look professional as you’re meeting with a potential client to discuss the particulars of a specific gig, you may be more likely to clinch the deal. If you’re not sure exactly how to dress, err on the side of caution and dress the way you would for an important job interview. Then, once you’ve already booked the job, find the outfit that makes more sense for the task at hand, even if that’s jeans and a t-shirt. Just make sure to avoid clothing with holes in it or too many stains from past gigs.
Make sure you smell nice.
This may seem a bit silly, but in addition to your outfit, how you smell can make a big difference in being thought of professionally. Especially in more physically demanding work environments or during the summer months, be sure to wear deodorant with antiperspirant. If you smoke cigarettes, it’s probably a good idea to avoid smelling too much like cigarette smoke on the job, too. Marijuana might be legal in many states in 2020, but it’s also a good idea to avoid smelling like a weed on the job, too, or you might really make a bad impression.
Even if it’s out of your system, marijuana smoke can be particularly pungent depending on the strain you’re smoking. As such, it might make sense to check out a product like Veil. Some people smoke marijuana for medical reasons, but that can be misconstrued when you’re on the job. Veil can help eliminate the smell of marijuana smoke by attacking the smell at a molecular level. You can learn more about Veil and its eco-friendly, non-toxic properties by visiting smellveil.com. At least until people catch up to the fact that smelling like marijuana doesn’t mean you’re an unreliable pothead, Veil can ensure that you keep any jobs. In contrast, the rest of the world catches up to the fact that cannabis is becoming more and more mainstream.
If the reason you indulge in cannabis has to do with medical problems, you may also want to consider switching to CBD supplements on days you have to head to a job site. Like marijuana, CBD can help you address feelings of tension during, particularly stressful weeks. After all, it’s totally understandable to seek a natural solution to any inflammation or soreness you might be experiencing as a result of your line of work, and CBD could be a piece of that equation. Just make sure to discuss the topic with your doctor first before taking CBD supplements, as they’ll be able to best advise you on what health benefits you may experience from the products.
Don’t forget to smile.
Many people stereotype handymen and other contractors as gruff or rude solely because their work often involves hard labor. While it’s true that some contractors are probably rude, it’s unlikely that the construction and home renovation industry is full of workers any more rude than any other line of business. That being said, it never hurts to smile a little extra or crack a joke or two as you work on a project. This helps you appear friendlier and more professional, both of which can go a long way in getting repeat work the next time a homeowner needs a job done around the house.
While the above tips and tricks certainly don’t cover every aspect of professionalism on the job as a contractor or handyman, it’s certainly a great jumping-off point for anyone considering the different ways they can improve their image at work. Of course, one of the biggest signs of professionalism in the world of contracting is getting the job done on time and under budget, so don’t think that you can slack off on the job just because you’re dressing up for consultation. Keep the above tips in mind, and you’re sure to build your business through more positive word-of-mouth and referrals from past clients.