Over the last year or so finding work may have proved to be a challenge and a number of our subcontractors have asked if we can help. This feature will help self employed subcontractors as well as employees of an umbrella company who maybe looking for work.

Perhaps in previous years work has found you, however, the last 12 months has highlighted the importance of being proactive in finding more of your own work. Here are a few handy hints you may find useful.

It is a comprehensive feature as there are lots of different things people can try and not all of them will work for everyone, it's all about finding what works for you. Please click on any of the following topics to start reading an article that interests you or if you have the time enjoy the whole read. 

Topics:
- Self Employment
- Employee of Umbrella Company
- Recruitment Businesses
- Networking
- Contacts
- Internet
- Database or Address Book
- Testimonials
- Corporate Stationery
- Advertising
- Direct Sales

Self Employment:
For those of you who are self employed and subcontracting with either CIS Plus or Freelance Plus, remember that for the purposes of IR35, HM Revenue and Customs will be looking at you as someone who understands that:

- The Client, the Agency or Crest Plus Operations aren't obliged to provide any further work or pay anything when no work is available.
- They are not obliged to accept instructions to undertake any work outside of the agreed terms and are not under the direct control of the end user.
- He/she has some financial risk and is not entitled to employment related benefits such as statutory sick pay, pension contributions, holiday pay, health care or redundancy payments.
Back to topics


Employee of an Umbrella Company:
Sharing information on new projects is important to ensure continuity of project work. As your employer, Crest Plus Exchange Limited will endeavour to allocate suitable work to you, and as a minimum guarantees that you will be offered at least 336 hours of work over the course of each full 12 month period (commencing on the date of the agreement), which will be paid at a rate at least equivalent to the National Minimum Wage at the time.

Full details of this are set out in the Terms of Employment, which are included in the Umbrella Registration Document, accessible in the Secure Members Area,
Back to topics


Recruitment Businesses:
Many of you will be familiar with using Recruitment Businesses such as Recruitment Agencies, and it may be the first thing you try when looking for project work. They are easy to find, some have High Street offices, many advertise in trade magazines or in local papers and most have websites, and an internet search will provide lists of recruiters, which you can narrow down by location, industry and the type of work you are looking for. They can do more than help you find work; they can give you practical advice e.g. ways to improve your CV and interview techniques.
Back to topics


Networking:
Networking plays a pivotal role in developing contacts and potential leads - the more people you know; and who know what you do, the more likely you are to find out about potential project work. Spend time to know as many people as you can, subcontractors are often asked if they know anyone who could help on a specific project. If you are asked about a skill that you don't have but can recommend someone, do it, they may be able to return the favour one day.

Use networking sites such as LinkedIn and start contacting people, groups and/or organisations who might need your services or be able to help promote your services.
Back to topics


Contacts:
Make the most out of your existing contacts. Ask probing questions that give you relevant  information without offending. There maybe the potential of further project work from people or companies you have dealt with before, as well as for people or companies they know. Also look to develop new contacts. Ask your current contacts, friends and family for any contacts that may be able to help you. Get in touch, if they don't have any work they may know someone who does.
Back to topics


Internet:
Setting up a website or using internet marketing may not be for everyone and may not even get you direct sales but in some cases it can increase your profile and makes it easier for people who are looking for you or your services to find you.

Websites don't have to be complicated or cost the earth, but they should look professional and reflect who you are and what you do. Though your contacts you may know a webdeveloper, or contact us and speak to our in-house Marketing Team. A few things to consider when designing your website:
- Keep it Simple
- Keep messages and information clear and to the point
- Use simple navigation
- Think about how you use websites, where would you go for the information?
- Try to avoid too many pictures (search engines can struggle with these so prefer text when searching your site, and they may not be visible to all users)

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
There are things you can do when designing your website that can help search engines to find it and rank it highly.
- URL is the web address name, so choose your URL carefully - make sure it clearly represents what your services are about. You can check the availability of and buy certain URL's online, simply type 'domain names' into a search engine.
- Keywords, think of the words that potential clients would type into search engines when looking for your services, and include these in your web pages
- Content, your content should be relevant to the people you want to read it, use links that connect to other pages on your website. This too will help your ranking

Blogs, forums and social networking
Developments in marketing and the use of the internet have seen forums and blogs become a more popular and cheaper way of finding new clients. They are an opportunity to be seen as an expert in your field, and gain credibility, so make sure they are relevant and interesting to your clients. There are plenty of contractor networking sites where people will be discussing services like yours, join in and start building up your reputation.

Social Networking
Using websites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook can also help attract people who are interested in your services and build up your network of contacts.
Back to topics


Database or Address Book:
Building a database or address book can be both a short or long term plan for future work. Start collecting peoples contact details - if someone's interested in your services, collect some information like their name, email and phone number. You can use these to send them more information about the services you offer, or contact them next time you are looking for project or assignment work. Even if they don't use your services now, if you stay in contact they may in future.
Back to topics


Testimonials:
These are a bit like an informal reference, when you've done some work for someone ask them to write a testimonial, either for your website, or if you decide that a website isn't practical, you can send them to potential clients. People find it reassuring to hear that you've done a good job for someone else; it makes them feel you're more likely to do a good job for them.
Click here for examples
Back to topics


Corporate Stationery:
E-mail Signatures - try creating a business email address e.g. joe.bloggs@plumbingservices.co.uk or joebloggsplumbing@hotmail.com (these are just examples, always read the terms and ensure they can be used for business purposes) rather than using your personal email address, this can help create a more professional look.

Business Cards - these need to have your name and company name if you have one, all of your contact details, a short description of the services you offer, and your logo if you have one. Give them out to family, friends, suppliers and any contacts you may have and ask them to spread the word about your business. In some cases they can also be placed on notice boards in your local library, gym or cafe.
Click here for examples

Letter Heads - if you send letters, quotes and/or invoices, have some letterheads printed, these should have the company name, logo address and contact details. If you are VAT registered and/or have a limited company you should include your VAT and Company Registration numbers and the registered address if different. You can set up a document template or have them professionally printed.
Click here for examples

Leaflets/Flyers - the suitability of this will depend on what services you offer. If you are a Painter or Plaster etc why not drop a leaflet through letter boxes in your area, many people are redecorating and/or extending their current property rather than moving.
Click here for examples

The cost of printing corporate stationery will depend on the card and paper you choose and how many colours you use etc, our internal Marketing Team can help design your Corporate Stationery, contact us to discuss what you're looking for, alternatively contact a local printer or an online supplier.
Back to topics


Advertising:
Advertising can be expensive, and can be harder to measure than some of the other marketing methods discussed, but it does raise your profile and can bring you business. If you do decide to advertise, consider your target audience:
- Where do they look for new suppliers?
- What magazines and newspapers do they read?
- What websites do they visit?
- What am I trying to achieve? Do I want them to call me, visit my website, buy my services, and/or remember me?
- Does the advert represent your industry? E.g. if you are an electrician, does it look like you are an electrician?
- Are there any free adverts I could try first?

Where you advertise is important, and most people have access to the internet these days and it can often be cheaper than printed adverts.

Banners and links to other websites can attract business, many sites will sell space, others may allow links in return for a link to their website, and some will simply be free.
Back to topics


Direct Sales:
Talking to people can be one of the most effective ways to get people interested in your business, they may not need your services now, but they may know someone who does or remember you when they do, and ask if you can send them more information.

Direct mail is another option, however; it can be expensive and can have low response rates. If you're thinking of sending direct mail go for something eye catching that stands out and is memorable, and start with small numbers first to see if it works.
Back to topics


Thank you for either reading the total feature or choosing the topics that interested you most and we hope you've found it of use.

If you have any questions about this feature or feel you could add something you have found helpful please contact us.