The 5 personality traits that make a successful contractor

Being out on your own is a daunting thing to consider. Working as an independent contractor means you are in charge of your own income – what you put in, is ultimately what you get out. But before jumping into being your own boss, it’s important to consider – do I have the right personality make-up to succeed on my own? Every contractor is unique – so not all successful independent contractors have the exact same personality traits, however it is interesting to note that a lot share the five traits detailed below.

Confidence

To become a successful contractor – it’s important to have confidence in your own abilities. With being in charge of your own income, it is vital to have a ‘can-do’ attitude that can seize every opportunity.

Personable

Being an independent will mean that you will have to also be your own business development manager, so it’s necessary to be as approachable as possible to ensure the growth of your career. By being personable, successful contractors can grow their business through networking events.

Flexibility

When going out as an independent, you are now in charge of your own money and time. It is important to note as when you start contracting, clients may ask more of your time in comparison to if you was working for a large organisation. Clients also may demand last minute changes, so it helps to be flexible.

Problem Solving

Being out on your own, you will occasionally encounter problems, and unlike working within a team, you will not have anyone to bounce ideas off. It is also important to highlight any problems you find that the client does not – this could have huge benefits for the client and ensure future work.

Honesty

As an independent, you are ultimately in charge of your own PR and reputation. It is important to ensure to have an honest approach to clients, with your time and skill level. Honesty can create extra client trust and ensure future work.

Find out more about what joining an umbrella company could mean for you.

Ready to become a contractor?

Whether you’re ready to take the next step in your career or you’re just looking for some advice about going self-employed, Parasol is here to help.

To find out how we can help you, give our Best Advice team a call on 01925 645 265 or get in touch via our contact page.