Facilities rely on vendors to bring a specific skillset and expertise
to save time, money, and drive value. Vendors who act like suppliers view the
relationship as transactional – they are there when you call and they perform a
job or provide a product exactly as you asked for it. Vendors who act like a
trusted partner will go the extra mile to know you and your business
personally and suggest solutions that are in your best business interest, not
just theirs.
Following are a few ways you can identify a vendor who cares to build a
long-term partnership:
- Consistent,
proactive communication — Vendors who don't feel they can benefit from a
close relationship are less likely to communicate unless it's concerning a
transaction. Vendors who seek to maintain an open line of communication want to
understand how your business is evolving so they can continue to meet your
needs. Open communication helps you grow and evolve as a team.
- Understands
your company's goals — A partner will want to understand your goals so they
can help achieve them and position your business to thrive. When a vendor fully
understands your objectives they may be able to offer new strategies and
solutions to help you succeed and hit your target.
- Willingness
to right the ship — Vendors who value your partnership want to make it work
long-term. If there is a customer service issue, product performance concern,
or personnel challenge, they will do whatever it takes to find a resolution and
get the relationship back on track.
- Makes
life easier — A trusted partner is willing to get to know your industry,
operation, and managers. This enables them to achieve better results, maximize
efficiency, and provide solutions that are focused to meet the needs of your
industry and facility. Having a vendor with this level of investment allows companies
to rely on them more heavily, freeing up time for other responsibilities.
- Delivers
sustained value — Most large impacts start with incremental change. The
management plan a vendor puts in place now will grow in value over time. If you
build a trusted partnership, you can work together to measure, monitor, and track
results. Having visibility into how a plan is performing allows for adjustments
and scalability to add the most value over time.
- Provides
innovative solutions — ÂHaving
a partner who has a deep understanding of your needs and challenges is
important. Having a partner who can help you see those challenges in a
different light, offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions is
invaluable! Long-term growth is achieved by moving in a way that is different
from the competition. Choosing a
vendor who brings proactive solutions derived from extensive experience brings
the value you expect and deserve from a trusted partner.
These are a few ways you can identify a vendor who is a
partner, not just a supplier. Partnerships strengthen your business. When a
vendor relationship is built on trust, good communication, and a sincere
investment in your business, it will drive meaningful value and a sustained
competitive advantage.