Working with suppliers can help give your business the tools and knowledge to build on what you already have. Whether you’ve only just started your company or you’ve been operating for a while, suppliers play a very influential part of your company success. With that being said, here are four tips to better your supplier relationships in business.
Meet Suppliers In Person For The First Time
When it comes to meeting suppliers for the first time, it’s always a good idea to meet them in person. This is important because you’re likely going to need to establish the relationship at this point and who you perhaps might be dealing with on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Establishing this relationship is important because it provides you both with a level of respect and appreciation. That’s something that will go a long way as and when you need them to focus their attention on what you need in an emergency or in a situation that warrants urgency.
So try to set up this relationship in person, rather than over the phone or via email, otherwise there will be a level of disconnect between the working partnership.
Communication Is Key
Regardless of the type of supplier, communication is key. It could be a general contractor or another company that’s helping to provide a service to you but despite who you work with, it’s essential that communication is consistent for both parties. When it’s one-sided, it can often be a challenge and this can sometimes put pressure and strain on a supplier relationship. If it’s not efficient, then it’s certainly something that could threaten the end of your partnership with them.
Don’t Be Afraid To Push
Being pushy isn’t and shouldn’t be considered a bad thing in business. When you have expectations to meet, it’s important that those working with you as suppliers are able to keep up their agreement. If it seems like they’re not pulling their weight or things are taking too long, then it’s always good to give them a gentle nudge in the right way. It’s always important to be polite and courteous unless the situation warrants you to be sterner.
If you allow suppliers to take advantage, then it can be at the detriment of your business and that’s not something you want, right?
Be Mindful Of Differences In Work Cultures
It’s always worth considering differences in work cultures. You might think this would only be the case with your work culture and that of someone in another country. However, even in your own country, you’ll have native companies with different work cultures and foreign companies that operate in your country. Therefore, it’s important to take note of the differences and to be respectful of them. However, if they don’t align with your expectations, then it’s something that you’ll want to think about before agreeing to work with them.
Your supplier relationships should be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to a business so use these tips to better them.