By Catherine Lang-Cline
In staffing, our client calls us because they need a person, the right person. We could send someone that just fits the skillset, but instead, we do more. We dig deeper and make sure that they are a fit on all levels. This means that we are not sending a ton of resumes; it means that we are asking our client to trust us. We want them to trust that we have vetted a huge group of people and have only sent them the best to choose from. We create a relationship with our client.
One of the best things a vendor can do for you is to work as your partner. It needs to feel like they are your right-hand person in solving their problem. It goes far beyond selling.
Do you feel that you have a trusting relationship with your vendor? It really can be quite easy. Check this list and see if your vendor does this:
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Builds trust
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Understands your business, inside and out
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Knows the players involved on your team
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Understands your financial concerns
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Communicates, communicates, and communicates
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Admits mistakes
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Problem solves
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Listens
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Understands your culture
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Is pleasant to work with
Bonus if they remember your birthday! Basically, your vendor needs to do more then manage your inventory; they need to manage the relationship. They need to be the go-to person that can solve your problems, not add to them.
And how about you as the customer? The best thing that you can do is #5. We want to hear the good, bad, and the ugly. Your feedback is important to us. Also, if we are doing a good job, tell others. We would love to know that we are doing such a great job you can recommend us to others. If you can’t recommend us, we want to know that, too.
Here’s hoping for a nice, long-term commitment of service!
