We talk all the time about creating a fantastic experience for our customers and clients, and rightly so. We also know that we should treat our employees like gold, rightly so. These people are the reason our businesses work.
There’s another group that I think deserves some careful attention and thought as well: your suppliers, vendors, and contractors. How can you make it a great experience for them to work with you?
What if you got back to them in a timely manner? What if you made sure you made all of your meetings on time and were prepared for them? What if you paid attention when they send you something? Taking it a step further, what if you actively looked for ways to make the project go smoother? Told them that you appreciate them?
It’s easy to fall into complacency about your vendors. After all, you’re compensating them for their services. You’re in charge, not them. It’s true that you are paying some level of support and service and you are entitled to receive that. But could it be better?
Let’s flip the script here. Think about your favorite clients, the ones you love working with and are excited to talk to. What is it about those clients that make them your favorite? Those clients are fun to work with and their projects showcase your services. You may even feel like you can help them move the needle more than other clients. We all know some clients are difficult; you avoid calling them and you dread opening their messages.
So remember: you are someone else’s client, too. Are you the favorite or the dreaded client?
I have clients I don’t mind doing little extra things for because they are awesome. Similarly, I have vendors that absolutely go above and beyond for me. I know this is partly due to how I treat them. I know their time and energy is valuable and I want to be their star client. It also takes a lot of time and energy to switch vendors so it is worth investing in those relationships. It pays dividends for both of us.
Treat your vendors well and you’ll see a difference in your business
We’re entrepreneurs; we’re constantly being pulled in many directions. I encourage you to make your vendors a priority.