Why relationships matter
There’s always that one thing — or perhaps two — that your client would like to change.
And this is where your suppliers can make you or break you.
Choosing the right suppliers is not simply about finding someone who can provide a product or service. Your suppliers directly influence your quality, your delivery, your costs and, ultimately, your reputation.
Because when something goes wrong, your client isn't going to call the supplier.
They're going to call you.
So, you've met face-to-face. You've had a good conversation. You like each other. You've exchanged numbers and you're now happily chatting away on WhatsApp.
Wonderful.
But before you get too comfortable, ask yourself:
How well do I actually know this service provider?
Have I checked their reputation?
Have I spoken to other people who have used them?
Have I seen their work?
Do they deliver what they promise?
Do your homework.
Referrals can be fantastic, but I also believe in building your own little black book of trusted suppliers.
And please — keep those WhatsApp conversations!
WhatsApp is a wonderful business tool, but it can also become your little filing cabinet of promises.
Someone says, “Don't worry, I'll have that to you by Friday.”
Keep it.
Someone confirms, “Yes, that's included in the price.”
Keep it.
Someone promises, “I've got you covered.”
Keep it!
Because six months later, when everyone is trying to remember who said what, suddenly that little conversation becomes rather useful.
But there is another side to choosing suppliers that is just as important.
You cannot build a relationship with someone you never engage with.
Think about Married at First Sight.
The whole concept is essentially: married at first sight — choosing someone before you've actually had the opportunity to build a relationship with them.
There’s a problem with that concept when it comes to business too.
How do you know whether someone is the right fit if you have never put yourself out there and engaged with them?
The same applies to suppliers.
If you never try a new service provider, how will you know what else is out there?
You don't have to replace the people you already trust. But every now and then, explore.
Meet people.
Have conversations.
Look at their work.
Understand what they offer.
Build your network.
Because relationships are every bit as important in our industry as jam and toast or strawberries and cream.
They simply belong together.
And then there is the dreaded one-sided relationship.
That phrase should never describe the relationship you have with a supplier.
Don't only contact them when you need something.
Stay in touch.
Check in.
Ask how business is going.
Congratulate them when something good happens.
Remember their birthday if you know it.
Invite them for coffee.
Be present.
Because relationships aren't built when you need something.
They're built in the spaces between the transactions.
And when the day eventually comes when you need someone to pull a rabbit out of a hat at 10:00 on a Saturday night, you'll be very grateful that you've spent all those years building a relationship rather than simply collecting phone numbers.
Stay connected.
Stay in touch.
Be present.
Because your suppliers aren't just people who provide things.
They are part of the team that delivers your promise to your client.
