Find True
Value in Companies
If you own or manage a business, you likely deal with other companies practically every day. Whether they are vendors, suppliers, carriers or other service providers, in a very real sense, your relationship with these companies determines the success of your own. How can you find true value in these business relationships? Try the following:
Instructions
1. Seek--and create--goodwill. In all your business dealings, always do your best to transact business only with those companies that are willing to do their part to contribute to a friendly, pleasant and mutually beneficial relationship.
2. Consider quality. To find true value in the companies with which you transact business, you'll need consistent quality in the products and services you purchase from other firms. Always be willing to pay a fair price for quality. But, if a vendor provides shoddy merchandise or second-rate service--even at a lower price--don't waste your money. Poor quality merchandise makes it difficult to keep the quality of your own work consistent, which will only hurt your bottom line.
3. Focus on integrity. Working with companies that are honest and trustworthy will protect your company's reputation, as well as its assets. If you constantly feel the need to check up on a vendor's handling of your account or any of its other activities, it may just be time to move on and find another one that you won't need to watch so closely.
4. Value efficiency. Look for companies that get the job done--without excuses and without unnecessary delays. Occasionally things will go wrong for any company. This is understandable and a natural part of life--but only up to a point. If delays begin to look more like the rule, rather than the exception, you'd probably do better to look for another company that handles its business--and yours--more responsibly.
5. Expect service. Professionalism demands excellent client relations and superior customer service. The true intrinsic value of a business largely mirrors its commitment to service. If a company provides poor customer service, you should take your business to another firm that recognizes the value of its clients to its bottom line.
6. Reward creativity. Doing business with companies that creatively solve problems and continually find new ways to improve the experience of their clients is always a pleasure. When you spot this rare trait in a company or contractor with whom you deal, recognize and reinforce it. Let the company know that its value-added efforts on your behalf add to your sense of loyalty to the company.
7. Appreciate innovation. If your suppliers or service providers go out of their way to make your life easier by brainstorming new ways to do a job or making improvements to a product or process, they create value for your company. Always cultivate relationships with companies like these that are on the cutting edge in their fields. And, let them know you admire them for it.
Tags: companies that, with companies, bottom line, customer service, find true, Find True
