Create Strong Business Relationships with Your Suppliers

By startupprincess | Published June 26, 2007

erika2.JPGEnjoy some wisdom from Fairy Godmother Erika Wilde of Stop Dirt.com:

I just got back from a quick trip to Las Vegas for the Clean Show. It’s an elaborate gathering of laundry services associations, textile groups, and other dirt-removal-related businesses. Just my style!

The whole point of the trip (besides the endless chocolate crepes from The Paris) was to meet up with one of my suppliers – Mountville Mills from LaGrange, GA. The sales reps, some of the department heads, and even the president of the company come for the exhibit. These are all people who can help my business. And Vegas (for me) is a heck of a lot closer than Georgia for a quick get-together.

This got me to thinking about what each of us can do to nurture good supplier-seller relationships. I consider my relationships with my suppliers to be a vital part of customer service. While technically, I am my suppliers’ customer, they can make or break business for me.

Here are a couple of quick tips that have helped me create strong business relationships with my drop-ship suppliers:
• I always, always treat my suppliers professionally and respectfully–even when they screw things up.
• I go out of my way to make myself “real” to them – even if it means getting on an airplane and flying to Georgia.
• I send Christmas gifts. I send “just to say thank-you” emails. I send pictures of my kids and ask about theirs.
• I try to seek out and make suggestions on mutually beneficial improvements (ie: You could email those invoices instead of paying for the stamp or Keep my credit card on file so you’ll always have it.)

Through the years, I’ve been able to build real friendships that way, not just business partnerships. It’s been one of the most satisfying aspects of my business.

images.jpgToday’s Magic Wand: If your business includes suppliers or vendors, take a moment to evaluate a few of those relationships today. What is going well? What could you do to improve the relationship? Have you ever met in person? Consider sending a thank you note for how they’re contributing to the success of your business.

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2 Responses to “Create Strong Business Relationships with Your Suppliers”

  1. Ed Petty on June 26th, 2007 10:23 pm

    I am in the business development business myself. I STUMBLED on to your site and just read this. Good. This, for me, is a new one! Thank you. For a startup business, a young professional is eager for ANY connections, any professional relationships. Suppliers know what is happening locally and often can tell you what is working, or not. They can help with strategies and may even help with local referrals. They do want your business. Thanks again. I’ll be back. Ed Petty

  2. startupprincess on June 26th, 2007 11:39 pm

    Thanks, Ed! Glad that you enjoyed Erika’s post. Great point about how your suppliers are experienced…and KNOW the industry to help mentor, etc. We should all look at suppliers as partners for success!

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