Appreciation post: A supplier chat at a conference changed my partner strategy

I was at a conference last month and got into a deep talk with a materials supplier. They said the agencies they stick with are the ones that treat them like part of the team from day one. What's your best tip for building strong partner relationships that actually help you grow?

3 comments

3 Comments

barnes.kai4d ago

Ever thought about sharing your messy problems with a partner, not just the wins? I started telling our fabric supplier about a design flaw that was costing us time... they came back with a material fix we never would have found on our own. It turned a headache into a joint win, and now they flag potential issues early. That raw honesty builds a bond that pure professionalism never can. They feel like real problem-solvers, not just order-takers.

the_joel4d ago

Been doing this for years with my main vendor. When I hit a snag, I just call them up and say 'look, we've got a REAL issue here.' They APPRECIATE the honesty and often have seen it before. It turns them from a supplier into a partner who's invested in your success. Plus, they start watching out for you, catching stuff you'd miss. That trust saves so much time and money down the line. It's like having an extra team member without the extra cost.

coleman.derek4d ago

Used to keep vendors at arm's length thinking it was just business. Had a supply chain mess last year and finally laid it all out for my cleaner supplier. Turns out being straight with them built actual trust, and they went out of their way to help sort it.