Resourceful Partnering - A MUST!
Let's talk first about being "resourceful". Without resources we don't have much of anything in this day and age. Resources are a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed. Call it information, a backup savings account or an educated person with knowledge in a field we know little about. We all thrive on the resources that are available for us today.
Now add "partnering" to resourceful and you have a marriage that is unstoppable! When you have a partner or partners putting available resources together wisely for the betterment of two parties, you have success! A good partnership is two entities taking a long-term view that wish to work together with a mutually acceptable vision in ways which enhance both parties' business and customers.
A good partnership is based on joint problem solving, teamwork, open communication and the sharing in risks and rewards. It is not wise for a company to think that they can be all of everything to every customer. They simply cannot. We all have our niche and our core service and products. We put all that we have into our core competencies and then we look outside to partner with vendors and suppliers that will benefit our customer.
In the last five years our company has learned how valuable it is to bring the best players to the table working as a team. One company can be a star player but to have the flexibility, maximum resources and the stamina to "wow" your customer, it takes a "team" of experts. Here are a few tips in helping a company find their "Resourceful Partner".
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Search carefully, ask a lot of questions and take your time.
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Understand the potential partner's core competencies and make sure they know yours.
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Make sure the staff closest to the customer has bought in to the partnership.
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Ensure there is a connection with both parties' target markets.
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Both partners must have a clear understanding of the partnership goals and commitments. Be open and honest as to what you are both going after.
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Consistent communications between both partners and sharing resources are critical to a lasting relationship.
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You MUST have a signed Partnership Agreement. All expectations and commitments must be on paper.
Resourceful Partnering doubles the strength of any one company. Choosing the right partner(s), you can offer your customers a world-class service, a plethora of choices and options and the most current technology there is to offer.
