Blog posts tagged suppliers

When it really is good to talk...

The next 12-18 months will be one of the toughest periods that many will have experienced in their working history.  A few of us remain who came through the last recession, but for the majority, this will be new.  And not new in a good way.  When you need to save costs, one immediate reaction is to look to your suppliers; going out to tender is a common occurrence when budgets need to be cut.

But is this the right thing to do?  Your existing suppliers and service partners may be able to save you the required cash, as long as you work with them.  Extended contracts, profit related bonuses, introducing new services into the offer are all initiatives that can improve bottom lines without losing invaluable experience.  The same is true when it comes to solving what seem to be insurmountable issues.

When you speak to your suppliers, be open with them and clearly outline your objectives.  Often there is a solution to your problem which you just don't know about yet.  Now is the time that shared experiences can really reap benefits.  Most problems aren't new, just new to you.  If nothing else, a problem shared...