Have you ever dealt with either a supplier or a customer who expects the world of you but won’t lift a finger themselves?
Every relationship we have in business is a two-way street — a partnership. Your success depends on your partners, and theirs on you. Therefore choosing the right business partners is absolutely critical.
Consider this example:
Your business hires a marketing consultant to promote your products. The consultant requests information about your products but you fail to provide it, so they use their best judgement and end up promoting a product that you’re about to phase out. Customers come knocking and you have to tell them that the product is no longer available, despite the advertisement.
The end result? You turn away unhappy customers and the marketing consultant will probably be quite unhappy that you’ve let them make such an error.
This type of scenario can apply to any business.
Why hire a social media manager for your company Facebook page if you can’t give them direction on your goals, communication style, products or services?
Why hire a website designer if you can’t give them appropriate product/service information, graphics and other resources?
You wouldn’t hire an accountant then not give them your books, and you wouldn’t hire a plumber without showing them the plugged drain. We can all only do our job if it’s a partnership of sharing essential information.
On the flip side, what happens if someone you’re in business with won’t give you access to what you need in order to do your job effectively? Chances are, you won’t be in business with them for long because your failures will ultimately fall squarely on your shoulders.
Make sure you choose your business associates wisely, because doing otherwise can prove to be a very costly mistake. If your partners aren’t fulfilling your requirements, give them the flick. They’ll only cost you time and money in the long run.
Surround yourself with people who are as committed to your success as you are and you’ll be much better off.
