Building relationships and building your business

MCS Influencer Jerry Iselin says that growing strong relationships with manufacturers or distributors is a key way to improve your business.

Growing strong relationships with manufacturers or distributors can and will likely be one of the most important ways to improve your business and grow profitably. Depending where you are in the country will determine whether you are buying from manufacturers or distributors or a combination of both. If you are only selling one product and are purchasing from the manufacturer, that relationship is of utmost importance to maintain at the highest levels of course. If you are using a variety of products distribution is likely your best method of obtaining products.

The distribution method offers a variety of products that can best meet the needs of your customer. A strong distributor relationship is one that ensures you and your distributor work as partners to serve your market. Distributors can offer more options with the best ability to compare and choose what will serve you and your customer’s needs at the best value at the time. You are less constricted based on availability and current pricing fluctuations with more product options from your distributor. Your distributor may also be able to educate you on methods and products other customers like you are having success with.

Whatever option best suits you doesn’t matter. What matters is making sure your relationship is one of a partnership nature and not a combative one that focuses only on price. Great relationships based on trust and mutual benefit will far outweigh any price difference that may be available from a less reliable or untrustworthy vendor. The best relationships always work both ways so keeping them and nurturing them should be a high priority. Keeping them is as easy as keeping a clear and open communication channel and making sure to pay your invoices on time if not early. It just isn’t that hard.