Your Vendors...Opportunity pipelines

When was the last time you told your friends & co-workers how responsive a vendor has been to your needs? Been a while, huh?
When was the last time you told another contractor about the outstanding job your sub-contractor did for you on that last project? Not likely, huh? 
How many times a month do YOU buy your best supplier lunch? No, you didn't misread that...
What in the world is this crazy guy talking about!?!?! It's a business tactic that, once you master it, will pay dividends, Chief.


As a sales person, business owner, manager, decision maker or whatever other capacity you serve under the hard hat, you should always be trying to feed your INCOME PIPELINE & Be innovative in your cost controls.
Contractors want to know when & where more jobs are coming up. Who might be getting bids for additions or new developments?
Business owners want to know what other businesses in the same industry are doing to cut costs or to add revenues.
Sales people want to know where they might be missing an opportunity.
Buyers want to know who has the best deal going on.
So other than your current customer base, who could give you insight on these type of items? Sure as hell NOT your competitor!


The answer is simple. Your vendors and subcontractors. Think about it. They are calling on customers just like your business. They are doing business with other businesses, builders & business sectors that could be your contacts(and eventually your payday!). They deal with a lot of folks you want to be dealing with!


Light bulb moment! So how bad of an idea is it to get to know these folks just a little bit better? How bad of an idea to take the ones that serve you the best and give them a referral to one of your friends in the industry or one of your sub-contractors? How bad of an idea is it to surround yourself with professionals in this industry that can help you grow your business? You should choose your vendors the way you choose your employees...You select the best qualified person who will be a long-term asset to your organization.

Hard Hat Challenge: Next time one of your vendors or subs comes through in the clutch for you. Invite them to lunch and ask them this (astounding) question. "Is there an account you are working on that a referral could put you over the top in landing it? If so, let me be the reference." Your vendor will appreciate this. You will become value partners. And your vendor will become, in essence, another set of eyes and ears on the road and an advocate for your business. That vendor will sing your praises and look for money making opportunities for you & your company. Trust me. It works.