In business, relationships are key. They can either be a help or a hindrance, but you can’t avoid them. How do you go about choosing whom you will work alongside? If you have an employer, chances are the answer to that question is easy – you work with whomever your employer decides.
What if you are self-employed though? Or you are a non-profit organization or society? Chances are, there will come a time – in fact, many times – when you will have some decisions to make. Will you work with designer “A” or designer “B”? Will you choose a printer you know does great work, or will you choose an unknown who has a better price?
Then there is the question of referrals. You meet someone who seems to be a really nice person. They say they make great widgets. Later that week you meet up with an old friend. Turns out, he needs widgets. Do you make the referral? Do you take the chance he makes great widgets and won’t waste your friend’s time?
The answer to these questions won’t be the same for everyone, but here are some thoughts on the subject.
1. Do your research. Ask around and find out if they have a good reputation. Do they deliver on their promises?
2. Do they have samples of their work or their product?
3. What does your gut say? Never under estimate it’s power.
4. Start small. If possible, work with them on a project that, if it goes bad, won’t cause irreparable damage.
Sometimes though, despite your due diligence, things happen. Many organizations have those kind of horror stories. The supplier that doesn’t supply, the partner that doesn’t partner.
What have been your experiences? Do you have any other tips or suggestions to add?
