In this episode of "Oh For Food's Sake", we're talking about the critical importance of maximising relationships with suppliers in this industry. We really emphasise the mutual benefits that come from true collaboration and tapping into that expertise for growth on both a personal and business level.
We kick this episode off by talking about tapping into suppliers' know-how and why building collaborative relationships is so important in this industry. There's a tendency to work in silos and miss opportunities to leverage our broader supply base truly. We've both seen the need firsthand to utilise supplier expertise better for mutual support and growth.
When it comes to selection criteria, beyond the usual values and technical standards, I emphasize the benefits of aligning with suppliers that genuinely match our business needs and way of operating. Attractiveness has to go both ways in strong partnerships like these.
Communication is huge for us, as is taking the time to build rapport with our suppliers. We've found there's tremendous untapped value in seeking out their technical experts and tapping into that knowledge base. I still remember discovering incredibly helpful expertise buried deep within certain supplier teams I wouldn't have thought to engage with.
Of course, collaborating closely with suppliers also comes with challenges. Protecting sensitive information is always a concern, not to mention conflicting viewpoints that naturally come up. Transparency around motivations and goals is key to overcoming those hurdles and building trust. There will be more on making these relationships work in an upcoming course, so keep your eyes peeled!
We wrap by encouraging everyone to take a hard look at their own supply base to identify gaps and strengthen partnerships. Please reach out and connect if you want to keep the conversation going!