David Long and the All Things Used Cars community turned some heads last week with their Clubhouse room topic: "Fire Your Vendors." Luckily, David invited Liza Borches and many other voices from the auto retail community to help flesh out the reality that when you are invested in partnerships, you don't have time for transactional thinking. Here are some quick tips from the show.
Not all vendors are created equal. Some get you and your brand and are in it for the long haul. Others? Not so much. Embrace the ones who fit and make them part of your team. Even those big, scary OEMs can be your pals if you work it right.
Communication doesn't have to be a drag. Use plain language, keep things flowing, and ensure everyone's on the same page. And hey, regular meet-ups with vendors? Make them more like team huddles, and watch how real collaboration happens.
Fostering an extraordinary culture means everyone owns their part of the success. Tailor-make your processes to fit the folks you're dealing with. Avoid those one-size-fits-all solutions. They're like wearing someone else's shoes - it feels wrong.
Long-term relationships need care and feeding. Be bold, innovative, and willing to pull the plug if something needs to be fixed. Keep your eyes on the road and handle those unexpected turns with grace.
The organization doesn't have to be dull. Regular catch-ups, keeping an eye on how things are used, and adapting to changes can be part of the fun. It's like tuning up your car - essential and satisfying.
Your vendors are people too! Treat them like you'd treat your best customers. Reward them when they do well, and always keep things above board. It's just good business.
Turning those vendor transactions into genuine partnerships isn't just a smart move; it's a requirement when working to reach new heights.