Relationships Take Work and Attention
You shouldn’t only interact with your suppliers when you need something from them. In a quarter where you may not be purchasing from them, give them a call to see how they, and their business, are doing. When you attend a trade show, make time for them, not just your customers. Maybe the most important thing you can do is treat them like a human. Your job is tough… but so is theirs. Having a bit of empathy for your suppliers can go a long way in building the supplier human relationship.(ยิ้ว)