Sustainable Partners
External teams and technologies are an extension of your internal team. Take care and responsibility to extend the same standards you have for your own company to this group.
There are 1000s of third parties that can be part of your talent portfolio. Over the years we have learned two truths - 1) most companies have two or three core competencies that they and their direct competitors do well and 2) many companies claim to have more than 3 core competencies. We obviously have partners we have worked with over the years. But since we don't accept referral fees as part of our profitability, our loyalties are always to the customer. Sustainability is not just about being green, it is also behaving where long term partnerships can last.
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Open
Provides access to data, research, tools, and process. Examples are firms that provide all the data or research to a client. Another are companies that offer beta tests and new services regularly or share best practices between their customers.
Adapt
Changes and adjusts easily to business conditions, and sensitive to customer climates. Partners flex with terms, policies, and service offerings to meet the needs of the business. They constantly are innovating, building, and trying to improve. |
No Waste
Have practices that reduce carbon emissions, paper, and waste. Examples would include those that provides paper reduction options, people working out of their homes versus commuting, or companies that recycle ideas to their customers for a less than premium price.
Local
Have local customer service, and local focus for work product. A company that is involved in its community, and is local to you may have a different mindset. Some firm can help find local talent, rather than relocating it. Many companies will have strong local contacts in your community.
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