Here's how you can assertively communicate with vendors.

There are mutliple ways of vendor engagement in various business scenarios: 1. Partnership approach - Take eg of Apple & Foxcomm - the client even invest into plant & machinery of the vendor to ensure smooth & customised supply chain management 2. Servitude approach - Take eg of staffing companies like Adecco. You have a template to follow & watch-out for compliances at all levels 3. Innovative approach - Take eg of critical part suppliers like Bosch. Whoever the customer is, Bosch use their R&D outputs as a plug & play input to them

Unmet expectations can lead to misunderstandings and trust issues in partnerships. Recognizing that contractual agreements and expectations aren’t always the same is essential. Often, there are implicit expectations that aren’t explicitly outlined in the contract. To avoid surprises, engage in open and frequent conversations about expectations. Asking questions like, “What are your current expectations of our partnership?” can help align everyone involved. Clear communication is critical for maintaining healthy relationships.

The most important thing is to turn Vendors into Strategic Partners for shared mutual interest. A few aspects to be considered are : 1. Clear communication : Have limited points of contact, ensuring that right interaction is done by only those who are authorized avoiding any confusion or conflicting messaging. 2. Set reasonable expectations : Basis the capability of your strategic partner set expectations, neither under ask or over ask. 3. Mutual respect : Both parties have similar interests and fulfill each others business requirements thus have come together and this should be respected. 4. Cost Effectiveness : This means that pay reasonably for the goods or services provided, squeezing cost too much may lead to compromise somewhere.

I think setting up two way expectations will definitely be helpful. Bringing client's ask and vendor's terms and conditions onto one table for ensuring timely,result driven closure is important!

Clarity and consistency are the key. Needs evolve. Thus vendors may find it difficult to deliver in case of change. Consistency should be in the basic principles of business practice. It's a two way street.

In order to achieve the desired outcome from a meeting with the vendor the team must prepare a proper check list of items to be discussed with the vendor. Another good thing is to circulate or prepare an agenda and keep the discussion aligned according to the agenda which helps achieve a better outcome. Any pending points should be noted, action items against each deliverable, dependencies, ownerships must be clearly outlined and the same should then be circulated as minutes and action items with the vendor after the meeting. Another key aspect is to prioritise items in the bucket of tasks which should be maintained on the cloud for stakeholders to review and share their inputs or feedback regularly.

Preparation & Clear cut communication plays a Pivotal role in thorough understanding of the Targets and eventually prevents any gap in the long run.

Being prepared is really crucial, so know what you are negotiating for in addition know what forms part of the agreement and what does not, obtain prior approvals from line managers, so that expectations are met and managed. Understand what your budget is for the agreement, again also understand what forms part of the agreement and what does not.

If you want something exact from vendor you should be first having a good knowledge of that product so at least you can guide your vendor what kind, what style and in what way you expects your required product to be. While sharing any requirements to vendor we should be clearly informative to our vendor in terms of sharing him exact details & specifications to get desired outcome.

En mi experiencia, la estandarización de los formatos y del proceso ayuda a tener el mapeo completo de todo lo que involucra una relación comercial, con las reglas claras en las condiciones comerciales. Tener detallado el proceso de compras, con las interacciones entre las áreas colaborativas no solo técnicas sino a nivel administrativo te permite dar a conocer el paso a paso interesante de las condiciones que deben cumplirse a lo largo de la relación cliente - proveedor.

One thing I have seen in my experience - any form of assertiveness is not acceptable. Mutual respect is the key to success. In simple terms when we reach to a vendor it means that we are looking for upgraded skills, advance infrastructure, etc. it’s more like seeking and adapting the new dimensions and knowledge. Encourage sharing and creating a value based culture. Adaptability +Sharing+Acceptance+Open communication + Flexibility- Ego-High expectation- scaling everything in money will result in “Mutual Respect”. Respecting each other views and working towards achieving the objective should be the key to success. Vendors are like brothers from another mother. Success will always be there with new learning’s and opportunities. Thanks.

Many companies still purchase services as though they are going through an RFP process. These processes are often time constrained and have limited opportunities to take advantage of new information. In a formal RFP process, Vendors are told to fill in questions and only have 1-2 meetings to respond to the RFP and share their insights. The same happens in 'normal' sales. Clients look for vendors to "do this thing" - even if the "thing" isn't what they really need. We need to evolve. "Respect" looks like 1) Vendors listening to Clients to understand their goals, timeline and constraints, and 2) Clients allowing Vendors to give their insights around how to more effectively manage the process to help achieve the client's goals.

Maintaining respect with vendors is essential for a successful business relationship. Here are few essential points: 1. Clear Communication: Clearly articulate expectations, timelines, and any changes to avoid misunderstandings. 2. Timely Payments: Ensure payments are made on time for their services. 3. Mutual Respect: Treat vendors as partners, valuing their input and expertise. 4. Honest Feedback: Provide constructive feedback and listen to their suggestions or concerns. 5. Transparency: Be open about your business needs and challenges to build trust. 6. Professionalism: Always maintain a professional approach in all interactions. 7. Appreciation: Recognise and appreciate their efforts and good work. Thanks

Respecting each other creates a Fruitful & Positive environment where both parties could put their best for a successful outcome.

Vendors can quickly determine when their product or services are simply "cannon fodder" as part an RFP or vendor evaluation process. While 100% transparency is not always possible, be honest with vendors. Don't waste their time with frivolous pursuits and do your best to create a level playing field. Partnerships with mutual respect are best, and respect is quickly lost when a vendor is treated poorly and their time isn't valued.

The supreme aspect of any project is regular "follow up" and the daily discussions about progress and the plan for next day is very crucial.Its has to be end to end.

Once all of the above has been determined, follow up and ensure it is done in writing and again, follow the line of management that must be included.

Follow up is the main key in vendor management. A follow up with vendor not only make you sure about the status but time to time also you gets updates about how the vendor is making product. Follow up makes a ping reminder on vendor to make him conscious about to deliver order on time

It is essential to maintain a written record of the Meeting discussion, as this lends importance to the points raised and serves as a valuable reference for future follow-up and agreement on the objectives set forth.

Having a proper relationship with your vendor will ensure consistent communication and decent service. It will also ensure that you get what you paid for and sometimes more, deal with your vendors respectfully and they will do the same. I have done this many times and it has always worked for me.

Consistency is very important in Vendor Management. If you consistently communicates with vendor you makes a better understanding and bonding which is essential to produce a quality product and best service results. If we would not guide our vendor about our taste then who will ? So consistently touching the vendor makes the procedure smooth and effective.

Establishing and maintaining trust between partners requires unwavering commitment to consistency in all aspects of the business relationship. This includes consistent communication, service levels, and adherence to agreements.

Addressing any issue that is on the way, makes the Vendor feel respectful and cared.It creates a strong bond between both parties. Also discussing about a feasible solution is equally important.

The foundation of the relationship with your vendor lies in the terms of your contract. Making provisions for how to address any foreseeable issues at the outset paves the way for any issues to be handled as a matter of due course. This is especially important when the outcome of the work you're doing with said vendor is far more impactful to your business than the cost of their service.

Be friendly with the vendor and if he feels any issue or problem act as a supporter and guide him best, Because your athe only who can guide him that what exactly you expects from a vendor. Many times our great communication and collaboration with vendor makes our operations more smooth and helps us to get good quality product in possible affordable prices too.

Express your needs, expectations and requirements clearly and specifically. Make sure you listen carefully to the supplier's responses and proposals. Although it is important to be clear in your communications, it is also essential to maintain a professional and respectful tone at all times. If the supplier does not meet your expectations or prior agreements, do not hesitate to set clear boundaries and express your concerns constructively. Instead of simply pointing out problems, work together with the supplier to find viable and mutually satisfactory solutions. If corrections or improvements are needed in the supplier's work, offer constructive and specific feedback to facilitate understanding and collaboration.

Pay your vendors on time. they have bills, and commitments that they need to fulfill. If you want to establish a strong relationship with vendors, pay them on time.

Goals of the vendor and the organisation should be aligned and discussed Once the long term goals are set , it should be broken down to short term goals and cadence should be set to achieve them by solving any blockers whatsoever

Being on the vendor side, I'll share that nothing hinders a client-vendor negotiation more than game playing and lack of transparency. Maybe that's just my style, but if you want me to go to bat for you and give you a great discount or other concession, I need some level of commitment on what I'll get in return. Be honest with me about where you can and can't be flexible and I'll reciprocate. And if you want to beat me up but aren't going to concede anything, there's no way my leadership is going to approve whatever it is you're asking us for. So come prepared with what you can give - eg something that most vendors will value tremendously is referenceability or ability to do some sort of PR (public relations).

Para comunicarte de forma asertiva: 1. Presta atención genuina sin interrumpir. 2. Usa un lenguaje directo y preciso. 3. Usa "yo" en lugar de "tú": Reduce la posibilidad de que la otra persona se sienta atacada. 4. Controla el tono y volumen: Mantén un tono firme pero no agresivo. 5. Evita posturas defensivas. 6. Gestiona tus emociones: Habla cuando estés calmado. 7. Enfócate en soluciones: Busca resolver el problema, no culpar. 8. Pregunta para aclarar: Pide más información si algo no está claro. 9. Refuerzo positivo: Valora las contribuciones de la otra persona. 10. Practica la empatía: Comprende los puntos de vista y sentimientos del otro. Estos principios te ayudarán a comunicarte eficazmente y a fortalecer tus relaciones.