What are the most effective ways to communicate with vendors during onboarding?

1 Define your goals and scope

Before you start working with a new vendor, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure success. This will help you set realistic and specific expectations and avoid scope creep or confusion later on. You should communicate your goals and scope to your vendor in writing, preferably in a contract or a statement of work, and make sure they agree and understand them. You should also clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party, the deliverables and deadlines, and the payment terms and methods.

3 Provide clear and constructive feedback

Feedback is essential for improving the quality and performance of your vendor's work and ensuring alignment with your goals and standards. However, feedback should be clear and constructive, not vague or negative. You should provide feedback that is specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely (SMART), and that focuses on the outcomes, not the personalities. You should also acknowledge and appreciate the vendor's efforts and achievements, and encourage a two-way dialogue that allows them to ask questions, share concerns, and offer suggestions.

5 Build trust and rapport

Communication with vendors during onboarding is not only about exchanging information, but also about building trust and rapport. Trust and rapport can help you foster a positive and productive relationship with your vendor, and overcome any challenges or conflicts that might arise. To build trust and rapport, you should communicate with respect, honesty, and transparency, and avoid blaming or criticizing your vendor unfairly. You should also show interest and empathy for your vendor's perspective and situation, and celebrate your achievements and milestones together.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?