How can you identify and select vendors that align with your organization's values?

1 Define your values

Before you start looking for vendors, you need to have a clear idea of what your organization stands for and what you expect from your partners. Your values may include aspects such as quality, sustainability, innovation, diversity, ethics, safety, and customer satisfaction. You can use your mission statement, vision statement, or core values document as a reference point to define your criteria and priorities.

2 Research potential vendors

Once you have defined your values, you can start researching potential vendors that match them. You can use various sources of information, such as online reviews, testimonials, referrals, industry associations, certifications, awards, and social media. Look for evidence of how the vendors demonstrate their values in their products, services, processes, and practices. For example, if sustainability is important to you, you may want to check how the vendors manage their environmental impact, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and social responsibility.

3 Evaluate vendor proposals

After you have narrowed down your list of potential vendors, you can invite them to submit proposals for your project or service. This is an opportunity to assess how well the vendors understand your needs, goals, and expectations. You can evaluate the vendor proposals based on various factors, such as quality, cost, timeline, scope, deliverables, and risks. You can also use a scoring system or a checklist to compare the proposals objectively and consistently.

4 Conduct vendor interviews

The next step is to conduct interviews with the shortlisted vendors to get a deeper insight into their values, culture, and capabilities. You can prepare a set of questions that relate to your values and criteria, such as how the vendors handle quality assurance, customer feedback, innovation, diversity, ethics, and safety. You can also ask for examples of previous projects or services that showcase their values and results. The interviews can help you gauge the vendor's communication skills, professionalism, and compatibility with your organization.

5 Verify vendor references

The final step is to verify the vendor's references and credentials. You can contact their previous or current clients and ask them about their experience working with the vendor. You can also request copies of their licenses, certifications, insurance, and contracts. You can use this information to confirm the vendor's reputation, reliability, performance, and compliance with your standards and regulations.

By following these steps, you can identify and select vendors that align with your organization's values and foster long-term partnerships that benefit both parties. You can also improve your facility management skills and outcomes by working with vendors that share your vision and values.

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?