Discovering a Refreshing Perspective on Procurement

Happy Friday, everyone. I just read a great blog by Kelly Barner called "How to Create a Winning Procurement Experience," and it really struck a chord with me. As someone in business development, her ideas felt fresh and spot-on.

Flipping the Script on Procurement

You know how procurement usually gets a bad rap for just focusing on cutting costs and following rules? Well, Kelly turns that idea upside down. She talks about "experiential procurement," where the goal is to create a great experience for everyone involved—stakeholders and suppliers—before worrying about savings and risks.

Procurement as a Core Corporate Experience

Kelly says procurement should be seen as a key part of the company's overall experience, just like customer service. She gives the example of Target, showing how they balance keeping customers happy with making a profit. They create a shopping experience that makes people want to come back. Kelly thinks procurement can do the same thing: deliver a fantastic experience without giving up on cost savings or compliance.

The Importance of Brand Identity and Emotional Appeal

I really loved how she talked about the role of brand identity and emotional appeal in procurement. It's not just about being efficient; it's about making procurement something people actually look forward to. This approach can build stronger relationships and partnerships, which is super important for us in business development.

Key Takeaways:

Experiential Procurement: Focus on creating a great experience first.

Balance: Achieve amazing experiences without losing out on savings or compliance.

Brand Identity: Use emotional appeal to make procurement more engaging.

Relationships: Stronger partnerships lead to better outcomes.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Kelly's perspective is a breath of fresh air and a reminder that procurement can be a positive and crucial part of the business with the right mindset.