Share The Love!

For Valentine’s Day 2020, this article explores the importance of a positive and understanding relationship between supplier and client.

Aww, it’s Valentines Day! Love it or hate it, too commercial or an opportunity to show the loved ones in our life how much we care, it’s here! Whether it’s a bunch of flowers, breakfast in bed, a quick peck on the cheek or even just a message saying ‘I Love you’- we all appreciate the added extras in life and being shown how much we mean to someone.

The relationship between a client and a supplier is very similar to that of a married couple... If you think about it, you probably spend more time talking to or meeting up with that person than you do your partner in your personal life at times?! They both require:

·        Dedication

·        Commitment

·        Trust

·        Empathy

·        Communication

Whist I’m obviously talking very broadly here and generalising massively, the point I’m trying to make is the importance between a client and a supplier. 

Every single day, I see far too many ‘show-off’ posts on Linkedin… You’ll have seen them too; they go something like this:

“Landed a HUGE contract with … today!” or “I’ve really enjoyed today, smashed a meeting/ presentation!”

Whilst I’m all for celebrating success and personal achievements, I don’t see those ‘wins’ as valuable. Reading between the lines, it’s a very selfish, old-school way of approaching sales & business and will ultimately harm relationships with clients…

I MUCH prefer seeing posts that say:

“I was able to align myself with … and show them a sustainable solution that met their individual needs” or “This new contract demonstrates the beginning of a long-term partnership where I genuinely added value to my client’s life”

WOW- that’s far more powerful don’t you think?! It shows true sales professionalism, listening & understanding between businesses, sustainable partnerships and let’s face it, a little bit of love between supplier and client which is always a great place to be!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not in the sales game to win, win, win at whatever cost. If you know a salesperson like this, then I’m sorry but they’re NOT a true salesperson; their needs are selfish, disjointed and all about short-term gain. Personally, I love the relationship side of sales; I find it fascinating meeting so many different people and businesses; what their drivers are, where do they want to be, how we can truly work together to ensure the absolute best quality of service they can provide. THAT to me is more precious and goes hand-in-hand with creating success and achievements for everyone involved. 

Client and supplier relationships are special and should be treated as such; never taken for granted, nurtured and developed. I want to know what makes my clients tick, what is truly important to them, what motivates them to get up and go to work in the morning… You should be able to feel & see the passion of a salesperson a mile off and if they’re not, then they’re in the wrong game!

So, this Valentines Day, show a bit of love to your clients; make them feel the unique and special people that they are! Go the extra mile, put in the extra work, add that added value!

If you’re fed up with being a number, not a person… or your supplier can’t even spell your name right after 3 years… or they just don’t ‘get’ what you need/ want… maybe it’s time to talk to someone who will genuinely try their best to understand your individual needs… I’ll even bring a red rose if that’s what you need ??

Sherrelle Blackwell- Field Sales Manager

Tel: 0845 051 7700

Mob: 07766134251

Email: [email protected]