BT famously coined the catchphrase ‘it’s good to talk’, but we believe it’s also good to share. As masters of our own universe, we need to recognise that although our own product or service will deliver against a client’s objectives and needs, it will always need to be complimented by another provider to have maximum impact.
I hear the same story over and over again; a business will invest huge amounts of money into a system or platform that will improve their operation or output - but never consider the ‘data’ element that is required to drive the system, or the impact it will have on the marketing or sales departments. The business then has to embark on another journey to find another supplier, which in turn dilutes the impact of the original service provided.
Are businesses afraid that their position will be weakened by introducing another business or are they blinkered on just their own product, rather than addressing the wider needs of their client?
Introducing a ‘partner’ can only be good for a client; not only are they receiving informed and knowledgeable advice, but they also guaranteed to receive a joined-up service where all elements of a project are considered and work together in harmony.
A partnership approach needs to be structured from the start; both parties need to fully understand the deliverables and their part in the process. Concerns, ideas and pricing needs to be shared, planned out and agreed with a strategy of how the relationship will be managed moving forward.
There’s no need to be scared of a partner ‘owning’ their part of the relationship; as long as you are delivering your part of the bargain, then there really is nothing to be concerned about. Why not have monthly or quarterly team meetings with all stakeholders to ensure views are addressed as a team?
Finally, if success is achieved then it’s important to share that success as a team. We must recognise the fact that without all the other cogs, our wheel would not have turned so smoothly. Let’s stand as a team, pat each other on the back and demonstrate to the world what teamwork can achieve.
On numerous occasions, we at The Blueberry Wave have found that our data management service has enhanced an existing project, which is not necessarily recognised as an integral part of the service. And to quote Henry Ford; “coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
By Ben Warren, The Blueberry Wave