Tips on Choosing the Vendor

Consider these tips before you begin defining the work to be done:

• When you are about to outsource, ask yourself, "Do I care about the work that gets done?" If the answer is "Yes," then ensure you care about the process of identifying and engaging a vendor.

• An RFP is more than just a quick guide for potential vendors. It is a reflection of your strategy and workplan, as well as the start of a business relationship. Spend the time to do it well, and reap the rewards later.

• When defining work to be done by a vendor, the role is best expressed in terms of the outcomes it is to accomplish, not just its theme and tasks.

• When you envision how long a task will take, remember, the mind travels fast. Factor your estimate by two or three, and work with your vendor from there.

Consider these additional tips before you select the vendor:

• When selecting a vendor to represent your business to a customer, then it is vital to include "look and feel like us" as one of the key criteria.

• Never underestimate the power of "chemistry" and “cultural fit” when selecting a provider who will work with a team or a customer.

• Involve prospective vendors in your evolving thinking. Bringing them into the loop early allows them to respond rather than react, and thereby come onstream more prepared and ready to meet your needs.

• During the process of evaluating vendors, keep the candidates informed of progress. One of them will become your provider, and will value the care you take in your communications.