Ten Cardinal Rules for an Effective Contractor Relationship
Today, outsourcing is the new norm in many business sectors. Research suggests that organizations can often maximize their marketing/brand spend as they partner long distance to find quality solutions and talent that meet their needs. Buyer be ware. There are very real advantages to contractor relationships; however, pitfalls are plentiful and can present significant death threats to brand reputation if these relationships aren’t managed strategically.
When embarking on any short-term or long-term project with an outside contractor there are some critical questions to ask yourself and the third party. If any of these elements aren’t fully addressed or left out completely, you are likely to run in to significant roadblocks.
1. Trust the Source—Never short-change the interview process for a contractor, even in the case of family or a familiar colleague. A contractor that can’t or won’t provide references for previous work isn’t likely to be a contractor you’ll want to refer either.
2. Incentivize Success—Always ensure there is an incentive for your contractor to complete the entire project scope in a timely and quality manner. Never pay a contractor the full amount until project completion.
3. Get Fired Up—If you aren’t enthusiastic about working with a contractor or vice-versa, the relationship will likely fail. Find somebody you love working with and build a mutually beneficial relationship.
4. Scope it Out—The contractor should provide clear deliverables and metrics for project success. Scope creep is a recurrent challenge in most client/contractor relationships. Clearly defining a list of deliverables for both sides of the relationship will eliminate any potential conflicts over services rendered. Detailing what is not included in a contract can often be as helpful as detailing what is included. Deliverables should directly support the project objectives that both parties have agreed upon.
5. Time Yourself—A project without a clear calendar and timeline isn’t a project, it’s a dream. Establish clear expectations for when milestones will be met on both sides of the equation.
6. Search with Skepticism—Always Google a contractor/vendor’s name and any parent company with which they are affiliated. Don’t forget to search Google News as well for any press releases or earned media coverage, both negative and positive.
7. Know the Players—Often contractors will outsource work themselves. Identify each member of the contractor’s project team and clearly understand their roles. Make sure to Google each team member as well up front.
8. Shake Hands—There is something powerful about meeting in person and connecting eye to eye whenever possible ahead of signing a contract. Skype chats or video conference opportunities are also helpful for gauging a contractor’s level of engagement.
9. Define Best Practices—Clarify the working relationship. What is the best time to connect on a regular basis? How does each party prefer to be contacted? In what ways can you integrate systems to maximize collaboration? Who is your direct contact and project lead?
10. Get a Bargain—If both parties don’t think they are getting a great deal in the contract agreement, you don’t have a good deal. Work together to iron out any concerns and challenges up front, and make sure the contract feels great.
Aaron Ball provides marketing and business development strategy for leading brands in Pensacola, Florida and nationally through his work with idgroup. Contact him today—and maximize strategy.
