Running a business means relying on service providers – accountants, lawyers, designers, you name it. And when you work closely with someone, issues pop up. Misunderstandings happen. Feelings get hurt. But avoiding conflict completely isn’t healthy either. The key is knowing how to work through problems in a way that leaves both sides happier. In […]

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, providing exceptional customer service is no longer just a nice bonus – it’s an absolute necessity for success. Studies show that customers who have a positive service experience are much more likely to become repeat purchasers, recommend a company to friends and family, and forgive the occasional mistake. On […]

Having good working relationships with service providers is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors for running a successful business. Whether it’s your accountant, graphic designer, web developer, or other contracted professionals, taking the time to build rapport and trust with key service providers pays huge dividends. When you have strong bonds with […]

Delivering top-notch, affordable healthcare services is so important for organizations like hospitals, clinics, health systems, and more. One thing that really affects care is how well providers perform their jobs. Checking in regularly on how providers are doing and finding ways to help them improve is crucial. It makes sure they give patients excellent care, […]

Switching to a new service provider can be a stressful and challenging process, especially if you’ve had a long-standing relationship with your current provider. However, with careful planning and execution, you can ensure the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible, minimising disruption to your business operations. In this blog post, we’ll explore some […]

Services contracts are commonplace in the business world today. Companies large and small utilize services contracts to outsource things like IT work, janitorial services, landscaping, catering, and more. Having a detailed services contract in place can provide important structure, expectations, and guidelines for the business relationship. However, sometimes services contracts that seemed like a good […]

Giving someone feedback can be tricky. Doing it right takes thought and care. The goal is to help the other person improve, not make them feel bad.  Constructive feedback points out where changes need to be made, while also being supportive. It focuses on specific behaviors that can be improved, not just vague criticism. Delivered […]

Let’s be real – good communication is everything when it comes to having strong relationships with clients as a service provider. Without it, misunderstandings happen, expectations get confusing, and projects can completely go off the rails. But with proactive, thoughtful communication, you can build trust, align properly, and collaborate smoothly with clients. In this post, […]

When it comes to running a successful business, having clear goals and standards in place makes all the difference. You want to know how well you’re progressing towards your objectives, and ensure customers receive consistent, quality service. This is where performance metrics and service level agreements come in handy.  In this post, I’ll explain what […]

Entering into any business agreement comes with a certain level of risk and uncertainty. However, clearly defining expectations through effective contract negotiations can mitigate that risk and set the stage for a successful partnership. When both parties involved understand the terms of the contract inside and out, there is less room for confusion and disputes […]