Effective Communication Strategies with Your Service Provider

Effective communication is essential to the success of any project involving a service provider. Whether you’ve hired a web development agency to build your company website, a marketing firm to manage your next campaign, or a freelance designer to create branding assets, how you communicate with your chosen service provider can make or break the […]

How to Set Clear Expectations and Requirements for Your Project

Launching a new project can seem daunting, especially when trying to manage multiple stakeholders, complex requirements, tight budgets and aggressive timelines. Unfortunately, many projects end up failing because of unclear objectives, mismatched expectations, lack of documentation, poor planning and a lack of alignment between project team members and key stakeholders. According to research, only 29% […]

Best Practices for Onboarding a New Service Provider

Bringing on a new service provider can be an exciting yet challenging process. You’re eager to start fresh and benefit from their expertise and capabilities. However, lack of proper onboarding can lead to misaligned expectations, knowledge gaps, missed deadlines, and interruptions in quality of service.  That’s why investing time upfront in thoroughly onboarding a new […]

Key Performance Indicators to Include in a Service Agreement

When two companies decide to partner through a service agreement, it’s a big step forward in their business relationship. Laying out the services, costs and terms is important. But on its own, the agreement doesn’t guarantee the partnership will go smoothly or successfully. To do that, you need to nail down metrics that set clear […]

How to Negotiate Price and Contract Terms with a Service Provider

When you’re looking to hire someone for a project or to provide ongoing services, negotiating a good price and contract terms upfront is so important. I know it can feel intimidating to bargain with a vendor on rates and details, but going into those conversations informed and prepared helps big time.  Taking the time to […]

What to Look for in a Service Provider’s Proposal

Choosing the right service provider is a big deal. It can totally make or break your project. Their proposal tells you a lot about whether they actually know what they’re doing, or if they’re just blowing smoke.  I’ve been on both sides of this – as a client trying to pick a partner, and as […]

Tips for Writing a Detailed Request for Proposal (RFP)

A request for proposal (RFP) is a critical business document issued when an organization needs to solicit proposals from potential vendors for services, products, or solutions. The RFP provides vendors with the requirements, goals, and criteria needed to craft tailored proposals that meet the unique needs of the organization.  Writing a comprehensive, detailed RFP is […]

How to Check References and Read Reviews of Service Providers

Hiring a service provider to do important work on your home or business is always a nerve-wracking endeavor. You want to ensure you’re getting someone qualified, reliable, and experienced, not just the cheapest option. At the same time, you don’t want the hiring process to be overly cumbersome.  The key is doing your due diligence […]

Questions to Ask During Your First Call with a Service Provider

When considering bringing on a new vendor or service provider, that preliminary phone call or video chat is sort of like a first date. You both want to put your best foot forward while also trying to determine if this is truly a partnership worth pursuing further. Like any budding relationship, it’s wise to gather […]

How to Create a Shortlist of Potential Service Providers

Selecting the ideal service provider is one of the most crucial decisions you can make when starting a new business venture or project. The right partner can significantly impact your chances of success. However, with so many options to choose from, creating a targeted shortlist can seem like a daunting task.  This comprehensive guide will […]