When a client asks you for a recommendation for a vendor how do you answer?
My advice – always have a preferred vendor list created from solid recommendations and experience. It doesn’t have to be locals only (I perform worldwide) but it should be composed of the best companies you’ve worked with or have heard of from trusted friends and colleagues.
You’re the expert to your clients and an approved vendor list is your way of saying “we work with or recommend these companies because they are good.”
A few words of wisdom
- Don’t charge companies for being on the list.
- It’s tacky and it will never give you the best quality people.
- You don’t have to have worked with anyone on your list
- You just need to know that they do top-quality work. Ask other club managers in your area who they use.
- Don’t just make it the local vendors.
- Give your members and clients the best options, not just the easiest locals. For example… I perform worldwide!
- Be broad with your suggestions.
- Clients may not think to ask for entertainment, floral, or video services but will be glad you included it.
- Ask those on your list to recommend one more person.
- You want to give your clients options, not just one company to use. A great way to expand your networks is by asking your existing vendors “Who would you hire?”
- Keep it simple.
- Don’t offer a plethora of choices. Give your clients at most three options, expensive, mid-range, and budget.
I hope this helps as you continue to make it easy for your members and clients to say thank you for making this so easy!
Michael