Use Third-Party Relationships For Your Company And Career

When it comes to business relationships with third parties, your end-user customers may be thinking, "Why should I put any real effort into creating a good relationship with the company hired to make my workload easier?" Answer: Because they'll get the most effective result possible for their company, and because these are potential relationships for building their own Bodacious Careers. Here are some things I did during my 10-year career at AOL that worked well in maximizing third-party potential. Show these to your clients and watch how your interactions improve. Think of the third-party provider as a partner, not a vendor: A vendor relationship makes it merely a transaction. It's like buying toothpaste: You need it and pay for it, but you're not very involved. Being a partner means thinking beyond the basic exchange and considering what the other person needs to be successful. Express your expectations clearly: Be as specific as possible. What are the deliverables? What's the time line? What behaviors do you want? Let the other party know what success looks like to you. That way, they can target their efforts and you will have something to measure their performance. Be willing to share information: Certainly it feels risky to give someone outside your company information that is confidential or simply not favorable. But, remember, partners aren't miracle workers. They need certain information from you to do their job. Give your partner as much as you can. Give feedback often: Be specific about what's going well and what concerns you. If they're worth their salt, they'll keep doing what you like and change what you don't. Spend time getting to know partners and their businesses: Take them out for lunch or coffee, ask them about how their careers developed, and introduce them to others (inside and outside the company) who may find their work useful. Show interest in those they introduce to you. If a major change happens, tell partners as soon as you can: Ever-changing circumstances are the norm of the Now Economy. When a change occurs, let your partners know so they can adjust. Sometimes it means their work is suddenly shut down. If so, treat them with respect. Keep in touch with them even if you are no longer actively working together. You never know when you'll need them again. In short, don't burn bridges.

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During a successful, demanding, rising through the ranks 10 year career with America Online Mary learned that the only way to thrive in today's world is to be bold, positive, and courageous " bodacious! In her book "Bodacious! Career: Outrageous Success for Working Women," Mary inspires women to create the empowered, fulfilling career they want. Get a free copy of Mary's e-book "10 Bodacious Ways for a Bodacious Career."