So here are my top 13 thoughts and theories, dos and don'ts, philosophies to embrace and things to avoid...to make business relationships succeed and prosper:
1. the companies and individuals involved share similar core values and business philosophies
2. the client or customer views their “provider” as a valued advisor or strategic partner, not as a vendor, (vendors are expendable, partners are invaluable)
3. each sees the other as a “contributor” to i.e., their health and well being, success, growth, profitability and a more favorable future
4. each doesn't see the other as an interruption or an inconvenience
5. each knows how to ask the other, the right questions, to create the right solutions and achieve the right results
6. together, they establish metrics, to measure success and keep folks accountable, (the focus is on behavior and outcomes, not blame and justification)
7. all parties involved honor commitments and deliverables, (i.e., completing projects on time, promptly responding to requests and communication, returning phone calls, on-time payment, etc.)
8. the relationship requires integrity at all levels, without it, there's no foundation for the future, (dishonesty destroys, deceit destructs)
9. there’s a willingness to be creative, neither party falls prey to archaic rules, policies or practices that restrict growth, possibilities and opportunity
10. you work with people you like, trust, respect and who are fun
11. there are no hidden agendas
12. the focus is on value, not price
13. politics, personal fiefdoms or territorial protection are abandoned, so they don’t get in the way of results
