tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22311364.post1120582647314831117..comments2024-03-29T02:13:29.411-07:00Comments on Small Biz Thoughts by Karl W. Palachuk: The Real Value of Managed ServicesKarl W. Palachukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10854725002875547297noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22311364.post-19340714235512255462007-03-05T05:02:00.000-08:002007-03-05T05:02:00.000-08:00A saying I live by is:I don't leave the house to b...A saying I live by is:<BR/><BR/>I don't leave the house to break even or lose money. I can break even by watching TV with a beer.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the great pearls of wisdom, <BR/><BR/>Tony<BR/>Upstate NYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22311364.post-55510342214838492622007-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:002007-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:00Thanks, Karl - I couldn't agree with you more. A m...Thanks, Karl - I couldn't agree with you more. A method we've found very successful in taking control of these Vendors is to require our Clients to sign an LOA, or Letter of Agency, on their company letterhead. This provides us the authority to act on our Client's behalf when dealing with their Vendors. We send these LOA's to the Vendors, then follow up with a phone call to introduce ourselves and confirm our relationship with the Vendor from that point forward. <BR/><BR/>We also establish the "rules of engagement" with the Vendor and inform them of our Standard Operating Procedures, as well as our expectations regarding our relationship with them.<BR/><BR/>A point I always illustrate to our Partners is the fact that no matter how proactive your services may be to your Clients, their Vendors will consistently cause you to be reactive, since they are not being managed - by you or your Client.<BR/><BR/>So instead of reacting to Vendors, take charge with an LOA. Now YOU can schedule when things occur with these Vendors, and make it clear that if they don't abide by your Standard Operating Procedures, they will be replaced by another Vendor that will.<BR/><BR/>Great topic, great post - as always. Thanks, Karl.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com