Member Article

Best gift to small business owners this season

You spend your days trying to do the most good for your company, and you expect everyone involved in your business to do the same. Sometimes it can be difficult to find suppliers who contribute to your business’s stated mission with good service and quality products.

However, there are a few ways to find what you need without wasting your valuable time or your hard-earned money. Whether you’re searching for cleaning services, more affordable business electricity or longer-lasting computer equipment, here’s how to find the best in the industry.

Compare business electricity prices in one place

With sites like www.uSwitchforbusiness.com, you can compare energy tariffs with little effort and find out if there are cheaper local providers in your area. Your time is just as valuable as your business’s profits, and this resource can help you save both.

Subscribe to trade magazines

Regardless of what industry you’re in, chances are, there’s a trade magazine or two that you can subscribe to. In addition to finding other businesses related to yours that you can network with, these publications will also have adverts for the most reliable suppliers to get what you want without doing all the work.

Search the Internet

Search engines like Google are wonderful tools for business owners who need information at their fingertips in a fraction of a second. Be careful when seeking suppliers on the Web, however. It is always best to ask around about a certain company before placing a large order with them. As a search tip, try to find vendors that are in your local area.

Network with local sellers

As a business owner, you probably attend at least one event a month where you come together with like-minded entrepreneurs. Use this time to inquire about providers for whatever services you need, whether it be delivery, technological support or office supplies. These are tools that every business needs, so even if you are talking with owners from completely unrelated industries, they may have a good tip for you.

Contact local business schools

If you know of any technical schools that train students in the same industry, or if you have a local business school, use these educational institutions as a resource. Because they work to develop new talent on certain career paths, they are probably also loyal to their own suppliers. In addition, they have been around for a while, so they are likely to know who the best in the business is.

As you are asking around about the best suppliers, remember that price is not always the best factor to weigh amongst the different companies. Ask about other service features, such as flexibility, promptness, warranty and availability, which may mean more to you as a business owner than who offers the cheapest product or service. Once you find a good supplier, stick with them; you may even be able to get discounted service or special treatment for being a loyal customer.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .