What are the best ways to build a long-term relationship with your outsourcing partner?

1 Communicate clearly and regularly

Communication is the key to any successful partnership, especially when you are working with an outsourcing provider who may have different expectations, processes, and cultures than you. You should communicate clearly and regularly with your outsourcing partner, using the channels and tools that work best for both parties. You should also establish a communication plan that defines the frequency, format, and purpose of your communication, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each team member. Communication should not only cover the scope, goals, and progress of your projects, but also the feedback, challenges, and suggestions for improvement.

2 Align on goals and expectations

Another important aspect of building a long-term relationship with your outsourcing partner is to align on the goals and expectations of your marketing operations projects. You should have a clear and detailed contract that outlines the scope, deliverables, timelines, quality standards, and payment terms of your outsourcing agreement. You should also have a regular review process that tracks and measures the performance and outcomes of your outsourcing partner, using relevant metrics and indicators. You should also be flexible and adaptable to changing needs and circumstances, and be ready to renegotiate or adjust your contract if needed.

3 Build trust and respect

Trust and respect are essential for any partnership, especially when you are outsourcing some of your core marketing operations functions. You should build trust and respect with your outsourcing partner by being transparent, honest, and supportive. You should share your vision, values, and culture with your outsourcing partner, and try to understand theirs as well. You should also respect their expertise, experience, and input, and acknowledge their contributions and achievements. You should also avoid micromanaging, blaming, or criticizing your outsourcing partner, and instead focus on solving problems and finding solutions together.

4 Collaborate and co-create

Collaboration and co-creation are also important for building a long-term relationship with your outsourcing partner. You should treat your outsourcing partner as an extension of your own team, and involve them in your planning, decision-making, and innovation processes. You should also leverage their skills, knowledge, and resources to create value-added solutions for your marketing operations challenges. You should also share your best practices, learnings, and insights with your outsourcing partner, and seek their feedback and suggestions as well. You should also celebrate your successes and milestones together, and recognize each other's efforts and achievements.

5 Invest in training and development

Training and development are also crucial for building a long-term relationship with your outsourcing partner. You should invest in training and development for both your own team and your outsourcing partner's team, to ensure that they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to perform their marketing operations tasks effectively and efficiently. You should also provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support for your outsourcing partner's team, to help them grow and improve their performance. You should also encourage your outsourcing partner's team to pursue their own learning and development opportunities, and support them in their career goals and aspirations.

6 Nurture the relationship

Finally, you should nurture the relationship with your outsourcing partner by maintaining a positive, friendly, and professional attitude. You should show your appreciation and gratitude for your outsourcing partner's work and commitment, and express your satisfaction and loyalty. You should also look for ways to enhance and deepen your relationship with your outsourcing partner, such as by meeting them in person, sending them gifts or cards, or inviting them to your events or webinars. You should also seek feedback from your outsourcing partner on how to improve your relationship, and act on their suggestions and recommendations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?