Partner or Vendor: which provides more business value? Do you really regard yourself as a true partner at the dealership or at your agency? Are you truly engaged with your role, or do you merely check the boxes and collect a check? Do you know what it takes to be a partner? Do you listen to understand each other’s needs? Do you call only when it benefits you? Are you seen as an authoritative resource? Scott Risley, Digital Marketing Manager at Mohawk Auto Center, sits down with me as we dive into the differences between partners and vendors and how you distinguish between a vendor vs partner. Our discussion will revolve around the importance of these relationships and how lacking them costs your business money. Follow Scott: https://qrco.de/bdMemd Help Those impacted by Hurricane Ian: https://abcn.ws/3y5oKh Register for Digital Dealer Launching Leaders Women Meetup:: https://bit.ly/3RnaJSY Connect with BZ Consultants:: https://qrco.de/bcqqFo Chapters 0:00 Start 1:43 Scott & I's first time meeting at DMSC in Napa where I stopped teaching mid-lecture as I was blown away by Scott's processes. 4:12 Which provides a better value?. Are you doing what it takes to be a true partner? 5:05 What makes a good partner in Scott’s mind? How is he vetting business partners from vendors? What characteristics make a true partner? 6:55 What does Scott see as the key difference between a partner and vendor? 9:26 How can you maximize your business partner meetings? Are both parties transparent, holding each other accountable, & providing actionable items? 17:47 Skipping the Pregnancy and Delivering the Baby! What Scott has found works best in communicating & keeping all parties informed. 19:12 How are you treating people when they are not giving you more money? Are you being asked to increase your budget or add products each month? 23.52: If your network is your net worth, why are you burning your money? Don’t continue to cast pearls to swines. YOU personally need to continue to grow & learn so that you can be a better partner. 25:15 You may have the best product ever but the rep’s personality is not a good fit. How many services are canceled simply because they didn’t know they could switch reps, or they didn't know that the product could do “that?” 29:15 Domino effect: A feeling of frustration, anger, and a vow that you'll never use the product/work with the company again, and you're back to square one looking for a solution! 30:21 Are you building a relationship with the rep at the company? Are you making your rep your ally and partner? Making their job easier? 32:51 What is Scott Risley’s one actionable that you can implement today about being vendors and partners? 33:52 Digital Dealer Launching Leaders: Women Meetup. Numerous incredible females have assembled to form the Digital Dealer Launching Leaders: Women Meetup! On Oct 4th, we will hold a Zoom call to discuss opportunities for mentoring and menteeship. On the first day of Digital Dealer, we will meet for lunch. Buddy systems make conferences more fun! 35:20 Lightning Round Follow, subscribe, rate, and never miss a show! #FactsNotFeelings #MovingAutomotiveForward #HowToMakeTheMostOfYourBusinessPartnershipRelationship #PartnerOrVendor #DifferenceBetweenPartnerAndVendor #PartnerVsVendor #AreYouAPartnerOrVendor #WhatIsAPartnerVsAVendor #BusinessParter #BZConsultants #BZConsultantsGroup #FactsNotFeelingsFriday #ScottRisley #MohawkChevrolet #MohawkHonda #MohawkWay #Podcast #Automotive #WomenInAutomotive #AutomotiveConsultant