Choosing someone you conduct business with is no different than selecting an employee to work for you. It’s all about fit and trust.

Paying attention to factors that extend further than a list of service offerings or cost considerations is especially significant in the electronics manufacturing industry. These are individuals and customer focused team leaders that you could potentially be dealing with for many years to come.

Here are 5 key traits to look for when selecting an EMS business partner:

 

1.  They are Friendly and Outgoing

When it comes down to it, we all want to work with people we like. If you’re going to have regular correspondence (email, phone calls, and in-person site visits) with a business partner or supplier, it is a good idea to develop a good professional relationship with them.

Achieving this is a lot simpler when you actually like the person. They ask you how your weekend was, they have a sense of humor, and they can bring that positive energy to a Monday morning conference call.

When you have a good relationship there will be more trust. Plus, it just makes work more fun, because nobody wants to work with someone who is miserable.

 

2.  They are on the Ball

OEMs need to partner with people who can react and adapt instantaneously.

Are they quick to respond to your inquiries? Are they thorough in their answers? Under pressure, can they deliver?

Suppliers who are “on the ball” will excel no matter the market conditions.

Communication level is a key. When a partner makes an OEM feel like an extension of their family, the level of back and forth communication is better and it makes any situation easier.

 

3.  They Think Outside the Box

Creativity is one of the most overlooked traits. Having a supplier who can look at problems through a different lens can not only solve the problem, but can create a new opportunity. In a world where there is so much competition, finding innovative process solutions will help you stand out.

Creative people are great to have around because they challenge the status quo and can be the catalysts for your company to disrupt your industry. They really understand your needs and deliver a logical and yet unique solution.

 

4.  They are Passionate

Let’s face it, there are people who work to collect checks, and there are people who genuinely get excited to go into work. Go for the latter. Passionate people will put a lot more care and thought into your products because they take pride in their work, not because they have to, but because it’s a reflection of who they are.

When you first meet with a potential business partner, make sure that they truly enjoy their craft and believe in the brand they represent. The characteristics that make the best partners so effective are their humility and sincere desire to help.

 

5.  They are Organized

You can have the nicest and most positive partner, but those traits won’t mean much to your business or bottom line if they are scatterbrained. Organizational skills in a business partner are essential when you are trying to manage projects, involve multiple stakeholders, and stay on schedule.

The best  partners make sure that any data or communication is accurate and timely. If not, your company might be making poor decisions based on that wrong information.

It is also important to work with people who are highly organized because they can easily explain what they have done, what they are currently doing, and what they plan to do.