101 Tips for Telecommuters—Successfully Manage Your Work, Team, Technology and Family

76. Establish a Partner Mindset and Relationship

The most productive way for telecommuters to approach relationships with service providers is with a partnership mindset. While the relationship isn't a traditional partnership in that the parties are not co-owners or principals, each has an investment in the relationship. And although you “call the shots” since you're the buyer, thinking like a partner gives you a frame of reference to see your vendors, suppliers, and contractors as key members of your broader support team. Further, you're in a better position to work with them in ways that facilitate achieving superior results.

Thinking like a partner in your supplier relationships promotes the establishment of a long-term relationship mindset ...