The Future First Business

In today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, it can be difficult to know who to trust when selecting a supplier. Social media has given rise to a world of noise, where anyone can post anything, and it can be challenging to know what is true and what is not. As a result, credibility has become more critical than ever when selecting any supplier. In this article, we discuss the importance of credibility, the challenges posed by social media noise, and how to identify credible suppliers. What does credibility actually mean? It encompasses sincerity, integrity, authenticity and reliability but fundamentally it is based upon trustworthiness and expertise. It is a combination of both emotion and logic. Credibility is a critical factor when selecting a supplier because it determines whether you can rely on them to deliver what they promise. Making the wrong choice can lead to delays, quality issues, and inevitably financial losses. For example, selecting a supplier based solely on their social media presence can be risky because social media noise can make it difficult to know what is genuine and what is not. In today's world, anyone can post anything on social media, and it can be challenging to separate the truth from the noise. As a result, businesses need to be cautious when using just social media to select suppliers. There was a recent news story about an accountant who had hundreds of 5 star reviews based upon getting massive tax refunds for their clients. It transpired that the refunds were fictitious and HMRC subsequently demanded the refunds back together with interest and penalties leaving those taxpayers with massive debts and long repayment terms. The accountant denied any responsibility and ignored any communications and requests for help. One way to ensure credibility is to look for reliable third-party evidence. For example, has the supplier won any industry awards or hold recognized professional qualifications or perhaps a referral from another professional you already know and trust? Independent endorsements by the supplier’s peers provide a level of reassurance not provided by online reviews. Formal qualifications not only provide evidence of expertise but also ensure adherence to standards of behaviour. The accountant mentioned above was not a chartered accountant and therefore not subject to the rigorous oversight of a professional body. Another way to ensure credibility is to research the supplier's track record including their length of experience. Whilst new suppliers may have recent technical skills learnt from college or university, they will lack the practical experience that comes from working with many clients over many years. For example, a more experienced accountant is likely to have seen a wider range of financial issues and developed a deeper understanding of the unique challenges businesses face especially in regard to surviving recessions. So, you ask how long a supplier has been in business, and what is their experience? This information can be found through online searches, industry publications, or by speaking with other businesses in your industry.  Don’t forget to consider the supplier's financial stability. A supplier that is financially stable is more likely to have the resources to deliver on their promises. Consider their financial statements, credit reports, and any other relevant financial information to ensure they are financially sound. We often see advertisements claiming to be able to achieve amazing results yet when you check their own accounts at Companies House they are often insolvent. If they cannot get their own house in order how can they achieve those results for you. It is also important to evaluate the supplier's communication skills. Do they respond to your inquiries promptly and professionally? Do they communicate clearly and effectively? A supplier that is responsive and communicates well is more likely to be reliable and trustworthy. There is a lot of discussion over recent years that you should consider the supplier's values and ethics before doing business with them. Simon Sinek’s view is we don’t buy what a supplier sells, we buy why they sell it. We like to understand our supplier’s “purpose”. Whether you believe that or not asking questions about their culture, codes of conduct or ethical guidelines will ensure that you feel comfortable in dealing with them. So choosing a supplier that aligns with your values and ethics can help ensure a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. Finally, it is important to evaluate the supplier's level of innovation. In today's rapidly changing business environment, it is crucial to choose a supplier that can adapt to changes and innovations quickly. Consider their investment in technology and R&D. In conclusion, credibility is essential when selecting a supplier, particularly today where social media noise can make it difficult to know who to trust. By looking for third-party endorsements, researching track record, evaluating financial stability, considering their values and ethics, and assessing their level of innovation, businesses can ensure they select a supplier that is reliable, trustworthy, and can deliver on their promises.