While browsing the Internet, I came across a list of attributes that a successful Vendor Manager should have, and I found it very interesting. Some of these skills are also important for other roles, but I find them especially important for any role within the translation vendor management field.  👋Excellent communication skills👋 Vendor Managers need to communicate with different parties: teammates, colleagues, suppliers and clients. Being the administrator of the database gives the Vendor Manager a lot of knowledge about the company’s suppliers (or what is missing), so they are the best people to answer their colleagues' questions. For example, when the sales team wants to check the number of resources the company has for certain language combinations, or when project managers can't find a suitable supplier for their job. 😀Ability to develop and maintain strong and successful working relationships😀 This is one of the main duties of the Vendor Manager. Recruiting suppliers ...

A company's database is one of their most valuable assets. Therefore, the relationship between the LSP and their suppliers is key to the success of the supply chain. Establishing and developing these relationships is one of the main responsibilities of the Vendor Manager.  In every relationship, we need to take into account each party's power. The matrix below will help the Vendor Manager assess the effectiveness and strength of the company's database by taking into account each party’s interest in the collaboration and the translation market. This analysis will split the database into four main groups:  Key suppliers – Supplier dominance This group should include the company's go-to suppliers. The people that the company can always rely on, who work with their most important clients and who generally deliver quality translations. The supplier should receive a large amount of work from the company, and have worked with them on a long-term basis to qualify for this group...

While at university, I attended a short course on protocol and etiquette. I can’t remember much about it except that the teacher was absolutely hilarious, and that I enjoyed the subject a lot. After sorting through my university notes, I found the notes I took at the time, and I wanted to share them here.  Protocol is understood as a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations. It is a way to institutionalise public and private events, describing the behaviour and procedures to be followed during these events. The reason why I find it so interesting is because protocol rules are based on the relationship between the different parties attending the event. When used within a business environment, it conveys the company’s values, philosophy and image to the other party. Therefore, it can be used as a way to consolidate the reputation of the company among its employees and clients alike. It can be used as a tool to build and devel...

Keeping your suppliers engaged can be tricky. They may be too busy, or not very interested in engaging with your company. Coming up with new and interesting content can also be difficult. However, in order to keep your suppliers interested in working with your company (apart from being a good client), I would like to give you some recommendations you may want to try. Social media group I got this idea from the GALA blog, where the author talked about her experience of using a Facebook group as a way to engage with her company’s suppliers. While working for Webcertain, I took the idea and created a Facebook profile through which suppliers could interact with employees of the company. I posted industry news, company-related news and pictures of company events. It helped boost the company’s brand among our current suppliers and their immediate connections, as well as strengthen the company’s relationship with their suppliers. Achievement certificates I absolutely love this idea, and try t...