Five Tips When Working With Other Companies

Julie Starr • March 22, 2021



Working with other companies as a business can prove very useful when it comes to the growth and success of your business. Whether you’re working with them on collaborations on the products or services you sell, or you are after suppliers to help with distribution, etc. it’s always good to have the same thought process and planning when starting up a working relationship. Here are five tips when working with other companies in order to make it a more successful and hopefully, long-lasting opportunity.

Look For Sustainable Partnerships
When it comes to working with other companies, it’s always important to focus on what you have in similarities to one another, as well as the differences. It’s important to consider what it is they represent and whether any of those morals or opinions match your own. For example, sustainability is one thing that many businesses are now taking more seriously than ever, especially as many will tend to be judged on how much they’re being wasteful on the environment. Businesses are certainly held to higher standards when it comes to sustainability , or as a matter of fact, anyone within the public eye.

So with that being said, you may want to think about working with sustainable brands and businesses only. These partnerships are something that may be short-term or they could be a longer, more on-going one. However, it’s good to show the outside world that you’re making conscious choices of who you partner up and work with.

It’s particularly important to work with sustainable brands when it comes to packaging and distribution. This is likely to be where the most waste and impact is made on the environment and so it’s good to question the methods that these other companies use.

 

Work With A Contract In Place
 A contract is always going to help solidify the partnership and to make it a legitimate one. There’s always a chance that disagreements happen, mistakes get made, and sometimes, those that give you their word on something, go against it instead. With a contract, you’re able to layout all requirements that you have for that partnership and vice versa. It’s good to do this because that way, you’re legally entering into something that could be breached if not followed correctly. It’s protection for you and protection for the other party that’s working with you. This is something that should be put in place every time you work with a new company. Better yet, with someone to advocate for your interests, such as Oracle Negotiation Consultants, you can secure the best deal.

 

If you’re unsure of what type of contract to use or perhaps have little experience in creating contracts, then there are plenty of templates online and legal aid to help draw these contracts up on your behalf.

Make Sure Their Audience Matches Yours
When it comes to your audience, it’s important that you’re targeting them correctly in all aspects of the business. Working with other companies is an opportunity to find those who might be similar to yours in target audience , or they have an audience range that you need for business. In all business collaborations, there’s always a need to find a mutual gain for both parties. This can also help when seeking opportunities to collaborate if you’re able to pitch to them what they can benefit from.

So when it comes to those working relationships, make sure that they hold something relatable to what you’re after. From working with https://rsmconnect.com/website-design/ to joint product opportunities, make sure they’re the right fit for your company every time.

Remember That Working Relationships Change
It’s always good to remember that a working relationship can change, especially when it comes to the case of suppliers. You may have secured yourself a supplier for the manufacturing of your products or distribution but since the growth of your business, they can no longer meet the requirements you now need. It could be that you’re working with a social media agency and the results they’re providing aren’t worth the money you’re spending on them.

You don’t want to hold your business back from growing, especially when it comes to those companies that you work with on a regular basis. Yes, loyalty can be a good thing but at the same time, that loyalty shouldn’t be holding you back from earning more and neither should it be losing you money as a business. Take scope of your current working relationships and ask yourself, does something need to change? It might be that you’ve been holding it off for too long or you’ve started a collaboration recently and it’s not going as well as you’d hoped.

Review The Partnership When Necessary
Reviewing a partnership is just like reviewing any other element of your business. When it comes to your finances, for example, you’ll usually have quarterly meetings to assess the finances and to look at ways these can be improved, etc. The same comes to your relevant partnerships with other companies. It’s important that you have in-person meetings, whether they be annual or more frequent. This is where you can assess the partnership in full and look at where changes might need to be made. Both parties can grow and decline, so it’s essential that these meetings happen in order to benefit both companies.

If you haven’t reviewed a partnership in a while, then it might be that you’ve been putting it off for some reason or other. Make it a priority because it certainly is important to ensure all your working relationships are functioning in the best way possible.

Working with other companies has a lot of benefits but it can also provide negatives for the business if it’s not done correctly. By collaborating, you can open up many more opportunities that you perhaps wouldn’t have been able to do alone. Some of those partnerships can help reduce budgets and expand the potential reach or growth that your business can have. Use these tips to get the very best out of every opportunity you have with companies both nationally and internationally.

 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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