Networking In Advertising

Procurement: Treat suppliers as extensions of your enterprise, not transactions. Procurement Excellence | 23 NOV 2025 - In complex global markets, resilient supply chains demand partnerships built on shared destiny, not just contracts. Here are 9 Steps to Create Long-Term Supplier Partnerships: #1. Transparent Communication ↳ Co-develop comms protocols e.g. QBR ↳ Clearly share expectations, goals & challenges #2. Long-Term Contracts ↳ Replace short-term with multi year agreements. ↳ Share long-term roadmaps & cost-savings initiatives. #3. Shared Performance Metrics ↳ Jointly agree and track SMART KPIs. ↳ Define escalation paths & RCA templates #4. Early Supplier Involvement ↳ Involve and recognize vendor’s contributions. ↳ Include key suppliers in product development cycles. #5. Guarantee Timely Payments ↳ Automate payment & consider early payment discounts. ↳ Audit internal processes for bottlenecks. #6. Co-Create Innovation ↳ Create supplier ideation portals & protect IP collaboratively. ↳ Fund joint proof-of-concept projects. #7. Recognize & Reward Excellence ↳Formally acknowledge & reward outstanding suppliers. ↳Bronze (Operational Excellence), Silver (Innovation), Gold (Strategic Impact). #8. Uphold Fairness & Ethics ↳ Interactions & contractual terms are mutually beneficial. ↳ Ensure cost pressures don't force unethical labor. #9. Jointly Manage Risks ↳ Jointly identify risks & develop contingency plans. ↳ Map tier-2/3 suppliers collaboratively. In today's volatile market, Resilient supply chains are built on deep, strategic supplier partnerships. Achieving lasting, mutually beneficial supplier partnerships requires: ✅️ Deliberate strategy ✅️ Centered on trust ✅️ Shared objectives ✅️ Continuous collaboration ♻️ Repost if you find this helpful. ➕️ Follow Frederick for Procurement insights. #ProcurementExcellence #SupplierCollaboration

How do you build long-term relationships with customers? It’s not about clever sales tactics. It’s about mindset. One of the biggest shifts I’ve learned is this: neediness is the enemy of trust. When a potential customer senses that your advice is driven by your own urgency or desire to close a deal, it sets off alarm bells—because it means your motives might not be aligned with their best interest. The alternative? Focus on being a trusted presence over time. ✔️ Show up consistently ✔️ Listen carefully ✔️ Offer value without strings attached When you’re guided by genuine curiosity and service, customers come to see you as a long-term partner—not a one-time vendor. That’s the foundation of loyalty and that’s how relationships endure.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Recruitment is known as a fast paced industry, but there’s one part of our role as recruiters that can’t be rushed; building relationships. In my experience, creating long-term relationships with our clients, candidates, and colleagues is invaluable. Not only does this approach lead to better hiring decisions, but it also shapes careers, fuels business growth, and creates networks of trust that last for years. Here’s why long-term relationships should be the foundation of any great recruitment strategy: 𝟏. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞  The best partnerships – whether with clients or candidates – aren’t built in a single conversation. They develop over time, through consistency, honesty, and delivering results. When businesses work with recruiters they trust, they gain a true partner, not just a service provider. The same applies to candidates. Many of the strongest hires come from professionals we’ve known for years and placed more than once. 𝟐. 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 One of the most rewarding aspects of long-term relationship-building is seeing how careers evolve. Many candidates we’ve placed early in their careers have gone on to become hiring managers or senior leaders, and when they need to build their own teams, they often return to the recruiters they trust. A single placement can turn into a lifelong professional partnership. 𝟑. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬  Understanding a company’s culture, leadership style, and long-term growth strategy takes time. The deeper that understanding, the better the hires. Clients who treat recruiters as strategic partners rather than short-term vendors see the biggest return on investment – not just in speed to hire, but in quality and retention. 𝟒. 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬  In today’s job market, candidates expect a personal, transparent process – one where they feel valued beyond a single application. A recruiter who stays in touch, offers advice, and provides genuine career guidance builds relationships that last. And when candidates have a great experience, they refer others, expanding the recruiter’s network even further. 𝟓. 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧  The recruitment industry is built on trust and reputation. The most successful recruiters are the ones known for honest, long-standing relationships that create value for both businesses and professionals over time. At the end of the day, recruitment is about people, not transactions. The strongest partnerships aren’t measured in placements but rather in careers built, businesses grown, and trust earned.

Avoid building "Pasta Partnerships" Ever see those viral TikTok videos of the science class making different types of bridges out of spaghetti? Some of them hold up for a minute, but once you add some weight, it collapses pretty quickly. Partnerships are a Value Bridge, spanning a river of distraction -- that's what makes it hard for content marketing, ads, SDR outreach, etc. to make it across. But too many partnerships are building their value bridges out of spaghetti. If you want partnerships that hold up under the demands of growth and competition, you have to choose stronger materials—partners with real alignment and staying power. Here’s how to build a bridge that won’t collapse: 1. Choose the Right Materials for Your “Bridge” In the same way different spans require different bridges, not all partners offer the strength or relevance your audience needs. Partners who are credible with your ideal customer and bring complementary expertise are like steel and concrete—built to last. These partners don’t just add “connections” to your network; they add real value, and they’re ready to stand the test of time and competition. 2. Avoid the Spaghetti Trap In partnerships, the "pasta” partners are those without the strength or alignment to support your goals. Just like a spaghetti bridge, these partners won’t withstand much pressure. Pasta Partnerships happen when companies pick partners that don't have a clear alignment in the value exchange that is offered to each side, often leading to quick wins that collapse when real challenges appear. This results in wasted time, resources, and often damaged reputation. 3. Build with a Foundation of Mutual Relevance Think of each partner as a material in your bridge. Tech partners, for example, might provide structural support for integration-driven solutions, while channel partners help span the gap between you and new markets. Choose partners that support your mission with relevance—those who understand your customers and can carry your message effectively across. 4. Commit to Ongoing Maintenance Bridges need regular maintenance, and partnerships are no different. Check in regularly with your partners to make sure the foundation is still strong. Review mutual goals, assess new opportunities, and adjust strategies together. Building strong partnerships is a dynamic process that requires shared effort to stay relevant and strong. Choosing durable partners—those that align with your values and strengthen your reach—will keep your partnership bridge standing tall, supporting your journey across the river of distraction to connect with your customers.

Any conversation around influencer marketing, whether it’s a conference session, webinar, client pitch, or even a casual chat, typically brings up long-term partnerships. It’s a topic that resurfaces every year, usually framed as a trend or prediction. And in many ways, it’s treated like a universal truth: long-term partnerships are the best way for creators and brands to work together. 🤝 Generally, that’s true. There are plenty of upsides. Long-term partnerships give creators and brands time to understand each other’s goals, workflows, and preferences. That repeated exposure often leads to more aligned, higher-quality content. Brands also benefit from cost and time efficiencies. Offering creators a guaranteed scope of work and consistent payment over time can lead to more favorable rates. For creators, it takes the pressure off constantly chasing new deals, knowing there’s steady work and income in the pipeline. When it comes to lower-funnel goals like driving sales, long-term partnerships can really move the needle. According to EMARKETER, consumers typically need 3 to 4 exposures to a creator’s promotion before making a purchase. That makes long-term collaborations essential for brands focused on conversion-driven outcomes. But what’s often missing from the conversation are the potential downsides. Is that because they don’t exist? Of course not. Content fatigue is a big one. While familiarity can drive alignment and results, it can also lead to repetition. Creators may fall into a formulaic rhythm, and over time, their audiences might start tuning out or even get annoyed. You ever get a paid media ad for a product you already have? Even if you like it, after seeing it over and over, it can get annoying. The same can be true for creator content; even the most loyal followers get tired. Creators themselves may want to opt out of long-term partnerships. Maybe they’re pivoting to a new niche or no longer feel aligned with a brand’s mission or values. This feels especially common today, as creators become more selective in response to brands’ social or political actions or inaction. There’s also the reality that what was a great fit in January might not feel the same by Q4. Brands evolve. Messaging, goals, and audiences shift. The same goes for creators. Long-term deals can become constraints if that alignment slips over time. In a new edition of the paid supporter tier of my newsletter, I dive deeper into the pros and cons of long-term partnerships, plus strategies that balance structure and flexibility to minimize these downsides. You can read it via the link in the comments below. 💬 What do you think are the biggest pros and cons of long-term creator partnerships? What strategies have you found work best? I’d love to hear perspectives from both marketers and creators.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄: Mastering LinkedIn isn't just about sending more connection requests. It's about making every interaction count. The right strategies can: ↳ Expand your network ↳ Elevate your credibility ↳ Transform your client base Let these proven methods guide you. You will not just sign clients, but build lasting relationships. Personalized Connection Requests • Mention a mutual connection or interest. • Highlight why you want to connect. • Keep it brief and genuine. Engaging Content • Share industry insights and success stories. • Use a mix of articles, posts, and videos. • Encourage comments and discussions. Consistent Posting • Post regularly to stay top of mind. • Mix educational, inspirational, and promotional content. • Use hashtags to reach a wider audience. Profile Optimization • Use a professional photo and headline. • Write a compelling summary with client-focused language. • Highlight your achievements and skills. Targeted Outreach • Identify your ideal client profiles. • Send tailored messages addressing their pain points. • Follow up with value-driven content. Active Participation • Engage in relevant groups and discussions. • Comment on posts from potential clients. • Share your expertise generously. Showcase Testimonials • Highlight client success stories. • Use specific, measurable results. • Include client quotes and endorsements. Leverage LinkedIn Analytics • Track your post performance. • Adjust your strategy based on engagement metrics. • Focus on content that resonates with your audience. Building a Strong Network • Connect with industry leaders and influencers. • Attend virtual events and webinars. • Nurture relationships with regular check-ins. Utilize LinkedIn Sales Navigator • Use advanced search filters to find prospects. • Save leads and track their activity. • Send InMail messages to reach out directly. Offer Free Value • Share free resources like eBooks or templates. • Host webinars or live sessions. • Provide value before making a sales pitch. Stay Authentic • Be genuine in your interactions. • Show your personality and values. • Build trust through transparency. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹.

One client story. 5x more trust. Double the leads. And it wasn’t a case study. It was raw. Unpolished. A little too honest. And that’s exactly why it worked. Most people think client acquisition = showcasing the perfect portfolio. Shiny testimonials. Flawless campaigns. Neatly wrapped results. But here’s the truth: clients don’t hire you for perfect. They hire you for proof that you get it. That you’ve been in the trenches. That you can solve the messy problems they’re actually facing. The “everything’s amazing” pitch works… until it doesn’t. Because the moment a client sees the first roadblock, they’ll wonder if you can handle it. They didn’t sign up for just results. They signed up for resilience. That’s the shift I made in my pitches this year— sharing the not-so-pretty side of marketing. The campaigns that tanked before they took off. The clients who almost left before we turned it around. And guess what? That’s when the best clients started saying yes. This isn’t about “airing dirty laundry for attention.” It’s about being the one person who sounds real in a feed full of polished copy. Because if your prospects wouldn’t miss your voice tomorrow… you’re not building trust. You’re blending in. Your credentials build credibility. Your honesty builds loyalty. And in the long run, loyalty wins.

The biggest mistake senior leaders make with partnerships is thinking revenue is a leading indicator of success when it's a lagging one. Partnerships are like farming—you find good land, plant your crops, and if the conditions are right, you get a solid harvest. But try to harvest too soon; you'll kill your crops or end up with a disappointing yield. A lot of execs expect partnerships to work like sales or marketing, assuming revenue will show up that quarter or the next. When it doesn't, they freak out, hit the panic button, and start pushing for results too soon—accidentally killing the harvest on the vine. Partnership revenue comes from putting in the work upfront—nailing the right IPP, structuring a win-win-win partner agreement (partner, partner, client), setting up a strong GTM, building relationships, enabling partners, and, most importantly, earning trust. Do that right, give it time, and that’s when the real payoff happens. Typically, those inputs take about six months to turn into revenue—longer if you're dealing with bigger partners. This continues applying throughout your program growth, meaning actions taken 2 years into your partnership journey probably won't make an impact till 2.5 years into your journey. Bottom line? Play the long game. Be patient. A well-timed harvest is always better than choking down unripe fruit or not having any fruit at all.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬—𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨-𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬. Building lasting marketing partnerships isn’t about one-off projects; it’s about transforming every engagement into a collaborative journey toward growth. Here's how to turn clients into true partners: 1️⃣ Overdeliver on Value: • Surprise them with insights and extra resources that go beyond the brief. • Offer actionable ideas they didn't even know they needed. 2️⃣ Communicate with Radical Transparency: • Keep clients updated at every stage—no surprises, just honest progress. • Open, clear communication builds trust and solidifies long-term relationships. 3️⃣ Listen First, Act Later: • Understand their unique challenges before pitching solutions. • Tailor your strategies to what they truly need, not just what sounds good. 4️⃣ Show, Don’t Just Tell: • Use real data, case studies, and tangible examples to demonstrate success. • Let the results speak for themselves, turning promises into proven outcomes. 5️⃣ Embrace Their Perspective: • Involve clients in the creative process and welcome their feedback. • When they feel heard and valued, they become invested in your shared success. When you shift from viewing clients as transactions to seeing them as partners, every campaign becomes a joint venture toward innovation and growth. Your insights fuel the conversation. #MarketingStrategy #ClientEngagement #BrandPartnerships

How I found my first automation clients without cold outreach. When I started learning automation, I had zero clients and zero credibility. Here's the strategy that changed everything: I stopped trying to sell and started sharing my automation wins in communities. The approach was simple: → Found 3 Facebook groups full of my ideal clients → Posted screenshots of automations I'd built (even basic ones) → Shared the specific results: "This workflow saves 8 hours/week" → Explained the problem it solved: "No more manual data entry between systems" Real example from last month: I shared a simple automation that connects lead forms to CRM and sends follow-up emails automatically. The results I posted: - Saves 2 hours daily on manual data entry - Eliminates human error in lead routing - Responds to leads in under 2 minutes instead of 2 hours - Potential ROI: $3,000/month in saved labor costs People started commenting: "Can you build this for my business?" Within 2 weeks, that single post generated 4 DMs. Within 6 weeks, I had my first $2,500 client. Within 3 months, I had more leads than I could handle. Here's what most beginners get wrong: They share technical details instead of business impact. Nobody cares about your workflow steps—they care about saving 10 hours a week or making an extra $5K monthly. Share the wins, not just the workflows. "This automation generated 47 new leads this month." "Client saved $8,000 in annual labor costs." "Reduced manual work from 6 hours to 15 minutes daily." What's your go-to strategy for finding new clients? Drop your best client acquisition tip in the comments below. Let's help each other!