If you’re a sole proprietor, you might believe running a business is a solo endeavor. But as you grow and expand, you’ll learn this is not the case. There are certain aspects of a business many leaders need outside help with managing — such as accounting, legal processes or human resources — because they might not have the necessary skill, or they might simply lack the time.
When you’re entrusting such important parts of your business to a third party, it’s absolutely critical to find the right fit. To help local business owners find and evaluate vendors in the Dallas area, we asked a panel of Forbes Dallas Council members how they recommend finding trusted partners. Their best answers are below.
Members share their best advice for finding reliable business vendors in Dallas. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS.
1. Seek recommendations from your peers.
Leverage your personal network, whether that is by asking family, friends or work associates. It is the best way to get an honest review from someone you trust who will speak to you with candor. – Robert Neely, InspireMore
2. Tap into the networks of people with shared experiences.
Word of mouth is always the best way, I’ve found. I ask people I know, look up to and trust. People are generally willing to talk about their network, and there’s a good chance there are a lot of shared experiences in our community. – Ben Lamm, Hypergiant
3. Ask your social media connections.
A referral from a friend or someone you trust is usually the best way to find a local vendor, and this includes your online friends. You could ask your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media friends. I found my accountant by asking for help on Facebook. – Ali Mirza, #iSocialYou
4. Do your research after receiving personal referrals.
As CFOs, we are continually helping our clients find new bookkeepers and accountants. Start with a personal referral, then do your due diligence. With a bookkeeper, this means calling the referral’s accountant and seeing if they like the work product. Interview at least three vendors, and always go with the one you like best. You have to work with them, so you need to have a sense of connection. – Brooke Lively, Cathedral Capital, Inc.
5. Use Facebook’s ‘Recommendations’ feature.
I typically ask for vendor recommendations on my personal Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. Facebook even has a “Recommendations” feature in which you can ask for a certain type of recommendation in a city, and their algorithm will point you to suggestions by those who either live in the area or have visited at some point. If your network is of high quality, you will receive plenty of suggestions. – Nolan Clemmons, Clemmons.io
6. Look for a ‘teachable heart.’
Interview vendors who have a “teachable heart.” A great one will always educate you on the product or service they provide. It’s empowering and creates a deep, meaningful relationship in which you can reach out for advice or partner to add value and enhance your own product or service. The best barters and partnerships come from these valuable exchanges with like-minded individuals, even on social media. – Karen La Spina, Gmaids