Building Your List of Trusted Vendors

As an estate manager, if you're hiring your vendors from Google searches, you're setting yourself up to fail. Why?

The clients you work with have some of the highest standards in the world. They'll expect you to have taken your research off the search engines and onto the street. Build and leverage your network so you get recommendations from fellow EMs, elite concierges and luxury construction companies who can vouch for your vendors' accreditation and standards.

Did you know that 80% of top Estate Managers credit their success to having a robust network? Here’s how you can build yours effectively:

1. Look for vendors who’ve proven themselves in luxury buildings

In our business, quality and reliability are non-negotiable. 

Vendors who already serve luxury buildings understand the elite standards and unique needs of high-end properties. Their track record already speaks volumes, making it far easier for you to take a punt on them for your estate management requirements. By tapping into this battle-honed group, you’re ensuring that every service and enhancement reflects the luxury and excellence your clients expect.

2. Make friends with concierges!

I wish I could put this in the list twice. So simple. So effective.

Concierges are the gatekeepers of luxury living—they know the ins and outs of service providers who consistently deliver exceptional experiences. Building genuine relationships with concierges not only opens doors to exclusive recommendations but also allows you to stay ahead of emerging trends and service innovations. 

Their firsthand knowledge of client preferences and service nuances can be invaluable in matching the right vendor to the right task, ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction.

3. Speak to good construction companies

Behind every estate's grandeur lies the expertise of construction companies who bring visions to life. 

These firms collaborate with a spectrum of specialists—from architects to landscapers and interior designers. Their extensive network spans industries, with ins to the best talent and resources available. 

Put in the work and forge connections with construction professionals. The reward: access to trusted referrals and strategic partnerships to elevate your estate management business.

4. Tap into the EM community

Networking within the community of Estate Managers exponentially amplifies your industry know-how and operational efficiency. 

Platforms like EasyMakers facilitate meaningful connections where peers share experiences, exchange recommendations, and collaborate on industry challenges. Engaging with your fellow professionals not only expands your resource pool but also gifts you a supportive environment where continuous learning and growth thrive. 

For me, getting the right people around me meant navigating complexities, leveraging collective expertise, and setting new standards for my business.

5. Measure your vendors with KPIs

So, you've gathered a list of vouched-for vendors. Now, it's crucial to set your own standards to determine which of them best align with your estate’s needs. Setting measurable KPIs is vital for effective vendor management. 

These might include:

• Response times

• Quality of service

• Customer satisfaction

• Adherence to contractual obligations

These indicators give you tangible metrics to evaluate vendor performance and ensure they meet your estate's requirements. By defining clear expectations, you ensure your vendors get the job done with consistency.

6. Encourage innovation

How do you keep your vendors fresh and ahead of the curve? 

By ensuring you’ve created a space in which they can innovate and evolve

Their unique skills and industry perspectives can offer you invaluable insights for modernizing your estate operations. Foster a collaborative environment where vendors feel empowered to contribute ideas. You’ll strengthen partnerships and drive mutual success.

7. Carefully manage vendor contracts and renewals

This has proven more and more vital as years go by in keeping my network efficient and aligned with where my business is going.

Keep track of contract end dates and proactively negotiate renewals based on vendor performance and evolving estate needs. Regularly reassessing vendor services lets me continuously align them with estate objectives and maintain the highest standards of delivery.

Building a strong network isn’t just about packing as many numbers and emails into your contact list—it's about cultivating strategic partnerships that drive your operational excellence and client satisfaction. 

Put in the time and effort, invest in nurturing relationships, set clear expectations through KPIs, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. 

Your network is an invaluable asset, which if curated carefully, will take your estate management career steadily and with no setbacks to where you want it to be.