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.

 

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.