You're aiming for successful project outcomes. How do you align vendors with your marketing objectives?

Alignment isn’t a deck—it’s a dialogue! 🔁 In 2025, #LinkedIn data shows 64% of APAC marketers prioritize shared KPIs when choosing vendors. Take Yeo Bee Yin’s eco-campaign with Naga DDB (Malaysia): transparent collaboration slashed waste and doubled CTRs. "If your vendor’s lost in jargon smoke, your brand might just go broke!" 💸 Clarity + chemistry = campaigns that convert.

a) I meticulously align vendors with our marketing objectives right from selection. b) I clearly communicate our goals and expectations, seeking partners who demonstrate a deep understanding of our vision and a proven track record in achieving similar results. This proactive approach fosters shared ownership and drives cohesive execution.

If vendors are not tied to outcomes, they’re just overhead. Alignment isn’t about vibes. It’s about shared risk and real skin in the game.

Well, I see vendors as extensions of the team, alignment starts with shared vision and clear communication. When partners care as much about your goals as you do, success becomes a joint effort.

Establishing strong rapport with vendors is just as important as aligning on objectives. In experiential marketing, success often depends on real-time problem solving and seamless execution—so you need partners who not only understand your goals, but who can collaborate openly and communicate honestly. I always look for vendors who are flexible, proactive, and comfortable having frank conversations. That mutual trust creates the foundation for true partnership, where both sides are invested in delivering impactful results.

Clear Objectives = Better Vendor Performance Once your vendors are onboard, clarity is everything. 📌 Share detailed briefs 📌 Explain your marketing strategy 📌 Set measurable outcomes Don’t just tell them what to do — tell them why it matters. When vendors understand your goals, they become true partners, not just service providers.

Clear communication turns vendors into true collaborators. When they understand the “why” behind objectives, their work becomes purpose-driven and aligned with our bigger vision.

Regular Check-ins = Fewer Surprises Don’t just set it and forget it with vendors. ✅ Schedule consistent check-ins ✅ Review progress together ✅ Realign on goals when needed These meetings aren't just status updates — they’re alignment tools. They help catch missteps early, make room for feedback, and keep everyone moving in the right direction.

Many agencies and freelaners shy away from regular meetings with their clients... Or worse yet... Put their clients at an arms length At my agency, Bubblegum Marketing... all my clients have my mobile number. They know I'm not "doing all the work"... That's why we have a team of 20+ But they know they can reach me whenever they need to via email, SMS, WhatsApp or picking up the phone. We also include our clients in our Project Management tool... So they can actuall chime in and see the internal communications that are going on between our team members about their projects and services. It's like going to a restaurant and be able to watch the chefs in action while you eat. All the above is in addition to monthly meetings.

Regular check-ins aren’t just status updates, they’re strategic touchpoints. Keeping communication open ensures vendors stay aligned and lets us pivot quickly when needed.

Feedback loops turn vendor relationships into true partnerships. When insights flow both ways, strategies evolve faster and outcomes improve together.

Shared accountability transforms vendor relationships from transactions into partnerships. Clear roles and mutual ownership drive commitment and better results for everyone involved.