Every individual has his or her own values that determine how they live their lives and how they interact with others. Are they self-centered, demanding that the world cater to them or do they live by a value system that lets them understand and meet the needs of their neighbors as well as their own? Just as individuals are judged for the values they live by, so are businesses. Most businesses reflect the values of their top management team. And, just like individuals, some of them have a value culture that you like and respect and others have a culture that requires you to protect your own interests carefully.

Are your suppliers living a value culture that considers only what will provide them with the highest profits or does their culture take into account the importance of long-term, trusted relationships. It is necessary for every successful business to make a profit, but it doesn’t have to be at the expense of integrity.

In good economic times, these differences do not always show up since it is so much easier in those times to make a profit. It is in tough times, that the true nature of people and of companies becomes obvious. In the long run, companies that value honesty and seek mutual benefits will thrive the most. Make sure you do not fall into the trap of focusing only on the bottom line at the expense of building relationships, and that you choose to work with other companies with similar values. In this way, you and the vendors you work with will survive and thrive in good times as well as tough times.