In part 1, I discussed self-confidence as the first trait needed for success as a Buyer. In Part 2, I'll discuss two more essential traits.
Effective Communication Skills - Buyers need to be able to build rapport with all of the following groups: multiple vendors, Accounting Department personnel, Receiving Department Personnel, and internal end users, and internal management. Communication skills which allow Buyers to work with and be understood by all these people at various levels of the corporation are necessary.
When writing RFP's, following up on RFP's with questions for vendors, answering questions from vendors, or when negotiating a contract, communications skills must be almost perfect. Any miscommunication at these points can result in hours of wasted effort at best or years of aggravation and missed savings opportunities if there are discrepancies between how the vendor interprets the material and how the Buyer interprets it.
Managerial Skills - There are many aspects to being a Buyer. I think I just practiced them on autopilot or thought about them individually in the past. Now that I have written them all down in one place in these blog entries over the past month, I realize that nobody can succeed in this profession without great project management skills. Buyers have to juggle multiple contracts/bids in various stages of completion as well as manage (either formally or informally) Buying Assistants. They also have to keep track of their relationships with other departments and companies making sure to nurture those that require it on the right schedule. Of course, they have to manage all the paperwork that goes along with all these things as well.
What traits do you think are necessary for success as a Buyer?
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