I had an interesting conversation recently exploring how long you can reasonably expect to work with people in a supplier/partnering relationship. It was stated that 5 years was certainly a long time and if it lasts that long you have done a brilliant job. This got me thinking – what is a reasonable expectation? I would value hearing from others on this topic. 
When partnering with clients I truly believe in enduring and sustainable relationships where we grow and support each other. We build a wonderful platform of trust and continue to leverage from it and grow together. Why do we need to keep searching outside for something better – when we have a brilliant relationship that we can continue to leverage from?
The classic example is what happens in the marketing and the HR divisions of companies – new people come in and they get rid of the existing suppliers to make way for new; without enough recognition of the trust built by people in the business with the supplier. Why do we keep propelling this idea of out with the old and make room for the new? What are the benefits?
