Expert Mode: Navigating the Complexities of Marketing Procurement Services

Highlighting the Strategic Value of Procurement

One of the key challenges in marketing procurement services is overcoming the misconception that it’s a mere administrative function. Pomento highlighted the importance of communicating the strategic value of procurement to various stakeholders:

“We don’t have to convince CPOs, right? The chief procurement officers, they understand what type of value they can extract from their organization. But a lot of times, like all of us, we’re putting up fires during the day. We are just challenged with kind of doing the daily activities. To bring in an expert really allows them to kind of take a step back and look at their strategy, look at their approach.”

This quote underscores the need for procurement services providers to position themselves as strategic partners who can help CPOs and other stakeholders step back from day-to-day operations and focus on long-term value creation. By demonstrating the potential for strategic improvement and offering tailored solutions, procurement services providers can gain the trust and buy-in of key decision-makers.

Building Trust and Credibility Through Thought Leadership

Pomento also discussed the significance of thought leadership in building trust and credibility within the procurement services industry. She explains that by sharing valuable insights and perspectives on timely and relevant topics, ProcureAbility positions itself as an authority on the matter. This helps potential clients understand the firm’s expertise and builds confidence in their ability to deliver results:

“One of the things that we lean heavily into is thought leadership…We have really smart people here at ProcureAbility, and they’re thinking about things that either a CPO knows they should be thinking about but she just doesn’t have the time, or we’re thinking about things way ahead of them that they’re like, ‘Yes, I really want to have that conversation because that’s where I need to be.’”

This approach, focusing on providing genuine value through thought leadership content, is essential for establishing a strong reputation and attracting potential clients. By addressing the challenges and pain points of CPOs and other stakeholders, procurement services providers can position themselves as trusted advisors and partners.

Fostering a Culture of Mentorship

Beyond thought leadership, Pomento emphasized the importance of mentorship in developing future leaders within the procurement services industry and beyond. She highlighted the principles of mentorship:

“It really is about creating that space for people to grow versus kind of telling them what to do…it’s not just about mentorship, it’s about advocacy. What I mean by that is mentoring is a huge piece of that, but you also have to advocate. You have to say their name in a room that they’re not in.”

This approach recognizes that effective mentorship goes beyond simply sharing knowledge and experience. It requires creating a safe and supportive environment where mentees can explore their potential, receive constructive feedback, and gain valuable connections within the industry. By fostering a culture of mentorship, organizations can cultivate the next generation of leaders and ensure their continued success.

Adapting to Volatility with Agility and Data-Driven Decisions

The procurement landscape is constantly evolving, requiring marketers to be agile and adaptable. Pomento spoke to remaining agile:

“It really is key to be agile…I would say in the broader scheme of things to become agile and to remain agile, the two things that I focus on, I focus on intellectual curiosity…And then I also think it’s about smart risk taking.”

This approach underscores the importance of continuous learning, data-driven decision-making, and a willingness to experiment with new strategies. By embracing agility, procurement services providers can navigate market fluctuations, respond effectively to changing client needs, and maintain a competitive edge.

In conclusion, marketing within the procurement services industry requires a strategic approach that goes beyond simply promoting services. It’s about educating stakeholders on the strategic value of procurement, building trust and credibility through thought leadership, fostering a culture of mentorship, and adapting to market changes with agility and data-driven decisions.

By embracing these principles, procurement services providers can establish themselves as trusted partners who help organizations achieve their procurement goals and drive long-term value. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the strategic importance of procurement will only grow, creating exciting opportunities for those who can effectively communicate its value and deliver impactful solutions.

About ProcureAbility

ProcureAbility, a Jabil company, is the leading provider of procurement services, offering advisory, managed services, digital, staffing, and recruiting solutions. For nearly 30 years, we have focused exclusively on helping clients elevate their procurement function.

We combine leading methodologies, analytics, market intelligence, and industry benchmarks with our uniquely flexible and customizable service delivery model. Global organizations of all sizes trust ProcureAbility to transform their procurement operations, drive growth, and reimagine what’s possible.

Let ProcureAbility help you reimagine your procurement capabilities.

Media contact:

Kathleen M. Pomento
Chief Marketing Officer | ProcureAbility
kpomento@procureability.com