Many suppliers are satisfied to have a GPO agreement and then rest on their laurels happy to have the proverbial "hunting license" with a group, not understandingthat it is precisely AFTER you get a deal that the real work begins. With Premier we embrace our suppliers and engage through the field force to capitalize on two levers - improving patient care and savings generated. We will challenge a supplier to QUANTIFY the impact you are making - even in clinical preference items, and provide the tools to assist in this process, or the hospitals will find a cheaper brand and you will be commoditized. Tailor your products and services around real hospital needs – not your own features and benefits pitch - and you become a trusted partner who helps hospitals solve problems (ranging from financial woes to quality indicators to "never events") and not just a peddler.

We have a tremendous field team to assist the supplier as well as additional resources with our Subject Matter Experts/Clinical Specialists - but they are busy, and the enthusiasm of their response will hinge directly on whether the value proposition of the contracted supplier is something that will benefit the hospital that the RD (Premier Regional Director) is serving! Rather than approach the RD to ask for an opportunity, bring an opportunity to them that will be meaningful and impactful for our mutual customer and your voice will be heard. In this difficult economy with hospitals struggling to continue to provide access while surviving cost pressures, they are very willing to listen to real solutions. Bottom line, do your research and help us help you!