These columns often discuss government contract audits, including what can trigger them and the fact that the type of audit matters.  As much as your company might not like outside audits, however, a government contractor best practice is to conduct an internal audit – and not only on its government contract.  What types of checks, if any, does your company have to ensure that employees are returning calls or e-mails from customers, suppliers or partners?

Do suppliers sometimes never get a response, or does that partner get a one sentence brush off? Most companies don’t regularly review these matters, but they should.  How you manage your business relationships says a lot about your firm.  Your image and relationships may not be as strong as you think, especially if you haven’t conducted any recent checks on employee responsiveness.  In a consistently busy business cycle your team may forget to get back to that long-time customer who right now only has a small need.  That could cost you later.  Make sure your people are regularly trained and reviewed on customer, partner, and supplier responsiveness.  Leaving them hanging could end up hurting you.