Building trust with providers is essential in field service, but success requires more than managing work orders and waiting for results. Smart communication sets the foundation for strong partnerships and positive outcomes.

Effective communication is about being clear, targeted, and respectful. Here’s how to make it happen.

Focus on providers who engage with your work

Not every provider will be the right fit for your project. The best way to build trust may be by focusing your communication on providers who request or counter your work orders.

These providers are already showing interest, making them more likely to engage in meaningful conversations. Reaching out to uninterested providers, however, can come across as intrusive.

Use Provider Match to find the right fit 

The Provider Match feature identifies successful providers with experience in similar work. Look for reliability scores and completed work history to find your best matches quickly.

Use “pre-calls” to create clarity and confidence

Pre-calls are a simple yet effective tool for fostering trust. They clarify expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and show providers you value their time.

“Techs are so busy, so taking the time to get on the same page upfront prevents issues down the line.”

– Stacy Longergan, Senior Resource Manager

There are two key ways to use pre-calls:

• Before matching a provider to a work order: Use a quick call during the vetting process to confirm their skills, availability, and experience with similar work. This is especially helpful when working with a provider for the first time.
• After matching a provider to a work order: A post-assignment pre-call is your chance to confirm the scope of work, required tools, and deliverables. This step sets up the provider for success on the job.

Respect visibility and platform boundaries

The Field Nation marketplace lets providers control their visibility settings, protecting their privacy while enabling relevant connections. This supports providers and allows buyers to have more productive conversations with the right people.

Buyers gain access to messaging features in stages as they work with providers. Providers’ contact information becomes visible after certain thresholds are met, promoting mutual trust and engagement.

By respecting these boundaries, buyers demonstrate professionalism, which goes a long way toward building trust.

Make your communication clear and actionable

Smart communication is specific and direct. When reaching out to providers, avoid vague promises like, “We have more work coming soon.” Instead, focus on the job at hand and share why the provider is a great fit.

Providers are more likely to engage with buyers who present clear opportunities rather than ambiguous messages. Here are a few tips to improve your work order messaging:

• Mention the work order ID and provide key details, like scope and deliverables.
• Discuss the provider’s experience with similar types of work.
• If applicable, offer your phone number and invite them to discuss the opportunity further.

Build stronger provider relationships

Strong provider relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re built through thoughtful, respectful communication. By focusing on engaged providers, using pre-calls effectively, and respecting platform boundaries, buyers can set the stage for better collaboration.

Ready to improve your provider partnerships? Start applying these communication practices on the platform today!