Perhaps more interesting is the metaphor our stakeholders, ie you, have for the work we do and for us as a department within your organisations. After all many businesses don't have purchasing/procurement on the board and yet that's where we think we should be – I wonder why?

If pictures paint a thousand words then metaphors paint a thousand pictures and can't help but convey much meaning. So here's your chance to let professional purchasers know what you think about what we do and how we do it.

I would prefer an answer over on my blog, although realise sharing with other HR professionals here may encourage debate too, to the question:

Purchasing is like a ………..

Do share any metaphor that makes sense for you and perhaps a little about why it works for you. If you need to get into the zone of metaphors then have a look at my Pinterest boards on the metaphors we have for life. If that's still too broad a question then what about:

If purchasing was a book or film what would it be? 

Thanks in advance
 

Alison Smith
The Purchasing Coach
Sowing the seeds for cost reduction in your business through effective purchasing 
alison@thepurchasingcoach.co.uk +44 (0)7770 538159