Heck, if you've got all your supplier lackies enthralled to your social network system - it seems like that would work good for you. "Hey Bob, we need that thingie on Thursday - you want that next level graphic display capability for your icon? Get with Tom over at WhatsitMart and Wen Li at Fung Shwe Enterprise and make it so!"
Of course the trick is holding their little ADD minds in thrall to your website. Lotta competition out there.
But - I know Scott is way over my level in his comprehension of the subjects he addresses, so I'll trust his spin, and just enjoy his humor.