How can you tell your boss that they are making a big mistake with their small business w/o losing your job?

Question

My bosses are afraid to make any steps towards their growing their business because we are in a pinch in finances. They won't advertise because they either say it costs too much or the competition will just follow their lead. They also get mad at all of the managers for not trying to help expand the business (making phone calls to people/other businesses). We have manager's meetings once a month, but none of us bring up this issue because we always get shot down with the "we don't have to money to do that" comment.... How can I approach them without losing my job for "stepping-over-the-line"?

Answer 1

Leave the company. As I have had to learn many times, it isn't your company, so it isn't your worry. If the company goes under, it isn't you that pays the price for it. You lose your job, get unemployment and get another job. It is the owner who failed that suffers the most.

Answer 2

This is a good question. If you are in a manageriable position then act like it - there is not point in spewing off ideas unless you can SELL the idea to your boss. Give him/her a cost/benefit chart - do your homework - analyse the data, and take the time to do charts/graphs and use a competitor's business as an example of success. You want to SELL the idea not just throw out the idea. You know why it's better to advertise - you understand why you have to spend money to make money - show the boss what areas are currently a drain on finances - there must be something the boss is paying too much for. Think in terms of "Bare Bones". All that matters is what is absolutely critical for the business - if it isn't important - then take it out - until times are better. ACT professionally - ask for a meeting, bring your 'homework' in a professional presentation, present to the boss. If he/she doesn't accept your offer - find a job elsewhere because if that person is too narrowminded to listen and change then you are barking up the wrong tree and will remain with a deadended job.

Answer 3

Do some research of other companys that are or were in you position. Show what they did and show where the company could grow if they took that extra step. Aslo reseach what the company could cut back on. Maybe hire a cheaper cleaning lady to clean the office. Get your office supplies elsewhere if it's more cost effective. Many small Business owners don't realize how bad they hurt themselves by not advertising. Most companys when sales are down they pump money into advertising. You must spend money to make money. Many don't understand this concept when it comes to advertising. Word of mouth is fine in many cases but they are missing a whole other target market. Find a local college and see if you can find an intern willing to do graphic design for credits. It would be cost effective than hiring an adgency. But what ever you do be respectful and try not to step on anyones toes. When you present this information do it gracefully.

Answer 4

I'm sure that any business owner would love good advice, but you have to deliver it the right way.

Ask if you can meet with them for an hour or so. Have a presentation that explains why you see a problem and how you think they can resolve the problem. Don't go to a boss with a problem without also providing a solution.

Prove to them that the advertising will return results. Do some research. How much will the advertising really cost? What is a reasonable outcome of the advertising.

If you really do help them, they won't forget it.

Answer 5

It's unfortunate that your boss has made an environment where people are afraid to contribute. At this point, you have to speak somewhat frankly or you're going to lose your job anyway when the company goes out of business. My suggestion is baby steps. First come up with suggestions which are low-cost. Without knowing more about your business, I can suggest basic things like mass mailings (via email, very cheap) or networking at Chamber of Commerce events and conventions, etc. As he/she starts to see your ideas working, he/she will probably grow more open to new suggestions. If not, maybe you should take your great ideas elsewhere. If all of the managers agree that the boss is sinking his own ship, it could be time for you to start getting your resume together.

Answer 6

If you truly believe that advertising will help your business, then you must become a fountain of knowledge in this area.

And you must be prepared to do this on your own time.

I would suggest that you start with a plan to achieve name recognition only. Simply, if your managers are spending more than 2 minutes on the phone explaining who they are and what they can provide, that's a minute and a half the customer has to think about taking another call.

I can't tell how large your company is, but start with the small, but free stuff. Join community groups like the highway cleanup squads. (a road sign with your company's name on it) Donate prizes for the local 4th of July bike decorating contest. (Name on a program) Volunteer that group of managers for a big name charity run, walk, whatever. (Recognition from the charity, local paper write-up, plus the beginning of a reputation of civic involvement, - "priceless") And so on.

I would also suggest that that you step into the owners shoes, so to speak, and walk around for a bit. You may not agree with his outlook for company growth, but you can't change anything by being his opposite. You're only going to get a headache from hitting your head up against his wall.

Passion to succeed is not paid for by the hour. And, truth be told, the reward may only be the knowledge that you were right. But, you will end up smarter at the end.

Answer 7

Get together with the other "managers" and do some brainstorming - look for the most cost-effective means of promotion you can think of. This is going to take some REAL work, and some hard numbers to back up what you have to say.

Then, make a short presentation to them - an "Executive Summary" of what you found. That should take no more than 10-15 minutes, tops. If they like what you have done, if it stimulates their thinking, then they will ask for more.

If they do not appreciate your initiative, you are working in the WRONG place, and you have just done yourself a big favor by making that apparent to yourself. Start to look elsewhere for a job where initiative and entrepreurship are valued.

Good Luck!
OC

Answer 8

It is difficult to understand why certain things are done or not done. You don't say how long they have been in business or what type of business it is.

They have all the details and you don't. That is what makes the difference in your situation. If you are a manager I would not hesitate to voice an idea(s). I would think that would be part of your job. You know how to do it tastefully. You aren't going to show up at the meeting and say, "Hey, you idiots, you don't know what the hell you are doing".

If you don"t take some type of action, it is going to affect your attitude toward your job. When that happens, you might as well move on. I think a bad attitude is worse than being incompetant.

I think you should open up at the next meeting and see what happens.

Answer 9

Show them a brochure or advertisement for a two or three day trainning session (such as offered by the American Management Association) that relates to the problems that the business faces. Identify the sessions that will be offered in attractive places to visit, such as San Francisco. Mention that this could involve a few extra days for an enjoyable vacation with the airline tickets charged to some trainning that might provide useful information for the business.

Answer 10

As one person put it, it's not your business.

There is a lot of bull written about how small business is the lifeblood of the economy. Its true in a way, small companies can be great ultra-dynamic launchpads for concepts that need to grow fast.

Your small business isn't.

Your small business is like a lot of them. A place for owners who can't hack it in a real pro company like Microsoft and Yahoo to live out their fantasy that they know how things should be done.

And with your company, obviously, they don't.

So they are living in fantasy land. And we all know where that one ends.

It is excellent to be loyal to a small business after a fire, a heart attack, or some other major catastrophe...to put in the hours and show you care. That's the American way.

It is also excellent to leave a sinking ship. Entrepreneurs take the winning hand when it is dealt to them. The b-side of that record is the "creative destruction" of free market competition.

You are smart enough to know what is going on...join a smart company.

Answer 11

Send him a letter/report professionally stating the reasons or proofs of why you think he is making a big mistake to risk his business, and your proposed plans and ideas to improve and save his company. If it is a well written report with proofs and your bright ideas of improvement, your boss will surely appreciate your concern and professionalism although he might not agree with your report. But if he has a little mind, he is not worthy to work for. Just take your great business ideas to somewhere else where they will appreciate you more. Good luck.