Looks like I'm done for now.

Grumpy

Outlaw if only it were that simple. I am told that before the 70's titles and job descriptions never really existed. Now the two govern companies.

The one and only problem I see with what you said, and don't get me wrong I am not arguing, is how to do properly track performance and compensate someone who has free reign to do as they please? Who is responsible for what tasks? Who is accountable when a task is not done? I think this is why most companies now have a set heirarchy and set of responsibilities and tasks associated with each title. Please note that that a person can have multiple titles.

However when I had employees I initiated the policy "everyon's a salesman". If you are at a super market and someone taps you on the shoulder go sell the job and I will pay you a commission. If your friend needs work sell it and I will pay you a commission. If you'e not sure how to sell it let's meet and figure it out together and figure out some kind of fair split on the commission. Right off the batt, I give my estimators/sales men a $100 or $200 (I forget off the top of my head) bonus for selling a "self generated" lead. If it didn't cost me anything for the advertising they deserve a little bonus. That's in addition to their commission. I figured this would prevent moon lighting and encourage everyone to feel a sense of belonging to the company/team. It flopped. Nobody gave a chit.

I dunno man, if I worked for me and was getting a $200 bonus for self geneating a lead I'd be knocking on neighbor's doors. I'd be calling previous customers asking if they needed more work or had any friends who did. If I could generate just one self generated sale per week... well that's beer, cigar and poker money for the weekend, isn't it?

I've spent so much time and energy trying to build the kind of company I would enjoy working for. Too bad I am such an odd bird that nobody else seems to care.

__________________
-Grumpy
Chicago Gutters Chicago Roofing

ROOFWORKSLTD

That's a shame, sorry to hear. If we were in the same area I would definatly help you with some of your work. Staying positive is key.