If you have a great idea for your company's business development, how can you share the idea and avoid being excluded from it's implementation?
Good Answers (18)
Thorsten C
Content Capitalization in the Digital Entertainment Age
Best Answers in: Business Development (1)
Hello Terrance,
The question is why a company should / could exclude you - maybe
* It's not one of your responsibilities or "you don't get paid for it", meaning that either someone else's job is the implementation (you're taking his job) or you would focus on a task that would vacant some of your other responsibilities ("why don't you start doing the stuff you're supposed to do?") or you could be likely to drop some balls due to your extra involvement.
* There are company political or policy reasons not to involve you.
* You're not seen as the most (cost) efficient person to do the implementation.
* Your know-how and expertise is seen wasted in doing the implementation, as you're so good at coming up with great ideas.
* The implementation is perceived to require certain skill sets or resources that you do not seem to have.
* ...
As you can see, I used "seem", "perceived", "likely", etc. That means that decisions (like any sale, internally as well as externally) are based on assumptions, perception, and expectations that need to be managed.
The other question is: Why do you want to be involved? Does it require a certain skill set that others don't have? "They will screw it up"? It will not be followed through because they don't see the big picture, the business value, or how to execute it? Your current job is not challenging you enough? You need this bizdev so you can do your job better, and hence want to have a say how to implement it? ...
I think if you can answer these two questions soundly (and to your own satisfaction), noone would exclude you from anything. If you're still excluded and find that confusing, then turn to Ayn Rand: "Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong."
Clarification added February 22, 2008:
Previous answers were focusing on how to monetize the idea, or how to claim credit for it, or how to overcome barriers against the idea itself - I thought the issue was *involvement*, not ownership. I also find it selfish to see an idea through just because it's mine, even though others could execute it much better, or with better value for the company. But I guess I've always worked for companies less than 1,000 people and were able to realize my ideas elsewhere whenever I really strongly felt like it ;)
Alasdair B
Senior Partnerships Manager, Maxymiser
Best Answers in: Internet Marketing (3), Web Development (3), Advertising (1)
It's a very good question Terrence and no doubt one that strikes people daily, certainly in larger organisations.
From my own experience in SMEs where everyone is 'known' to the c-level guys if perhaps some cases only by name, there is often a link of trust already established and it's possible for the employee to 'pitch' the idea to the board.
The difficulty comes when it reaches a 'negotiation' of some type over who has rights to the idea as many contracts of employment will state that inventions and ideas that come up whilst in contract are the property of the company anyway.
At the end of the day, this is the sole issue that will lead to many people leaving organisations and setting up on their own to execute the plan. It's the only way save a shareholding and position on the board that you can be 100% sure that you will benefit from your killer idea!
Michael K
Sr. Manager of I.T. Architecture at Lash Group
Best Answers in: Guerrilla Marketing (1), Software Development (1), Web Development (1)
In that scenario, depending on the size of your company, and the individuals you are dealing with, there may be multiple ways to go about doing this.
First, write a summary proposal, not giving away the idea or its details, but the benefits that it will bring. Then do not pass the proposal through your direct managers, find a way to get it directly into the hands of the decision makers. With that then, attempt to call a meeting with a few of the individuals to discuss the idea further. Once the meeting time is set, prepare your proposal into a more comprehensive package, outling how you can see the goals executed for the company. The decision makers will not want to know all the details, but will want to see that you have a clear defined path to get to it. Finally, give some estimates both in time and cost how to get to the goals.
That is how I would suggest setting the stage. One thing though that you have to identify before starting, once you identify the key players that you will be pushing the proposal to, get to know their personal goals, what they as individuals are trying to achieve in the company, and come up with key points as to how your idea and how you as an individual are the best person to not only execute the idea, but how you personally align with their goals. Notice, I am not talking about the company's goals, I am talking about their personal goals. Everyone has an agenda,... you have to get a sense for their agle and align with that.
Once you get to the right people, sell the idea and sell yourself as the implimenter for that idea, then you will have real pull to stay in the project and not be excluded. Be goal oriented, outline the steps to get there, and you will be able to execute.
Links:
Run the idea past a trusted work colleague first, and get their feedback, sometimes great ideas are only great in your own head. If you get a positive reaction, move to the next chain of command, and if it is still good -- pitch it to people that count and suggest that you want to be part of the implementation.
If you are worried that you will be left out of the implementation or someone will steal the idea, I would hold back some details on your solution so you have some leverage, then you can come in at a later stage with the info you withheld, and get the credit you deserve.
Jacque ("J") S
Marketing, Web, Energy Efficiency and Strategy Guru
Best Answers in: Organizational Development (1), Personal Real Estate (1), Computers and Software (1), Computer Networking (1)
Terrence,
Michael Krumpke has the approach I would advise. Some additional considerations to include would be to identify the top line and bottom line value to the company; nothing motivates like revenue and margin gains.
Writing down your idea in complete form, taking as many considerations into account as possible, will be the first step in vetting your idea. When you start figuring costs, manpower, and revenue potential, you may find your idea becomes unfeasible. If your own analysis of the concept proves out, you'll need that information as you go through the 'selling' process.
Going around your direct management can be difficult if not career limiting, depending on the corporate culture. You have to be sure you make it is a win for them too in some way.
An important factor in your involvement in the implementation of your idea is your skill set. Do you have, and does management view you as having, the skills required to contribute or lead the effort? If not, get those skills and make sure the people you will be approaching know you have them. Your idea will hold more weight, and you are more likely to be considered a member of the team, it the idea falls in your realm of expertise.
Your analysis I mentioned above will also guide you in understanding who to involve in your selling process. Typically, each layer of management has some level of discretionary budgetary control over their area. The larger the effort in terms of funding, organizational change, and corporate impact, the higher up the management chain you will need to go.
In general, be sure you know the questions each person you approach will be asking. Before meeting with each person do your homework to find out as much as you can about that person. Their personal motivations, their organizational goals, the people they look to for advice and so on. The more familiar you are with them (even if you've never actually met them) the better you can predict their motivations, the smoother the meeting will go and the more likely you are to gain their support.
Good luck! Hope you hit a homerun.
J
This is the type of situation where our instincts tell us to strategize or even scheme to create the very best approach. Typically is comes from our fear of loss or in this case, exclusion. With the fear of exclusion at top of mind, it’s easy to forget the simple approach:
Identify who the person is with the authority to put you in charge of the project and request a meeting. Honesty goes a long way – begin the meeting with what you told us, “I believe I have a great idea for our company’s growth and my biggest fear is I would be excluded from the implementation. Can I share with you the idea and if it’s possible for my involvement, can we be open to that idea?”
In my experience, starting meetings with what you’re really worried about or thinking is the answer to most sensitive situations.
Marc
Links:
Bob M
Managing Director USA, Four Groups
Best Answers in: Branding (3), Advertising (2), Internet Marketing (2), Business Development (2), Career Management (2), Customer Service (1), Occupational Training (1), Government Policy (1), Contracts (1), Corporate Law (1), Direct Marketing (1), Sales Techniques (1), Writing and Editing (1), Currency Markets (1), Starting Up (1), E-Commerce (1), Enterprise Software (1), Computers and Software (1)
Is the idea intellectually protectable? Can you patent it or trademark it? Certainly you can copywrite it.
If so, work on the idea at home on your own time, not even using a pen that came home from work. Use it to generate revenue that doesn't compete with your current employer. You should make a sale based on the protected item that crosses state lines. You can sell it to a friend, collegue or other.
Now make copies of all the documents (like the invoice, the bill of lading or PO etc.) and send them to yourself via certified mail. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE.
See a lawyer to make sure that your work can not be claimed by your employer.
Now without telling your employer what you've done, tell them you OWN something that might help them and you would love to share it in return for the chance to work on it.
Write a simple addendum to your employment contract stating that it is your idea and giving them rights in exchange for allowing you to work on it.
They then sign and they have to let you work on it. If you are not allowed, you will need to withdraw the idea and find a new job before you sue, so be sure it is worth it. If it fails, then the addendum becomes moot.
See a lawyer to make sure you have something protectable and have protected it before you negotiate. Intellectual ownership laws are tough on employees.
Alternately, place trust in the company and just negotiate. If they are truly looking for ideas, they'll work with you. Its a long shot, but its easy.
Panos T
Strategy & Negotiations Consultant
Best Answers in: Internationalization and Localization (2), Government Policy (1), Business Development (1), Sales Techniques (1), Corporate Governance (1), Change Management (1), Organizational Development (1), Professional Networking (1), Starting Up (1), Enterprise Software (1)
Hello Terrence,
It is a very common question.
My approach is this, and it involves a series of questions:
1. Are u sure that it is a killer idea? Quantify everything and put it in a cost/benefit analysis.
2.Can it be implemented by your company? Is you idea in line with the overall strategy and character of the company?
3. Has something like that ever happened before in your company? If it has, check the outcome for the person who suggested the idea. If the person was fired, it is a clear indication that you should keep to yourself.
4. Who would be the person responsible or in charge of the implementation of this idea? Does it fit with the existing operations? Who is the person making the decisions?
5. What do you really want from this? You want to be included in the project? Make it a part of your proposal, include the economics (salary, bonus etc). At the end of the day, choose how you want to look to your colleagues.
Good luck
Ariel R
Motivational Professional
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (3), Compensation and Benefits (1), Business Development (1), Customer Relationship Management (1), Career Management (1)
Who's the boss?
Arrange a sit down with your supervisor and the boss to discuss an issue. Make sure that they do not feel that you are getting them in trouble. Instead, let your supervisor in on the "Tip of the Iceberg" of what you would like to discuss with the "Big Man on Campus". Get some buy-in from the supervisor as to your idea being solid, and then have a sit down with the Big Guy (or Woman; bosses can be female too; male tense is used for ease of typing).
Hope this helps. Knock 'em dead!
April D
In-House SEO Webmaster
Best Answers in: Career Management (2), Staffing and Recruiting (1), Labor Relations (1)
Send it in writing....it is every employees job in the company to help grow it and the vision and generate ideas...why get caught up in who gets the credit? For every great idea I have there are 1000 more...be happy to contribute and operate from a perspective of abundance...there is more than enough money, projects, credit to go around...and not a position of scarcity - "i must get mine" - and the universe will respond in kind...
Marc A
Product, Program and Project Manager
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (19), Starting Up (8), Mentoring (6), Ethics (6), Project Management (5), Advertising (4), Staffing and Recruiting (3), Business Development (3), Computers and Software (3), Wireless (3), Occupational Training (2), Venture Capital and Private Equity (2), Personnel Policies (2), Internet Marketing (2), Customer Relationship Management (2), Sales Techniques (2), Writing and Editing (2), Change Management (2), Career Management (2), Professional Networking (2), Enterprise Software (2), Telecommunications (2), Job Search (1), Budgeting (1), Foreign Investment (1), Financial Regulation (1), Risk Management (1), Government Policy (1), Internationalization and Localization (1), Offshoring and Outsourcing (1), Employment and Labor Law (1), Direct Marketing (1), Public Relations (1), Business Analytics (1), Corporate Governance (1), Organizational Development (1), Planning (1), Equity Markets (1), Futures Markets (1), Manufacturing (1), Branding (1), Interface Design (1), Business Plans (1), Incorporation (1), Small Business (1), Green Business (1), E-Commerce (1), Software Development (1), Web Development (1)
The short answer is - You can't.
If your company doesn't want you to be included in the project there is little you can do. However, if you make your desire clear to your leaders, and are diplomatic about it then usually a decent leader will encourage your participation. This is all based on the assumption that the idea is both good, and likely to be lucrative for the company.
This happens all the time in the corporate world. The best suggestion I can give you is to write the business idea in the form of a "mini business plan". If you can not only explain the idea, but why it fits with the company brand, how it will add to the top and bottom lines, why it is key to the company and can show those general manager types of thought processes, you may be considered for the team. The other way is to ask for involvement in your recommended actions section of your proposal. It never hurts to assume your own involvement in the idea submittal process. Just make sure you aren't just submitting an idea, but a new business model. Good luck!
It is good to see you have great confidence in your idea, since you are not questioning how to get it done: just how to avoid being excluded. I'd have to agree with Thorsten: why would you be excluded?
Now, if you are worried about the idea being taken from you and implemented by someone else who shares your responsability, I just read a quote that expresses beautifully the thought process of most organizations:
"Don´t worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good, you'll have to ram them down people's throats"
And it is true: you should be the most vocal champion of whatever you propose, because if it is a great idea people will resist it almost with certainty. If you stand behind your idea, no matter what, it might get done, however, there's another quote for you:
"Success has many fathers; Faliure is an orphan"
Perhaps you should just take your idea and start a company around it. That was the only way of getting my idea done ;).
Steve D
Recruiter (6100+) (847)431-4681 resumes@sjdelaney.com
Best Answers in: Job Search (1), Staffing and Recruiting (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
You can't.
It's ruthless but enevitable that someonw with more poilital power than you will lay claim to the idea and push you aside as quickly as possible.
Your best option is to keep your ideas to yourself and try to envision your own startup.
-sd
Links:
Clarification added February 22, 2008:
However, if your motivated to actually get the idea implemented and can put aside your own ego, there is an old adage that essentially suggests you "get the other person to think it was thier idea."
jennifer j. J
The PR Savant, Johnson& Company, The Virtual Agency(TM)
Best Answers in: Business Development (3), Public Relations (3), Advertising (2), Using LinkedIn (2), Travel Tools (1), Sales Techniques (1), Ethics (1), Professional Networking (1), Starting Up (1)
Identify key stakeholders in power groups--viz. sales, product development, channel, finance, marketing, etc.
Finesse your boss on the matter, Does he/she want "in?" Can you get a blessing to proceed? You decide if he/she is a part of your problem or can be made a path to implementation.
Conduct multiple one-on-two sessions with stakeholders, soliciting "alpha" input. Present concept with newly-gleaned findings incorporated, then disseminate for vigorous input.
Does your company have an employee idea forum? If not, suggest one to your Change Agent or HR type.
If that is not a route, then work with your boss or other stakeholders who can sponsor the concept at senior-levels.
Note: Your internal Communications people might be really helpful, here, if asked to help formulate your concepts. They will know good analyst or competitive information, may be flattered to be asked to help you, and--as was the case when I worked at Novell Inc.--they may be able to see strategic outcomes that others may not in terms of valuing and advancing your idea.
jjj
Jennifer J. Johnson
jjj@joandco.com
Aditya S
Director - Strategy and Consulting, Forge
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (1), Business Development (1), Lead Generation (1), Business Analytics (1)
Hi Terence,
There are two parts to this process - sharing the idea and then implementing it...
For the first part i'd suggest three steps: -
1) Formulate your idea into a plan, analysing it from as many angles and scenarios as possible. You will realise that an idea consisting of a few lines, will automatically translate into a process/hypothesis of at least a few pages. remember to put this into a final draft containing your idea and its various issues and scenarios in a very systematic way.
2) Share it with someone who you know on a personal level, who is not in the same field and not connected to your professional duties. Remember simplicity is the key to every idea, if a layman can grasp the concept and idea, then you have been partially successful.
3) Put the idea and draft upto the highest decision making authority you know. alternatively, do the classic 30 second elevator pitch to one of the honchos. remember to be concise and make an impact with the effect the idea can have with regards to busness development in the form of figures
ex: - John, i am Terrence looking after the western territory. i have an idea about some changes in the CRM process which could increase customer retention by 35%. i was hoping i could meet you with the entire idea very soon.
Part - II
During this part concerning implementation, you will have to take an objective view of the idea and its implementation strategy. If you feel that you can implement it on your own, make it clear to guys in charge.... However if you feel that there are certain areas where you are a bit wanting.... again state it clearly to the guys in charge.....
Remember honesty is always a respected commodity...that coupled with the fact that YOU are the author of the idea.... should give you enough leverage to be on the team....
If honesty doesn't work... then i would suggest that you look for a new organisation to wok with!!!
The best way to ensure you will not be excluded. Only share the idea with yourself.
Assuming your organization is fairly large in size the best way to deal with this is to write a proposal and guide within that proposal that you are the best fit to handle the implementation in whatever capacity it is that you would like to be involved. Follow it up with a conversation with the project's sponsor showing that you are seriously interested.
