[RadioheadFan]

The president of the small company I work for & the Sales & Marketing Director (the same person) got voted out yesterday by the board of directors. I am the sales & marketing department. I can be a little over agressive at times & I realize this new development is cause for more finesse than I am used to using. The president had several marketing trips planned. He was going to go to several trade shows. I found out inadvertantly that instead of taking me this time. he might be taking the office manager. This makes no sense to me. So I stepped up my game, came up with a marketing presentation that impressed the Director of the Board and the president. I still did not hear about who is going on the sales trip. Now he is gone and my company has paid for a booth at several trade shows. I was going to bring this up to the Director of the Board, as he is the person making decisions for my company right now, but I am not sure how to bring this up in an appropriate fashion. I am more than capable of representing our company and promoting our product. Also, it is my job to market the product, not the job of the office manager. In addition to that, I believe I can take over some of the duties of the recently cast out sales director. How do I present myself without looking mercenary?

[RadioheadFan]

Doesn't aANYBODY have a suggestion for me?

[gr8fx]

Kind of quiet around here lately, not much in the way discussion going on, and now they want to charge us for it. Go figure.

If your confident about your skills to represent your company, then I would present that to the Director of your Board in a way that makes it look like you are "stepping in for the good of the company" type thing. Something like, "due to unforseen circumstances, I'd like to take this opportunity to keep our company on the cutting edge in regards to marketing/sales, by representing us at [insert trade show/conferences here]." Something along those lines.

It would also help if there was a monetary advantage to sending you. Board's and those "in charge" always like to see what's in it for them, budget wise, when it comes to decisions. So if there isn't something monetarily advatageous, look for one and market that.

I know this isn't much, but I hope it helps. Bottom line, in todays competitive market, either as an employee or as a company, you have step-up and take advantage of opportunities like this. What's the worst thing that could happen? They don't let you represent them. But they won't forget the fact that you OFFERED to represent them!

[Lauren Elder]

Hi gr8fx,

Thanks for responding with this sound advice. We are always trying to facilitate discussions here at OfficeArrow. There are so many members these days and we would love for everyone to be more connected and participate in the really unique community we've established here.

I'd like to point out that the Silver membership, which is our new paid membership, only offers new features that basic members did not have before. It is entirely optional to upgrade your account. The important thing is basic members can still do everything they could do before like participate in the forums, read articles, download templates, etc.

Thank you for the feedback and for an opportunity to clarify this. We do appreciate all of our members and work everyday to ensure the OfficeArrow experience is worthwhile.

[PartyPlanner]

You already know how to do it and what to say, just don't be too aggressive/bold because that could be construed as insensitive and in light of the layoffs that wouldn't be a good thing. Besides being aggressive, you have to show other qualities now; sincerity, discretion and diplomacy. Approach the acting director humbly but state your observations about the pre-paid booth, etc. If he/she is set on sending the office manager (which is strange but I've heard/experienced worse), then offer yourself to accompany the office manager. Just be sure you make the benefits of the arrangement obvious.

[RadioheadFan]

Thanks everybody for responding. Good advice from all. I will incorporate a little less agression and more sincertiy in my approach.

[RadioheadFan]

He is sending the office manager to a trade show & not me, the sales specialist. I didn't even get a chance to meet with him before he made this decision. Sounds fishy to me.

[Kateena]

It might be worthwhile letting him know that you felt you were just as valuable to be sent to the trade show, and offer to go next time. Don't be too pushy - that's often where things fall apart. State the facts about why you're valuable and how you feel you can step up to and into these roles. Good luck