How do I get my boss to appreciate my work?
I am working as a full time marketer in a company that didn't have a marketing strategy. I delivered extraordinary results, but soon my boss started to set me difficult to achieve goals i.e. CPA at our competition is $100 and I am supposed to have 5 conversion with $ 50. How do I get him to see the great progress I have made and to set reasonable goals?
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May 9, 2015
I"m not answering this from a marketing perspective, but form a leadership perspective. But much of this depends on how long you have worked there. Assuming not too long, then:
1. Determine the baseline for what was happening before you joined.
2. Compare that to where they are since you've joined.
3. Facts tell.but stories sell - therefore, wrap the above facts into a story or narrative on how this has helped him, the customers and the company.
Someone already asked the question about communication. But any boss you "sets goals for" an employee is not a very good boss. Rather, the boss should work with the employee to determine stretch, but achievable goals. The key: "work with." in reality, no one can be held accountable for goals they had no participation in setting. It demotivates people. On the other hand, if they were involved, they'll do their best to exceed them.
If you cannot communicate with your boss, one of 2 things is happening: as someone else said, he's trying to really motivate you (and that obviously is not working) or he's trying to set you up to fail for some reason. If it's the latter, work hard to achieve them AND get your resume up to date.
May 8, 2015
A simple way, to calculate ROI for CPA will do.
To achieve this, you need the following information:
1. $100 costs of CPA
2. Target convert 10 customers
3. Estimate each customer place 1 order
4. Ave value per order say $60
5. Ave profit per order say $35
Calculate ROI per CPA
Total profit for $100 costs of CPA => 10 x 1 x 35 = $350
ROI per CPA = 350%
May 9, 2015
This is a good answer, but I have a question. Why do you need number 4 - Ave value per order $60 ?
I don't see that value in the calculation.
May 10, 2015
By difficult, do you mean unattainable? Clarify, and then communicate with your boss. If unattainable, provide the "why not?" If difficult, describe how (including obstacles, barriers, limiters), and attempt to provide a plan toward goal completion, including your best estimate for completion target date/time.
May 9, 2015
In addition to JC's answer, I would suggest doing the same calculations based on what the numbers were when you started. Then perhaps create a graph (with a tall y axis for dramatic effect) to post by your desk plotting your success curve from the start. Label it The Sasho Effect. :-)
One other thought...Do you have a communication problem with your boss? What does he say when you tell him how gratifying it has been to get the extraordinary results so far? Or when you tell him his goals are not realistic?
The reason I ask is setting difficult goals isn't necessarily a bad thing, nor a clear indication of his lack of appreciation of your work. It's a common motivational tactic to get the most out of people at any level and regardless of prior success.
May 9, 2015
Try to make quarterly power point presentations of your turnover and always suggests ways to further move the company forward. From Management point of view, contrate your energy on what he wants; and whatever he considers a major priority in the company should also become your priority. Some leaders are only pleased when their priorities become your priority. Good luck Sasho; and don't you ever get discouraged by his seeming unappreciative attitude.
May 10, 2015
It possible to have some infographics presentation of your way job, to show your boss before the project handling. It will some of the star mark your goal.
May 9, 2015
Funny you should ask that question. I addressed a similar situation on my Facebook page; here's the link https://www.facebook.com/successzone.biz?ref=hl It's the second entry on the page. I hope it helps.
May 9, 2015
Start with spreadsheets of your progress and weekly progress reports. Try to hit on something he/she will like to see hear. The more they like, the more support you get.
May 10, 2015
Yes, I have spreadsheets and there are some misunderstandings as well,
May 10, 2015
As a general answer: have good ideas and then feed them in such a way that he/she thinks she came up with them and you are agreeing! ;-)
May 12, 2015
Hi Sasho,
Bosses are humans just like the people who work for them. Let's drop the titles, and all we have to show is our values, what you stand for and how we define our relationships. Bottom line here is, what does your instincts tell you when you look your boss straight in the eyes and have a "human to human" conversation?
In business, sometimes, we forget that we are dealing with people first, then numbers second. Chances are, If they have his eyes on the numbers, then it is likely they also have their eyes on their staff. Perhaps, this may be an opportunity for you to demonstrate your leadership skills, utilising your marketing techniques to persuade him to like you - perhaps that's the test, I don't know.
But remember, you can make people like you if, of course, you can read and alter their mindset, and even if you are able to do so, that may only be temporary. (Just like a brand losing a loyal die hard customer, how do you get them back?)
Truth is if you cannot hold a difficult conversation with your boss and they don't recognise your value, then somewhere, somehow, there is a serious leadership and communication problem.
Hope you get it resolved somehow and you can be happy at doing what you do best.
Good luck
May 22, 2015
Hi one on the things you could do is use case studies from similar company's to illustrate the work you have done. If you belong to a marketing network or can find one online, you can find out from a few of them where they are in their marketing journey and use a couple of them to show the journey you've made. Be sure to use examples of ones that are not yet where you are in terms of progress and perhaps one example of one that's ahead so that you've got perspective. I hope that helps.
Jun 1, 2015
As you said here. Set a time to meet with him and present those results be clear and just remember one of managers tasks is setting expectations and goals...when the time comes the results will speak for themselves. Try to speak up your thoughts but work hardly as you are. Sometimes, managers have hard time seen the real picture and you ended up losing your interest in it so you may move on.
This is very good answer. The way out is me leaving the company because I am not prepared to put my efforts in these circumstances. However, the mistake (on my side) is made way back before this started to appear on the surface. It tells much about the character of my boss who changes the direction of our activities. Suddenly, stops to communicate with me and never answering my e-mails.
So, where I have failed? 1) I accepted a job in a company that doesn't has solid business plan nor marketing plan 2) I revealed to CEOs my marketing activities and strategy, so they probably estimated that they are able to find cheaper variant. 3) I should have to require revenue share of my leads instead of basic salary - because I have found many affiliates who work on a rev share and they are at this moment at better position.