What are the pluses/minuses of working for a family owned business when you are not part of the family?

	What are the pluses/minuses of working for a family owned business when you are not part of the family? I am seeking employment as a funeral director ( job not important ) and there are several corporate owned funeral homes, but I don't want to work for a corporation anymore. I have never worked for a small company and never worked with a family owned operation. I am personable and can get along with anyone: but what are the advantages/disadvantages of working long term with a small family owned business of which I am not nor will ever be part of the family.? Asked By: Spaced Frehley - 7/18/2011

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What are your current expectations? I understand you want an outlook and evaluation but it really is all dependent on the business. A family owned landscaping company will run differently than a family owned thrift store, funeral home or what have you. My experience with a family owned business it to first check BBB accreditation and review what you find their to ensure that they have a customer base and resolve any complaints. Working for a business that doesn't resolve complaints is a red flag but if you see that they resolve any and all issues then you can have some confidence if a problem does arise they will take appropriate action unlike a leasing agency or 3rd party wireless provider that'll stiff you because they think they have you locked in and feel they can push you around. Probably one of the reasons you left Corporate or want out of it. I'd like to list out pro's and cons but it varies to how the family (or head) chooses to run the business. If you're expecting to be treated differently because you aren't family just throw that thought out the window. You won't know till you're there and in MOST businesses that are family owned the opposite is true, you will be preferred over the family employees because usually you have a broader palette of experience while the family has only worked there. The main reason why Nepotism doesn't work is simply put that they're usually underqualified to do their own job while a previous or future employee is expected to have a minimum of 5 years experience. Your attitude will be something you have to manage if that's the case because when you deal with someone making an unprofessional call you're going to have to tell a son, daughter, nephew, daughter, brother, sister that they're incorrect and while your boss is the head of the household, someone in lower standing may not keep their cool. The only cold hard fact that you get there is that you won't get the last say of it but it's your boss that matters. What I liked about working for a family business is because after I was trusted I was given more responsibility and the highest step on a ladder is there in front of every step of the way, not some HR Rep in an office complaining that she can't get the trash bin moved outside. You will have a chance to see more if they are willing because of the lack of "set policies" in place that dictates what a manager can reveal to their workers or put them on a list as the next one out. I don't know if funeral directors make comission but family owned businesses often won't offer it. The pay may not be as much as a larger business but the environment could be a lot better as well as offering the tools for you to go out and do more than paint by numbers. Cons of family owned is that because they aren't large or attempting to expand they won't get many deals so while they can generate a healthy revenue your net may be smaller and that is the main reason why you get paid less if that's the case are the expenses that are overlooked. Stay away from a small business that tries to match competitor prices. It's called dropping the market and how people make up for poor salesmanship. Those are the businesses that tank because they can't make overhead and that is what other businesses want you to do is choke yourself. You lose a handful of walk-ins but build more loyalty. While you have the privilege to gain responsibility, you may also be asked to do other things that you'd feel uncomfortable to turn down because of the situation. My tried and true statement though, tell the boss you want an interview after hours and would like to discuss the business he's in, get a feel for him as a person. If you can't evaluate your boss by hearing what he has to say then you're always going to be second guessing yourself and a small business (family owned or not) will not be for you. If you're trying to decide whether you're discouraged about a small business don't go online expecting other people to weigh it out for you. The only real advice would be talking to the boss and outlining YOUR expectations of the demands of the job you're applying for. There is no HR so be straightforward and they'll tell you. Keep in mind this person is a potential boss as well as owner (or atleast standing by the owner), they know EVERYTHING and can't toss you around as though you asked innappropriate questions because they don't know the answers themselves. Evaluate what you want out of your job and present it in the interview then see where it goes. Update us with things after that because what you're asking is like asking where to vacation and not giving a time of year you want to go to adjust for climate. Answered By: Brewster - 7/18/2011

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Advantage-they may treat you like family Disadvantage-maybe you wont get along and also small companies dont give out big vacations. Answered By: PBoi - 7/18/2011

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