# Who decides at a small business, and how to find them

> Small companies have no procurement team. One person usually says yes. Here is how to reach that person.

## Who decides, by type

| Business | Normally decides |
|---|---|
| Trades (plumber, roofer) | the owner |
| Clinics (dental, chiropractic) | the owner-doctor; sometimes the practice manager |
| Law and accounting firms | a named partner or the administrator |
| Restaurants | the owner or general manager |
| Agencies | the founder |
| Startups | the founder or CEO |
| Creators | the creator or their manager |

Each [industry page](https://getclient.pro/industries) lists who decides in that niche.

## Where to find their name

- the About, Team or Contact pages on the website
- schema data in the website code
- Google review replies signed by the owner
- LinkedIn company pages and Facebook "About" sections
- professional licence listings

GetClient does this research automatically and returns the owner's name, title, a confidence score and the evidence it found.

## When the gatekeeper answers

At clinics and firms, a receptionist screens calls and emails. Be honest and specific: "I sent Dr. Lopez a short note about the practice's Google profile — who is the best person to talk to about marketing?" Often they'll tell you exactly who decides.

## Influencers vs deciders

An office manager might not sign the cheque, but they can champion you. Treat them as allies: give them something useful to pass on.

## Multi-location businesses

For groups and franchises, decisions may be made at head office. Check whether locations share a website and email — that normally means central decisions.

Related: [how to find business owner names](https://getclient.pro/blog/how-to-find-business-owner-names)

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I email the owner or the office manager?

Email the owner when you have their name and email. At clinics and firms, the practice or office manager often handles vendors and can champion you — treat them as an ally.

### How do I know if a business is part of a chain?

Look for shared websites and emails across locations, or many listings with the same name. Chains normally decide centrally.

### Does GetClient show where an owner name came from?

Yes. Each owner match includes a confidence score and the evidence text it was found in.

Source: https://getclient.pro/blog/find-decision-makers-small-business