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photo by Michael Lorenzo
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Bramble Berry is growing (rapidly!). We’ve hired six people in the last two weeks. One of those people was an assistant to our Chief Marketing Officer (though for a small business, having the title ‘Chief Marketing Officer’ might be reaching but hey, aspirational titles are good too, right?). We put the ad out on Craigslist for $9.75/hour. Since the job was for an assistant who would help with graphic design, we proudly gave the URL of our website so applicants could see the quality of work we currently put out and would expect of them. Within 4 hours, the first tweet came: “$9.75/hour? Doesn’t that seem low to you?”
Minimum wage in Washington state is $8.57/hour. Federally, it’s $7.25/hour. Paying $2.50 over federal minimum wage for an entry level, part-time position doesn’t seem low to me. That’s the going rate for an assistant. So, I tweeted back and said something to the effect of “No, it doesn’t seem low. And everyone at BB, even our COO starts low.” That’s true. We don’t hire people who have money as their number one motivation. For one thing, we’ll never be able to keep them. Our company, though profitable and growing, does put the “Small” in “Small Business.” Unless you advance in the company with responsibilities and job title, your position pays the going market rate. And advancement does happen – our Chief Operating Officer started at $7/hour pulling orders and our Chief Marketing Officer started as my part-time assistant and took a $5/hour pay cut to come work for us.
The Tweets got progressively meaner:
And, as local Tweeple started RT’ing (re-tweeting) our job (because yes, yes we are a rockin’ place to work with very low turnover for our core team), one person on Twitter started harrassing the people who RT’ed the job:
Such wise words. I love your company, video, and blogs!
Thanks for stopping by, Cathy! 🙂
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Great article. We have all been put into situations where we are angry and would like to say something negative right back but that never solves anything. And it is extremely unprofessional. I always try wait until I have calmed down to respond. Depending on the situation it could take awhile, lol. I think $9.75 is great for an assistant. Don’t let the haters get you down. I find they are usually very angry people in general, always looking for the negative. Keep up the great work:) Hugs
Thanks for the love Silvia; and I agree – usually the message says more about the message deliver’er than you! The internet does make it easy to get angry anonymously and then never give it another thought though. Basic civility in everything is a lesson that everyone needs to know and keep in mind (myself included). =)
I second what Jennifercole1980 says.
I agree – every business has its own issues and hiring people is really tricky. I agree with your policy of making sure that people need to prove their job skills. Resumes are easy to inflate and reference checks just don’t totally cut it. We do have a good time at Bramble Berry and laugh a lot. =)
Aw, you’re sweet. I get the ‘we’ll show ’em!’ attitude. I do the same thing and get really stubborn. =) My folks had a difficult time with my headstrong attitude growing up. =)
What is wrong with people?!!
If i lived in your area i would LOVE LOVE LOVE to work for Bramble Berry – It would be the happiest job i’ve ever had, i’m sure of it –
I’m now mad that i don’t live in your area – LOL – Kind of like a “we’ll show them” attitude – 🙂
Hang in there and try not to let that b.s. get to you – Easier said than done but just remember YOU are the successful one – They are just miserable crabby people that you wouldn’t want walking around Bramble Berry anyway – Mollie
I just read my daily email from you. It is always inspiring to read whether the topic is soap, business, life or food! Thank you for today’s entry about the nasty Tweeter.
I completely agree that the meanness written said more of the sender than the addressee. Bravo BB (Anne Marie) for continuing to demonstrate the type of maturity, class and integrity that we need more of in the world today.
I homeschool my children and will be sharing a condensed version of today’s email with them as an example of good business practice.
If I lived in Bellingham, I would be proud to apply for the job at BB!!
SIncerely, Michaux H. (Part-time Soap Maker)
Apparently people didn’t get the word “assistant” … I’m glad you were able to just relax after that…I wouldn’t let it get me down. We have the same problems with our own business. My husband, along with FIL and BIL, run a business dealing with security, fire, and surveillance. We always tell the workers they have to prove their job skills. We have no idea what kind of skill they have coming in. They could inflate their credentials and what they do…and we really have no way of telling the kind of workmanship they have done in the past if a business they worked for before has gone under. I always say “Take care of me, Ill take care of you.”
I would do the job for $7.25! I would be happy with that just knowing the company I work for is bad A$$!!! hahahaha…You can make lots of money and work in a terrible work environment and dread going to work, or make min. wage and have an awesome job!
Lots of Love from Texas!
Priscilla!
Iowa! Very different than Washington state but we could always use a soaper here =)
You’re right – it’s definitely a bit of a regional thing – different areas have different standards of pay and in Bellingham, $9.75 for an entry level job isn’t terrible. It’s not the best pay in the world but it’s a decent starting wage. Thanks for your impassioned support. You are a sweetie! =)
What a jerk! Have him come TRY and find a job getting $9.75 an hour…(North Central Arkansas) I’m originally from FL… where I was making $10 an hour… here you are lucky to find something more than $7.25 an hour… LUCKY! I wouldn’t worry too much, at least you know HE won’t be working for you! lol
I’d love to work for BB! Too bad I’m in Iowa.
Ooooh, I like that idea – $50/hour to do nothing sounds fantastic. I’ll let you know when I find that job …
Thank you! And thank you! The hair is definitely growing out and I am so happy about that. I cut it off this summer in a fit of impetuousness and thankfully, I got pregnant really quickly. Thank goodness for those hair growth hormones. =) It’s just getting long enough to put into a pony tail (which will be essential when the little one shows up!).
Totally understand what a hard market graphic design is right now. I was just having this discussion with another commenter. As the cost of software comes down while increasingly getting better, it makes it even harder to make a living doing full time graphic design service. But, there is definitely a place for graphic designers who have the ability to add what software never can: brain power. Graphic designers spend their days studying design, understand and reinforce the concept of brand continuity and come up with overall, comprehensive strategy for a company that goes well beyond just a logo.
Best of luck with your business; the economy is picking up (or so the headlines tell us) and I hope that a rising tide floats all ships. =)
Wonderful words of Wisdome Anne Marie. Just keep in mind, those who “tweet” that kind of junk, they themselves think they are worth more then what they really are. It’s usually these that think a drop out should start at the top!
BTW… Love the new Hairdo!
While I can certainly understand where you are coming from, as a small business owner, I also understand where the hateful comments come from. My small business is graphics design. I work for myself because there isn’t a company out there right now willing and/or able to pay me hourly what I’m worth for graphic design. However, there are plenty out there that are willing to pay me a higher cost for pay per job work. It is what it is & it is paying the bills right now. Don’t let the haters get ya down, y’all do a fine job, and have a great company to prove it!
I love that idea – to put yourself in your critic’s shoes for a bit. What’s driving their negative behavior and response to you? Completely a valid and great idea. I do that all the time with people around me, but generally don’t quite make it there with myself. LOL! =) Thanks for popping in to read my post.
I would work for nothing for you guys. People just don’t understand…They all want to paid 50.00 an hour to do nothing. Keep up the fantastic work you are doing.I think you are too generous to offer $9.75
Aw, thanks for your vote of confidence Cathy. Yes, our little samples that we send out are one of my favorite parts about our orders as well! I love to share new products and the samples are a great way to do it. We go through a looooot of fragrance that way. All those little 1/2 oz. sizes add up quickly. =) I appreciate your support.
Thanks! =) And thanks for reading the entire thing! I know it was a bit of a long read =)
Love step six!! 🙂
Pay is such a regional thing. In Seattle, no one works for $9.75/hour unless it’s a job where they can get tips. =) But in Augusta, that would be awesome wages. I think $8.50 is actually under the minimum wage in Washington State! But, it’s also way more expensive to live in Washington State too. I do love Washington – higher living costs or not though – but I’ve visited GA a few times and found it charming. =))) Thanks for chiming in!
Oooh Anacortes! I love Anacortes. You have that great Art Festival every year right? I’ve purchased some awesome stuff there in the past.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE to make soap and if you ever want to expand to, say… Anacortes, I would be thrilled to work for $9.75/hr.! It’s all about the love of soapmaking!
While some people may not appreciate BB, I surely do! The prices on many of the items I use frequently (or want to try) are usually a lot lower in price compared to the competition. And none of your competitors bother to send a free sample with each order, let alone one that is of a useful size. In fact, unless BB doesn’t carry what I need, I shop there exclusively. So, congrats on creating new jobs in this dismal economy, and on keeping your head when your hater has apparently lost theirs.
i live and work in augusta ga, 8.50per hr hear is considered good pay … anything above would be awsome … and your freinds are correct … if you are offering what you can afford and keep your bottome line intact … don’t worry about the haters, if someone doesn’t want to work part-time @9.75 per hr, they don’t have to apply …. simple as that … the person who needs and wants the job will be the person who gets it and will be satisfied with a part time job paying above min wage
I remember when my staff made more than me. That period lasted for a few years and I didn’t begrudge them that but every so often, I would just shake my head and think, “if they only knew.” =) Growing pains. Growing pains.
PS – I’m so glad that your husband found work again and I really hope that your illness improves.
You are so right – it all comes down to family, love, laughter, experiences, friends and all those intangibles. It’s hard to remember that sometimes. Our entire world is built around ‘busyness’ and ‘stuff’ and it’s hard to remember that simple, fun board games actually can be just as much fun as spending $150 on a night on the town gorging yourself! =)
Those local tweeters definitely fall into the “entitled to more with little effort” category then. Kudos to you #1 for hiring and #2 for always handling those types of comments with grace.
Thanks Nicole! Side note, my parents were in Ramstein, Germany (I probably spelled that wrong) a few years back and I got to visit – such a beautiful area… really lovely.
It was a local tweeter =) You’re right – regional is a huge difference. For example, Seattle has a minimum of a 20% pay increase over Bellingham and it’s only 90 minutes away. And then Bellevue has a pay increase over Seattle and that’s only 20 minutes away so small micro-specific areas do have different amounts. But if we go more rural in our community, it’s a 10% decrease so it’s definitely a factor of where the job is.
Yes, you are right, there is more to pay than just what meets the eye – and we generally give merit appropriate raises after 3 a month intro period after both parties decide they like eachother =)
I am curious AM if these tweets are local or national. Here in MN no one would take that position for that pay unless desperate. I say that in an honest forthcoming tone, not to be rude. Generally the starting wage here for similar position is about $11. Someone on here mentioned being a secretary at a hospital for $9 and I nearly fainted. My first thought…No wonder people can’t make a living in some areas, but I reminded myself that cost of living in each state is quite different. I don’t mean that as an insult to you as I never think a mean spirited response on such matters is appropriate but being an employer myself I understand the needs of people as you do and $9 for a position here would put someone at poverty level. Per the comment at the hospital, I guarantee an entry level secretary at a hospital here would make much more as would an asst.. That is why I ask where the responses are coming from. Not to make light of the “haters” I just think people commenting can fall into several categories and since they can’t elaborate in 100 characters or less, we just don’t know the situation. That is how I tend to approach comments like what you experienced. With that said, I too have found that people have become quite demanding and dare I say, feel “entitled” to a lot these days. I pay quite well, above average, and I still get interviewees that want gold paved streets at very little effort on their part. You know whether or not the pay is appropriate for your area and your business and you also understand the nature of your company and whether or not advancement and higher pay is possible with dedicated service. More goes into a job offer than just pay which I think applicants ALWAYS tend to overlook. I am sure anyone would be lucky to be part of your team and hopefully you’ll find someone that appreciates the offer of employment and the environment you provide. Thank you for the advice, definitely made note.
Dear Anne-Marie,
Please feel proud that you create jobs in times where many people are loosing their jobs. You are such an inspiring person and you give people so much with your soap blog that is always a pleasure to follow. Thank you for sharing your sorrow with us. We like you.
The best greetings from
Nicole, Germany
Likewise!! xo
My husband was out of work for 9 months a couple of years ago. We were grateful when he got a job, even though it paid less than he had made before. When I was diagnosed with a serious illness, we were even more grateful, because his employers were so supportive. IOW, there’s more to life than money.
Sorry you had to go through this. We also have a small business and when we have to hire help in the summer when we are busy with tourists, they will be making more than us. Oh and my soap making company, well you know how that is….definitely a labour or love.
Anne-Marie, thank you so much for sharing this and for sharing the path you travelled to get to your final responses. I too would feel as you do (did you hear my blood boiling reading this?..lol). I am glad for you that you were able to see beyond the negative comments, ask for constructive advice and then be so KIND.
Something else I find helps me when dealing with criticism, from any source (and after I have cooled down some), is to imagine a circumstance that could possibly make me feel as my critic does – put myself in their shoes in other words. I really never fully manage this, however just the effort to do so seems to soothe me and help me feel so grateful I am who I am and I then feel sorry for the naysayers *hugs* 🙂
Awwww, you are so sweet. =) I love my job (most days) and feel the same way.
=)
Yes, you will! And when you do, come let me know so I can make sure to read
all of your learning lessons on your blog =)
Aw thanks. I just had to leave my little treadmill desk (where I’m plodding
away, at 1 MPH – LOL) to see why everyone in the warehouse was laughing so
dang hard (I hate being left out of the joke!). It is a fun place to work –
we do work and we work extremely hard (and lately, extremely long hours) but
we all genuinely like eachother and enjoy eachother’s company and that
really helps.
Thanks for being a customer; I really really appreciate it =)))
O.M.G. I am totally laughing right now. You are so right =)))
Agree – a range makes sense – and is also generally what the market prices
out at. Entry level makes less than experienced; experienced might make less
than education; education + experience = higher pay. Now, would I like to
pay everyone $15/hour? Yes, yes and yes! I would. But, in order to be here
in a couple years, that’s just not going to be the reality unfortunately …
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I know it was a long post =)
Washington is soooooo beautiful; we love it here and feel so thankful to
live here. I hope you get here! =)
(smile) Thanks Rene =)
It is shocking how much all the extra stuff to pay for costs and you’re
right, no one realizes that until they start employing people. But it’s not
just the money you pay above and beyond wages – it’s also the time it takes
to fully fill out the paperwork for the government (all those reports!) and
then double check your work, send in those checks etc… But, of course, I’m
thankful to have a great staff to work with – even with those extra costs. I
certainly couldn’t do it alone. =)
It happens =) Thanks for your positive and sunny support.
You are so right – it IS stressful when people assume they know your
situation better than you do. It’s easy to make judgments looking from the
outside in but until you’ve walked a mile in someone else’s shoes, it’s
really hard to make the *right* judgments. =)
I am soooo bummed to miss Miami. I’m sending my brother, who runs our retail
store and the manufacturing at SoapMolds.com in my place. It is going to
blow his mind how much there is to learn and how many awesome people there
are all gathered in one place =)
You are right – some people do respond negatively to other peoples’ success.
I’ve seen that with other successful people and wonder where it’s coming
from but I think it’s human nature to want what other people want and maybe,
when you realize you won’t get there, you lash out? Just an idea …
It’s hard to find an interesting part-time job. I would love to work for you too! Except that I live in NH… that would be quite the commute. But along with the lesson here in terms of how to handle the haters, I love knowing about the inner workings of your business. It’s very interesting and very interesting to see how people respond when you succeed! Often with kudos but their is always jealousy out there to contend with.
Congrats Anne-Marie, you did great! Lots of people don’t understand the unseen costs of employing people beyond the paid wage, ie unemployment and worker’s compensation, any holiday bonuses or other pd benefits such as days off, etc. I worked previously (many moons ago) in payroll and those extras really add up. And the wage should match the expected work level which it sounds like it very much does. Take care of yourself & that beautiful baby and we’ll miss you in Miami this year!
Kudos to you for handling the haters with grace and positivity. It is stressful when people feel they know YOUR situation well enough to make a better decision than you. And quite rude, also. 9.75/hr certainly won’t make anyone rich, but for someone who is passionate about this kind of work, it will be worth it to LOVE going to work and be able to earn a living doing something they actually enjoy!
That it too bad you had to deal with all those discouraging mean comments! Thanks for sharing. Your doing an awesome job & I respect you!
Thanks for sharing this experience. I don’t think that most people realize how expensive it is to legitimately hire employees with all of the extra taxes and workman’s comp insurance, etc. After starting payroll for my one assistant, I was left feeling like I had to cut back her hours just so I could afford to keep her. How counter-productive is that? Bottom line is that employers pay a lot more that the base wage and it is really hard for small businesses.
Ask the people that are complaining about the wage being offered, just how many jobs have they created themselves. My guess is NONE. The wage is fine.
Rene
Would have totally applied for this gig, If only I lived in WA…. 🙁 this summer for sure… I’m gonna get to WA by all means possible…. selling soaps along the way!!!
I think 9.75/hr for a p/t ENTRY level assistant position is beyond reasonable.
For a company to continue pulling in a good profit there has to be a RANGE of salaries, not everyone there can make $15+/hr, you don’t need to have business degree to know that.
You’re creating a job in a job-starved economy and giving someone out there a steady paycheck, theres no way you can feel guilty about that!
Probably better that you didn’t put H8ters… the 8 looks like two letter o’s stacked atop each other… people could think you’re discussing hooters =X
I would love to work for Bramble Berry, no matter what the price. When you love your job and the people that work with you (and your customers too,) that’s pretty much priceless. Honestly, I would /pay/ to work for Bramble Berry. Everyone I’ve dealt with so far is just so nice and helpful. You have the best products and services, and if it weren’t for you there would be a lot less small businesses out there. I love you guys.
Great post, as always. I really appreciate that you take something that is negative and think of ways to turn it into a learning situation for those of us that don’t have the exposure that you do (though I’m gonna get there one day!).
Goodness gracious, everyone is critical. And I live in Whatcom County. I doubt there are more than 50 people in the entire place that make that kind of money and they would work at a C level. I cannot believe how you could come and criticize something that was clearly meant to be a learning lesson and help others. Geez Louise.
I’m sorry, you must have mis-read the blog post. It’s for a part time assistant to the Chief Marketing Officer (which, as I state in the blog post, is clearly an inflated title). Thus her ‘assistant’ would definitely be just that – an assistant. =) We don’t have enough employees to qualify for an executive title for assistants. =) LOL.
Thanks for your kind comments. They are very thoughtful and I appreciate that you took the time to write. H8ters was going to be my blog title (sort of fun and light hearted) but then we were concerned that some of our readers wouldn’t know what it was … so we went with the more strongly spelled ‘Haters.’ Perhaps that was a mistake.
If you look at Salary.com http://swz.salary.com/SalaryWi… a marketing executive (aka “assistant to our Chief Marketing Officer”) has a median salary of $205,213 in your geographic area.
Perhaps by glorifying the title, you put this position into the category of high-end professional rather than entry-level, no experience necessary, which a job with a salary of less than $10 certainly falls into. Kids mowing lawns or babysitting make more than $10 for goodness sake!
While I don’t think the discussion needed to take the direction it did, I didn’t find it hateful. It was critical, and clearly you are used to praise and not criticism, so you took it pretty seriously. But, to refer to it as “hatred” and the writers as “haters,” really minimizes true hatred. Look at the recent events in Arizona and put your experience into perspective!
Another consideration, there are far too many companies that would hire six low-paid, part-time employees, give them fancy titles to make them feel like their job has added value not demonstrated in their paycheck, instead of one or two full-time employees, because then they might have to actually pay benefits. Perhaps that is not your motivation, but it does seem like you really over-reacted to what started out being some pretty appropriate criticism. People take an enormous amount of pride in their professions, and seeing someone referred to as corporate officer, and then expecting to pay them less than $10 an hour does feel like a backhanded insult, even though it seems like you just wanted to make a unskilled, factory-type job sound a little nicer.
“Respond with kindness and positivity.” Fail…if you really did live that lesson you are preaching to others…haters would not be in the title of your article.
I would PAY $9.75 an hour to work at Bramble Berry!
Very well put! Brava to you!! I have to tell you, as a graphics layout designer, who used to do lay-outs from home for a small fragrance company in the Chicagoland area (the money just wasn’t there to keep me), I would give a lot to have a job with you!! Being self taught in Illustrator and Photoshop is great, but companies want a bachelors degree which I just don’t have! Your pay is reasonable and if you love your work, and can pay the bills, then what more do you need!! By the way, if you ever need anything, I am available!! 😀
Don’t sweat the small stuff, and people who just want to tear you down for no apparent reason are always small stuff!
Dear my fave person ever! ( Soap Queen) You are a saint. Mary Poppins!!! You responded with pure grace! I always say the same statement about assuming and now my fiance says the same thing! Some people should just be thankful that there is a job posting to start with. Do they even know the unemployment rates?? I would volunteer for your company if I didnt live too far away in PA! Thank you for your gracefulness and pride in your company a true inspiration to all of us soapers!!!
Oooh, yes, art is soooo difficult to not take criticism about personally
because it is YOU. It’s your expression into the world. You put your heart
and soul into it. It’s … you. I easily can feel that way about BB at times
since I’ve been shepherding its growth for the last 13 years. It’s a part of
me. And criticism is always difficult to take, even in the best of
circumstances.
Yoga breathing is a big help to me during times of stress (in through the
nose for 5/out for 5).
Aw thanks. Good point about choosing who to pay attention to. Eventually,
when you come into contact with enough people, you’re bound to run into
someone that simply isn’t a fan. =)
Thank you! And thank YOU for being a customer. I so appreciate it =)
That is very true – people on social media have no filter. And when it’s
anonymous, it is incredibly easy to forget the ‘human’ side to things. I
have a great post I’m keeping in my head on this subject that I’ll do in the
next few months =)
Ugly is always teachable. It’s just a matter of figuring out how much time
must pass for it to graduate from “Ugly” to “Teachable.” Sometimes … it’s
a looooong time =)
AM your company and personal approach is something quite unique in business world. You have thousands of fans, supporters and customers all over the globe. You and BB are inspiration for a lot of people and that is you strenght – and it will go bigger. So, don’t pay attention to people who are insignificant and keep up the great work! We’re counting on you!
what a great post! it’s upsetting that you should have to defend yourself for an hourly job, meanwhile creating a position in a growing company. the problem i have with social media, and i hope i am not contributing to the issue, is that anyone with a connection to an internet feels s/he has the license to speak his/her mind, unfiltered. it’s the fact of today we live in a selfish, consumeristic society. i know how much it would bother me to receive posts like the ones you are getting, and i commend you for turning something ugly into a ‘teachable moment’. bravo!
If the pay is too low for the person taking the job, they should look elsewhere. That’s another wonderful thing about this country, we have the option. No worries. I think it’s a fair wage for an entry position.
Thank you for your wonderful products!
Definitely the key phrase there is “willing to work” =) And yes, loving what
you do (and the people you surround yourself with at work) is key as well.
Dang those pesky expenses … and crafting and soaping addiction is right up
there with food too! =) LOL! =)
Good luck with school. It will be so exciting for you when you are finished
and are able to follow your passion.
LOL! You are right! Where is that bottle of Lavender EO when I need it? And
of course, I have oodles of it stashed everywhere too! =)
Isn’t that the truth? Thank goodness for awesome, amazing friends who don’t
care what I do for a living =)
And agree, in the end love (family, friends, experiences, health) is all
that matters.
You are so right about feeling okay about being mean when it’s anonymous
versus saying that sort of thing in person. I have never met a person (in my
entire life) that would say some of the mean things that other people say
from behind the veil of the internet ….
Thanks Robin. Since H8ter is on Twitter, it’s hard to say what they do.
Their first name is ‘Stacy’ and that’s all I know since they did not take me
up on my offer to come chat with me in person or tour our warehouse. I would
have loved to have talked to them though. Reality is so much different than
perceptions, especially for the self-employed =)
My husband is SO good and patient. =) Really, marrying him and starting
Bramble Berry were the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I’m sure
deciding to have children will be right up there.
I love being friends with you on Twitter, BTW =)
All of that is sooooo true about running a small business. I’m not sure what
the toll of all the stress in the back of your head is when you have a small
business (like, you never really shut off – what’s that “worth”?) really
equals out to but I’m always amazed when friends are like “I just went home
and read a book and cooked dinner.” For me, book reading usually happens
after 10 p.m. at night and cooking is a military precision operation (cook
one day, eat leftovers the entire week). I’m not complaining – just totally
agreeing that being self employed is such a different creature than working
for someone (esp a big company; funny story, one of my friends was
self-employed for years with a multimillion dollar corp and employees. She
got divorced, husband got the business and she had to go work for ‘the man.’
When I visited her, she was SO happy. Someone emptied her trash. Someone
else dealt with payroll. Someone else dealt with HR. All she did was her
job. And she was so so so thrilled, almost like taking off a corset you
didn’t realize you were wearing).
Thanks Claudia. I love hearing from you and feel super lucky to have friends
all over the world =)
Yeah, no response is often the best response. I agree with that but that’s
even harder than the ‘classy response’ for me! =) I’m constantly wanting to
have a dialogue with people even if there’s a small chance we can just open
the door.
I agree – and we do have Brambleberrians here that could easily make more
money elsewhere but their #1 motivation is not money. Yes, they do have to
live but they would like to come to work and laugh most of the day, love
their job and admire the people they work with. I’m so lucky that many of
those people have found a ‘home’ here. It definitely makes me excited to go
to work in the morning.
And, as the Chinese Proverb says, “One moment of anger leads to 100 days of
sadness.” =)
Wow, that must have really stung. It’s so silly that people don’t understand
that a newspaper is for local news – it’s about community building – not
just reporting on the national and international news (a job increasingly
better left to online sources because they can be so much more timely
reporting the news). I’m sorry to read that. I hope you brought the reporter
a nice gift basket with a ‘Thank you’ note to help ease their sting up a bit
too. They probably felt extremely defensive as well. And for what it’s
worth, a soap business is always front page news in my world =)
New parents! I hear you there – I have gotten a lot of great advice but I
have no idea how much of it is valid until I have our little boy. And for
all I know, none of the tricks that people have told me will end up working.
I’m just glad that there are so many resources out there for new mommies now
– tons of books, blogs, FB, etc… I definitely feel for my Mom, raising me
when all she got was advice and could never look it up to corroborate it. =)
Sydney, My Fave website designer! We miss working with you (love our team
but still, miss you dreadfully). XXOOO
=) Thanks for your feedback and thoughts. You’re right, graphic design is
quickly becoming a commodity, partially because of outsourcing and partially
because of the tools available. 15 years ago, it was MS Publsher and that
was it but now, the masses can get their hands on some pretty sophisticated
graphic design tools and I think that also is driving the price down for
graphic design in general. A great tool will never take the place of a great
brain however and what we pay for when we pay the freelance $85-$125/hour
fees is the overall branding knowledge, understanding of the marketplace and
long term strategic brainpower. And, we do pay those fees routinely. But for
an assistant to take photographs, put photographs on the ‘net and set up new
products, it ends up not being that freelance wage position and ends up
being one of those jobs that does more easily get commoditized or
technology’ied down.
This post was definitely what I needed to hear this week! I’ve made mistakes in the past by showing my hurt with defensive actions and words. It doesn’t make anyone feel good in the moment and leaves a bad taste lingering in the future.
Unfortunately I was brought up with an overly sensitive disposition and tend to be easily offended – oftentimes when it comes to my art. This then turns into defensive reactions at the drop of a hat. Your post has reiterated to me that those actions aren’t what is best in the long run. You’re right. To look back in 5 or 10 years, you see how you could have done a better job.
As your blood pressure is rising, your heart beating out of your chest…it’s good practice to take as long as you need to calm down and consciously make an effort to react in a positive way while still standing firm in your beliefs. Getting feedback from others is also a great release before you respond.
Anne-Marie, we’ve never met, or even formally conversed, but you are one of my online mentors and I very much appreciate your freely offered advice on your blog. Thank you!
What business is it of the H8ter anyway? Why do people feel the need to tear other people to shreds inside. I feel sorry for those who have no heart and obviously nothing better to do with there time.
Your site is amazing and is a continued source of information for me
Rock on !!
Robin
You said: “Since the job was for an assistant who would help with graphic design, we proudly gave the URL of our website so applicants could see the quality of work we currently put out and would expect of them …” The bottom line is- ‘You get what you pay for.’ As one who has done graphic design, professionally, your offer of $9.75 is like a slap in the face (before you get all steamed up, I’m just trying to give you what ‘might have been’ that other person’s perspective). But hey- It’s really not your fault. Big Business (the opposite of we small business folk) have been out-sourcing jobs for so long now, to countries that have such a lower standard of living and wage scale, that it has lowered the idea of what we conceptualize as being a ‘fair wage.’ Add the fact that Big Businesses will also hire illegal immigrants for lower wages than actual Americans can afford to live on and-, well… it’s a real mess isn’t it? So how can a small business (like brambleberry) possibly compete with that? Short answer: you can’t. And so you find yourself offering a ridiculously low starting wage for a technical skill (like graphic design) and packaging it as an “an entry level, part-time position” because – after all – you are a fun place to work and people should just be happy to have ANY job in this economy. Again- It’s not your fault… I truly believe that you meant well but that you are simply a victim of the current system. However, there is an old adage that says ‘if you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem. One last thought- I agree, totally, that your website, your concept, your videos, your products and all things brambleberry are – in fact – ‘First Class.’ Very Good Job.’ So if you want to maintain that quality – want to hire others to uphold that ideal and take pride in being a part of your team – then ‘such-it-up’ and pay them what they are worth. Because, you get what you pay for and that’s partly why America is suffering as it is; because we sold out for cheaper labor and higher profits. Let’s turn it around… from the bottom upward.
One of the things I most admire and respect about you and your company is your unbending integrity. I aspire to be the kind of businesswoman you are – one that thinks about your impact to the community as well as your company. Right behind you, as always.
I’ve been taking a blog-reading break, but I wanted to chime in with all those who said I’d work for you in a heart-beat ($9.75, minimum wage, or, heck, even for free!).
Thank you for rising to the occasion as usual and turning a bad thing in your life into a learning moment and sharing it with us. Your advise is terrific whether you’re a small biz owner, or a writer, or a parent (new parents face an onslaught of unsolicited advice, some of which are mean).
Hugs!
Unfortunately, there were some h8ful things said when our goat milk soap business received a front page article in our local newspaper – including a “letter to the editor” about it. Not only putting the newspaper down, but us also -saying “This is exactly why this paper sucks so bad! This story is of no interest and belongs hidden in the social pages and NOT HEADLINE NEWS!!!” It hurt, although I never responded (against my wants).
To be a business person is hard – and i bet this person does not even have a job – and there are MANY people that would love to work in a “happy” environment and have a job – then sit at home and complain about not having a job 🙂 But that is what happens when people have a high opinion of themselves, yet can not seem to put their talents to work and find a job, themselves.
Good Job A-M
Awh what a bummer!
I kinda like haters. It lets me know that I’m doing well and what I’m doing is desired by that hater because they are hatin’ that they can’t have or do the same.
Thanks with how to deal with haters tips. It sure helps to keep from going off on someone!
In the end there’s a lot more that matters in a job than your pay you have to look at what your job is, do you love it, what kind of working environment it is (yours sounds like a happy and supportive one). I’ve had a lot of jobs that paid a lot more than I’m making now, but I’d never go back because everything about them was miserable. $9.75 for regular part time work in a laid back but productive environment is pretty damn good. Never apologize for offering a hand up to someone!
Hi Anne Marie
I agree that staying ‘classy’ and professional is optimum response, but in some cases I think ‘no response’ is best in dealing with people such as this. You never know what kind of ‘freak’ you are dealing with. They thrive on the drama it seems, and nothing you say will satisfy them. Your company sounds like a wonderful place to work and MANY people would give ANYTHING to have such a job. Keep up the good work and ignore the idiots of the world.
Hi Anne-Merie, good morning.
I definitevly work for BB even for $7.25 per hour!!! For me, it would be an amazing experience to work with people like you: passionate person about your work, professional, positive attitude, good businnes results, who care the amployees work with, etc, etc, etc. There are haters around the world, in every place. Actions like yours are the key. Congrats and thanks for show us how to deal with people who has a very very little brain, people with any good ambition in their life.
Sincerely. Claudia E from Monterrey, México.
PS: I´m your fan AM!!!
Anne-Marie
Wow…ok, while I will grant that $9.75 sounds low for that position (it is just a title..if I were in the market for that type of a job and needed a larger salary, I would see this is not for me…not make a bunch of hateful comments.)…that is as far as I will go…the fact that as a small business you have employees is REMARKABLE…that coupled with the charitable giving I have seen in your Christmas posts…again, remarkable for a small business. My husband has been self employed for over 20 years and the thing that gets me from those who don’t know the inside of it is how many people think they DESERVE a piece of the pie…we don’t hear this personally as we don’t have employees, but I hear so many people who work for say, Boeing, say that since their CEO’s and such get so much for this and that, they can buck up and pay me more, etc…
And yet, these people have no idea what goes into running a business…ok…back to small business….who pays for the office supplies, the computers and software, the internet, electricity, the inventory….who eats, sleeps and drinks the business, Who continually is marketing, trying to improve, seeks out what is new and trendy in the market…who pays the B & O taxes, and all the other taxes that go with having employees, who takes it in their paycheck when times are lean and often puts excess back into the business…who is always pressing for more and better ideas…this entitlement attitude is SO FRUSTRATING when YOU are the one who is doing so much more work than most people even realize…and hey, it IS YOUR business…I hope you are RAKING it in…but most likely, even if someone DID know what you are RAKING IN, they did NOT factor in any of the variables…$9.75/hr…I wish I lived closer…although I am NOT qualified for that position AT ALL…in this economy…with so many WANTING a job…don’t even let this comment bother you…I hope you find the correct fit with your Chief Marketing Officer.
C~
You were wise to wait to respond. You were also wise to talk to others to get a reality check. Your husband is good and patient. It’s easy to be negative while anonymous and sitting at a computer. It’s harder to be gracious and inviting when you respond. Your responses were very good. Well done. Jobs today are few and far between. Someone will be happy to work there for that amount of money with the potential for advancement.
I bet those people are glad they have a job, especially in the current climate. $2.50 over the minimum wage is not to be scoffed at. That is the trouble with the internet, it is anonomous so people feel they can say what they like and you really can feel attacked.
It’s lonely at the Top, dear.
And business aside?.. place your hand on your belly and breathe in the joy you two are expecting. That’s really all that matters
Humph! You did much better than I could have. With so many people begging for jobs these days, I can’t imagine that you would have difficulty filling positions.
You were wrong though, the 1st thing that you should have done, was to grab a bottle of lavender EO and sniff it in for a few minutes, while chilling with your feet up! Elevating your BP that much with the soap prince on board is not a good idea! Then, of course the bet step should have been to order a fantastic desert, BEFORE lunch. (I would have said instead of lunch, but I am sure you are more healthy than I am), lol.
If you followed my steps, by the time you got back to the office, IF you made it back to the office, you really wouldn’t have even cared about that silly old asshat anymore!
If I lived in the same state as Bramble Berry I would be the first one at your door applying for that job! As a full time graduate student I’m looking for a part time job right now to help cover some of those pesky expenses (and my crafting/soapy addiction), but will probably only be able to get less than $8 an hour, so $9.75/hour sounds like an absolute dream! Alas, I live many many MANY miles away.
Times are tough, and for anyone willing to work I don’t think $9.75 is a bad deal. Especially true if you love what you do and to me that is the most important factor.
Oh good grief! What an awful comment! But you know, there will always be somebody who is unhappy with what you are doing. Always. But it’s those people who end up making us stronger in the end. You’re doing a great job, and follow up comments to that one bit of nastiness, proves it. Go girl!
PS – We’d love you in the Pacific Northwest. I swear, it is my favorite place in the entire United States. =)
I totally agree with your advice to your kids. I never expected to make soap a career. I just knew that I loved it and knew that I wanted to make it my life and I am so so so lucky that I can make it my job. I have to give my parents credit; their hearts must have absolutely stopped when they heard their daughter was taking her 4 year degree in psychology to make soap! LOL! =)
I agree – people can be such meanies when they’re behind a desk instead of in front of you in person. I think that’s why the person (I still don’t know who it is – just their Twitter handle) didn’t take me up on the offer to meet with them in person.
I’m sorry that you got a nasty comment on your blog. I’ve gotten some doozies over the years too. This is one that really hurt my feelings: http://soap-queen.blogspot.com… but I kept it up and let my peeps do the talking for me. It really really stung though.
I’m glad that you were able to get the support you deserved from your FB Fans =)
Marge, I adore you! I love your exotic essential oils, absolutes and concretes and tell people to shop with you for all their exotic EO needs. You’ve been a huge source of knowledge and inspiration to me over the years. Thank you for posting. You are so kind and yes, isn’t it a pity that we didn’t find anyone of quality to fill that position. =) I’m sure in your position of respect and knowledge in the EO industry that you’ve taken some snipes over the years and have a wealth of knowledge on how to react gracefully. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. =)
Oh you too? Painful isn’t it? It’s so hard to not take it personally (and that was certainly my first reaction, to take it personally!). I have to make decisions based on the now AND the future and that means ensuring that we’re profitable. And that means, following a budget for staffing as well as everything else (marketing, insurance, building upgrades, computer equipment etc…) I hate that it’s not more money. I’d LOVE to pay more. I WANT to pay more. But unfortunately, that’s just not our reality right now. Maybe it will be some day – for BOTH of us! =) We can both dream, right? =) I’m a huge fan of your company and what you’ve accomplished thus far. You’re doing GREAT!
Oh Sweetie, I am SO sorry. I have done that too – said awful things to people (never unprovoked but still!) and then regretted those things dearly. It happens to the best of us. At this point, and I’m sure you know this, recovery is very important. How you apologize; how you repair the relationship with your sister and your family or if you sever ties, how you do that. What measured words you choose etc…
I once had a dear friend that did something horrible to me. She and I had been lifelong friends and unfortunately, the situation was such a big issue that I couldn’t choose to be friends with her anymore. I sat down with her, after three years had passed (it took me that long to be able to speak about the situation without breaking down or cussing her out – one of the two!), and over lunch, I calmly explained why we could not be friends anymore and the ripple effect of her actions. It was calm. It was measured. And we both left with a good understanding of the situation and a clear understanding of why I broke things off. It was uncomfortable but I felt like a million bucks when I was done. It was great to get it off my chest and have a mature talk.
I’m not sure if that is helpful to you in your situation (especially since you have your entire family now viewing the drama). I wish you much luck and measure and maturity and grace when dealing with this in the upcoming months. I hope that it works out in the best possible outcome for you.
Aw, thanks. =)
Oh so you TOTALLY get it – you worked for a big company and had to deal with budgets and now you’re in a small company and have a budget but doesn’t the budget feel differently when it’s YOUR budget? We really agonize over our budget every year and try extremely hard to make the right decision for the long term health of our company. We need to attract and maintain good employees now but we need to also have something left over at the end of the month/year so that we can make wise choices about growth (which all cost money – want to add a new line of products? It costs money. Want to add a new employee? They cost money until they are trained and are breaking even. Want to add an extra layer of insurance? That costs money. And it goes on and on …).
When Bramble Berry was 5 years into our business and grossing $1.8 (?) million /year in sales (give our take a couple hundred thousand), I managed to run the company into $240,000 in debt. I opened Otion and purchased a new warehouse and just didn’t take into account the running cash flow losses from Otion and the huge cost of the new warehouse retrofit/move etc… I didn’t keep to our budget and got us in huge trouble.
Since then, I’ve been draconian about the budget. We follow it. We don’t deviate. We plan for our best future.
Thanks for sharing your feedback – and good luck with your new business. =) I can’t wait to hear how it goes over the next year =)))
I think you also have to take into account that it’s easy for people to be nasty online. What people say on twitter and what they would say in person are often two very different things.
I recently got a comment on my blog that so nasty and mean spirited, that it actually let me know I was on the right track. Any time you are successful at something, there will be people who are jealous or hate you simply because you are successful and they are not. I took that nasty comment as a compliment. I must be doing something right to arouse such emotion in somebody, even if it is negative.
That said, I also shared the comment with my FB fans. Now, I’m not sure if that was the right thing to do or not, but I can tell you that the support I got far outweighed any nasty comment anyone could ever leave.
I never responded to that person, and I certainly did not publish the comment on my blog (my blog, my rules). The way I figure it, that person is full of nastiness, and far be it from me to fuel it. Never poke a hornet’s nest! lol
P.S. – I’d work for you for that amount. The way I see it, any job is better than no job at all, especially when it’s paying above minimum wage! I think your wages sound very fair, especially for a small business.
Aw, you’re sweet =) Someone mentioned on FB that having a boss that cooks desserts would help make up for the wages. I’m not sure that my dessert cooking is that good but I thought that was nice. =)
Nursing school will be amazing for you – my Dad is a doc so I have the highest respect for nurses. They work so hard! And if you’re a people person, you’re going to be so loved by so many of your patients.
Thanks for your thoughts on pay scales. We of course do raises but that’s pretty much what our low margin industry can get by on right now and we got incredible applicants – some with more schooling and experience than our current CMO. It could be our area of the nation or it could be that we just got lucky =)
Thanks =)
We have always dreamed of that – always. We just haven’t figured out the logistics of it all or how to make it work. The financial investment of a second warehouse is probably a low six-figure investment so it’s a big deal for us and it’s so important that if we do it, that we do it right so we don’t accidentally bring down the entire company. But yes, it’s always been a dream of mine. =)
You’re welcome! =) Hope your situation gets better.
Bramble Berry is profitable (and we need to be so we can continue to grow because growth sucks cash) but not a ‘raking it in’ situation. But I guess I’m flattered if someone thinks that. Maybe our press or reputation in town is better than I thought! =)
I definitely have learned so much from other business owners sharing their stories with me that when a negative situation happens to me, sharing it with my friends here is one of the first things I think about (after I’ve calmed down, that is! LOL!). If my experiences can help anyone, I am so thrilled. At the very least, whenever I read other peoples’ first hand accounts of experiences, I’m always thinking, “Hm, what would I do?” and that helps me deal with the situation if it ever does arise =)
Nah, I would never think competitor but I agree, weird that someone would care about a job they didn’t or weren’t applying for. Or maybe they have the skills that the job required and they were offended/defensive “Hey, my skills aren’t worth as much as I thought they were” and then they lashed out? Either way, it was odd. Good to brush it off and say “Good Riddance” to detractors though =)
I have learned over the last 10 years to take the high road.If you think about the situation after a while back, it doesn’t seem so bad anymore and you feel better,that you did.
I just told my husband today, we have to move to Seattle…to be closer to your company 🙂 I always tell my kids..don’t take a job for the money, enjoy what you do, and work doesn’t even feel like work anymore…..
Agreed .. or she’s jealous of your success. Or, she’s even a competitor trying to undermine you .. although I don’t think there is that much of that in the soaping world. (Most suppliers I see do a very good job of keeping it classy!)
It’s strange that she’s so obsessive, though. If I see a job posted somewhere that isn’t for me, I just skip over it and don’t apply. I don’t take it as my “mission” to keep everyone else from applying, too .. who has time for that sort of nonsense?? Good for you for handling her so well!!
I am a new business owner who appreciates it when you post things like this and what you do to handle the situation. With the economy the way it has been, it is great that you are able to create jobs in your community. Being happy, appreciated, and fulfilled in their work are as important to a person as how much they are getting paid. Don’t let jealous people pull you down to their level!
Bravo and Kudos to you AM. You are creating jobs and in this economy that is an amazing thing. I think you were very fair for an entry level position, more than fair. Even if you were raking it in…That is not a bad thing and I believe you have earned it. That’s why YOU are the boss. Hugs to you and keep up the great work!
wow! Really needed this! Thanks!
That being said…if you’ve ever considered opening a second distribution center in the Austin area to get product to your customers in other parts of the country faster, I’m your gal! I can run it all!
Terrific points, terrific post!
I handle the hiring (and accounting, payroll, inventory, and managing the warehouse staff, etc.) for our small company and we can’t hire a “quality” employee for that amount ESPECIALLY in this economy. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about the toll that unemployment checks have taken on the applicant pool. $9.75 is less than someone gets on full unemployment (at least in Texas).
I’ve been using a staffing service for the past two years because I will receive a minimum of 200 applications in a 24 hour period when I post on craigslist and my rep told me about a job he’s been filling for years at a printing company. He said it paid $10/hr. and had always been an easy fill. The company treats it’s employees well and is in a good location with great benefits, but because people can make that much doing nothing at all with no alarm clock going off, he can’t find anyone anymore.
That’s my take from an HR perspective. As an employee, if I have skills that I have learned (like graphic design) and you would like to utilize those skills, I would shake my head at $9.75, too. Especially knowing what you would pay if you outsourced the work.
As for our warehouse, I choose people based more on personality than experience. I want someone who I believe will be a reliable, hard worker who will be compatible with the rest of the team. The lowest we start people who put things in boxes and process paperwork (packing list and FedEx docs) is $12.00/hr.
This is nothing more than my perspective. I’m sure you know what you are doing. Brambleberry is an inspiration to me! I wish I had it in me to pull off what you have! But I know my limitations, so, instead, I’m heading to nursing school.
It’s ok, just wanted to let you know. 😀 and i would totally come work for you for that.
I love your company, Anne-Marie!! As a human being and a woman business owner you are a wonder to me!! I worked in HR for 10 years at a Fortune 500 company before starting my own small candle business. What I consistently found in my former HR position was that there were a lot of applicants who had NO CLUE that a business, EVERY business, runs on a budget. Salaries are paid according to what the company can budget for particular jobs based on the skills required to perform each job and the level of education and experience an applicant is required to bring to a job. Unemployment in my state of Florida is 12%. 1.1 million people out of work. If you were here, you would have thousands of applicants for that one position. Your company is Awesome and Awe-inspiring. You are one of my small business role models. You do things right. Don’t let one angry tweeter who clearly doesn’t understand how a “business” must operate in order to be successful AND have the ability to employ people, get under your skin. If you really want to challenge this person in a way that makes you feel awesome…Ask to see his/her resume. On Tweeter. Publicly it will put him on the spot and show him you are not to be taken lightly. IF he actually sends it in, review it carefully. If this person has the skills and qualifications and education your job requires…you can invite him in for an interview. Hey, he wants to snipe about the pay? Let him snipe in person! Let him have the guts to show up and prove his worth. It’s easy to snipe at a company from the safety of one’s cell phone. A whole heck of a lot different when the owner of that company expects you to back up your sniping with real skills, qualifications, and business appropriate experience. Most of the time, negative people back down…they really just wanted to pick a fight, not actually have to prove themselves. As you know, you are not required to interview every single applicant…only those who have the skills and qualifications that match your job description. And you can interview as many qualified applicants as you are able to – up to the date you choose to stop accepting applications/resumes. You can interview dozens of negative candidates, what’s one more? And you can choose not to hire dozens of negative candidates because the person you DO employ is going to be the person with the skills, the qualifications, and the salary needs that most align with the position you are offering. Ths tweeter can apply for the job and have a fair interview like every other applicant. But the position pays $9.75/hr. Not a penny more. See what happens. You are under no obligation to do anything other than treat this person like every other applicant. Fairly and with respect and honesty about all aspects of the job. You choose who to employ. You choose what to pay. It’s your company. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. And if he bashes you and your company, that is Slander and then you have a legal leg to stand on. Not that anyone needs to go that far….but you have the right to defend your company and yourself in a professional manner.
Anyway – that’s more than you probably wanted to hear…but I get frustrated with negative people bashing companies when they have no idea what it takes to keep a business running. I learned from my former boss, a very wise woman, “Don’t get mad… get professional.” Negative people want you to have an emotional response. They very rarely handle a professional response well: “You seem interested in the rate of pay for this position. Were you wanting to apply for the job? I am accepting resumes until such-and-such date.” There. No emotion. You are fighting back but in a way that no one could find fault with. You are giving a whiner an opportunity. If he backs down…so what? He just proved he was whining about a job he didn’t actually care about. So…then…what was his point to begin with?
Whatever you do…there are a whole bunch of us who have your back!!
can I just say….I love you! 🙂
Your post came at a very good time for me. When I saw the topic, I immediately thought of my sister as it just so happens that I had the world’s worst blowout fight with her a couple of days before you posted this. My very own sister accused me of some terrible (and untrue) things in an email and copied my whole family.
The ensuing fight between my sister and I was a very ugly thing. There were terrible things said on both sides. I wish I could have went into that situation armed with your well-said statement that “The original message speaks more about the messenger than it does you.” Maybe I could have let some of her accusations roll off my back. Maybe.
But hindsight is 20/20, isn’t it? I’ll try to remember your well-said little gem the next time something happens that makes me see red.
But enough about me – you’re definitely in the right with your situation!
A-M, thank you for writing this post! Though much smaller than you, I had some (shall we say snotty) comments when we hired a few months back about what we were offering as pay. I completely agree with your thought process here. People’s perceptions are often not reality. I wonder if the people who have no problem criticizing are offering up any new jobs to their community?!
A-M, thank you for writing this post! Though much smaller than you, I had some (shall we say snotty) comments when we hired a few months back about what we were offering as pay. I completely agree with your thought process here. People’s perceptions are often not reality. I wonder if the people who have no problem criticizing are offering up any new jobs to their community?!
Anne-Marie, the world is full of haters… folks who have nothing positive to add, but only want to tear down those who have built and accomplished something worth doing. You know I’ve had a bit of experience dealing with this sort of thing. You can’t shoot ’em, you can’t silence them…but you CAN consider the source and KNOW that you are far above them. Pity no one wanted to apply to that dreadfully underpaid job, isn’t it 😉
Nice! I like that visual too … (imagines floating bubble away)
Totally! My COO was awesome that night with his feedback (when he certainly
didn’t have to text message me back at 10 p.m. at night! LOL!). And my
husband is always sweet and understanding. It helps he owns a business as
well so we both ‘get’ the stressors of being the boss and having people
depend on you.
Oh man, that is a toughie – separating business from friendship is part of
the growing pains that I think many businesses go through. Your friends
start out supporting you and helping you (either for pay or volunteer). Then
you start acting like a ‘boss’ and they start to resent you. Or, you start
to lose friends because you don’t have much in common any more – you’re
always working, thinking about business and scheming ways to grow your
business.
You’ll find new friends to fill in where the others dropped off but yes, it
is a normal and natural growing pain of having a growing business. Hang in
there!
Right you are – feels good at the time (like me and junk food!) but then you
just feel bad later =)
That’s what we said! But right after that, we also gut checked ourselves as
a team to make sure that we were paying what the entry level position was
going for in town. The multitude of resumes we got said it was pretty par
for the course but it was still a heart stopping moment there =)))
Ela! So good to hear from you. You and I go way way back =)) I’m so glad
you’re still soapin’ it up.
I wondered the same things – my only guess is that she applied for a job
here but didn’t get it? Or maybe is friends with someone that we
(regrettably) had to let go?
I think working here is like working for a chocolate company or an ice cream
store. You eat everything the first month and then slowly, it all starts to
be routine. We still perk up when a cool new product arrives or when we get
a really great order of awesome handmade soap in from a customer though!
It’s hard not to let that childlike wonderment hit you when you see
something totally ‘WOW’ done by a customer.
Exactly! It’s so tempting to say the clever thing that comes first to your
brain (and I had so many clever, snarky things!) but then I thought twice
and thought about our company’s reputation. It’s much more important to me
than a one-up Twitter war with one commenter who only has a few followers.
But, yes, very tempting to give into that little devil on the shoulder =)
I bet you’re right! I can’t imagine anyone not wanting a job there, so that must be it!!
Now you can do what my mom always tells me to do. Put it in a bubble and let it float away… 🙂
I should forward your note to my Mom. I was never one that anyone described
as ‘sensible’ growing up. My common sense was totally out to lunch. It’s
funny how that type of thing seems to get better with age =)
Thank YOU for your support and business. I really really appreciate it.
LOL! I’ll get that corrected. Since no one at BB is at that, I went by
memory. My bad. =)))
Agreed; “Glass Half Empty,” mentality is right. You wonder what would be
good enough for them? It seemed irresponsible to ask that (just prolong the
discourse) so I didn’t but the thought did cross my mind. =) And, thanks for
the vote of confidence!
I doubt that they have a business (judging from their Twitter stream – which
yes, I did go look at). It was a really weird thing for them to attack me
and then attack our supporters. The whole thing was a bit surreal and yes,
not good from a stress standpoint for the baby. But, my husband was right
there to help calm me down =) I am so lucky to have a supportive spouse.
My Mom always said that too! Great minds think alike =)
Yes, Bramble Baby and I went to prenatal yoga today and he’s been extremely
quiet since then. I guess we lulled him to sleep =)
That is so so so true. Since I worked for free for BB for the first 5 years,
I guess I was the ultimate “all of our employees start low.” =) I sold soap
on the weekends so support myself and my then-student husband because BB was
such a hungry hungry cash hippo when we were first starting out. I’m glad
that you’re doing something you love. That is fantastic.
Wow, and your job is probably really stressful too. I never really know what
other industries pay but I try to keep up with our industry and price with
what we can do (and still stay in business) and what the going rate is for
that position in our industry.
Ha! Your granddad is funny. But right in a way; you know you’ve hit the big
leagues when people are gossiping =)
We do all come into contact with negative people no matter what we do or who
we surround ourselves with. It just happens. And yes, the thought did cross
my mind when they were being mean to me “Do they know I’m pregnant?” But
they probably don’t. =) Oddly enough, when I went through their Twitter
account, I found no other instances of them with that kind of mean behavior
towards anyone else so maybe they had applied for a job with us and not
gotten it?
Love the post! Thanks for putting this up. I think you are paying a good amount. I mean think of all the job loss and how badly people would love to have a job. I had started paying someone $7.00 an hour because they were young, a teen, and then after 3 months they asked for a raise. I thought that was really early to be asking. But I think they definitely deserve a raise, but not after such a short time. I think people hate on other things as well. Success, you doing things more on your own. I say that I must have lost a bunch of friends over the last few months….there is that factor of trying to separate business from friendship. How does one do that?
Thank you for this post! It’s refreshing to see people resist responding to negativity with negativity. It may feel good in the moment, but it always makes things worse in the end. You did a great job handling a sticky situation. Bravo!
LOL! With your talent at Soapmaking, we’d take you any day!
I’m just glad to have readers to “talk to” about this kind of thing! =)
He he. Glad you caught that. We found the photo a while back and have been
waiting to be able to use it =)
Oh, great advice! I know that it’s going to prove very prescient to me in a
few years =)
Though my first inclination was not exactly positive nor classy. LOL! =) But
in my defense, it was after a 14 hour day at the office at 6 months
pregnant. =))
Aw thanks Ally. We try really hard to do the right thing (though, being
human, fail often!).
“Always do the classy thing, even if you’re the only one watching.”
That’s you, Anne-Marie, all the way and in every situation.
We know you as the Queen for this same reason…..
XO
Thank God for good friends and husbands who can talk us down, eh?
=)
The way to deal with haters is not to deal with them. Ignore and move on. After all, they’re the ones that have to live with themselves 24/7….;o)
My grandad used to say you should start worrying when people stop talking about you. <3
This was a wonderful post and you definitely “took the high road.” I totally agree with “Always do the classy thing, even if you’re the only one watching.” You (and your company)are doing a WONDERFUL job and providing a GREAT service. Keep up the excellent work, it is MUCH appreciated by MANY!!!
~Ally
Great post as usual. You’ve dealt with this in a very positive way! Classy lady 🙂
Great Advice Karen, and I would add: don’t SAY anything out loud that you don’t want your kids to repeat outside the house. Just wait Anne-Marie! Excellent post, by the way. Thanks so much. And good job keeping your cool!
Great post! And the cupcake at the top tumpled over made me laugh out loud.
Wonderful post Anne-Marie, and thank you so much for sharing this experience.
WTG Anne-Marie! You are a class act. Just keep on keepin’ on!
BRAVO !
I would work for BB for free !! jajaja… I admire you and your team ! 🙂
If I lived in Washington, I’d come work for you in a heartbeat! Don’t worry about those H8ters! You don’t want them to work for you anyway… definitely not positive for your workplace. They should be ashamed of themselves for raising a cute little pregnant woman’s blood pressure like that! 😉
Awesome tips. For business and for life. I will have to practice some of those steps from time to time because, unfortunately, we all come into contact with negative people sometimes. I am definitely prone to sarcastic reactions though. 😉
A persons worthyness should never be compaired to pay they make or the job they do. If a person loves the work they do, then it’s priceless to them–this is coming from a person who gave up a high paying job (that caused much stress and strife) and is now making soap, not much income, but I LOVE it.
Wow, I work full time at our hospital as a secretary on the med/surg floor for 9.12 and hour.. keep in mind I have been there for over three years.. making .12 in raises in 12 years… I would LOVE to work somewhere for 9.75 working around something i LOVE to do!
Try not to let it get to you, I know that’s easier said than done! You are dealing with the public and the public can be very mean-spirited. My Mom always told me that if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. These people obviously do not live by that lesson! I think it’s fantastic that you are able to offer these jobs, only wish I lived closer, I’d love to work at Bramble Berry!!! Keep your chin up, Anne-Marie, and take care of that Bramble Baby! 🙂
thanks for sharing your experience with us. The last thing you need is this with the baby on the way. Keep moving forward as you are. I wonder where that person is in their business. I wonder if they are hiring and maintaining a great low turn over staff. I wonder if they are as great a leader as you.
Honestly, I doubt it.
These tweets from others disappoint me. You’d think local community members would be thrilled that a company would be hiring and providing new jobs, no matter what the wage was! Not many companies can do that nowadays.
Don’t let these people get you down – they are the ones with the “glass half empty” mentality. They’ll always have something to complain about…
PS – I’d TOTALLY come and work for you guys…if I didn’t live on the East Coast. 😉
Anne-Marie WA min wag is $8.67
I wish that job was around me. I wonder if they are thinking about Freelance Graphic Artist wages. That would be quite a different price than a full time spot. Yea, running Businees makes you change as a person if your kind of snarky like me…lol. I would reply more like “You dont have to reply if you dont like the salary.” but then how would that make the Business look? How would that make me look as an Employer?
I’m glad that I do business with someone so classy and sensible.
Aw, you’re sweet. We laugh A LOT every day and when you walk through the warehouse, you can hear music in each section based on what that person likes – so you’ll get gospel in one area, hard rock in another, hip hop in another etc… It’s enough to drive you batty in one easy stroll through the warehouse. LOL! =)
Social networks add an entirely new layer to communication for sure.
I guess if you’re getting people to disagree with you that means that you’ve “made it” right? You’re somebody that people listens to? That’s one way to look at it! =) And, there probably ARE people that know better than me. Forget ‘probably’, I know there are people that know better than me. LOL! Now if I can only track them down to be my mentor …
Thank you for reading! It was cathartic to write! =)
My Mom and my Dad are the best examples of ‘classiness’ that I know. My Dad is especially level headed and measured. It’s impressive! =)
This is a really tough economy. We could tell when the resumes were coming in just when the economy hit hard (layoffs all around the same time on the resumes). It was heart breaking actually. We wanted to hire them all.
We’d love to have happy enthusiastic additions to our team =) Attitude is everything when you work here. We can teach most skills …
Id work for brambleberry for next to nothing. I think it would be a blast! I would definitely be like a kid in a candy store.I’m almost certain that my entire paycheck would go strait back to brambleberry : )
I have a hard time letting criticism roll off my back too. I think it’s because I started the company so I’m not exactly unbiased. And, I’ve never been great at ignoring criticism. My husband (and my COO) are way better at it than me too. I wonder if it’s a man/woman generalization thing?
That’s a good philosophy to have Terry. Ignore things that don’t apply to me. That could save a lot of time in the long run! =)
Totally – and really, it’s all small stuff! =) Unless it’s family or health stuff, ultimately, it’s important to let it slide … (easier said than done!)
Great job, Anne-Marie! And above all, don’t let her get to you. Why on earth is it so big a deal to her, anyway, that’s she’s working so hard to speak out against something she knows so little about?
Love that advice; yes, your mom is a wise woman! =) LOL! It’s funny, my mom grows much wiser through the years as well. (ha ha)
We are so happy to have a great core group of people who are thankful for their jobs. So so so lucky …
No one would love to pay more money than I would =) But I have to always think long term and make sure that we stay profitable to provide opportunity for employees in the future. And unfortunately, I compete against nationwide employers who can employ people at $2.50/less per hour than I do. Because of our higher minimum wage in WA state, I’m already at a slight disadvantage competitively compared to someone in a lower-minimum wage state. But yes, I agree, no one would like to pay higher than me =)
Hey, in this economy, people just need to be thankful that there are jobs available!
I agree with Allison, it never hurts to take the high road. Years ago a wise woman (my mom) told me to never put anything in writing you don’t want to see again 5 years later. I think this is a perfect example of an opportunity to utilize that advice. Hang in there.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I love your advice and actions to respond to haters, it works for various circumstances. However, reviewing salary surveys for the country as well as the state, not just Whatcom County makes sense when hiring and recruiting talent. I really hope growing Whatcom County companies begin to raise the bar and set standards for appropriate and competitive living wages.
“Always do the classy thing, even if you’re the only one watching.” ….and Dont sweat the small stuff. : )
That sounds like a more than a fair wage for that particular position. If it’s not what you’re looking for, why not look elsewhere instead of needlessly railing against it? People always manage to astound me over what they choose to complain about. Generally, I just try ignore the things that don’t apply to me, or that I can do nothing about, and work on fixing those things that I can!
Excellent responses!
This was a great post for me to read. My husband is -very- good at this sort of thing; I on the other hand am still catching up!
I would love to work for you also!!, the pay is perfect for starting, and in this economy with so many out of work, geeze!! great job, keep up the good work
If I lived in B’ham, I’d be applying right now and I have 10 yrs exp as a data analyst, software QA/testing AND 5 yrs admin/exec asst. experience.. $9.75 to work at a great company that knows each employee by name and low low turnover with passion for what they do? Where do I sign up!? 4get da h8rs.. 😉
Excellent post, A-M. Classiness is one of the many things that earns you respect among your colleagues and clients.
I love your last sentence! So very true! Thanks for sharing.
Robyn
Stay Classy, Anne-Marie! 😉 There will always be someone who disagrees with you no matter what you do, just like there will always be someone else who is sure they know how to do what you do “better”. Always take the high road, you’ll be glad you did!
Good job and great attitude! Thanks for sharing and helpful reminder of lesson when dealing w/ social networks/world
I would work for Bramble Berry for $9.75 an hour, just for the sheer joy of being able to be around other people so passionate about what they do.