Comments on: Review the Mountain Folks Guides…

By: GG (Gossip Girl)

GG (Gossip Girl) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:57:58 +0000

Nonny, good points. I know there was one business up here that had such a horrible employee that I quit going in to shop. (That one was an older adult.) Finally, I learned what days the owner worked and began going in then–but she lost about two years of my business over that awful employee–and probably countless others that said nothing and just disappeared. Fortunately today she has better staff.

My point is, that as a local, I have a choice. I can go spend my money with a competitor, wait to go down the hill, order online, or do without.

My old rule of “three strikes” and you have lost my business is not as strict as it used to be…but there are many, many businesses that don’t get my referrals or business based on their practices, level of service (or should I say lack of), or by the lack of interest “they” (most often employees) show over keeping my business.

Just a note to say I am closing the comments here. If you have comments you would like to include for the Mountain Folks Guide to Employment you’ll have the opportunity to post under that.

By: A Nonny Mouse

A Nonny Mouse — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:31:06 +0000

I agree with Uncle Bill’s comment. Good help does not come cheap and the trend up here is hire teenagers and then, after the briefest period of initiation, leave them to their own devices. Left unsupervised many teens drop to the level of a pack of surly dogs. Not good for the business - not good for the kids who need to learn appropriate work habits.

By: A Nonny Mouse

A Nonny Mouse — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:28:12 +0000

The business owner sets the tone for the business. If the owner tolerates sloppy work habits and poor customer service - or worse actually models them - then at is what you will get from your employees. Most businesses up here are dependent on the tourist trade and tourists are like buses - there will be another one along in a minute. There is no motivation to build a solid, long term relationship with a customer.

By: GG (Gossip Girl)

GG (Gossip Girl) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:08:59 +0000

@BVPAAS: Good for you if you truly believe that. I personally gauge things by the number of complaints I get as a referral source. My customers complain to me and I pass that along. When I hear stuff every week, well I’d say there is a problem…but I am not going to get into a pissing contest on this.
@Uncle Bill: I think it is a difficulty BUT I have to also argue the point here because there is good help at a few places up here and I tend to frequent those businesses. I have the Mountain Folks Guide to Employees and such still in the queue–I’ll let that speak for those employers, employees, and customers.

By: Uncle Bill

Uncle Bill — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:23:42 +0000

I think it’s true that “you get what you pay for.” Minimum wage is not a ‘living wage’ so the lack of courteous attention or interest displayed by some of the hired help on the hill shouldn’t surprise anyone. Incentive, enthusiasm, and loyalty are qualities that cannot be expected from a worker unless the employer is willing to compensate fairly for them. Much of the workforce on the hill is voiceless, powerless, underpaid, and frequently exploited. We deserve what we get up here.

By: Bvpaas

Bvpaas — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:34:44 +0000

Hey Nonny Mouse, GG and others… I HAVE GOOD help.. My problem is just getting THEM to Realize it and work together

By: GG (Gossip Girl)

GG (Gossip Girl) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:56:36 +0000

Nonny, I too find it really interesting how business is conducted up in these parts. Never in my life have I experienced or witnessed some of the stuff that happens up here. Just figure this is another example of the “darkside” of the mountain. The gal at Forest Farms told me how she was threatened by a relative of an employee she fired–hard to believe it–just glad she didn’t show up with a pistol!

By: A Nonny Mouse

A Nonny Mouse — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:54:36 +0000

My, my, BvPaas, that sounds like a not so thinly veiled threat? It’s no wonder Big Bear businesses have trouble finding good help. Most of them don’t deserve it.

By: GG (Gossip Girl)

GG (Gossip Girl) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:25:44 +0000

That’s interesting, his job is at jeopardy because I complained about the complaints I get from my clients? This forum is my voice, not his, keep that in mind.

By: Bvpaas

Bvpaas — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:12:10 +0000

What you have really done by your ‘venting’ is place your HM’s job in serious jeopardy.. Hope you have room for him.