You know, my office manager at The Outer Edge Solutions was kick but(t)! She handled all the proof reading, taught herself Publisher and Adobe, handled all the phone calls, learned about our products on her own time so she could be knowledgable for our technicians and customers to relieve stress on the management team.
I guess I was just spoiled. Here I thought being professional was more important then earning $0.50/hr more. I also view it as a company’s responsibility to reward professionalism. (We offered 100% tuition assistance for every ‘A’, 90% for every ‘B’; all expenses paid health, dental and vision insurance; bonuses based on annual revenue over expectations, 15 days paid vacation (working days) etc.)
My addage: If you pay the best, demand what can be produced, never lower your standards, be reasonable and allowed your staff to have an outside life, you’ll get the best employees, contractors and customers. (Customers come when you have the best contractors and employees…it’s really amazing how the free market works when you don’t interfere!)