Yesterday I announced that I would be going back to work full time and wouldn't be able to post on my blog as often as I have in the past. (Click HERE to see previous post). THANK YOU to all of you who left encouraging comments! You've given me much needed peace to start my new job on Thursday!
There was one comment left last night that I felt I needed to defend. After I first read it, I deleted it because it was negative and an outright slam toward Stampin' Up! That comment has bothered me since then and I couldn't let it pass. Anonymous said something to the effect of ... "so you really can't make a living as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. They should stop telling people that you can".
Dear Anonymous (or anyone else doubting the Stampin' Up! business opportunity):
There are many many Stampin' Up! Demonstrators that DO make a living from their Stampin' Up! business. If you don't believe me, ask anyone who was at last week's Stampin' Up! Convention ... they'll tell you about the numerous awards given to SU Demos, the 100 Founders Circle Demos, their sales numbers, recruiting commissions, etc.
I, personally, never intended to run my SU business to support my family's financial needs ... my goals for my business have always been to 1) support my craft (sell product to others to pay for my supplies) 2) to share my love of stamping with my friends 3) to make new friends, and 4) make some extra money. As with any self-employed business, it takes time to build, nurture, and make money. Unfortunately, in today's economy, my family's financial need is immediate and in need of a steady income and benefits - something my Stampin' Up! business can't provide right now because I have never groomed it for that.
One more thing, Ms. Anonymous ... please don't leave negative comments on my blog, especially about Stampin' Up! .. I love their products, and I love being a SU demo. My blog is intended to share my creativity and love of stamping with others.
One happy Stampin' Up! Demonstrator,
Nancy Riley
ETA ... oops! I didn't mean to sound mad ... just wanted to tell it like it is!
57 comments:
Don't get mad,that person doesn't know about "Million dollar Mary". Keep sharing your ideas with us, and good luck in your new job.
Ilse.
St. Catharines, ON
Too bad someone felt the need to dump on you. I'm not a demostrator for the same fact you need to work--my family needs my steady income and right now I don't have the time to put into SU!. someday I will and then I will persue what hundreds of thousands of women do, become a SU! demonstrator. Please don't let one negative comment upset you. Those of us that love this product completely understand your position. Please keep creating and sharing! I know I enjoy what you do, in whatever time table you can fit it in :O)
You go girl! I love that you have the courage to speak out and defend something you believe in! Good luck with your new job and I hope you still have time to create AND post! :)
Nancy thank you so much for defending SU! and the many Demonstrators that are hobby demonstrators. I personally know demonstrators that are very succussful with their SU! business and I appreciate the time and effort they put into it to make it successful but not everyone chooses to go down that path and Ms. anonymous shouldn't be judging such a wonderful company that allows people to choose which path they want to go down!
I have been proud to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for the past eleven years!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas with all of us!
~Diane
I'm sorry someone slammed SU on your blog. You don't sound too mad to me in your open letter. I prefer stampin up products to any other. Sorry you have to change and it is a difficult situtaion. Good luck and God bless. You will do what is right.
Nancy-HOORAY for you! Nicely put and THANKS for letting Ms Anonymous know the "Facts" about SU. I think some people are too quick to look at the glass as half empty and if anything SU does do is inspire their demonstrators to work at whatever level they feel comfortable - THAT TO ME IS LOOKING AT THE GLASS AS HALF FULL. I'm a demonstrator too and have found great support in SU and they have also allowed me the ability to "change my business" as I feel is necessary at different times in my life.
Thanks for removing Ms Anonymous comments - there is too much negative in the world and the last place/person that needs any negative is a SU demonstrator-let alone left on her (your) blog site.
Best Wishes to you - and thanks for your amazing blog. Kadie
WOW Nancy - you are an amazing woman, whose blog I subscribe to, and visit far too often! LOL. I really value that not everthing is financial for you - you blog because you love it, and the same with your SU business. I've also loved that side of it all, and want to say all the best for your re-entrance into the paid working world. May you really LOVE that as well, and may it inspire you when you get home to blog!!
Take care.
michelle
You didn't sound mad Nancy...just real...I say good on you for speaking up. I am a SU! demo for the same reasons and I adore it too:-)Take care!
Hi Nancy,
I am a fellow demonstrator and while I don't support our family, I do make some extra money and I have the opportunity to work when I want. I don't think that SU! ever promises that you will make a lot of money without work. I have been a demonstrator for the past 10 years and have never been giving the impression that I would be making money quickly.
I love your work and appreciate that you share your ideas with so many people. Good luck with the new job and I hope that your job will provide for the needs you have.
Chris
Hugs to you, sweetie!
Kuddos to you! And good luck with the new job. Don't worry too much about keeping up with things, it'll all work out! :)
Hi Nancy,
You don't know me, but I absolutely LOVE your blog and your work -- You are an inspiration to me.
I'm sorry that you had to deal with a negative comment.
I love SU -- I'm not a demonstrator -- I just love their products too!
I wish you all the best in your new job!!
:)
you go girl... i haven't read other comments here so i don't know what others said - but, you don't need to apologize for sounding mad... mad is an ok thing to be when someone slams you and your posts - and doesn't even have the nerve to leave their name... spineless i tell ya!
for all you share and the wonderful things you create you certainly don't deserve a comment like that...
good luck to you and i hope things aren't as bad as you are anticipating them to be... it will balance out in the end and everything will be alright...
i am glad you posted that you wouldn't be as active as you once were in posting, because there are a lot of people that would be worried about you... well i won't worry, i will just be sending wishes of goodness to you!
erin mcmilon
Oh Nancy. So sorry that somebody left a negative comment on your blog. I'm not an SU Demo but hope to become one someday; and that is so I can support my hobby. :D Just like you. :D Love your creations and I'm sure you'll find time to create again once you've adjusted to your new job. I too will have to go back to work in the near future to meet my growing family's financial needs. Life is tough these days but there's always stamping to help us relax, right? :D Take care and I wish you all the best!
You know Nancy- you are right. There is lots of Money in SU rubber! One trip to Convention and the ability to see those who can walk across stage for thier accomplishments removes any doubts. Then the icing on the cake is Awards night. WOW there is some serious money and very ambitious, successful Women. SU is a privately held company and I will not reveal their numbers, but I can tell you its ASTONISHING the number of Demonstrators and the amout of sales. and Million dollar Mary!
I am with you- Free stamps and supporting the hobby. Put a sticker on all your free stamps and you will see its really FUN! and guess what, a pay check and benefits makes shopping just a it more fun!
Stamp on Nancy! Email me anytime. I would love to share "office oddities" if thats what your job entails!
JILL
Nancy, I am so sorry to read that some one had nothing better to do then leave a nasty comment on your blog! Please know, we LOVE your Blog and and we hope nothing but the best for you ALWAYS!
Keep your chin up!
Jennifer :)
Keep on keepin' on Nancy! Have a great great day!
Hugs,Elizabeth
You go girl! Good for you in standing up for yourself and SU and telling that other person to take a hike and stay away from leaving those comments on your blog! Best of luck to you in your new job, and we'll all be here waiting for you to continue to share your beautiful creations with us as you have the time. THANK YOU for all you do.
Amen. :)
Absolutely, Nancy! My sister made over $12K-15K a year and won a couple of cruises working SU about 15 hours a month. That is GREAT part time pay and she chose her hours. Just think what she could have done if she worked it more.
In the past couple of years she has done less with SU to pursue other interests and has continued to receive healthy paychecks. It is just now starting to slow down naturally because she no longer pursues it the way she used to.
I know many others that have replaced their full-time incomes, too.
You are right on!
Very Well said! You are an inspiration putting your families needs first and defending Stampin' Up!
I am a SU! Demo who would like to make this my full-time job. SU! has a fantastic support for those of us interested in taking a business to the next level but it has to be something each individual person wants and makes happen. Not everyone will succeed for various reasons.
Thank you for saying what you were feeling. And Thank you for your incredible blog.
You go Sister! :o)
M.
I echo these sentiments, Nancy and am sorry that someone felt the need to be negative. I, too, do not nurture my demonstratorship to yield a ton of income. I just want to support my hobby and have fun at the same time. Even if this person felt that way, they should've kept their comments to themselves. It's obvious that other demos have had success with their businesses to the point of being able to contribute to their family budget. Keep doing what you do and don't let negativity discourage you!
Hi Nancy,
I, too, love your blog. And I have one thing to add to your open letter to Ms. Anon...
Not EVERYONE is made to be in "sales" such as SU! Not everyone feels comfortable selling in the manner it DOES take to grow a large direct sales business. There is NOTHING wrong with this. Many of us are perfectly satisfied and comfortable maintaining an SU! business exactly as you've described. The difference in SU! and many other direct sales companies is that we LOVE what we do, (think statement of the heart here) and we love to SHARE it (now start thinking SCS) and that doesn't always equal profit (lots of FREE info on our blogs...and sometimes some FREE blog candy, too!). HOWEVER, that doesn't mean you can't be profitable. It only means different people are cut out to have different businesses. Which, is SUPPOSED to be the beauty of owning your own business.
Another perfectly satisfied SU! demo,
Tonya
Very Well Said! Way to go!!!!
YOU GO GIRL! WOOOHOOO! I'm not a demo, but do know that being ga career demo and a hobby demo and 2 completely different animals!
oh good grief! The above comment should read "...being a career demo and a hobby demo ARE 2 completely different animals!" Gonna go cut my nails now! HEEE!!!
Good for you...very well said!!!
You are COOL! My thoughts and praters are with you on your new employment venture! I really think negative comments take more time and energy to write than positive ones -KWIM? I want to spend that time and energy loving SU! and stamping! Good luck to you and I'll still continue to check your blog everyday 'cause you are awesome!
You GO Nancy!!!! As a demonstrator, I also take those comments VERY personally - and my motto is, if you have nothing nice to say, then be quiet!!! I love Stampin' Up! it is my passion - and I DO run it as a business!!! And, have they heard of Mary - our One Million Dollar Demo??!!! Sheesh! And, if you want to leave a comment, leave your name too - smooches to you girl, I love ya AND your blog! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
Hi Nancy...I too am a hobby demo and I love it...I have a small group that meets once a week and it is just enough to keep me in supplies...but I love sharing my ideas...if Ms. Anonymous has anything bad to say...why not say it and leave her name too...thanks to you Nancy and all the other SU business and Hobby owners who shares their ideas...creativity...and love of stampin' and scrapin' too...Woooo Hoooo....
BIG stampin' HUGS
Beverley
Just as every other negative comment I have seen on other blogs... they are not brave enough to use their real name!
Pay them no mind... if they can't use their real name they don't deserve your time and energy!!!
Good luck on your new job!!!!!!
Nancy,
You do an amazing job & don't let this negative person get you down... I love the hobby/craft too & want to share it w/ the world...
So THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!
Nancy,
Your post was written so well. I don't know that I would have had that much control to keep my mouth shut and not say something horrible back to that person (who by the way is gutless for not leaving their name!). Your faithful readers will always be here to check out your blog whether you post every day, or just once a week. We love it no matter what !!! Good luck with your new job, you'll do great!
You are spot on girl! I love the way you handled that comment with grace and facts. You are all that Stampin' Up! stands for! Thank you for your excellent words but so sorry you had to use them! I'm 100% behind you and wish you the very best of luck.
Hugs,
Becky
Yeah. You said it, Girl!! That's how I feel, too. Thanks for putting the feelings of so many of us here into words!!
Kay
I have had an unfortunate experience with Stampin Up, but at the same time, I own mostly Stampin Up products and even while I shop around at other companies, I will probably continue to use their products. I'm not here to leave negative comments and it's unfortunate that person didn't see fit to leave their name, however, you've addressed their issue admirably. I don't know if that person has read about any of the people who returned from the Stampin Up convention. I don't know of any other company that so wholeheartedly supports their demos, and go out of their way to make these conventions so successful. To understand the degree of coordination and planning that goes into those is truly mind boggling, and it's on a massive scale! There is no other company that does recognition on that kind of a scale!
All I can say is....YOU GO GIRL !!!! You completely rock !!!!
Love you !
Nancy, I too could not make my SU work to make money for our financial needs but I too did not become a demonstrator to make money but to also support my habit. You need to do what is best for your family. You have my support with only 1 request, Please keep doing it as long as you can. oxoxox
Three snaps up....you tell'em, Nancy!!
VERY WELL SAID, Nancy! I feel your pain - I started working after being a SAHM for 8 years! Good luck to you and TFS!
Nancy, good for you for speaking out! I have been an SU demo for nearly 10 years, and feel so blessed for all it has afforded our family! I would not have been able to be a SAHM for all these years without SU. Good luck at your new job, my friend! I will be praying for you! Blessings ~Cindy
Nancy, we love you and your site, and we understand...
God Bless,
Well put!
So many times I have felt that I need to answer and defend this exact question!
SU is so much more than just a little stamping job or hobbie!
Woohoo! You go girl! Loved the vent - I guess you told her! LOL Thanks for sharing what you do, and good luck with your new job. I hope you share with us as often as you can! I love your blog and all of your projects.
Well, that bites, and for a couple of reasons: 1) that you felt compelled to defend SU!; 2) when it was time to be positive, someone chose to be negative. Good job deleting the comment! What a bummer... I saw your entry about going back to work - I saved it until I could read it thru (I admit, I'm a skimmer...). See, here's the thing: I have been slammed this week w/little time to indulge me w/my favorite things (blog skimming) because - gasp! - I've been too busy w/work! So I sympathize with your plight, the adjustment you have to make, and am angy right along with you that someone would choose to be discouraging instead of encouraging. Working outside of the home is a necessary evil sometimes, but it's GREAT, too! You're ok to be conflicted, but all the best to you, too. You'll socialize, learn new things, make new friends, create new customers. It's gonna be THE BEST THING ever for ya! Hang in there, Nancy, and phooey to the naysayers. (PS, by the way, I'm not a SU! demo. Just a fan!)
Spot on Girl!!! I hate people that slam anything that they have no clue about.... Like the add I keep seeing that has all the "Hidden Secrets that Stampin'Up is not Telling you" What ever... She is totally making money on that big lie... If you have a problem with something just move on and let other enjoy there journey...I am with you on supporting my habit and sharing what I love. I have meet the most amazing women because of Stampin'Up and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the World...
Hugs and Happy Stampin'
Brooke
hi honey! i feel bad that you felt as you needed to defend...no need! You go girl...one foot in front of the other...God is with you! I was always taught if you put yourself out there...there may be someone that is can be a meany...BUT you have many more that support you...If people don't have the willingness to sign their name to a complaint or "dis" it is not worth addressing.
STAMPIN' UP ROCKS!
I'm not a SU demonstrator (although I've seriously considered it) but the whole point is that they permit you to do as little or as much as you want...the quarterly minimum is peanuts. I've worked in the corporate world for 31+ years - there's where you can gather some serious attitude about not treating people well, but from what I've seen from SU and my lovely demonstrator who has many downlines, the pressure is mainly self imposed.
Anyway, good luck in your new job and I hope you find sufficient time to stamp and keep in touch with us periodically!
Hi Nancy,
I'm so sorry you were put in that uncomfortable situation. Negative comments are one thing if they are TRUE (and it always hurts to realize it), but what your reader stated was simply NOT true!
After only a short while as a SU! demonstrator, I could clearly see the earning potential this opportunity provides. It certainly helped that my upline DOES support her family with her SU! business. I am not near as busy as the masses of SU! demos, but continue to be amazed at the dollar amounts in my business account. Although I may not be able to completely support my family on what I make, I can DEFINITELY contribute. It's mind boggling to think what I could do if I sank full-time job hours into this business.
In addition, there was a presenter at convention who proudly reported that her income has finally surpassed her husband's - and she's a demo.... she does not work at the headquarters!
There is money to be had if you are willing to work hard for it. I feel sorry that your reader hasn't been properly educated on this outstanding opportunity.
God bless you and your family.
Michele Force
You go girl! SU! is a great company and I to was a SU! demo and loved it, but with moving and the financial end of it, it didn't work out for me at the time. I'm still stampin and a great supporter to SU!... love the friendships a girl builds. Don't let one rotten apple get to you!! Michelle :)
I'm with you Nancy! I LOVE Stampin' Up! It's brought me so much joy and wonderful friendships. It takes a certain kind of entrepreneural(sp?) type person to make this business work but it can be done. Thanks for sharing what you love!
nancy,
Good luck with your new endeavor! But I have to beg of you...please do not stop sharing your ideas! We love them!!! And don't let one person ruin your whole experience....you are awesome!
Becky
What a bummer that someone had to be so negative but good for you for relating how your felt about it and standing up for SU! ....by the way...just found your blog and love your work! I'll be a regular now! {SMILES}
Good god Nancy, look what happens when I take vacation, the whole world goes crazy! Like any of us many any money as a SU demo...hell, I am still in the negative when it comes to making money, and like you, it is just to keep up my habit and make cards with friends. But good for you telling her like it is! She had some nerve! And congrats on the job, I am like you. We have to have another income too and it is hard as I find balancing life, family, and cards tough sometimes. You go girlfriend! ....Wendy
I'm so glad you chose to share the facts about being an SU! demo with Ms. Anonymous! It really irked me when I read it too because although I choose to be a hobby demo, I know that many have had success building their business as a thriving, full-time, financially successful career.
As a teacher, I want to say thank you for choosing to work as a para-pro in the schools. I'm so grateful for the support I've received for students in my class from para-pros. I hope you find your new job to be rewarding.
I'm so glad you chose to share the facts about being an SU! demo with Ms. Anonymous! It really irked me when I read it too because although I choose to be a hobby demo, I know that many have had success building their business as a thriving, full-time, financially successful career.
As a teacher, I want to say thank you for choosing to work as a para-pro in the schools. I'm so grateful for the support I've received for students in my class from para-pros. I hope you find your new job to be rewarding.
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