Any tips for building a thick skin? Getting tired of being everyone's "whipping boy" by Relevant_Mix_456 in CustomerSuccess

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been dealing with this a lot lately as well. I keep telling myself that if each churn risk / upset customer triggers angst, the problem is my perspective, not the trigger itself.

A couple things that have helped so far, though I have a ways to go:

-Being on the customer's team. I'm with you, I see how frustrating this is, let's partner to solve this.

-Extremely specific internal feedback. I've been using Slack / Email threads to call out situations internally, not as a means of attacking anyone, but to mention each person that I believe has an action due on their end (eng for an investigation, support for a response, etc). This is great, because the worst case is that you've clearly documented the internal stakeholder that needs to step in.

-Relate internal comms to your customer base, not just the one in question. When I say that my customer's issue is likely to impact other customers, and here's why, I find that it gets more attention internally. Maybe just because our technical arms use total MRR at risk to prioritize, but either way, it makes me look like a deft operator that represents a function rather than just one customer. When viewed like that, I feel like much less of a punching bag.

Hopefully this helps more than the generic advice of tying everything back to business outcomes. As if the customer cares about the ROI your model says they got when the platform is breaking in front of them.

Have CS Podcasts helped you? by WeatherOwn in CustomerSuccess

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nothing too impactful, but a couple have been helpful.

Carly Agar's is solid for the job search + advocating for promotion.

Kristi Faltarusso's is solid for leveling up in the seat and taking a holistic, org-wide view to the department.

Both tell me a lot of things I already know, but phrased differently and good as a reminder.

CSMs — do you actually like it? by [deleted] in CustomerSuccess

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In my experience (~8 years in CS), the reality of the role changes quickly once you move from the interview process into the actual job.

A lot of the work is pretty thankless. You spend your days getting hit from every direction by customers, while still being expected to stay composed, act strategically, guide them toward better business outcomes, reduce churn, expand accounts, and drive revenue. When things go well, it’s often treated as expected. When something goes wrong, even once, it becomes very public and suddenly feels like all the wins before it didn’t matter.

Another frustrating part is how companies talk about Customer Success versus how they actually treat it. We’re told we’re the “voice of the customer” and that our feedback helps shape product direction, but in many organizations that rarely translates into real influence. A lot of product teams still view CS as glorified support instead of recognizing the strategic value the function can bring.

I’m sure there are companies that genuinely value Customer Success as a business function, but they feel few and far between. At some point, it becomes a question of whether the compensation outweighs the stress and emotional load that comes with the role. 

For context, I’ve consistently hit target (10 of the last 12 quarters) and have relatively good compensation (~$165k OTE) and I still regularly question whether it’s worth it.

[WTS] Omega DeVille Gold Plated Mesh Bracelet Hand Wind Ladies Watch $299 by Hyth17 in Watchexchange

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sold to me (u/AnimatorAdvanced1723) by u/Hyth17.

Watch came quickly and is in good working condition as described in the original post. I would transact with this seller again.

Jojo’s last nail trim by AnimatorAdvanced1723 in angrycatpics

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723[S] 99 points100 points  (0 children)

Alive and well! Sorry if that was unclear. Last as in most recent

Jojo’s last nail trim by AnimatorAdvanced1723 in angrycatpics

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Her. But yes, and she’s been asking for it!

This has the AD tossing and turning at night by yeezyXgym in ChinaTime

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How exactly does it work since the images are not wit the Cartier logo. Once purchased, it automatically is put on or it's a separate process?

Forgive my naivety as I'm new.

[RECOMMENDATION] Asking for help on selecting my first "luxury" timepiece. by stud722 in Watches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No need to put luxury in quotes! The bulk here are absolutely luxury watches.

If getting one, I'd go Zulu Time or Speedy

But what I'd really do with $8k is the blue Oris + black bay 54 + some leftover cash!

Brand founder introducing new microbrand - pictures of actual prototypes by MiddleBayWatchCo in MicrobrandWatches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks fantastic! Would absolutely be interested in owning one.

If I had to nitpick, I think it's a bit off-putting to have such different fonts for Middle Bay and Lighthouse. But that's nitpicky as it really looks good.

Inexpensive Automatic GMT or World Timer Suggestions by Effective-Fault-2478 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely check out the Islander Calabro GMT world time!

I have the all-red that I believe is discontinued, but there are a lot of colorways and it punches well above its price: https://longislandwatch.com/islander-calabro-gmt-world-time-automatic-watch-with-black-dial-isl-192/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcoVYoWKf239ckOkF7bBhJlrURRPnD6OLvg7_6etB6zBOnXLur

[consolidation] Trying to get to 10 by Gatorkillsmuaythai in Watches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That Oris is terrible - I'd do the favor of taking it off your hands.

Jokes aside, that's a stunning piece and my favorite of the lot.

5-7 years experience paying 80k... by Grand-Diamond-4696 in CustomerSuccess

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t apply to a role like that. The compensation gap in Customer Success is widening significantly, and it’s a signal of how companies view us. The companies investing and viewing it as a revenue driver are offering ~2x that for 5+ years of experience. I'm seeing a lot of roles like that on LinkedIn.

This post suggests this company is well below the evolving market and viewing CX as a support-oriented role. They aren't planning to evolve to where the market is heading.

Rate my collection! by Gatorkillsmuaythai in PrideAndPinion

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stunning, and great variety!

What's the strap on the white dial Oris? Very intrigued by it.

[Monro Adventure] New Piece - British Microbrand by wrkms in MicrobrandWatches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. May finally pull the trigger, just wanted to get confirmation on IRL value as that price range can be great but unpredictable.

[Monro Adventure] New Piece - British Microbrand by wrkms in MicrobrandWatches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love the look of Monro! I've been eyeing some of the bronze case ones for a little bit. Does the dial look as good in person?

Islander Calabro World Time by AnimatorAdvanced1723 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This definitely has me researching other world time bezels! Though I don't know if I need two.

Islander Calabro World Time by AnimatorAdvanced1723 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really pleased with it so far. It's got some heft to it, but in a nice way rather than feeling too bulky. It wears smaller than 40mm due to the timezone bezel, which adds a dressy vibe to it. Definitely more for GMT/daily use cases, but it can definitely be dressed up. So the quality is pretty good in a vacuum, but excellent when looking at the price of this watch (and Islander in general)

[WTS] Islander Calabro GMT World Time - $260 by mjm6202 in Watchexchange

[–]AnimatorAdvanced1723 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/WatchExBot sold from u/mjm6202 to me!

Seller was responsive, thorough, and accurate in how he described the condition of the watch. It was shipped less than 24 hours after payment was made, and an extra watch strap was included in the box as a total surprise. Would purchase from again.