Starting a career

[rippinlips10]

I am not positive if this post belongs in this forum but im giving it a try. Well I will be turning 16 this summer and I think I am coming to a time where I need to look for small sponsors. With all the tournaments I am in and all the gear I burn through I need some support. I would love representing a small comapny in any way I could. SO what I am asking is where do I start and what do I do

[MNHuntress]

I used to shoot competitively, and the only way we could get sponsorships (guns and shells) was to win the big tourneys (place 1 or 2). Then they came to you. But I'm not saying you can't get fishing sponsors if you aren't 1 or 2 in a tourney.

I would start by getting your tourney resume ready, #'s of competitors and you placed in top ten or whatever you placed. Get your sales pitch ready to, and practice it. Your sales pitch is who am I gonna call or go visit if they are local, what do they sell that I need for my tourneys, who do I ask for (i.e. you say to the receptionist "Yes maam may I speak to someone in your promotions and tourney sponsorship department") What differentiates you from the other guy that is banging on their door for gear? This may take alot of small sponsorships from alot of small companies to get you supplied.

Start small. There are some great local small companies that might sponsor you. You can practice that pitch on them in real life. That way when and if you do get to talk to Rapala or Cabela's your pitch is fine tuned and you can speak with authority and not stumble with your pitch. Also know something about their company and products, so you don't look like a putz looking for a hand out.

Network. If you are a good fisherman you should be able to teach it also.I know all over the cities they have kids fishing clinics (for real young kids). Volunteer to teach at these clinics or help out in some way. Sometimes the big companies show up at these and give out equipment to kids. See and be seen. When you are done with the clinic for the day and you may have met someone that was a good contact write down their first and last name and what company they work for and where you met them. This type of networking might not pay off in May, but it it may pay off in August or next year. Also looks good on your tourney resume.

You can use your youth to your advantage, I know some companies are looking to target that youth market in the outdoors and you can be the conduit to represent them to that market. Be persistent and don't give up if somebody slams the door in your face, it's a numbers game especially in this economy. All of the sudden things will turn in your direction.

My advice is not speaking from fishing tourney experience, it's speaking from the competitive shooting side of things and I'm a sales manager and that's how I'd do things if I was in your place. Maybe someone else on the forum can chime in. Lastly, nothing is free in life (even fishing gear) it comes with work to get it and then working to represent it on the back end.

[Northlander]

Get a very good resume written up. These companies want you to push and sell their products so make sure you know everything you can about their products.

Be visable at as many functions as you can. Shows are a great place to make contacts.

Dont be "Pushy". Contact these places, send your resume in and if you dont hear from them call back a few times and if they dont show interest move on. These people are very busy and dont like to feel pressured.

If you do get a sponsor make sure you stay loyal and do everything you can to sell their products for them.

Big thing is to do well in tourneys. Its VERY hard to get sponsors right now. Most companies are cutting back and even droppping Pro Staff so dont get disheartened if you dont see results right away.

[propster]

Huntress, did you wind up being a sales manager in the shooting sports industry? Rippin', there are a very few folks that go on to become the kind of bigger celebrity you see on TV, paid to endorse products. They all had to start somewhere, often by winning tournaments or being very good educators or pitchmen. But again, the number that can survive solely on their celebrity is pretty small. Many companies are looking for the grass roots-level type of person - the kind that can relate to us common people, attends shoots or clinics, offer their help, become experts on equipment, and just plain old show a knack for schmoozing and promoting the sport first and the specific product, very subtly, second. If we are unable to promote the sport first and recruit new participants, it almost doesn't matter how well you promote the individual company or their product. Because while they will see a temporary gain from stealing market share, if we don't grow the business in general, it will be difficult for any one company to be succesful. Good luck. Perseverance, outgoing personality, friendliness, and loyalty will get you everywhere.

[Brian H]

rippinlips10 what you are about to read almost never happens.

The most important thing you can do is pay attention and do well in school. Plan on going on after high school. The more education you have the better you will do in life.

Always conduct yourself like a gentleman, like somebody your parents, relatives and pastor will be proud of at all times. Always pay attention to how you speak, write and act. Even if it is on a web site where nobody can see you. Dress like somebody who wants to be somebody. Dress like a punk and you will be treated like a punk.

Now the story.......................

Three years ago I thought maybe I would like to sponsor a fisherman. Not on the pro circuits, but on the local level. I wanted to do this just to help the person succeed, somebody to follow on the web sites to see how they did.

I started to follow 4 different fishing web sites such as this one. I watched who was posting and what they were saying. I watched the attitude they took when talking to others on-line. Did they try and help or did they put people down? Did they try and teach? Was their language good? What sort of person did they seem to be?

This went on for several months as I watched and narrowed my list. I finally decided I had found my guy. I contacted him out of the clear blue, he had no idea I had been watching him for months. We met, and struck a deal. It's been 3 years now. I'm happy with what he does, how he conducts himself and what he does for kids.

So, my point is, go to school, conduct yourself like somebody is watching you, because maybe somebody is!!

[Sandmannd]

Very good advice Brian.

I would say to not plan on this as your career. Treat it like it is, but also keep up with school to make sure you have something with a for sure future (if that's even possible anymore today). A career in fishing is every fisherman's dream, but it's a lot of work. Keep a good head, work hard and you can get a pay day. Treat everyone you deal with with the utmost respect. Treat clients with white gloves at all times.

Good luck at what you are doing.

[rippinlips10]

Thank you guys for all the posts. This was very helpful and I have a better understanding of where to start and what to do. Brian that is a truly amazing story and now I know I should always be on my best behavior just in case I get lucky like that one gentleman you called. Again thanks Hope to see you guys on the water.

Eric

[Brian H]

Eric,

Keep a positive attitude in whatever you pursue in life. As others have said the chances of ending up a pro are slim at best. With nearly 300 million people in the United States alone you never know who you are sitting next to. It could be the President of Ranger boats, it could be the lead designer at Rapala or it may be Kevin Van Dam. Point is you only get one chance to make an impression. If you treat anybody poorly you may be shooting yourself in the foot.

Oh, the biggest reason you probably won't make it to the pro level is............girls! Some little blond is going to catch your eye and all of a sudden fishing won't seem that important anymore.

So, whether you pursue fishing, girls, or a career in another field the one common denominator is school. Learn to make money. You will have plenty of time to fish after you get your life under control.

Good luck to you and enjoy life.

[rippinlips10]

Thank you very much sir and no girl could take away my fishin passion

[Brian H]

Eric, you have no idea how many guy's said the same words when they were 16.

[Sandmannd]

Eric, you have no idea how many guy's said the same words when they were 16.

Right on Brian. I was like that too. Now, unless I'm guiding, I'm allowed one, maybe two days a week out if I'm good.

[croixflats]

Now we got the "Rest of the story" behind Sandmannd's guiding. Good tip

[HawgMan]

How true Sandmannd! Years ago I used to do 22 tourny's a summer, now, married with children, I feel fortunate if she lets me fish 5 or 6!!!

AHHHHHH! da good ole days......

[koonie]

Thank you very much sir and no girl could take away my fishin passion

You need a girl that has an equal passion for fishing. Then ya got something! Especially if she's gorgeous, smart, funny, and has a lot of money! I don't ask for much. If you are going to dream you might as well dream in color.

[rippinlips10]

hahah that would be an excellent woman

[Sandmannd]

I would say a woman like that is about as hard to come by as a full time career in fishing. Probably a little easier though.

[River Dan]

Integrity is the key!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Eric- I love the passion! Rewind my life about 20 years, and your me. What you do from here is your choice.

When I was your age, I told my mother I was going to be a pro angler. And that I was going to own the best bass boat made. At this point I owned a bicycle. I still do not claim to be a pro, but I still strive to be the I can, and I have made a bit of a name for myself in the fishing industry. If I had to do all over again, I would have done it the same.

Here is my advice for you. Take it for how you want.

#1- take every speaking and writing class you can in college. Companies want to sell product. Someone who can speak in front of a group(seminars) will sell far more product than if you just win tournaments.

#2-Honor you word... Too many newbies pick the best deal for them. Only push whom you believe in, its not worth it to tarnish your name.

#3- Never burn a bridge, Always act respectful. You never know who is watching. Never say anything bad about a product, just tell people what is good about a product you are aware of.

#4- This one is the most important!!!! Never walk with your hand out. There are thousands, maybe tens of thousands of people who want to fish for a living. Never ask " What do I get from you", but ask, "What can I do for you".

again, I do not claim to be a pro... My main income is Teaching. I teach elem P.E. classes, but do quite well in my "other" career of fishing. Be willing to work your tail off, be willing to give seminars, be willing to work store promotions, be willing to work you tail off.... And then, be willing to fish hard and do well.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Integrity is the key!

Short and sweet!, but can not be said any better.. The fishing industry is very small, you step on any toes.. and it will be known.

[Burnham]

i thank all of you for the advice as i recently turned 17 and am going through all of my possible fishing careers in my head also...and i actually have thought about not pursuing women until i get a career up and going lol

[hhguide]

Once again Deitz has some great words that I would really listen too!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Thanks for the kind words HHguide-- but, again, I am probably the last person who should give advice... While I make a decent living in the fishing industry, its far from my "sole" income.

Think of how many people want to make a living in the fishing industry.. and then think of how many kids want to be a pro football player.. your odds are probably the same, if not worse!

Whats good about the fishing industry is you can be a part of it.. Its a great group, be true to yourself, be honest. But maybe not expect to make a living at it. OR.. Put your live into it, learn to speak, learn to write, and go for it!

[Sandmannd]

Deitz and Dan are right on. I can't really add anything to that at all. I'm just starting out and everything Deitz hit on is key to getting into the industry.

[Scoot]

While I make a decent living in the fishing industry, its far from my "sole" income.

Maybe not, but I bet it is your "soul" income!!! It's gotta warm your heart to make a portion of your salary through fishing!

All really great advice here! DD, very well said. Ya know, for a bass guy, you're pretty smart!

[metro fisherman]

Thank you very much sir and no girl could take away my fishin passion

They'll try.

Take it from me, school is #1. I banked on playing guitar for a living or fishing, could've end bad but I was resourceful and got a job as a guitar teacher/student at college. Hope to fish for a living eventually...