Fishing Resume'

bassadict69 · March 16, 2005, 09:36:57 AM

Now that it looks like we are becoming a popular place for tackle manufactures to come looking for pro staff

I figured I might as well put together a little something for myself, but I have no idea where to start. $:-\$

What all needs to be included in this type resume'? I definately DON"T have alot of credentials but it isn't due to lack of trying.

I don't fish any BIG tourneys yet, just clubs & maybe an open or two. Is it even worth me trying to put something together?

Jared LeBlue · March 16, 2005, 09:47:17 AM

Bassadict, first of all fishing alot of big tournaments and winning looks good and something to add to a resume but it is not the most essential thing. Companies are looking for salesman not good fisherman. You can be the best fisherman in the world but if you don't have the drive to go out a sell the product you are not going to get a whole lot of sponsers or on any type of prostaff team. Now do you need to know what you are doing and know what you are talking about when it comes to fishing, absolutley. Basically what you want to do is sell yourself as a salesman. What a lot of anglers don't understand is the company doesn't work for you, you infact are an employee of the company and they want someone who can sell their product, period. So with all that said set up your resume as you would for any job you are trying for. Let the company know why you would be a good choice and let them know how you intend to make their company grow.

Tritonrob · March 16, 2005, 10:38:49 AM

Bass I sent you a pm. Let me know if I can help.

Mike Cork · March 16, 2005, 11:15:50 AM

This is a great topic. I would love it if some of the folks here that have had success in becoming sponsored or reps for companies to help us out here. Could a couple of you post a resume format that has worked in the past. Maybe a post that lists the headers of paragraphs and a quick explanation of what you think should go in it? It would be really easy, just cut out all the meat you have in one of yours and then copy paste it here

bassadict69 · March 16, 2005, 11:21:43 AM

Got it Tritonrob...I sent one back to ya!

Tritonrob · March 16, 2005, 11:56:10 AM

Mike don't know how many ahve a resume ready, but I can either post mine or guess kind of chop it up. I had looked at a few different people's resume when I came up with mine. I have recently been in touch with a company about having a professional one done, but its very costly and it seems like mine does ok. One thing I can suggest is a nice cover page with a very professional picture of yourself. Also other pictures won't hurt. I really need to have more pictures taken of myself this year.

Mike Cork · March 16, 2005, 12:03:20 PM

That would work, I don't think you should post your information but an outline of what you have done in the past would be way cool. Thanks

OHbassaholic · March 16, 2005, 03:57:27 PM

I will take a moment here to recommend and endorse Fish for Free's HOW TO GET SPONSORED FOR FISHING TOURNAMENTS manual. I just received mine yesterday and it is worth every penny, IMHO. Many of your questions about how to get started acquiring sponsorships will be answered in Scott's manual.

bassadict69 · March 16, 2005, 04:02:04 PM

OH, I have his info, I definately agree it is a must read for everyone trying to get started with sponsors.

Do me a favor & fill out a Review form & send it in...

fishforfree · March 16, 2005, 07:48:50 PM

Bassadict69 & OHbassholic

Thank you for the endorsement

I do appreciate it. I am glad it has helped.

I'd like to throw in some more info into this subject.

First off (as bassadict68 & OHbassholic already know) I never had a resume. Still don't.

The tip I try to give to fishermen that are seeking sponsors is this. Pretend you were back in your senior year in high school and your senior paper had to be written on the following subject:

10 Things I will do to Promote my Sponsor.

That puts a different light on things doesn't it. I promise you, none of the 10 things would be how cute you are, or how many tournaments you've won. Sit down and start to outline your paper. Take notes. Think. Take Notes. Think.

When I wrote the HOW TO GET SPONSORED FOR FISHING TOURNAMENTS manual it took me a month and I worked on it every night. I made outlines, wrote down ideas, experiences, etc. Then wrote, then proofread. Sorry...............I'm not trying to get away from the topic here, but you really need to look at how your potential sponsor will react to what you can offer.

Another tip is PRETEND you're going to sponsor YOU. Would you sponsor yourself? Would you hand over money or product to you? Would you sponsor you if you could bring in one new customer per month?

I'd like to throw in one more tidbit. Sorry.

You all know Randy Howell endorses my manual. Well in January I had the pleasure of meeting Randy, Robin and their son Laker at dinner in Kissimmee before the 1st B.A.S.S. event. Do you know how Randy got his newest sponsor - Purolator Oil Filters? The people at Purolator contacted the people at Triton and informed them they were looking to put together a PRO Staff of fishermen. Triton said here's the people you should contact.

A resume is a good thing ..............but it's not the most important thing.

See how I got right back on topic..........whew I thought I forgot the original question.

Bman · March 16, 2005, 08:46:36 PM

Bassadict, I'm in the same boat. What I did was allot of research on getting sponsored. The Fish for Free is a must,also the FLW outdoor page has some great articles. First leason is use compadable programs if you have to Email it. The second is save it,I lost hard drive 2 day after I mailed out a presention flier I had been working on for about a year. Then Pro staff for Sqworms comes up had to whip something up, which was in a file Ronnie couldn't open[ lesson one].For my first sponsor I made up a Flier ,only 3 pages long. First page was what I could do for them. Second page was alittle about me, and more about how they could benefit. Third was expenses with the Fish for Free Formula. There is no B.S. I did list some tournament placing but it was more for the area they would be advertising in, than what place I finished in. Also have a picture or two so they can see what they might be investing in.Try to do something unique to get there attention.
Bman

Richard Cooper · March 16, 2005, 09:29:22 PM

Many people have already said this, but i cannot stress it enough, it has nothing to do with what they can do for you, that will all take care of itself, it is all about what you can do for them. The fish for free book is a great tool to get started, and you can find many sample resumes on the internet through search engines.

Ronnie Broussard · March 17, 2005, 07:18:31 AM

I really don't know what I can add that hasn't been said already!

These guys are DEFINATELY telling you the truth. fishforfree is THE man in this.

I can say, don't fall into the 2 big pitfalls when starting to get sponsors.
1) DON'T think that you have to be the next KVD to get a sponsor
2) DON'T go after the big boys your first time out. Start with smaller companies. Believe it or not, (and I was actually told this by a big sponsor and found out it's true) the little guys will actually do more for you than most of the big boys!
As far as resumes, take a look at mine here or on the Sqworm site. Do you see any Bassmaster of FLW tournaments on it? NO!
When I applied to companies, my "BIG" thing was telling them I am a retail sales manager

I make my living displaying, promoting, SELLING products. (I manage a camera store) In 6 months I had 14 sponsors. HELLOOOOOOOOO!

As far as the resume, try this:
Personal info: name, age, hometown, address, contact number, e-mail addy
personal history: married, how long, children, grandchildren
First experiances bass fishing (my dad took me when I was.......)
current interests: member of ****** bass club, fish club tournys, etc.
IMPORTANT any charity work you do related to fishing: (work kids tourneys etc)
Let them get to know YOU as a person first!
Then tell them why they should spend money giving you free or discounted stuff (some companies deal is giving pro staff 50% purchases untill you prove yourself)
see fishforfree's post for info on this!
PICTURES....without them your just some typed letters. Pictures turn you into a real person!
Last but not least, thank the potiential sponsor for their time to consider all this and tell them how you are looking forward to WORKING with them.

Hope this helps!

Mike Cork · March 17, 2005, 04:08:12 PM

Papa, it's all about what you value, and you obviously and rightfully put a higher value or different value on your time. I don't think anyone said that you were not "allowed" to ask what are you going to do for me? That is definitely something that will have to be discussed, obviously you are not going to work for free. It's all part of the bargaining. You are in a very comfortable position in your fishing career and thoroughly enjoy what and where you are doing, someone like you would be crazy to fool with the time that it takes, so I can easily see where you might think this whole sponsor thing is a waste of your time.

But with all that said someone that is looking to fish professionally is going to need some help, a lot of help, or any help they can get and you have to start somewhere. Being a professional tournament angler is a lot of work, if you want to be able to live off of it. Just think about the hours you put into your business, same goes for a fishing business, you just get paid a lot more per hour but look at how long you have been doing it and how good you are at it you are worth a lot more per hour. Someone just getting started isn't worth much per hour until they have the experience in and have proved them selves. Ramble Ramble Ramble sorry guys.

BIG PAPA · March 17, 2005, 04:14:22 PM

Sorry mike I deleted that before I read your response. Thought more about it and decided I was sticking my nose into other people business. And would be better off staying out of it

papa

MotherNature · March 17, 2005, 04:16:07 PM

I know this may not be right but when you go to apply for a job you ask or know what the per hour pay is... When you are working on a sponsor it should be looked at as a partnership (My Thoughts) and thus you should know what is in it for both sides...

Papa, you should have left it there

it was a good point...

BIG PAPA · March 17, 2005, 04:21:16 PM

If I had of known you would think that way I would have. I just started thinking that I might anger some potential sponser.
See I actually deleted it for you

You are "way" too good to me

papa

MotherNature · March 17, 2005, 04:26:46 PM

Papa, I don't think that personal opinion should make anyone angery... It is only when folks try to force their own opinion on others that starts the cat fights

Everyone thinks differently and I myself don't have sponsors like the guys are talking here but I do know that there isn't anything out there that is one sided so everyone should know what it is that they are getting in the deal...

I do think that folks should give their all to a sponsor as we try to do here on the site as well as in our daily lives... Papa can attest to that one with the demo of the new sponsors lure at the last tournament, they don't sponsor Mike and I personally but they did give us a box of baits for the contest and our members so we do all that we can to help promote their products...

but I still think that you should know what you are getting in the deal too so you know if it is worth it or not.

BIG PAPA · March 17, 2005, 04:49:20 PM

And I totally agree that we need to use and talk up the site sponcers (and I do)
They help provide us with a lot "This great site". And You are obviously provideing them with a great venue to showcase their wares.
In that aspect I think everyone it getting their money's worth. I know I reap the rewards of yours and Mikes hard work, just as every member on this site, and I also know that we all appreciate the sponsers.
I will breifly teel, everyone else what this is about.
Pro Staff positions;
It has been stated many times here that in applying for a pro staff position that you DO NOT want to ask ; WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME? My response was "why"
If I am going to spend my time promoting your product I am going to know what "I" am going to get out of it? and it is not going to be a few baits. As I stated before, if people wanting to get into the fishing business want it that bad I had an offer.... I will start my on pro staff team and pay with a few baits.
Anyone willing to go to outdoor shows and club meetings and promote Four Season's Landscaping Let me know what you can do for me, and maybe we will talk about you later.
Guys I know I am contriversial, have no problem admitting it; But as I said before if I am going to "WORK" for you YOU ARE GONNA NEED TO PAY ME! $:-\$

PAPA

Mike Cork · March 17, 2005, 05:04:02 PM

Papa I agree with you, the sponsor / sponsee need to have a working relationship that is open to discussion. But unfortunately the company will set the terms and if you don't like them you don't have to accept them, it's all about how much your time is worth to you. To some the exposure / experience a sponsor can give them is a savings account if you will or a building block to the better pay check.

Papa, I admire the value you have place on your time. You are able to spend time with your grand kids and family and do things you enjoy, spending time doing for a sponsor just isn't worth it to you. Honestly even if they paid you 100 dollars an hour would you be willing to give up what you have on a REGULAR basis. I realize you might do it once in a while but I mean day in day out.

It's all about where you are and where you want to go and building a good Resume' is going to help those folks that are wanting to go pro.

We kinda got off topic here but I think Papa had some good points, this isn't for everyone. And to be told don't ask what a company can do for you I don't necessarily think is right, but there is a right time a place to do it. And that is after they have seen your resume' and know what you are willing to do for them.

fishforfree · March 17, 2005, 05:27:18 PM

Can I throw in something?

?

I just thought of a couple of things I've never seen on a resume and would be important to me if I was a potential sponsor:

1). Do you have a website ?
2). Do you post regularly on forums?
3). Do you communicate frequently through emails?
4). Do you have a blog?
5). Do you send out press releases?

I am convinced this is information any potential sponsor would be interested in knowing about.

Mike Cork · March 17, 2005, 05:32:41 PM

I have had the same thoughts but honestly have not got that kind of response. Meaning when you ask rep's of products about it they say that their companies never really talk about the internet. I'm with you Fish For Free, I think companies that are not taking advantage of the internet are missing out on a great advertising venue.

fishforfree · March 17, 2005, 05:47:31 PM

I'm not sure if this shoulf go in this topic.........but it's close.

This is another way to attract sponsors and this is NOT included in my manual.

Recently I've had a couple of guys buy my manual and they liked it. It's not a big deal that they liked it, well it is really, but the point is they liked it soo much one of them:

added my web site to his signature on a web site where he is an administrator and a frequent poster and I mean a VERY frequent poster. ANytime he posts something, my web site shows up as part of his signature.

And the other:

Went and took the time to write a review and then proceeded )without my permission) to post it in another online forum. He also wants a hat, patch and anything else on it so he can promote me!!!

Now, I've never been known to be the brightest bulb in the chandeler but I'll promise you this...............

THOSE BOYS GOT MY ATTENTION!!!

The main point here is - they made it almost impossible for me to not want to do something for them. They initiated the sponsorship without asking for anything.

BIG PAPA · March 17, 2005, 09:30:09 PM

Quote from: Mike on March 17, 2005, 05:04:02 PM
Papa I agree with you, the sponsor / sponsee need to have a working relationship that is open to discussion. But unfortunately the company will set the terms and if you don't like them you don't have to accept them, it's all about how much your time is worth to you. To some the exposure / experience a sponsor can give them is a savings account if you will or a building block to the better pay check.

Papa, I admire the value you have place on your time. You are able to spend time with your grand kids and family and do things you enjoy, spending time doing for a sponsor just isn't worth it to you. Honestly even if they paid you 100 dollars an hour would you be willing to give up what you have on a REGULAR basis. I realize you might do it once in a while but I mean day in day out.

It's all about where you are and where you want to go and building a good Resume' is going to help those folks that are wanting to go pro.

We kinda got off topic here but I think Papa had some good points, this isn't for everyone. And to be told don't ask what a company can do for you I don't necessarily think is right, but there is a right time a place to do it. And that is after they have seen your resume' and know what you are willing to do for them.

Honestly even if they paid you 100 dollars an hour would you be willing to give up what you have on a REGULAR basis.
No I could not afford the cut in pay

Seriously to stand around and talk about Bass fishing I might be interested.

papa

Tritonrob · March 17, 2005, 11:17:32 PM

Sponsorship is a tough thing. I'm very fortunate that i am now working with some very large companies. Papa it is true the companies do set the terms and if you don't like them their philosophy is that there is thousands of others that will accept their terms. Just now will I actually started getting some money for doing shows. To give you an example as to the time I normally put in I'm gone every weekend from the begging of February to the end of March doing a show. This year is an exception with the changing of sponsors. I have worked very few, but will be very busy over the next few weekends. This is the level I have chosen to take it too. I also enjoy it very much. I love talking fishing and meeting people. It gives me a great satisfaction when I see someone on the water or some where else and they tell me how they had success on something I help them with. Besides with all this snow and ice i need something to do through the winter. Also no go get on the topic of a resume having your own website is the new thing to promote yourself. I have actually been debating about doing on myself.