Its that time of year. Everyone is getting cabin fever and is starting to get anxious for the spring fishing that lies ahead. Anglers will be reading magazines and articles on the internet. Fishing forums will be…
Its that time of year. Everyone is getting cabin fever and is starting to get anxious for the spring fishing that lies ahead. Anglers will be reading magazines and articles on the internet. Fishing forums will be busy with post on all types of advice and questions. With all this, companies of all types will be on the look out for prospective pro staffers.
What exactly is a pro staffer? The word pro staff is short for promotional staff. Many anglers believe it means something different and with the word pro in the name it gives them some feeling of importance. Of course with pro staffers comes thing like decals for your boat and truck, patches for your jacket, or even the fancy shirts with the logos digitally placed on them.
So, with all this cool stuff what exactly do you get for being a pro staffer. Nothing comes with out a price. Most companies have a realistic expectation of what their pro staffers can deliver and their rewards go along with their realistic expectations. Anglers beware. Believe me when I tell you this you will not be able to quit your day job. Most companies do not pay cash for your services. In fact, most companies will give you products or give you a discount on their products.
Before you agree to sign on as a pro staffer you really need to look into what the company expects you to do and what their compensation is for that work. Some companies have a point system. You will be awarded points for certain services. For instance you may get 20 points to fish a tournament. You may get rewarded more points for winning the tournament and even more if your picture is taken and their company name is mention in an article. Points are then used as cash to buy their product. Here is where you have to do your homework. Lets say this company rewards you 20 points for going to talk to a bass club about their product. In order to purchase a bag of worms from this company it cost you 25 points. If you really think about it your time driving to the meeting, presenting the product and the driving home is going to take you at least an hour. You didnt even get enough points for a bag of worms. So you are in reality working for less than $3 an hour. There are some companies that have better point systems than others and that is what you need to look for.
There are many different variations on payments to pro staffs and it is always wise to look long and hard at the whole package before signing on. Keep in mind that every time you drive your vehicle or wear that shirt you are a moving advertisement for that company. It is important to keep the end goal in mind and not get wrapped up in all the hype. It doesnt payoff for you or the company.
Another important thing to remember is to be honest with yourself. If you dont use the product or dont think the product is that great then dont sign on. Trying to promote a product that you dont use or have much confidence in is going to affect your ability to promote that product. Having 25 logos on shirt may look cool but its not doing you any good if you cant speak honestly and highly of those products.
Last but certainly not least if you are going to represent a company then look and act professional. I dont mean like a pro fisherman but more in terms like a professional business man. Keep your vehicle, boat, and clothing looking sharp and clean. Would you want your business logo on a shirt that looks like it was used as an oil rag? The best way to look at it is how you would want someone to present your product and what would you expect from that person. Good Luck and best wishes.
Jared LeBlue
Rattle
