Archive for Month: August 2013

Original published on FB: August 8, 2013 at 10:50am

Whether it be a fishing or hunting focused position, the coveted position of “Prostaff”  is banded about in many circles and generally sought after as highly desired postion. It’s no surprise as who could deny the attraction of making a living or at least a part time income doing the very things you love and would otherwise shell out your hard earned dollars for. Viewed by many as a “win-win.”

There are many subtleties and even more perspectives of this relationship when given the company’s side of it versus the prostaffer’s view. To complicate and muddy the waters even further you have varying degrees or levels of companies and that of prostaff. In each case, and where I assert are the pitfalls, are the compromises made to gain tangible items rather than having a “this is a business” perspective. Again, the love of the outdoors and emotional connection is what is exploited and complicates the issues of prostaffing that plague the outdoor hunting and fishing industry.

Hanging with your homies with matching hats and shirts, swapping hunt escapades, and downing adult beverages sure is memorable fun, and where many friendships are made. However unless the outdoor company you represent, whether it be a game call company, sporting goods manufacturer, TV show, or guide service is something more akin to a club, or a hobby by the owner(s), a level of commitment and professionalism is expected. On the flip side, you have companies that range from multimillion dollar conglomerates down to grossly underfunded wanna-bees with so called business plans (if they actually have one). With such love for the sport you have lots of competition in the prostaffing space. This sets up an interesting dynamic of high interest, overhype in a much diluted market. There is money to be made, but it requires good business sense, a quality product/service, and well executed marketing plan. Having been in the industry for many years I have worked for a large distributor, quality product manufactures, a few game call entities and an unfortunate wanna-be category company.

On the upside, a good company will expect you to conduct yourself as educated, well spoken, and professional. This is universally true for all walks of life.  This means professional in your personal life as well as not acting poorly on the sales floor at your local Bass-Pro, Cabela’s, or local sports show. Personalities sometimes come into play, even so be the bigger person. Professionalism does not make exceptions because the other guy is a certified jerk. I left a well-known company for their tolerance of another staffer who qualified as “certified jerk.” Not something to be associated with if you want a long career. Remember as a prostaffer you are always in the critical eye of the public while you represent the company. You are assumed that you belong in your position, to be knowledgeable and professional.

There are some companies that just want a warm body in the store. Being on the other side as a customer, when I walk up to a staffer and have specific questions on their product, I would hope they could tell me more than what I can gleam off of the company website. Do what you can to value add your position. Those who make the extra effort get noticed by future employers as well as appreciative customers. Taking this approach builds your brand, adds to your marketability, and value.

Better companies will compensate you by monetary means either as a 1099 entity or as an employee, sometimes with direct value in their product. Keep in mind that the company should know what it all takes to have you standing there at a show or store, and on your end what it cost you in expenses to do the same. compensation should cover your expenses and your time providing service. If it is an internship, this can be a golden opportunity to prove yourself and gain valuable insights that you cannot learn in school. In many cases you can transition to a professional prostaff position or as a direct employee.

Pitfalls on the prostaff side- the industry is saturated with game call companies, tv-video shows, guide services, etc, that are loaded with hype, grossly underfunded, to the point that basic business practices/expenses are ignored. This is where many friendships are exploited, and where the industry fails. For all the long hours in the field, or endless road-trips, countless shows, or hours spent on the computer, spreading the word, etc., you get maybe a hat, shirt, sometimes a free meal. Taking a look at it in a neutral perspective, many of these tasks are paid positions in other vocations. Even at minimum wage, folks that get caught up in this are donating or being taken advantage of for thousands of dollars’ worth of work. Much of this is predicated on helping a friend, or promises of a piece of the company, or a free hunting trip, you get the idea. Recently I got burned  on this very same situation by a long time so called friend, and the hours lost add up to thousands of dollars of professional services rendered. The warning signs were there, but because of a longtime friendship, I ignored them.

Even in the very best circumstances, as an outdoors professional you want to be professional on the business side as well, not just your conduct. If a company is worth working for, get it writing. Establish the specifics and be sure that the expectations are clear on both sides. Work agreements/contracts and non-disclosure agreements are common place among companies that have solid business practices, and look to avoid these problematic issues. In the end this approach will have you doing something that you truly love, and your business interests taken care of properly. As the saying goes: “Work at something you love, and you will truly never work a day again the rest of your life.”

© 2013 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media