Pro Staff?

[mattman]

what exactly does the "pro staff" do? always wondered this. I am sure some of you are on the "pro staff", if you dont mind sharing, i would love to know. I was a HS football/ basketball coach for 15 years, (in Texas that is an 80 hr a week job) and I quit coaching so I could coach my own kids and watch them grow up, as well as chase my dreams in the fishing arena. My first year fishing tournaments regularly has gone quite well and I am probably going to move up to one of the bigger trails next year. How does someone become a "pro staffer", and what do they do?

[Intimidator1]

For the most part you are required to promote there products through the term of your contract. You will usually be required to attend the trade shows in the spring,help dealers that carry their products that have open houses,Visit every shop possible to educate them on their products and give them contact info for hopefully an order,do monthly follow ups on all stores you visit if possible,work with the manufacturer on new products,fill out quarterly reports on what you have done to help the company grow,possibly do a seminar for a product review, and hopefully if you meet their guidelines for the term- they might keep you on the following season.I work a full time job and fish around 24 tournaments a year, and the pro-staff positions take up the rest of my time. It is like a second job. I have to squeeze my family life in there and it takes a lot of work. I am fortunate to have a wife that supports me and allows me the time to help my sponsors the best way I can. Its not a walk in the park,some products are easy to move-others are like pulling teeth.You do the best you can and prove your working for them and it will work out for you.

[PAPaul]

Being a member of a "pro staff" can have many different meanings and responsibilities. It basically comes down to two different objectives that you need to meet for your sponsors. One, help them move product, and secondly, generate exposure for their product or service. You do both those things and you will make them very happy. Everyone has different ways they can do that due to their situation. Make sure they know what you are doing and how you are doing it, through reports and personal contact. Remember you are the face of their company so look and act accordingly. I would recommend that you never become a member of a pro staff for a company and it's product that you do not completely believe in and use. Many guys do this, and it's not right, and they will never do their best to promote it. And a last piece of advice, always under promise and over deliver.