Almost Everything I Know About Business I Learned While Fishing
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I got to thinking today about my childhood and some of the lessons which it provided me, lessons which can so easily and readily be applied to the world of business.
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The particular memories which spring to mind are those associated with fishing. Those relaxing, carefree days angling with my friends in such Eastern Pennsylvania locales as the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, the Bushkill Creek, Spruce Run and Lake Wallenpaupack.
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It’s been over twenty-five years since the last time I went out, cast my line out with my Zebco rod and reel, but just reminiscing about it now evokes the pleasant memories of fishing seasons past. The thoughts, smells and sensations are almost tangible all these years later. The chill in the air, the russet leaves, the lapping of the water on the pier or against a boat, the hope of landing a big one and the absolute thrill of getting a tug on the line and imagining the fight ahead to land the beast.
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I believe that fishing, and the basics, principles and rules of fishing, are integral parts of what businesspeople of all types can utilize on a daily basis. Whether small business-owners, freelancers, independents, telemarketers or salespersons, perhaps these points will provide some insight into landing that next client or customer:
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1) Find a Good Spot. In fishing, it’s vitally important to know where they’re biting. Fishermen "test" the waters to see where the fish are. Commercial fisherman use SONAR to scan the depths for schools of fish. If they’re not biting in a particular area, it can be a frustrating exercise in futility to remain in that particular place. As Businesspeople it is important to "test" the waters to see where prospective clients are. It’s about finding those who might be interested in our goods and services, targeting them with information, ads and marketing campaigns and attempting to attract them. Often it is necessary to narrow down the search to certain targeted or niche areas. In this way, we too can have a "Business SONAR," allowing us to seek out and focus on those groups most likely to utilize our products and services.
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2) Watch Out for the Competition. When fishing, it is a good idea to avoid crowds where you are forced to play the numbers game while vying with others for the limited resources. In the melee which typically ensues nerves become frayed and lines become tangled. As Businesspeople it is worth remembering that an overcrowded and saturated marketplace can necessitate an effective strategy. Be creative, take steps to outshine and outperform the competition, deliver a quality product…and rather than always battling for the limited number of customers, search out niche markets which have not yet become crowded.
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3) Use the Correct Bait. In fishing, try using a worm with fish that are attracted to lures, or lures with fish that prefer worms and spend an entire day without a bite. It’s crucial to know what trout, bass, pike, etc. fancy for their next meal. As Businesspeople it is important to use "bait" (sorry if the word has a negative connotation in this context). Bait, at least as far as I’m concerned is the sum-total of all the tools we have at our disposal to attract prospective customers to us and our businesses: websites, blogs, portfolios, testimonials, word-of-mouth, articles and more. But remember, in business as in fishing, there are those customers who prefer simplicity, the worm so to speak, and those who prefer a fancier, eye-catching lure!
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4) Pay Attention to the Season. Try fishing out of season and don’t be too surprised if an officer from the Fish and Game Commission or Forestry Service presents you with a very large fine. The cost will be heavy! As Businesspeople we too must be aware of seasons. If you are a freelancer like me, you can probably divide seasons into "uptime" and "downtime." It is important to remember there are steps you can take to minimize downtime and to remain productive during it. If you are in a merchandising or marketing business such as selling winter coats, perhaps the time has come to diversify your product line. It’s all about keeping busy, earning a decent living and paying the bills.
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5) Hooking and Reeling In. In fishing, hooking a fish can be a tricky process. When you feel a nibble, a too-quick yank of the line can mean losing the fish. The same holds true for reeling in: although you might be tempted to do it quickly, if you’re too aggressive, you might just reel in an empty hook! It takes patience and requires waiting for the right moment when the fish has become enticed. As Businesspeople it can also be a tricky process. Being too aggressive or assertive can turn off prospective customers, whereas a lackadaisical approach can mean losing the opportunity. Get to know your customers and your prospective customer base. Demonstrate what you have to offer. Produce samples from your portfolio and testimonials from satisfied customers. Let them know why you are the perfect person for the job. And develop and refine a systematic approach for success.
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6) The "Big One" vs. a Bunch of Small Ones. In fishing, every angler dreams of that once-in-a-lifetime monster. That enormous trophy fish or the one which can be cooked by the side of a crackling fire and feed the entire family. As Businesspeople it is also nice to land that huge contract or customer. But it is essential to keep in mind that wasting an enormous amount of time and effort on one biggie can be frustrating, counter-productive and exhausting. Most times several smaller clients can be just as good as the big one that gets away.
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Wishing you business success, happiness and health, and as always, "Thank You" for taking the time to read what I have written!
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Hello. My name is Yonatan Maisel. I am a professional writer, published author and business-blogger.
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