Pros at Boat Shows

If you are a sponsored rider representing your brand at a boat show or other event, here are some tips:

1. Do not show up drunk, hung over, or coming down from a high. Be clean and sober.
2. Grooming is important. Do not look like you just got out of bed and smell like it. Shower, shave, haircut, clean and pressed clothes. You are a professional - look that way. The pubescent shaggy look is really bad.
3. Be well spoken. The "valley girl" impression may work with middle school students. Learn to articulate good English.
4. Know the product line and the marketing brochures. It is you job to have this information down cold. You have about a minute to establish credibility.
5. The potential buyer is why you are there. Standing around in a scrum of other pro riders and making inane comments about passing women does not make your brand stand out in a good way. Meet, greet, make a positive impression, and match people up with your brand's gear.
6. Be very respectful of kids with their parents. The kids are excited to meet you. The parents have the funds to pay you to ride. If you fail to connect with the kid and disrespect the parent, you will lose brand loyalty for probably 3-5 families. Sign autographs, pose for pictures, listen patiently to silly stories. It really matters.

End of rant.