Jay Murakoshi
12-27-2007, 02:50 AM
It's not really about insomnia but since I can't sleep, I decided to throw out a question to you. I've been sitting here tying flies, working on invoices and the DVD (1:30am)
Ok, this is probably going to lengthy:
My question to you is...... what is your thought about becoming a travel guide or a travel advisor. As many of you know, I have taken over the baja destination from Fishabout this year. But we (Ken and I) have been doing this over 12 years. This year Ken decided to test other waters but I'm sticking with the baja gig since this is what I've wanted for years.
My length of stay usually runs from 6 weeks to 10 weeks and they are all back to back to back weeks. I usually have one group leave early afternoon and the next group arrives that evening. So in short, let's say in the 10 weeks I'm there, I might, just might get to fish 3 maybe 4 days. I run "hosted" trips but I guess it's not like other hosted trips. I know some people host trips and fish with the group, which is fine. But would you be able to stand the thought of just watching and instructing your clients on how to pull on the fish and land it without breaking the rod or would you rather be on the other side and pulling on the fish yourself. I know with some of my friends, it would be hard for them to just be standing in the boat not ripping lips. I sort of like cheerlead. So far, I've been fortunate, all my clients have been great, except for a couple. I think that's the worse thing that could happen on a trip. Where two people in the same boat/room can't get along. So you become the referee.
Now, a lot of people think this is a great life where you can fish and make big bucks or just bucks. Sure you can but do you really know what the bottom line is after every thing is paid for. For instance, let's say I make 25% profit (i'd love that) but now you take out for my airfare, transportation, meals, hotel room, etc......Oh yeah, those expenses come out of the profit. Opps there goes the 25%. But while at home, you have expenses like phone calls, postage, envelopes, stationary, kinko's (fliers, invoices, etc.), working all hours of the night (if your like me) and one thing you can't get rid of TAXES.
I know Keith is probably sitting back and smiling. He's been in this business a short time but he has done a fantastic job with all his travel destinations. I know he puts in a lot time at home doing work, returning phone calls, emails, etc... It's great to be young and energetic. He's been there and doing it.
I can think of more but need to tie more flies
Thanks for reading and let's hear your opinions
Jay
Ok, this is probably going to lengthy:
My question to you is...... what is your thought about becoming a travel guide or a travel advisor. As many of you know, I have taken over the baja destination from Fishabout this year. But we (Ken and I) have been doing this over 12 years. This year Ken decided to test other waters but I'm sticking with the baja gig since this is what I've wanted for years.
My length of stay usually runs from 6 weeks to 10 weeks and they are all back to back to back weeks. I usually have one group leave early afternoon and the next group arrives that evening. So in short, let's say in the 10 weeks I'm there, I might, just might get to fish 3 maybe 4 days. I run "hosted" trips but I guess it's not like other hosted trips. I know some people host trips and fish with the group, which is fine. But would you be able to stand the thought of just watching and instructing your clients on how to pull on the fish and land it without breaking the rod or would you rather be on the other side and pulling on the fish yourself. I know with some of my friends, it would be hard for them to just be standing in the boat not ripping lips. I sort of like cheerlead. So far, I've been fortunate, all my clients have been great, except for a couple. I think that's the worse thing that could happen on a trip. Where two people in the same boat/room can't get along. So you become the referee.
Now, a lot of people think this is a great life where you can fish and make big bucks or just bucks. Sure you can but do you really know what the bottom line is after every thing is paid for. For instance, let's say I make 25% profit (i'd love that) but now you take out for my airfare, transportation, meals, hotel room, etc......Oh yeah, those expenses come out of the profit. Opps there goes the 25%. But while at home, you have expenses like phone calls, postage, envelopes, stationary, kinko's (fliers, invoices, etc.), working all hours of the night (if your like me) and one thing you can't get rid of TAXES.
I know Keith is probably sitting back and smiling. He's been in this business a short time but he has done a fantastic job with all his travel destinations. I know he puts in a lot time at home doing work, returning phone calls, emails, etc... It's great to be young and energetic. He's been there and doing it.
I can think of more but need to tie more flies
Thanks for reading and let's hear your opinions
Jay