Fishing…Part 1 – Preparation

I love to fish! It could be a stream, a lake, off a peer, the ocean or even just a stocked pond where you’re almost guaranteed to catch something. I just love to fish.

I love the idea of going out there and selecting my tackle and understanding how different situations will make fish act differently. Whether it is open water or the fish are in cover such as a stump or some sort of vegetation or even a man-made reef, I love and appreciate the challenge.

I love being out in nature where I am often alone in my thoughts, even when I’m with other people. I have the chance to reflect, think, meditate and even pray. If I’m with others, I love the social aspect of the situation where we can chat and solve all the world’s problems as we’re getting our lines wet and trying to connect with the fish as well as connect with each other. I just love to fish.

I have been known to watch fishing channels early on Saturday morning TV when I’m not out on the water. I even listened to fishing reports on AM radio stations, on occasion, and get excited about what these fishing guides have to say.

I first fell in love with this activity when I was very small.  My grandpa and my dad would take me out to a stream in northern New Mexico to fish for trout. Since those early days, I’ve discovered many other places I enjoy fishing as well.

But mostly, I remember my grandpa and my dad‘s gentle dispositions as they guided my small hands over a rod and reel and showed me how to cast a perfect throw to entice a fish or just to get some practice.

Later on, my dad would take me fly fishing and that’s a different animal… literally! As I reflect now, I really miss those times as both my grandpa and my father are gone and are fishing together somewhere in heaven and enjoying a nice cup of coffee and a nice conversation.

But I digress as this post is really not about fishing – it is about preparation. You see, before you can fish you have to prepare. You have to research and know what you are getting into.

When I was young, all that was done for me. My dad just woke me up early on Saturday morning, we got in the car and we went fishing. Sometimes we camped and we were able to go fishing for multiple days. But everything was done for me in advance of the trip.

As I got older and went fishing on my own or with friends and later with my children, I realized there was a lot more to it than just showing up at the edge of water and thinking fish will magically appear on your line. And someday I plan to fish with my grandchildren and hope that they enjoy this activity as much as I do.

But let me be clear, for me, fishing is just not about fishing. It is about the experience! The entire experience which includes having the idea, planning the trip, making one or multiple trips to the tackle store, the actual act of fishing and finally reminiscing about the wonderful time later. If we happen to catch a fish or two, that’s a bonus, or as we say here in the South, “that’s the butter on the biscuit.”

As I said, part of the experience is preparation. I am generally a very impatient person.  I had to learn that most of the time fishing is about casting. reeling, thinking and mostly just waiting. Most days I catch little to nothing but that’s OK as I’m still fishing.

Back to the preparation. I learned that fishing requires a lot of forethought. I have learned that I find just as much joy in preparing for the trip as I have when I’m actually out on the water looking to hook the next big fish.  I enjoy researching the type of fish that I would be going after and studying the area where I will fish.  I enjoy going to the tackle shop so I can select my line, my bait, do any needed repairs on my reel and rod and overall, just get ready for the trip.

Now, I’m not a professional fisherman and I don’t have a lot of gear. I’m just a guy who once in a while gets to fish. But that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable for me when I fish.  Preparation is key if you want to be successful in fishing. If one goes out without preparing for the trip, fun will still be had, but it is more enjoyable when you are ready.

Did I mention that I love to fish?

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

It’s not hard to see how fishing is like running an online business or any business for that matter. You’re fishing for customers, you’re fishing for product, you’re fishing for opportunity, you’re just plain fishing.

Just like fishing, if you don’t enjoy what you are doing for a living, it’s going to be difficult to remain motivated and will make success that much harder to achieve. It may be just another chore and you may not do it as well as needed unless you truly look for the enjoyment of doing the work that will produce the success you desire.

Life is so much easier when like what you do. I love running my online business because of the satisfaction I get when I see the results of my efforts and when I succeed in delivering value to my customers.

However, it is vitally important to understand that preparation is necessary if we want to truly meet the needs of our customers. One must research their chosen niche. One must research customer’s needs.  One must research how they can provide the best value. And most importantly, one must know how to reach the customers.

There are many ways that one can reach a customer. One very successful way is short and long form videos using platforms such as TikTok or YouTube. I have chosen to begin using TikTok as a proven means of reaching customers on a consistent basis.

I started using this platform several months ago and took a short break from making videos as I just wasn’t comfortable enough to feel good about the product I was producing.  I was reluctant to admit that I was a little nervous about how I looked and sounded.

But I talked to my mentors and they gave me a gentle nudge to give it another try. I have also seen several of my colleagues experience success, despite any insecurities, and are they moving forward on this platform.

I believe it is time for me to cast my line into the deep waters of TikTok. I may be missing opportunities if I don’t give it a try. Now, I could just go out there and start posting videos and I might just get lucky. I might land a big one. Or, I could prepare and learn the platform and learn what others are doing successfully, making my chance of catching business easier and more efficient.

In last week’s blog post about collecting too many souvenir cups, I mentioned that I would be discussing a Viral Video Formula that was presented to me. Disclaimer – I did not come up with this, and this is not my material. I am using it to help me become successful.

This material was developed and refined by my mentor, Dean Holland, and has been used by several of my friends and colleagues. Click on: Sarah, Atif, and Allison (there are so many others, and I am so sorry I cannot include all my wonderful colleagues or this blog would never end). It can also be used in longer form videos such as done by my colleague and friend Kate. As I mentioned in last week’s blog, I have been preparing for fishing for business opportunities by watching TikTok videos so that I could see what other successful online marketers are doing. And these online marketers all have this Viral Video Formula in common.

The format is as follows:

1. The Hook: This is the most crucial part of the video, as it’s designed to grab attention in the first 3-5 seconds. It emphasizes creating curiosity or shock to stop the viewer from scrolling, ensuring they’re engaged enough to continue watching.
2. The Buildup: After hooking the viewer, you need to build anticipation. It focuses on storytelling here relating a personal anecdote or problem that keeps the audience interested. This section deepens the connection by laying the groundwork for the solution or big reveal.
3. The Delivery: This is where the core message or solution is presented. It needs to be clear, impactful, and directly address the viewer’s problem or need. It often ties this back to a personal or business experience, offering value while maintaining authenticity.
4. Call to Action (CTA): The video ends with a strong CTA. Whether it’s asking viewers to subscribe, share, or click a link, the CTA must be compelling and direct, encouraging immediate action.

By mastering these four steps—grabbing attention, building suspense, delivering valuable content, and encouraging action—This formula is designed to maximize engagement and drive results.

These steps are a blueprint for success. But for me they are not simple as these steps do not come natural to me. They must be practiced and they must be used on a regular basis in order for success to happen. I have decided to research each of the steps and utilize them appropriately.

So, I’m watching videos right now, I’m reaching out to colleagues and my mentor and I am planning on following the formula. I’m truly in preparation mode right now, but I’m not going to be using that as an excuse to not take action. I do believe that there is benefit to “on the job training.” I can prepare and practice at the same time. I am confident I will find success as I follow the format that has made so many other people successful.

Please come back for part two next week as I continue this conversation with you through this blog post.

All this fish talk has made me yearn for my next fishing opportunity. Before I go on that next adventure, I need to take some steps in order to get ready for that trip. So, you just might see me at the tackle shop soon.

“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” — Henry David Thoreau

“There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.” — Steven Wright

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

Why are fish so smart? Because they live in schools!

Why do fish always know how much they weigh? Because they have their own scales!

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

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