How to Sell to Fish. . .And People

Shad Schnenck

During a recent visit with relatives in rural Indiana, I was proudly shown a farming trade magazine (Seed & Crops Digest) that featured sales tips from a young man who married one of my favorite cousins. 

Besides being a highly successful seed corn salesman, cousin-in-law Shad Schnenck is on the professional bass fishing circuit. When Shad takes novice fishermen with him, he offers five tips that he guarantees will result in catching fish. 

Shad's 5-step fishing tutorial also applies to most business situations:

1.  The first and most important step to catching fish is having a good ATTITUDE...Mental Preparation.  "90% of all fisherman don't have the proper 'fishing attitude', so they don't catch fish," Shad said.  "Instead of relaxing and enjoying it, they take fishing too seriously and end up making poor decisions. 

2.  You need the right tools and equipment necessary to find, attract and land the fish you are targeting.  Shad said that fishing tools are designed to target and catch specific kinds of fish.  And one tool certainly does not fit all fish. 

3.  Be the first one in the water.  "The early bird gets the worm as well as the choice fishing spots." 

4.  Spend time on the water.  "You can't catch fish if you aren't fishing," he said.  In order to catch a lot of fish, you need to "fish a lot." 

5.  Make as many presentations as possible.  Once Shad arrives at his desired fishing location, he starts casting before the boat stops.  His cast is fast, smooth and effortless--all due to experience.  If the "presentation" (cast) doesn't work, he makes adjustments.