Mark: As a retired CPA I’ve worked with many business people for many years. The information in this video is priceless for any one who wants to be a pro fisherman or a small business owner. Knowledge of what you offer, honesty, communication skills, an out going personality, passion, enjoying the people you deal with and a personal drive to keep improving are all important and are needed to succeed. Knowing how to manage cash flow, sales and expenses is also a must, but not as glamorous. Thanks for educating all of us on what it takes to do what you do. I almost forgot to mention perseverance in good and bad times. Getting to where you are has not been easy. Don’t forget to smell the roses. God Bless!
I liked your comment about Anglers not being educated on the topic of matters of business. I had never thought of it that way and it is good commentary. Truth! We always fished AND went to school for business with the plan to build and run a fishing resort. We made sure to get our son into a school where he has to research and present 6 speeches a year so he can hone that craft. Since kindergarten he has done about 30 speeches in front of up to 100 people. Why? Simply because the importance of being able to talk to an audience is KEY. Thanks for the knowledge drop. Keep looking down for fish!
Just got my first sponsorship and a lot of what your saying is definitely true. Especially when speaking. Nothing is more awkward than being uncomfortable making a video or even Infront of other people that may look up to you. Get comfortable and be confident in all you do and it’ll get you far cause it sure has for me. I will be taking your advice for sure Mark as I advance in my fishing career. Thank you.
I'm new to fishing and 33 years old so I feel like I'm years behind the curve. I love bass fishing and hope I can continue to grow my skill set. Thank you for the tips.
I love watching videos on how to get sponsored, I love the way you explained it. I love fishing and Sharing my fishing experiences in Texas. I tried reaching out to couple companies but no response. But like fishing you never know what cast it’s going to be before you hook up! You never know what day it is that you will receive great news on a company that wants to sponsor you. Thanks for the video!!!!!!👊🏽
Great video and thanks for the tips. I'm a little to old to start now, wish I had known I could have been a professional fisherman 30 years ago!!! This is really a great video for the younger people, the kids in highschool and even younger now. The public speaking part, myself personally it got so much easier the older I got and being in the Marine Corps when I was a young man sure helped with that also, one thing that I learned is the more you know about the subject you speaking on be it fishing or roofing to selling anything will make public speaking so much easier. It gives you the confidence to talk to people. And when you know what your talking about makes it so so much easier! Good luck tomorrow and good luck with the rest of the year. Stay safe out there on and off the water. Semper Fi from an old Marine!
Thanks Mark, the wisdom in what you are saying is so useful for not only trying to gain sponsorship but in life. Thanks for taking the time. NOW GO GET EM
Excellent advice Mark! I recently did a video on my channel on how to get sponsorship for the average angler. I’m talking the smaller channels hitting that bank and trying to break out. You hit on the most important bit of advice - it’s not all about YOU. Companies want to know what you can do for them and what relationship mutually benefits both parties. If you don’t believe in a product or a manufacturer, what will make them believe in YOU? Honesty and integrity is as much a part of it as it is in any relationship. That’s exactly what sponsorship is - a relationship/partnership that ultimately speaks to the fans and followers of both the company and the individual. Anyone can promote a product, but it’s what you BELIEVE in that makes all the difference in the world and drives that relationship forward.
Love this video. I'm going to take this path. put in the time and then approach my favorite companies when I can bring value to the table. Preach my man!
Excellent point about taking a Public Speaking class (either High School or College); it will help you learn to organize your thoughts for quicker/briefer interactions (making them more impactful) and will help to ensure your message is efficiently delivered. Love the channel; thanks for sharing your knowledge
What people get twisted too is “pro” staff doesn’t mean professional staff it mean promotional staff. I have sponsors from big names to local bait makers just because of my social media platform and the representation of the products on local wins. I’m not a pro by any means but i learned how to promote what I believe in. Good info MJD all facts bro.
Seen your beautiful wife on the lake fork videos. That's the most important person in the support system my friend. Good for you bud! Good luck in everything you do Mark!
men I believe in you bro. i been watching you for min..like what you rock with good advice I'm just a guy that want to know how to fish BETTER.. AN YOU DO SPEAK WELL....GOOD JOB.
Very cool. There is more to pro fishing than just catching fish. It's like being self-employed. Budgeting,organization, marketing and sales come into play if you want to stay.
Great tips Mark and truly appreciate it. Bow about a topic of getting more minorities in the sport. Its a very sensitive subject that tends to get misconstrued and frowned up but one that needs to be discussed.
Good info. I dont see many anglers with the long term sponsor partnerships. I see angler X move reel companies every year or angler Y move boat sponsor every year. I get it, its money. Same with a ball player moving from team to team for money. Its what buys boat gas when you missed the cut but still have 1000 miles to the next tournament. I’ve never bought a fishing product just because I saw angler X use it knowing he will be using a different brand next time the sponsorship expires and brand Y has a better deal.
Mark your truly an inspiration. You've really been such a positive role model to me. I've always dreamed of being a professional angler. What would be your advice for a guy from Mississippi wanting to live the dream.
Great tips, your positive attitude always shines through no matter the circumstances as to what we see anyway that's 1 reason you have so many subscribers!👍
Now I’m not a professional angler but I was a recruiter for the military where I had to give presentations and meet people that would make most people uncomfortable. When I left the military those speaking skills were put to use as I had to speak to corporate CEO’s and those that worked for them. I like you would recommend a course or two to anyone who may find they need to represent any company.
Another great video. I fish for fun but the up and coming tournament anglers should pay close attention to you. I live in Bill Lewis's hometown and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you smoke your groups qualifying at stage one. I see your not playing around in Alabama either! Thanks bro and God bless!!
Great video as always brotha... one off question is how come you and the Boyz are t in eachothers videos for Lake Fork like everyother Stage videos? Not trying to be too personal but my son and I watch all your videos, and DC, and Wheeler and noticed you weren't in any of their lake fork videos. No matter what hope all is well
Man thank you for the advice. I’m just getting out and getting starting my outdoor channel and this will help so much. Thanks man and good luck this week.
Thanks for the time you took to make this video. I'm not a pro fisherman, but I do make custom jigs, spinners and buzz baits. I have no desire to compete with the big box bait makers. How can I reach the pros and work with them on custom level? Is that even a thing?
Important question.. The term being able to "Read The Water" for bass fishing.. I have a slight idea of what it means, But from your pro opinion what does it mean and How do you do it?
I realize this question Is off topic but, I was reading your (fg) knot tying vid. How long is Typical lead, seems to me it shouldn't be much. Lastly, does it matter which is your main line? I figure it truly doesn't matter, or does it? Inquiring minds wanna know.
Hello Mark. Joe Gonzales from the TBF SoCal Region. I'm the amputee angler and have met you but you may not remember it's been so long. I have an incredible hard bait idea that surprisingly is not out yet. This is perfect for Bill Lewis baits. I have kept this secret for years! Out of anyone I choose you to help me launch this. Ready to make some serious money? This is no joke. Hit me back sir. Thank you. Joe Oh and I have no social media at all. You are the very first channel I have subscribed to and needed my son's help to do it lol.
I got my first sponsorship by getting paired with a guy in a BFL. It spawned into a great relationship and I ended up with 5 major companies. They were only product sponsorships but I also got all expenses paid trips to the Classic and the Forrest Wood Cup. Companies are pretty stingy these days so it can be tough. You got to be ready to work for that company, if not you will be gone quickly.
Good advice. Use what you sponsor. It doesn't have to be the only thing you ese, but people can tell if you are pushing a product only because you have a contract.
Right now I drive a truck for a living. My long term goal is to fish for a living, not necessarily Tournament angler although that would be the best fit for me. I am 50 years old, kind of late in the game. I don’t have a boat so I’m stuck to either being a co angler or a bank fisherman at this point. So I guess my question is how do I get started with what I got to work with. Also, I’d like to know how long it took you to make the transition from a sport angler to fishing full time for a living?
Mark: As a retired CPA I’ve worked with many business people for many years. The information in this video is priceless for any one who wants to be a pro fisherman or a small business owner. Knowledge of what you offer, honesty, communication skills, an out going personality, passion, enjoying the people you deal with and a personal drive to keep improving are all important and are needed to succeed. Knowing how to manage cash flow, sales and expenses is also a must, but not as glamorous. Thanks for educating all of us on what it takes to do what you do. I almost forgot to mention perseverance in good and bad times. Getting to where you are has not been easy. Don’t forget to smell the roses. God Bless!
I'm here for the knowledge
Always an interesting topic man, I like the way your broke it down 👊
Does your wife know you have 14 partners 🍿😆 great vid, now I don’t have to make it!
Thanks for the advice, i love how you interact with the fishing community instead of having a "watch and learn" attitude.
keep up the good work young man you Representing well
I liked your comment about Anglers not being educated on the topic of matters of business. I had never thought of it that way and it is good commentary. Truth! We always fished AND went to school for business with the plan to build and run a fishing resort. We made sure to get our son into a school where he has to research and present 6 speeches a year so he can hone that craft. Since kindergarten he has done about 30 speeches in front of up to 100 people. Why? Simply because the importance of being able to talk to an audience is KEY. Thanks for the knowledge drop. Keep looking down for fish!
Just got my first sponsorship and a lot of what your saying is definitely true. Especially when speaking. Nothing is more awkward than being uncomfortable making a video or even Infront of other people that may look up to you. Get comfortable and be confident in all you do and it’ll get you far cause it sure has for me. I will be taking your advice for sure Mark as I advance in my fishing career. Thank you.
I'm new to fishing and 33 years old so I feel like I'm years behind the curve. I love bass fishing and hope I can continue to grow my skill set. Thank you for the tips.
Public speaking is a must!
IT IS "IMPERATIVE"....WHEN HE USED THAT WORD I THOUGHT OF YOU....LOL....LOOK DOWN IN THE COMMENT'S AND THERE YOU ARE.....LOL
100%. If your first question to a potential sponsor isn’t “What can I do for you?” Then you don’t deserve to be given anything.
Your boat wrap is the sharpest one I have seen. Love it
Keep the videos pumping, Mark. We love them
I love watching videos on how to get sponsored, I love the way you explained it. I love fishing and Sharing my fishing experiences in Texas. I tried reaching out to couple companies but no response. But like fishing you never know what cast it’s going to be before you hook up! You never know what day it is that you will receive great news on a company that wants to sponsor you. Thanks for the video!!!!!!👊🏽
Great video and thanks for the tips. I'm a little to old to start now, wish I had known I could have been a professional fisherman 30 years ago!!! This is really a great video for the younger people, the kids in highschool and even younger now. The public speaking part, myself personally it got so much easier the older I got and being in the Marine Corps when I was a young man sure helped with that also, one thing that I learned is the more you know about the subject you speaking on be it fishing or roofing to selling anything will make public speaking so much easier. It gives you the confidence to talk to people. And when you know what your talking about makes it so so much easier! Good luck tomorrow and good luck with the rest of the year. Stay safe out there on and off the water. Semper Fi from an old Marine!
What a great guy. I met him in person today on Smith Lake in Alabama. Class Act !!!
Very informative MDJ! Just shared it in my Facebook groups good work fam
Absolute Legend! keep up the good work MDJ LESSGOOOOOO!!
MDJ is A Information Guru. I appreciate all the info big dawg. 💪🏽💪🏽
Thanks for the advice and taking the time, enjoyed the content. Best of luck at Smith Lake!🎣🇺🇸👍🏻
Thanks Mark, the wisdom in what you are saying is so useful for not only trying to gain sponsorship but in life. Thanks for taking the time. NOW GO GET EM
Great video for the young people. Good job. I enjoy watching your videos. Good luck this year and safe travels.
Excellent advice Mark! I recently did a video on my channel on how to get sponsorship for the average angler. I’m talking the smaller channels hitting that bank and trying to break out.
You hit on the most important bit of advice - it’s not all about YOU. Companies want to know what you can do for them and what relationship mutually benefits both parties. If you don’t believe in a product or a manufacturer, what will make them believe in YOU? Honesty and integrity is as much a part of it as it is in any relationship. That’s exactly what sponsorship is - a relationship/partnership that ultimately speaks to the fans and followers of both the company and the individual.
Anyone can promote a product, but it’s what you BELIEVE in that makes all the difference in the world and drives that relationship forward.
Great advice. Wish someone had this talk with me 30 years ago
Your a great guy MDJ, biggest thing people need to work on is public speaking. Confidence is key!
Thank you for taking the time and put this out there. Good luck on stage 3
Thanks for your sponsorships! I will be checking the mail! 📦 🤣🤣 Great Work Today!
MDJ you definitely spoke the facts on this video.
Love the video. I watched you today live coming in 6th so far. Keep up the good work!
Great video MDJ, i love the travel blogs also with you and DC and JDUW
Love this video. I'm going to take this path. put in the time and then approach my favorite companies when I can bring value to the table. Preach my man!
You killed it today dude 😂😂😂
Excellent point about taking a Public Speaking class (either High School or College); it will help you learn to organize your thoughts for quicker/briefer interactions (making them more impactful) and will help to ensure your message is efficiently delivered.
Love the channel; thanks for sharing your knowledge
Thanks Mark! Enjoy your channel.
What people get twisted too is “pro” staff doesn’t mean professional staff it mean promotional staff. I have sponsors from big names to local bait makers just because of my social media platform and the representation of the products on local wins. I’m not a pro by any means but i learned how to promote what I believe in. Good info MJD all facts bro.
Seen your beautiful wife on the lake fork videos. That's the most important person in the support system my friend. Good for you bud! Good luck in everything you do Mark!
Glad you spoke on the public speaking class part. Awesome information for beginning anglers
Great Video! Lots of good information. Thank you for sharing!
MJD always coming with a different perspective. Much apprieciated. I never thought about sponsorships. I agree you have to love the product.
I learned something, my takeaway is to just be true to yourself. You keep it 💯. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing. God bless you and your Family.
men I believe in you bro. i been watching you for min..like what you rock with good advice I'm just a guy that want to know how to fish BETTER.. AN YOU DO SPEAK WELL....GOOD JOB.
Very cool. There is more to pro fishing than just catching fish. It's like being self-employed. Budgeting,organization, marketing and sales come into play if you want to stay.
Great advice!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the Advice I really need this
Tell us how the switch to Googan happened. I’m a fan of it and loving the Florida videos.
Thankyou 🙏🏽 ill be sure to put these tips to work 💯 Googan im coming ✌🏽
Way to battle strong today MDJ. Good job!!
you're a good dude MDJ. love the advise
Thank you for doing this video. Good information
Great tips and insight. Good luck I’ve got you on my fantasy team so catch’em.
Keep it up. Good luck in the tournament
Great tips Mark and truly appreciate it. Bow about a topic of getting more minorities in the sport. Its a very sensitive subject that tends to get misconstrued and frowned up but one that needs to be discussed.
First thing you need to be a great awesome fisherman like yourself and win some tourneys! MDJ! 👍
that volume jump at 2:58 tho.. lmao went from 0 to 100, amazing vid tho bro!
Another outstanding video. Great that you reach out and pass on the knowledge you have worked hard to gather.
Definitely have quite a few of those messages from me 😂 You definitely need to make a small series out of this!!! Great knowledge!!!💯💪🏾🎣
Great video and tips thanks MDJ
Nicely done. Thank you. I love your content!
Thank you Mark for the good info,
Good info. I dont see many anglers with the long term sponsor partnerships. I see angler X move reel companies every year or angler Y move boat sponsor every year. I get it, its money. Same with a ball player moving from team to team for money. Its what buys boat gas when you missed the cut but still have 1000 miles to the next tournament. I’ve never bought a fishing product just because I saw angler X use it knowing he will be using a different brand next time the sponsorship expires and brand Y has a better deal.
Mark your truly an inspiration. You've really been such a positive role model to me. I've always dreamed of being a professional angler. What would be your advice for a guy from Mississippi wanting to live the dream.
Appreciate you! Good luck tomorrow!
Great tips, your positive attitude always shines through no matter the circumstances as to what we see anyway that's 1 reason you have so many subscribers!👍
Now I’m not a professional angler but I was a recruiter for the military where I had to give presentations and meet people that would make most people uncomfortable. When I left the military those speaking skills were put to use as I had to speak to corporate CEO’s and those that worked for them. I like you would recommend a course or two to anyone who may find they need to represent any company.
Thanks, Mark. Solid tips!
Whats the best crankin/chatter bait rod besides the rush from favorite
Another great video. I fish for fun but the up and coming tournament anglers should pay close attention to you. I live in Bill Lewis's hometown and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you smoke your groups qualifying at stage one. I see your not playing around in Alabama either! Thanks bro and God bless!!
Thanks mdj definitely helpful been wondering about the sponsorship deal love watching you on the tournament level good luck at smith lake
Great video as always brotha... one off question is how come you and the Boyz are t in eachothers videos for Lake Fork like everyother Stage videos? Not trying to be too personal but my son and I watch all your videos, and DC, and Wheeler and noticed you weren't in any of their lake fork videos. No matter what hope all is well
Are u planning on being at the regional in early may, grand lake?
GOOD MORNING let's get ip the leader board have a great successful day.
Excellent advice!
Man thank you for the advice. I’m just getting out and getting starting my outdoor channel and this will help so much. Thanks man and good luck this week.
Keep it up bro doing a good job!
Thanks for the time you took to make this video. I'm not a pro fisherman, but I do make custom jigs, spinners and buzz baits. I have no desire to compete with the big box bait makers. How can I reach the pros and work with them on custom level? Is that even a thing?
Important question.. The term being able to "Read The Water" for bass fishing.. I have a slight idea of what it means, But from your pro opinion what does it mean and How do you do it?
Great info !
Great info! Appreciate you!
Good stuff!
Love the advice!!
Great video great advice
I am a co-angler on the BFL,just started a couple years ago. I would I approach company’s to get sponsors?
Love your videos
My man’s is gonna go from 14 sponsors to 30 after these impeccable words!
Very good my brother thanks
I realize this question Is off topic but, I was reading your (fg) knot tying vid.
How long is Typical lead, seems to me it shouldn't be much.
Lastly, does it matter which is your main line?
I figure it truly doesn't matter, or does it?
Inquiring minds wanna know.
Hello Mark. Joe Gonzales from the TBF SoCal Region. I'm the amputee angler and have met you but you may not remember it's been so long. I have an incredible hard bait idea that surprisingly is not out yet. This is perfect for Bill Lewis baits. I have kept this secret for years! Out of anyone I choose you to help me launch this. Ready to make some serious money? This is no joke. Hit me back sir. Thank you. Joe
Oh and I have no social media at all. You are the very first channel I have subscribed to and needed my son's help to do it lol.
Great video one day I would like to be pro bass fisherman you don't see many African American pro anglers thanks for everything God bless.
As always thanks for the info. At 62 I'd still like to reach your level.
Good looks!
Great job brother
Great video dude.
Wish you was at Bassmaster Classic this yr.woukd have like to meet you
I'm waiting on the Jordan sponsorship for you and B. Lat
I got my first sponsorship by getting paired with a guy in a BFL. It spawned into a great relationship and I ended up with 5 major companies. They were only product sponsorships but I also got all expenses paid trips to the Classic and the Forrest Wood Cup. Companies are pretty stingy these days so it can be tough. You got to be ready to work for that company, if not you will be gone quickly.
Good Advice
Good stuff👊🏻👊🏻
Good advice. Use what you sponsor. It doesn't have to be the only thing you ese, but people can tell if you are pushing a product only because you have a contract.
Right now I drive a truck for a living. My long term goal is to fish for a living, not necessarily Tournament angler although that would be the best fit for me. I am 50 years old, kind of late in the game. I don’t have a boat so I’m stuck to either being a co angler or a bank fisherman at this point. So I guess my question is how do I get started with what I got to work with. Also, I’d like to know how long it took you to make the transition from a sport angler to fishing full time for a living?
You da man!