Post by: Mr Straight Ball on December 06, 2007, 03:10:05 AM
Why do companies sign people without ACCOMPLISHMENTS to justify why they are on staff. Please don't tell me that someone with no bowling knowledge but works in the pro shop is enough to be on staff. If I am wrong then tell me!
Don't say because I work at a pro shop, I can influence sales. When Joe Bowler comes to buy a ball, you better sell them whatever keeps the lights on in the shop, I know all about the business.
--------------------
STAY
FF MY BL
CK!...Mr. Straight Ball prays his ball will hook one day!
40 Boards & A Ball
Is your ball ready to cross 40 Boards?
http://WWW.40BOARDS.COM
Edited on 12/6/2007 12:10 PM
Post by: DP3 on December 06, 2007, 12:09:36 PM
--------------------
-DJ Marshall
...The Twelve In a Row Pro Shop. Hyattsville, MD
Coach: University of Maryland Baltimore County Mens Bowling
Post by: wildbush300 on December 06, 2007, 12:52:10 PM
Some of these Squatters Rights Staffers are making these good balls look really bad. Does a bowling resume mean anything? Shoot, half of these people cant even say, League Champion in their profile let alone Tournament Champion.
We are not even gonna speak on those who lie about being on Staff because they can go to an embroidery shop and have Storm put on a Kohl's Shirt....LMAO
--------------------
Yvette Ford
Tournament Director Triple Threat Tournaments
Triplethreat1560@aol.com
December 2, 2007 Greenway Bowl Odenton,MD
$1200 1st Place $80 Entry Fee
Post by: Bill Thomas on December 06, 2007, 03:40:06 PM
Any place I can find some results from your Dec. 2 tournament?
Post by: Mike L on December 06, 2007, 04:03:43 PM
Its not how good (or in some cases bad) you are, its who you know! and thats really what it comes down to. If it went on bowling ability and accomplishments, there'd be a handful of the area guys that wouldnt be representing anyone!
(maybe one day ill be good enough:cool
)--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: Mike L on December 06, 2007, 05:04:24 PM
There are alot of guys here that are on staff for various reasons, but whats sad is very few of those reasons have to do with bowling ability. Some are because of proshops (which i still dont get because i run a center in front royal and i cant remember ever selling a ball because it looks good in my hands), but most of the contracts given out, at least in this area are because of who you know. I am in no way saying these guys shouldnt sign the contracts, theyd be dumb not to, MSB is saying why are the companies giving them to these guys? Im not bragging at all but if it went on bowling ability and accomplishments, i think i might get a vote or 2 to get on someones staff, but have never been approached by a company. A couple guys tried to get me on roto-grip but i dont even think i got looked at, but im fine with that, but it does get a lil frustrating sometimes knowing a guy that can't lace my shoes has a contract and gets free stuff and i have to go bust my azz at work and bowling to buy new equipment.
mike l
--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: cgilyeat on December 07, 2007, 04:27:29 AM
quote:
We are not even gonna speak on those who lie about being on Staff because they can go to an embroidery shop and have Storm put on a Kohl's Shirt....LMAO
--------------------
Yvette Ford
Tournament Director Triple Threat Tournaments
Triplethreat1560@aol.com
December 2, 2007 Greenway Bowl Odenton,MD
$1200 1st Place $80 Entry Fee
Yvette, are you saying that anyone who wears a manufactures name/logo on their shirt wants you to think they are on that companies staff? I don't think that's the case, a lot of bowlers wear logo shirts because they can, not because they want you to think they are on someone's staff.
Post by: wabullets on December 07, 2007, 09:31:45 AM
You should not have much of a problem getting on a staff if YOU choose to. They are NOT coming to look for you, YOU look for them. It is getting like getting a "job". You have to apply for it. Send a company of your choice your bowling resume. Your tournament victories, # of 300's and 800's you have in sanctioned competition, other bowling accomplishments.....and in your position of being a Manager of a bowling center and respected bowler, you do have a plus in being able to influence sales. Let the ball company know how you can push their product, generate extra sales and you would almost be a shoe in with out your bowling accomplishment.
Post by: wabullets on December 07, 2007, 10:45:27 AM
Now to the jealous player who has no ball contract and does not have the means to push product, yes, that is part of the problem. If all you can do is go to a ball company and say I got 12 300's and 4 800's and won a local scratch tourney last week, what is that doing for the ball company? In today's enviornment, that person is a dime a dozen.
Edited on 12/7/2007 11:46 AM
Edited on 12/7/2007 11:47 AM
Post by: I_Bowl4Money on December 07, 2007, 10:45:45 AM
I could name a half-a-dozen people on various staffs in our DC/MD/VA area....
To answer Mr. Baker's question -- I represent BANGER BOWLING.
--------------------
Stephen Hahn
Edited on 12/7/2007 11:46 AM
Post by: Mike L on December 07, 2007, 09:08:10 PM
Ok now ive sent it out to storm, ebonite, and roto-grip and all said the same exact thing, not at this time and i sent them in december when contracts run out. Now say i knew someone that had a influence on who got signed then maybe id be on, and thats my whole point, ITS WHO YOU KNOW NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE!
And you are absolutely correct, it is like a job. Now lets say 2 equal candidates apply and one has a lil more skills, but the other ones best friend works for that company, who do you think is gonna get that job? 99/100 will goto the underskilled individual.
Trust me it doesnt bother me at all not to be on, as a matter of fact in this day of technology too many companies make good pieces to actually be limited to throw only certain stuff, it just makes you wonder why and how some guys are on staff, no matter if its advisory, amateur, test, or any other type of staff
--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: DP3 on December 07, 2007, 10:32:44 PM
--------------------
-DJ Marshall
...The Twelve In a Row Pro Shop. Hyattsville, MD
Coach: University of Maryland Baltimore County Mens Bowling
Post by: I_Bowl4Money on December 08, 2007, 09:25:02 PM
quote:
If someone really wants to be on a staff, can't they pay Banger bowling to put them on their Amateur staff?
That's funny!
--------------------
Stephen Hahn
Post by: pop_1 on December 08, 2007, 09:45:04 PM
Post by: Rev_O on December 08, 2007, 09:47:56 PM
--------------------
Rev-O
Post by: pop_1 on December 08, 2007, 09:51:21 PM
quote:
The thing that kills me is those bowlers that 'think' they can bowl 'think' they deserve a contract or should get free bowling balls. No one owes you anything.
--------------------
Ric Hamlin
Pacific Northwest Product Specialist
Brunswick Bowling
AKA "Rico" and L.I.M.O.M.
Post by: Rev_O on December 08, 2007, 09:53:02 PM
quote:
The thing that kills me is those bowlers that 'think' they can bowl 'think' they deserve a contract or should get free bowling balls. No one owes you anything.
--------------------
Ric Hamlin
Pacific Northwest Product Specialist
Brunswick Bowling
AKA "Rico" and L.I.M.O.M.
Ric,
You are so right with this answer. I know a few people that are pretty good bowlers, but their lack of personality, or less than par attitude is what keeps then from being a player. I know when I was on staff with Track, I would go OUT OF MY WAY to help any bowler in any part of their game. In result, I sold a ton of balls and other equipment, Track or not. People today just don't get it, It's all gimme gimme gimme!!!
--------------------
Rev-O
Edited on 12/8/2007 10:54 PM
Post by: Mike L on December 08, 2007, 09:58:26 PM
btw
Being able to strike all day, means absolutely nothing if you don't know how to adjust and adapt and perform in the clutch, in my opinion
--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: Mike L on December 08, 2007, 10:02:57 PM
And by no means am I saying anyone owes me anything, I earn everything I get!
--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: northface28 on December 08, 2007, 10:38:13 PM
quote:
how about yall name some names on who yall feel should not have a contract and why
Yeah, cause thats going to happen. The east-coast is littered with bowlers like this and their "back-biting" ways (specifically Maryland). Some of you use the cloak of anonymity when describing the "alleged offenders". But, personally, I am willing to bet you will "pal around" and "ham it up" with these same men/women the next time you encounter them.
--------------------
Make history or sit back and watch it. -EV
Post by: wildbush300 on December 10, 2007, 10:45:50 AM
I was not saying just because they wear the Ball companies logo on a shirt, I was just referencing a particular instance. Alot of folks can get those shirts from online, ball companies and ebay, however there are some folks that like to throw a particular company and say they are on staff and really are not. They had the shirts made up by an embroidery store.
--------------------
Yvette Ford
Tournament Director Triple Threat Tournaments
Triplethreat1560@aol.com
Post by: sdbowler on December 10, 2007, 11:03:59 AM
As far as the who you know aspect I agree but disagree with that. I have a friend who is on Brunswicks amatuer staff and also know someone in Sioux Falls who is on their staff. Also got to know a former product specialist who now works in a different area for Brunswick. So saying that it should be problem getting a contract if it is all in who you know right? Wrong just because I know these people does not mean I will get a contract. Yeah I can get people to buy equipment as well. When I was using Track I got a lot of people to switch over to Track. Now that I am usning Brunswick I have got a lot of people to get Brunswick equipment.
--------------------
Brunswick
Kyle
Post by: wildbush300 on December 10, 2007, 11:13:44 AM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The east-coast is littered with bowlers like this and their "back-biting" ways (specifically Maryland)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I beg to differ, East-Coast specifically Maryland... get over limiting yourself. This is pretty much universal. Just because you dont agree with the decision to put particular people on staff has nothing to do with whether you like " these men/women" so to pal around or to Ham it up... as you say, has nothing to do with each other.
There are alot of folks that you like as people but have no respect for them as bowlers... example: Sandbaggers! There are also people that you respect as bowlers that you feel are a piece of Crap outside of the bowling centers.
In my opinion, Ball Companies should put people on staff that have a definite bowling resume, charismatic personality, Effective communication skills and knowledge about the game and the equipment. Exposure in League Play ( not just to "pop in" for a sub-spot to make quick cash) and youth bowling volunteer hours should also be included. Maybe I am just too naive..
--------------------
Yvette Ford
Tournament Director Triple Threat Tournaments
Triplethreat1560@aol.com
Post by: sdbowler on December 10, 2007, 11:31:44 AM
--------------------
Brunswick
Kyle
Post by: CBass1724 on December 10, 2007, 01:26:38 PM
quote:
Take me for example I have had one 300 game no 800 series. I don't compete in tournaments due to not being able to afford them. Should that keep me away from a ball contract?
--------------------
Brunswick
Kyle
Yes it should absolutely keep you away from getting one.
In my opinion, you absolutely need the 300's, 800's, and tournament wins to get a ball contract. If you have one, you are representing that company while you are bowling. Wouldn't people be more inclined to purchase equipment from that company if the person throwing it was a good bowler, shoots high scores, AND wins tournaments?
I outnumber you by far in 300's and 800's as well as tournament wins but would never consider myself a candidate for a ball contract. I by far do not have enough accomplishments, nor do I throw the ball well enough to deserve one. I am realistic about my abilities, or lack thereof, and don't sit around fantasizing about earning that ball contract.
--------------------
C.J.
Tournament Bowling Donator
http://www.isuckatbowling.com
Edited on 12/10/2007 2:27 PM
Post by: wildbush300 on December 10, 2007, 01:33:35 PM
Thanks for your reply, but yes that means that you may not be a candidate for a ball contract. There should be definite requirements to be under a ball contract. Some of these requirements may differ due to Demographics. In some cases a ball company may deem it unnecessary to have a staffer in your area. That is what Straightball was hinting at, that just anyone off the street should not get a ball contract.
To Everyone!
Can someone give some of the contractual committments that are in some of these deals? Is it just to solely throw that ball company or is it some other incentives that have to take place. I know there are different types of staffers. Do anyone know what makes these various staffers any different?
--------------------
Yvette Ford
Tournament Director Triple Threat Tournaments
Triplethreat1560@aol.com
Post by: sdbowler on December 10, 2007, 01:35:04 PM
--------------------
Brunswick
Kyle
Post by: Dbum on December 10, 2007, 06:07:27 PM
You have alot of good bowlers in the area that can very well be good staffer Mike L is one of them, but you have to do the work yourself. I do know some people on staff that does absolutely nothing except say you should get one of these because they hook and those people are not respected enough in our area.
--------------------
Darnell "DBum" Bell
Post by: Mike L on December 10, 2007, 09:45:41 PM
), that its not really a big deal, but it would be nice to at least get considered by companies--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: Dbum on December 10, 2007, 10:21:22 PM
--------------------
Darnell "DBum" Bell
Post by: walt8398 on December 11, 2007, 09:28:32 AM
If I were a ball rep, bowling accomplishments, knowledge of the game and personality would be a big deciding factor for me.
As for the people in the area that are on staff, you guys/girls need to get out and get recognized as a representative of your respective companies. Getting free/discounted equipment doesn't do the ball manufacturer any good if your not out competing with their equipment, PERIOD!
--------------------
Tony Walton
Columbia 300 Regional/Amateur Staff Member
VMSBT Tournament Director
http://www.vmsbt.com
Edited on 12/11/2007 10:29 AM
Edited on 12/11/2007 10:30 AM
Post by: Dbum on December 11, 2007, 09:47:23 AM
--------------------
Darnell "DBum" Bell
Post by: Mr Straight Ball on December 11, 2007, 09:58:08 AM
If someone hears, "THIS BALL HOOKS", a shop can sell a million of them! If you don't believe me, just look at all the heavy oil pieces people use in league on a medium oil condition. LOL Telling people a ball hooks off the lane is the fastest way to clear them off of the shelves.
It's funny to me that a ball company would actually listen to a pro shop owner and put people on staff. My driller is WAY smarter then all of those in pro shop industry committed to throwing one ball company. He gets balls from most of the companies thanks to him establishing a rapport with the different company representatives. Now that is using your pro shop connection to your benefit!
--------------------
STAY
FF MY BLCK!...Mr. Straight Ball prays his ball will hook one day!
40 Boards & A Ball
Is your ball ready to cross 40 Boards?
http://WWW.40BOARDS.COM
Edited on 12/11/2007 11:03 AM
Post by: walt8398 on December 11, 2007, 10:05:16 AM
Storm
Brian Cavey
Chris Johnson
Roto Grip
Tony Chapman
Brian Skinner
Hammer
Greg Turner
Ebonite
Jim Lewis
Frazier Atkinson
Derek Petty
Banger Bowling
Stephen Hahn
Columbia 300
Kenny Lane
Yours Truly
--------------------
Tony Walton
Columbia 300 Regional/Amateur Staff Member
VMSBT Tournament Director
http://www.vmsbt.com
Post by: Dbum on December 11, 2007, 10:08:21 AM
I don't know his name but there is a guy in Guru's pro shop at capital plaza said he was on Columbia 300 staff. I don't know what level.
--------------------
Darnell "DBum" Bell
Post by: LAStrikesALot on December 11, 2007, 12:36:40 PM
quote:I don't think the thread is really about pointing fingers at who someone thinks should or should not be on staff. Its not an attempt to "hide" behind a computer either. For one, some of us participating in this thread know everyone who is posting anyway, so there is no anonymity to speak of. I think the thread is about why the ball companies take on some folks with limited accomplishments which is clearly provable by looking at a bowling resume, perusing tournament entries/results, looking at league rosters, and checking out bowl.com for honor scores.
how about yall name some names on who yall feel should not have a contract and why
It was said that yes, a company should want a person because they do a good job at their job. When you get hired at a company, do not you submit a resume? Do not you interview? You don't show up to Microsoft corporation with 5 years experience dropping fries at McDonald's and land a great job. You have to PROVE that you can do the job well...
I don't have an MBA, but logic tells me that a ball company would be smart to give deals to folks that can actually influence the sale of the products being pushed, and someone that bowls 2 leagues a week and 2 tournaments a year isn't really giving the product the exposure that my common sense tells me is necessary to influence the sale of the ball.
Furthermore it was said that "saying a ball hooks" can really influence a sale. I don't claim to be the majority at all, but I know that I'm not listening to just anyone on how well a ball will react. Here's an example: some people posting on this thread are out bowling every weekend, and they are seeing a wide variety of conditions. Now, if a person feels like they need a ball to target a specific condition, how is a staffer that is not out bowling anything supposed to recommend a particular ball for particular conditions that they don't even see? Case in point: Chris Barnes is on a video saying the Rival is his 80% ball because he can use it on 80% of the conditions he plays on. But I know he plays on quite a few different conditions laid down on quite a few different surfaces. How is the same person who bowls league 2 nights a week going to tell me the same thing and have it carry any weight for me? I mean, you use it 80% of the time in league? At a center that 80% of the time is the same?
My side hurts from the comedy...
--------------------
Latise Parker
40 Boards & A Ball
www.40boards.com
Edited on 12/11/2007 1:37 PM
Edited on 12/11/2007 1:38 PM
Edited on 12/11/2007 1:41 PM
Post by: LAStrikesALot on December 11, 2007, 12:46:16 PM
--------------------
Latise Parker
40 Boards & A Ball
www.40boards.com
Post by: northface28 on December 11, 2007, 12:56:17 PM
quote:
Here is a list of local staffers. Please feel free to add if I miss any.
Storm
Brian Cavey
Chris Johnson
Roto Grip
Tony Chapman
Brian Skinner
Hammer
Greg Turner
Ebonite
Jim Lewis
Frazier Atkinson
Derek Petty
Banger Bowling
Stephen Hahn
Columbia 300
Kenny Lane
Yours Truly
--------------------
Tony Walton
Columbia 300 Regional/Amateur Staff Member
VMSBT Tournament Director
http://www.vmsbt.com
What does this data prove? Most, if not all of the bowlers on the list are accomplished and I am sure well respected as far as bowling is concerned. But I digress, I am sure these are not the "fraudulent staffers". Can those names be provided? Or are they so obscure that most will not recognize the names? As someone eluded to earlier, the fastest, most effective way to sell a ball is to say "this ball hooks", as well as the balls aesthetics. If a staffer is throwing the latest and greatest from Company A, but has a totally different game than me, what good is that? In my opinion, physical talent/accomplishments, personality (most higher level players are NOT approachable), and knowledge of your particular companies product should play vital roles on obtaining a staff contract.
--------------------
Make history or sit back and watch it. -EV
Edited on 12/11/2007 1:56 PM
Edited on 12/11/2007 1:57 PM
Post by: Dbum on December 11, 2007, 01:06:30 PM
Someone asked for that list of names, thats why Tony posted that.. :-)
PS: If the staffer isn't approachable report him/her, because they are not doing there job.
--------------------
Darnell "DBum" Bell
Edited on 12/11/2007 2:09 PM
Post by: LAStrikesALot on December 11, 2007, 01:09:20 PM
quote:It doesn't "prove" anything. Someone asked for a list of staffers in the area, so I believe walt was just providing one. And I wouldn't call anyone on that list "fraudulent" either. Each one of them took the deal that was offered to them. Nothing fraudulent about that.
What does this data prove?
And even still, you can take that list and see some of them have significantly more accomplishments then others and furthermore, quite a few less accomplishments then some of the other guys in the area. But *sigh* I again am standing by my statement that my curiosity with this topic and my interpretation of the point of the thread is not about if those guys "deserve" a deal so much as what type of criteria the ball company is looking at to make the call on who should get a deal. If it is truly just about "who you know" then the ball companies are doing themselves and the bowlers a disservice.
--------------------
Latise Parker
40 Boards & A Ball
www.40boards.com
Edited on 12/11/2007 2:11 PM
Post by: DP3 on December 11, 2007, 01:13:07 PM
quote:
Here is a list of local staffers. Please feel free to add if I miss any.
Storm
Brian Cavey
Chris Johnson
Roto Grip
Tony Chapman
Brian Skinner
Hammer
Greg Turner
Ebonite
Jim Lewis
Frazier Atkinson
Derek Petty
Banger Bowling
Stephen Hahn
Columbia 300
Kenny Lane
Yours Truly
--------------------
Tony Walton
Columbia 300 Regional/Amateur Staff Member
VMSBT Tournament Director
http://www.vmsbt.com
Dureya Smith(?)- Columbia 300
Mike Sinek- Roto Grip
Howard Ball Jr- Track
Rickie Banister- Lanemasters/Legends
Lynn Elmore- Lanemasters/Legends
Tubar Thompson- Lane 1
I have heard there are two other local Lane 1 staffers, but I do not know their names. I have heard that they are pro shop affiliates.
--------------------
-DJ Marshall
...The Twelve In a Row Pro Shop. Hyattsville, MD
Coach: University of Maryland Baltimore County Mens Bowling
Post by: northface28 on December 11, 2007, 01:25:00 PM
Eddie VanDaniker Jr.
Essex MD
Chele Schirmer
Bel Air MD
--------------------
Make history or sit back and watch it. -EV
Post by: wildbush300 on December 11, 2007, 01:38:54 PM
--------------------
Yvette
Tournament Director Triple Threat Tournaments
Triplethreat1560@aol.com
Post by: Joe Jr on December 11, 2007, 02:00:19 PM
--------------------
My Vid (http://"http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/RevLefty/?action=view¤t=Mystic.flv")
Formerly Brunswick Lefty & Richard Cranium
Quote from Conspirator300:
And yeah, I do know it all.. I don't spend 30+ hours a week learning more about bowling for my heatlh... I do it so I know more than all of you.. which I do. (besides the random few that are staffers/work in the bowling business.. which that population is decreasing little by little)
Post by: Mike L on December 11, 2007, 08:15:34 PM
--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: northface28 on December 11, 2007, 10:55:14 PM
--------------------
Make history or sit back and watch it. -EV
Post by: frontiers2 on December 12, 2007, 12:01:31 AM
just my 1.5 cents worth.
lata..keep it between the gutters..af
Post by: Mike L on December 12, 2007, 08:59:29 AM
--------------------
"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: Dbum on December 12, 2007, 09:11:15 AM
This is not about bashing all low average staffers, the staffer took the opportunity that was given, but take advantage and better yourself and others with the opportunity..
No names mention, But a staffer recently told me I need to get a certain ball in his company because he shot 770 out of the box. What is that?
--------------------
Darnell "DBum" Bell
Post by: LAStrikesALot on December 12, 2007, 10:27:28 AM
quote:
With alot of these inflated averages due to easy house conditions, i can't see that should guarantee someone a contract. I do agree with Ric Hamlin (i think he said it), that a contract should not just be awared someone just because they are high average, but what can that bowler bring to the company.
So lets see what a particular person can bring to a company. For the ball company, the goal is to sell more balls, correct? So how do you sell balls? You market the ball to the masses. So it seems to me the point of having a staff representative is to have someone out in the bowling community to interact with the bowlers, showcase the product, answer questions about the product, and basically convince people that the product is good for them.
I think an important part of "marketing the ball to the masses" means having a staffer that is out interacting with the masses. I'm not saying a person has to be "good" and needs to have 25 300s to sell a ball. But I think they need to have exposure. The resume, word of mouth, what have you, can all speak to the level of exposure a person has. What good is it to have a very knowledge, approachable person when they are not out and about to expand their knowledge, spread their knowledge, and be approached?
--------------------
Latise Parker
40 Boards & A Ball
www.40boards.com
Edited on 12/12/2007 11:28 AM
Post by: The SuperHitMan on December 12, 2007, 10:36:41 AM
--------------------
Founder of H Phi H
Member of Hoss Central Inc
-Ive been called Cocky and Arrogant thorughout my career...Being humble is alright and all but I prefer to Shut my critics up and Shut'em Down and if that makes me Cocky and Arrogant then I am what I am- K.C.D
I don't care if my signature is long. Deal with it.
Post by: dpunky on December 12, 2007, 11:09:14 AM
There are so many groups of bowlers from expert to recreational bowlers. Staffers need to be able to recognize these groups and develop different strategies on getting these potential customers to inquire, and eventually buy the company's product.
If staffers can't inlfuence sales and increase a company's overall profits in their area, then the company should take the responsibilty find a new staffer. The more effective a staffer is able to connect to customers (with successes in tournments, leagues, coaching, meeting one-on-one, pro-shop exposure, etc) the more Return on Investment (ROI) the company will get at the end.
--------------------
Ken - aka "dpunky" - Certified USBC Level I Coach
Post by: DP3 on December 12, 2007, 12:39:05 PM
This post is a slippery slope because there's alot of points that are right on all sides, but still contradict each other. Lately there have been so many staffers that it seems like people just want the merit and distinction of a staff member to separate themselves from those less talented than them. The balls just so happen to come with that deal. I think we in this thread who aren't staffers, yet know more about the game than the average league bowler are the minority. Bowling companies rarely have and rarely will cater products to our demand because out of the millions of potential customers, the 220+ scratch bowler that knows what they're doing is a very small minority. 8 balls don't come out a month to suit our needs, they come out to give the public something to be excited about and try. We should be good enough and smart enough to match good covers to core numbers and layouts for ourselves to achieve whatever reaction we want because we have the game to do so. Good bowlers are physically talented enough to make anything look good, but the bowling industry thrives on those who need a little extra help, so if you can't get angle with your release then ta da, this new ball is for you. The bowling industry will always be a business first and a "family" last.
While we aren't naive enough to buy a ball because a new staffer shot a big 7 or 800 with the latest ball out, there are a dozen ready and willing to make that purchase the night after league. It's very evident, ask any of the pro shops. Whoever shoots 300, whatever night of the week, I have 10 calls and inquiries the next morning about the ball they shot it with (how much it costs, how much it hooks, and when will we have it). These staffers may not be selling balls to us, but it looks impressive to the 160-170 avg women and 180 avg guys that bowl 1-2 nights a week that are looking for something to buy to "improve" their game. I don't consider myself a good bowler at all, but I know a thing or two about ball reaction and how to acheive it. Just after throwing 2 or 3 in a row in league with a new ball I get questions on "what ball is that/who makes that/how is that drilled". The answer that I give could be the difference in making a sale or two extra for the week versus none.
It almost seems like some people would rather have the title of "staff" than all that actually comes with it. On a merit and knowledge based system, there are always going to be better choices anywhere you go, but knowledge these days and good bowlers come a dime a dozen. It's not about that anymore. Who you know, and what shop you work for (and if they are big enough to generate enough sales to help out the company that is comp'ing them 10 free balls a year), is going to be the primary indicator on who will get these little advisory and pro shop contracts that are thrown out here and there. The amatuer/regional staff spots are more merit based and chosen around the beginning of the calendar year and winter seasonal year. It's then when companies go through a pool of people with the accomplishments and good enough names to warrant them a good image in an area with a large bowling population. Even then, it is hard and a very slim chance you'd get picked if you weren't persistent enough and didn't get your name out to these reps and people in charge of selecting staff. I was told awhile ago, if there isn't at least 6-8 people with the company that know you on a first name basis, then don't hold your breath on being looked at. Driving sales are these rep's number one goals, looking for staffers isn't.
--------------------
-DJ Marshall
...The Twelve In a Row Pro Shop. Hyattsville, MD
Coach: University of Maryland Baltimore County Mens Bowling
Post by: Mike L on December 12, 2007, 09:51:06 PM
DP3,
you are saying exactly my point, its all about who you know and what connections you have to the company that will get you on and thats kinda sad, but like you stated, guys with 230+ avg are a dime a dozen.
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"Typical House Bowler"
Post by: LAStrikesALot on December 13, 2007, 07:26:46 AM
I know I know, I date him so its only natural that I give him a shout out. But seriously, good topic Jeff and keep them coming.
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Latise Parker
40 Boards & A Ball
www.40boards.com
Post by: Bill Thomas on December 13, 2007, 02:26:54 PM
Post by: Mr Straight Ball on December 19, 2007, 10:52:08 AM
For those on staff, that's is exactly what the company wants you doing!
#1 Wear a logo shirt so that people know what you are throwing
#2 SELL SELL SELL their product
If you are not doing that, you are not honoring the business agreement in place.
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STAY
FF MY BLCK!...Mr. Straight Ball prays his ball will hook one day!
40 Boards & A Ball
Is your ball ready to cross 40 Boards?
WWW.40BOARDS.COM
Post by: Bill Thomas on December 19, 2007, 02:12:18 PM