Justin you always have some,of the most informative post

Get'em boys! Now I'm learning something.

No and I doubt that any customer I've had has ever heard of NWCOA.



Education and training is usually beneficial and seldom detrimental. Whether you get what you pay for, or not, is up to the individual to decide.

"I like the idea of certifications that mean something."

All certifications mean something. Just what that something is, is the question.

I think the value of any certification or degree lies with the person receiving it. It means little to most customers. It means a little more to employers but even then it's value is questionable.

Performance is the thing of value to the customer.

I know someone with a degree in wildlife biology who I wouldn't count on to catch a squirrel under a bird feeder. In this case a person with experience is far more valuable than a "certified" one.

All in all, I'd say do what's important to you because it probably wont mean much to a customer.

Some good thoughts there SGS, I agree it matters wholeheartedly who is taking the course or training, if they take the info and utilize it, and ultimately that it matters most to the individual.

The client is always in the realm of having to evaluate you on what they see or hear while interacting with you.

Referrals and references can be helpful and sometimes worth their weight in gold.

I'd also agree there are folks with more letters behind their name then I have socks in my dresser, doesn't mean they have practicable skills in this field, it truly is how someone learns and what they apply to the scenarios we all face.

I guess I would add though that I've seen many trainings and yes some with certs through the years that didn't deserve the time out into creating them and certainly weren't worth organizing an event and stamping someone for after participation.

I'm sure many have also seen classes and certs and CEU trainings where folks were aided in the final test and even classes where moderators gave answers so the group all passed. This would make me disagree that all certs are worthwhile or have value.

Very well said gentlemen.

There is certainly a lot of talent and grounded individuals within our ranks. Our industry will only grow and the quality of our operators is in the hands of the experienced and hopefully will continue to keep our current and up/coming future professionals better able to make the grade competently.

My days and body are slowing down considerably and it is encouraging to know things are in good hands with the caliber of folks in our field presently.

To return to Vinke's original question, this thread really isn't about the merit of training, rather the merit of particular training in marketing and gaining new clients for your business.

Steve - I agree some biology graduates can't can't catch a squirrel. Of course, that skill is not part of the program. But, they do have a proven capacity to learn.

I know a biologist that is running a business and kicking butt.

What Steve (sqs) said about individuals and what they get out of their training is so true. I am one of the oldest guys on this forum

and I continue to learn new things about our business from you guys on a regular basis. Why? Because I love the fact that even though

I'm in my seventies I can still be useful to my family and our business. When you love what you're doing it's not work. I still go

out and catch wildlife every day and here's a little secret: IN THIS BUSINESS THE LEARNING NEVER STOPS!

A lot of education and certificates involve memorization, not thought process

Exactly what I was getting at. And if you have credentials, you shod use them in your marketing,

Even though running a business wasn't part of the program?

Thank you Dave. Whether it's being able to catch a squirrel or run a successful business, a biology degree or other cert. really isn't necessary, as you mentioned. It certainly doesn't hurt, but it's not necessary and will mean little to most customers. Performance and local references usually trump titles.

When it comes to influencing a potential customer, I can think of nothing more valuable than good, local references.

Learning requires memorization. Nothing wrong retaining information. Comprehension is another matter. I bet that if you don't understand what you are memorizing, you won't be successful anyway.

Much of the memorization is learning the language or terms in a field or science. For example, some people might not know that sparrows are diurnal. Folks that memorize this can sound professional....but the people that can explain this to people outside the field in common language, actually have the understanding of the topic. You should be able to effectively communicate to pros and non-pros alike.

A certification (or a degree) won't build your business. Building a business requires ambition and risk. However, certification's are simply another layer of accomplishments that, frankly, set you apart from the crowd. Generally speaking, the proof is in your sales.

Steve - Although is has been many years ago...I didn't learn squat about running a business in college. Heck, much of the topics were useless in my career(s). However, I learned how to learn. I also learned setting a goal and achieving it.

Much of what I learned about business was through experience working at many different companies...and meeting many people. Also, I read a lot about topics of interest and have a passion. I'm probably a tad OCD too. I'd guess many business owners are too. If your reading this thread on trapperman on a Sunday...well...

There is no certificate for the wall from reading these sort of posts. But a pile of education from people who have been there, done that, that is invaluable to be successful. Tks

Dave, the little I know you is from this forum but I think your passion is business, more so than wildlife. I suspect you'd be successful in any business you chose.

And all without a degree in business.

Steve - Thanks!

Well....I already have venison in the freezer....if that counts for anything. Not bad considering, I have three kids under 8.

Sometimes all the certs, training and knowledge in the world don't stand a chance against a slick salesman.
A large, wealthy school district here took bids on a big bat job. Very complicated, very high work. Some of the best in the biz bid on this job. One of the companies bidding is known as kind of a joke in the WC business here (they are PCO's). Every WCO in St. Louis has cleaned up after their overpriced but shoddy work.

Because they have perfected the technique of separating the customer from large amounts of his money, they got the job. They are known for having very impressive brochures, forms, contracts, etc. What the customers don't know (at first, anyway...) is how laughably incompetent they are.
Reminds me of a saying we had in college: If you can't impress them with facts, baffle 'em with BS!

That's easy to win when you actually have the skills....just need a better salesman.

Justin
I should have put"any piece of paper" in the title..........

the only one I see using paper in this industry is loone acre..............n

I don't see how someone can get a degree and not learn anything productive unless you're not paying attention

I have take three classes on business and I have taken away a few key things from all of them. Not a lot, but they do add and take some of the curve off.