What do I tell future guides?

I have been asked to present to a class on forest resources about a career in guiding as a possibility for them later this week. At the same time the Maine Professional guides Association has launched a new website that requires members to log in and update their own listings and information.  As the Associations Executive Director I have been asked to work with the Guides Advisory Board on information that clients should get before they sign up with a guide.

All of these have given me reason to reflect on my chosen occupation and what it actually takes to do it all. What will I tell the next generation?

First the rewards of being a guide are incredible; I have been with folks that have an interest in the outdoors but frequently not much for skills or knowledge about where they are. As a result I get to see everything through their eyes; often with wonder and amazement. As our society becomes more urban the connection to our environment that guides have becomes more rare, special and valuable every day. I think this video shows the upside very well.

Second many of the relationships I have with clients are long term and a pleasure for both of us. It has been great fun to fish with three generations of families or take grandchildren on a canoe trip that their parents went on as children years ago.

Third it is a lot of work to run any small business and a guide service is no different. It is easy to imagine that all you need is a boat and a few fishing poles to be a successful guide. That would be very far from the truth. Lots of things go on in the background that clients never see, mundane to be sure although essential. Marketing, insurance, repairing equipment and good customer service skills. Included in this is continuous learning and updating not just of equipment but of skills as well.  The new guide’s web page points this out clearly as many guides lack simple computer skills and are afraid of the Internet; clearly they are not going to be in business in the future.

Lastly it is not easy! Even the best seasons do not create millionaires; you must manage everything pretty carefully if you plan to be around very long.