Hiring a Marine Consultant
When you read marine consulting, what do you think? I wonder what specific area they are consulting and go see their information. As a consultant you can’t cover everything in the marine industry, you have to have your specialty.
So what is Paul Cronin Studios specialty as a marine consultant? Good question, and I will try and fill you in on what I do, and who my client base is in the marine industry.
First off you need to have the experience of actually having done the work where you are consulting. Not just schooling, although that helps. But if there is not decades of experience doing the work, and making mistakes, which is how we learn, (See post Embrace Failing) then you will not have the experience to be a good consultant.
The consultant needs to have a passion for the subject which makes it contagious. You have to be able to teach, and also learn while teaching. To teach you need to be a great listener, which is under rated. So many people I talk to in the industry want to tell you how much they know, and do not listen. You will never really know how to help, if the client does not have the time to go through in detail what they would like you to help solve.
My consulting, or coaching, or mentoring, which word is used depends on which of my clients you ask. Are programs I build as a team with each client, since most know what they don’t know, and where help is needed. I don’t come in and say this is the way. Because there are always new ways with each person, no two are the same. That is one of the joys of helping sailors progress at their passion. And it has to be one of their passions or we will not be a good fit.
Do I like to coach at regattas, simple answer is no! I did this for decades and feel it is not the best for the sport, and not the best way for the sailors to improve. Many will disagree, which is fine. I feel this is the root of a lot of problems in sailboat racing. Do I like to coach during training, yes! That is very different then coaching during a regatta, and a lot more productive and better for all involved.
With some of my clients I have only one or two phone calls, and they are off and running. Others are clients for years, finding the right boat, setting it up for their use, getting it up to speed. Some go off cruising, trekking, or we work toward what ever racing program they desire. And others I help modify, update, and everything in-between. What ever it is needed we will find the right path, searching all avenues.
That sounds like a lot of options and it is, but they are also related. If they don’t have the right boat, well the end result won’t make them happy. Or if it is the right boat but needs to be modified or updated. Then they need the proper design and engineering support, with the right people doing the work. If they are not up to speed, training with minor or major adjustments will make progress. So there is a lot to take care of before the sailing begins. And once sailing begins if the boat is right, the steps to improve the sailing is that much more enjoyable and efficient.
A few related post:
Versatility Creates Visibility
Attention to Detail is needed for the Results
To have past clients who stay in touch and become friends is a joy. For me, that is success. Because it is always about the people.
So if you are in need of help in any of the areas above, or think there is other ways I could help? Go to my contact page and lets talk. Season is gearing up and the best time is always now.
Have Fun Every Day, See you soon, Paul
