Woman in Shipbroking

I have bumped a posting made in another thread - good reading

quote

pilarin said...


Comments from a woman shipbroker: It’s true, most men in this field tend to look at women as an employee who is not much more than a highly skilled secretary which of course is not true.


Men have their way of dealing with things and women have theirs. This is a job that requires many skills which are most certainly part of the female way of thinking and acting.


The real question is if a woman is up to working 24/7 doing something that is stressful but rewarding (when the damn deal is finally closed).


If you like challenges then yes, you can do it and men will eventually realize that you are a good professional.


But the fact is that many companies only hire men brokers… I say it’s their loss…


Meantime I have received info that a women shipbrokers net is coming together which should be able to support the ladies in the industry… we will see…


February 23, 2011 7:31 AM

The Virtual Shipbroker said...

Hello Pilarin - thanks for the well considered comments. From a guys perspective I actually agree that many shops are disadvantaged by not having woman in broking positions. You need a balance and with the ease of offsite communication it allows more flexibility for those woman (and men) that may need it for family reasons. I personally dont like spending ALL my time with men. Its unnatural....for 12 hours a day 50 weeks of the year.


Shipbroking doesnt need to be WAR or a prison cell. One can actually go to work, do deals, and have a balanced life.


Good luck to the female shipbrokers network. If you want me to speak at one of your functions (from a guys perspective)let me know!



Cheers

VS



February 23, 2011 2:53 PM

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Im Back!

Hello Everyone - Sorry for my absence. Been a crazy time

But Im back. Whats been amazing is that even though I havent posted anything for 2 weeks I have had a recond number of book sales, tuition requests and Resume requests.

Unfortunatelyy due to my busy schedule I havent been able to reply with my usual pace. I am slowly catching up.

So the million dollar question is 'Hows the Market"

The short answer is that its crap! We will see a period of contraction no doubt. Clarksons have closed down their financial services arm for one reason - on markets drop those that arent making money (or eating up cashflow) get the chop. Be that people, departments and even entire companies.

Those that are highly leverage (debt) will be worried at the moment. The GFC drop although painful had very few casualties - for one main reason - the BDI bounced back reasonably quickly. I fear that this downturn could be a little more long lasting. Some scribes saying the market could be flat for 4-5 years.

This is pure crystal ball gazing. NO ONE really knows. The best thing anyone can do is stay positive despite the market. You cant control the market - you can only control the way you react to it. Try and see everything in a positive light - if you lose your job - be thankful that it gives you the chance to find another job NOW. Could be better than losing your job in 6 months time when and if there are more job losses than now.

Im not saying there will be massive job losses - just that restructuring WILL happen. The musical chairs has already begun and people will be looking for security of tenure going forward.

And for those looking to get into the industry - its not all bad. Many companies hire trainees in downturns because they are cheaper.

So heads up everyone - the sun still shines. Egypt and fallen and I predict will rise again bringing a new age of shipping freight rates with them..........and so it goes!

Adios

VS

Revolutions everywhere!

To our friends in North Africa and the Middle East. Stay safe and we wish you well with whatever transpires in you home states. I have many readers from the region.

I wonder if this event would have been possible (this combined consciousness across a few countries) had it not been for the Internet and the ability for the countries citizens to access information that is leading to these uprisings. I think this may be a good thing.

I dont pretend to know the issues in all the countries involved. As always it seems complicated.

Its a crazy time and out thoughts are with you.
Yours
The Virtual Shipbroker

Open Questions Thread

I will use this thread (and put it in favourites) for any open / random questions people want answered that aren't necessarily linked to my posts.

If no one has any questions then thats cool too - I can go back to sleep!

voyage charter vs time charter question

Bump from another thread

Good question

qte

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Readership growing":
I have a qn VS, hope to hear your view.

Why does voyage cargo always pay better than a time charter trip? Is it due to better control over the costs?

unqte

There is a huge assumption here that shipowners prefer voyage charters over time charterers because they ALWAYS pay better.

Anyone care to offer an explanation / comment?

VS

Vs dry cargo chartering and shipbroking certificate

Ok people, due to popular demand I am rolling out the 3rd edition of the overwhelmingly successful (yet humble) VS dry cargo chartering shipbroking certificate.

This post is to ask for any requests for enrollment.

Details

Start date: 07th February 2011

Request for enrollment date: Friday 28th January (must be in by then)

I will let you know if you have been successful within a few days

Cost: I have decided not to increase the cost (despite the poor USD) for this intake. Next intake (midyear 2011) will most probably be slightly more expensive.

Those of you who have already contacted me with enrollment requests could you please send me a one liner confirming interest.

Subject to total class numbers

Check the blog link for further details http://virtualshipbroker.blogspot.com/p/study.html

Yours

The Virtual Shipbroker

Basic shipbroking 101

My current crop of students are completing there certificate by taking part in their final virtual negotiations.

The process reminds me that many juniors over think things. Remember that a brokers central role is to 'pass on' information from one party to another. Pass it on in a timely and accurate manner - full stop. Leave the interpretation and salesmanship once you have done a few deals and you can read the situations better.

Keep it simple - pass on the info and stay out of trouble - junior brokers! If you are unsure about an element ask your boss or drop VS an email - ill help out...

BTW - the next intake will be forced back a few weeks. I will be announcing details of how people can make an request for enrollment over the next week or so.

Yours VS

Readership growing

Over the last 3 days this blog has broken a few readership records with over 600 individual hits on each day. Still humble by google standards but great for a brokers blog.

Incase yu were wondering - the top ten for last 7 days

United Kingdom 484
United States 437
Singapore 408
Greece 272
India 153
Australia 124
Canada 81
Denmark 72
Spain 71
Netherlands 53

Thanks for reading!
VS