You know how after working so hard on a project for a long period of time there comes a moment when you say 'I need a break'. It kind of creeps up on you like the flu. It reminds me of my time studying full time at University. Come the end of year, exams out of the way - you don't want to look at a book, pen or computer for 2 months. We need these breaks!
I have been blown away by the continued interest in the blog whilst taking this sabbatical. I check my emails every 2-3 days and sure enough the comments keep coming, the books keep selling and surprisingly my google analytics say that the readership numbers havent dropped at all. This is surprising because bloggers need to keep engaging their readers or the readers will get up and leave.
I think this is testament to a few things
1. There is so much 'content' on the blog that people can keep coming back and learning something new everytime. I tried to make a post every few days and I also tried to make each post interesting.
2. The general interest in shipbroking and chartering keeps growing.
3. There is no other site that tells it like it is....most other shipping websites are run by named people who have an interest in the status quo. They have reputations that involve not upsetting people. I on the other hand are anonymous and therefore provide unbiased views on the business.
A big thank you and HELLO to the new followers. Thanks for taking the plunge to show support for the blog.
To those of you who have sent me private messages checking on my wellbeing - many thanks. Im just chilling, laying low and enjoying myself on a few other projects.
To the person who offered USD 10k to have me fly out for a weekend of tutoring and a game of golf. Thanks - maybe down the track.
This blog aint going nowhere and I intend to add to it and develop it moving forward - maybe at a slower pace than previous. Blogs last forever in this modern word.....its a footprint. Probably last longer than all of us. Respect...
Geez - I should write when im feeling nostalgic.
Sincere thanks to all for your continued support
Keep Rocking
The Virtual Shipbroker
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Kings Speach
As a shipbroker I have spoken to kings, princes, presidents and prophets. I know what its like to get tongue tied and stuff up my lines. It can happen to the best of us.
It can also happen to the worst - click here
It can also happen to the worst - click here
 |
| Mike Tyson - Speech Therapist |
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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
Post a Comment
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
Post a Comment
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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
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
Saturday, January 29, 2011
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
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
Thursday, January 27, 2011
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!
Monday, January 24, 2011
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
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
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