Quote Originally Posted by Blueberry View Post
So, perhaps, you could offer some tips for how to get the experience you're looking for and actually be the person you want to hire? If someone wanted to change careers to the bike industry, how could they best get the experience you would like to see?
Sure BB,
I will always consider the communicator with a wide set of skills and interests before the person who lives only for bikes. I want someone who can speak well to a wide variety of clients and get job satisfaction from helping new, inexperienced riders discover the fun of riding.
I have found that the "one dimensional" bike geek quickly tires of the work involved to really master the client relationship. They tend to want to rest on their "bike knowledge"

I can have this person successfully selling to new, "deer in the headlights" clients in short order. This client isn't generally looking for technical gibberish. They want to feel welcomed, supported and have the benefits of a product explained clearly.
Play up your strengths outside of cycling. Most of our clients also have lives outside of cycling. Show how, as an casual but enthusiastic cyclist, you can bridge the gap and really appeal to the "regular" person walking into the shop.
If you can make a ton of happy clients by selling hybrids and kid's bikes and some basic accessories while you learn the rest.... You'll get hired at my shop.
Good Luck!