As I’ve written many times before, the late development of my writing career has paid countless dividends and I feel like it’s just getting started. I’ve had some great mentors, and most of the learning experiences have been relatively painful. I don’t know precisely what the future of fishing media holds, but I can tell you that there’s still tons of opportunity for savvy, hard workers.

In order to make the most of a side-hustle or dream career, you need to look at every bit of drudgery or repetition as an opportunity. Treasure what you GET TO do more than regret what you HAVE TO do.

Whether you call it a “media gathering,” a “junket,” a “writers conference” or something else, you know that you’ve been noticed as a member of the outdoor media when companies start inviting you. Once you’ve been invited and you’ve decided to attend, there are still some steps you can take to make it worthwhile for you, the company putting on the event, and the angler’s who attend.

I’ve already outlined some of the big-ticket, non-negotiable rules that’ll help you get more work and complete it more efficiently, but here are seven more that have really helped me build my outdor writing career. They’re not exactly secrets, but ignore them at your own peril.