Tag: Ardent

Categories
Blog The National Angler

FISHING PRO STAFF PART 2

Fishing Pro Staff

Still thinking about being a PRO-STAFF member or think it’s a waste of your time? Well, see what I’ve done in just a matter of months!

A few months ago I wrote an article detailing the difference between be a “PRO-STAFF” and “SPONSORED” angler working for a company and how they differed. I do find a little entertainment in the fact that people still don’t understand the benefits of being a “PRO-STAFF” and what it can do for your wallet and career.

Being a “PRO-STAFF” is more than just a discount or a free t-shirt, it’s having the ability to professionalize your hobby and putting that first foot in the door. It’s exposure to other anglers and brands. It’s an internship and a chance to prove what you really have to support a company and demonstrate your commitment. It’s a game changer for those who never would have thought it was possible to start a career in the fishing industry.

I took the opportunity to work with Ardent Outdoors and ran with it. In my mind, it was my time to show people how I could really help them out, without even asking for a single thing in return. I’m not a tournament angler and needed to take advantage of my website and my understanding of Social Media and go to work.

Doing “PRO-STAFF” work for a company you get access to sales and sometimes giveaways and contest. Ardent just happened to run a recruiting event and was giving away $1000 in free gear. Yes, a $1000 in free rods and reels! I put my website and social media skills to work and for the month of November 2016, I was the winner!

I walked away with 5 brand new Ardent reels and 3 brand new Ardent rods to add to my arsenal. Winning that contest freed up much-needed money that I could apply to other needs. If you are not part of a “PRO-STAFF” team, then you are not taking advantage!

Speaking of “TEAM” you get access to thousands of other anglers in the various “PRO-STAFF” teams. I’ve made countless connections that will last my career in the fishing industry. So what are you really waiting for?

If you want to take the step and join the Team Ardent Tournament Anglers PRO-STAFF program and get your career started. Contact me today for details.

Email  joe@thenationalangler.com

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler

Categories
Blog The National Angler

FISHING PRO STAFF

FISHING PRO STAFF

 

Fishing Pro Staff

Today, with social media and the internet the average angler can play a huge role in promoting companies without being a tournament angler, having a website, or a tv show. The “Average Joe Fisherman” can now serve a role in a fishing company’s publicity! When it comes to promoting a fishing company there are two types “Sponsored” and “Pro Staff” and they both mean different things.
Actions are also associated with each and help you identify which one you most affiliate with.

SPONSORED usually means that a company is reaching out to you. You have something they want and they are giving you either financial, product or both in return for using and promoting the company. These anglers are well-known tournament anglers or have a unique niche with a huge following.

PRO STAFF means the angler reaches out the company. You want something they have either through being a fan of their product or maybe it’s something new you want to try.

Focusing on the benefits of being a Pro Staff member for a particular company and how it can help you get started working for, supporting, and promoting a company. If you haven’t developed a following or made it big yet on a tournament trail this can be important. Maybe you are just a weekend fisherman and you have a great social media following. Being a Pro Staff can help you out.

Benefits of being a Pro Staff:

  1. Discount on merchandise, I’ve seen on average a company will give you between 30-50% off retail prices for being a Pro Staff. Let’s be honest, if you need help getting started, having this discount can be huge.
  2. Occasionally a company will give you an initial load-out of gear. They might give you a few pieces of merchandise to get you started as a good gesture. Don’t always count on this, though. It also doesn’t hurt to ask either for this if not offered.
  3. Access to the companies social media feeds and followers. Most people starting out may at most have several thousand “likes” or “followers” on any particular social media platform. By using a company and tagging them in the post you access their following for even greater exposure. If you make a great post, picture, or video they may even feature it.

Responsibilities of being a Pro Staff:

  1. Use the products frequently and maximize exposure on your social media. Take great pictures/videos and be honest! Incorporate the logo on the merchandise to make things less tacky.
  2. Learn how to tag the company in any given social media platform, it helps the company and yourself!
  3. Don’t just get something and run, I promise this is a small world and word will get around.

Exclusivity and Pro Staff:
I’m torn when it comes to exclusivity clauses with Pro Staff opportunities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support a company and receive a discount and potentially some gear to boot. But, the only way I would exclusively promote a company is if a contract was signed and I was paid by the company. If you are ok with exclusively promoting say just one reel company then go for it.
There are some things you can do as a Pro Staff member to help you out when asking for discounts, merchandise or monetary compensation in the future.
Keep track of the following information and build a strong social media presence. 

  1. If you don’t have a website, at least start a Facebook Page to keep track of your post. This also allows you to write short blog posts.
  2. If you are into video getting a cheap action camera and promoting on YouTube and Vimeo is a great idea, plus you can earn a little money on the side as well.
  3. Don’t forget Twitter, Instagram, Fishidy, and Fishbrain as well.
  4. Keep a log of the following information; Posts, Views, Shares, Impressions, and Clicks. This is great info to show a company what you have done for them and the exposure you have created in exchange for your gear or discount. This helps when going back to the table to ask for more.

In the end, being a Pro Staff for a company is a great way of getting started in the fishing industry, I’m currently a Pro Staff for Ardent Outdoors and Rayjus Outdoors.

Ardent Reels

ARDENT is actively seeking Pro Staff! Email me at thenationalangler@gmail.com for more information!

Let me know what you think and if you have questions, please feel free to ask below! Always willing to help out!
Semper Fish!
Joe, The National Angler