Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Benjamin Ford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Benjamin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’ve spent my time reading a number of different genres, taking time to maybe even practice writing them to see where I fit best. Me being someone who wants to move from writing poetry to writing books, tv shows, and movies there are always a lot of things to factor in. Small task can sometimes become big task, looking into stories to try to keep ideas original as possible.

You have to sometimes sit and think to yourself is this really MY story or is this something that someone else told me and I remember it as mine. Have I seen or read this concept somewhere else before. With the number of new writers, and movies coming out it’s hard to develop an idea of your own. You’ll sometimes find yourself sitting and rewriting other people’s work as you read it or watch it.

As a military veteran I always critique the mistakes I find in movies and tv shows just based off my own personal knowledge and experience. But life itself is about taking risk. My patience and my dedication have been essential to my growth as a writer I’m always trying to find a different way to see things and build my characters in different ways.
Trying not to let anything stand in the way of my ultimate goal of building something that people can look back at and say this this is part of my legacy. The non profit I’m working on is gonna be the cornerstone of all that I do.

There are so many ways to develop yourself in the craft that you choose or the craft that chose you. Best way is to always trust the process and write, rewrite, read and re-read until you find who you are as person, friend, and as a creative.
Study those who inspire you, read the books you can’t put down and write some fan fiction on how you would have liked the story to pan out if you were the creator of the universe you love so much. Share your work, learn to take constructive criticism without feeling as though it’s an attack on you and you ideas. Explore somewhere you’ve never been, try something you’ve never done, write about it, tell the story and gather the reactions of others to propel you to the next level.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into writing by loving books. I would sometimes wonder if the middle or ending of a story could be different from what I read or saw. So I would let my imagination take off in different stories. I’d change the looks and personalities of characters send them on side quest that make the story more compelling to some people. Now that I’ve taken some time off from writing and put some of that focus into building my mentorship program I want to help others write their own stories.

I always start with how do people see me vs how do I see myself and how do I want people to see me even on my worst days. I feel this is what sets me apart from some of the other business owners and mentors. My bottom line and overall question in life is “How can I help this person?, or “How can I help them see a different way?” Sometimes just being an ear for people to vent to is the only solution a person needs.

There isn’t a one fits all answer. What helps me write and create stories or poems might not work for the next person. The guidance a young man or woman might need isn’t the solution to all problems. The personalities and attitudes may differ, the way they see life my be black and white and not full of color so you have to approach each situation with a clear mind and thought process that “this is new to us.” “New to us”, how can we come to an agreement? How can we build strength in areas of weakness?

It thrills me to see people accomplish something they didn’t think possible. Public speaking, writing a book, finishing a task that they probably didn’t see and end to. Throughout each journey it’s a process whether it’s helping a new writer develop a story, or coaching someone to speak in front of a crowd there is growth in them and that is what I am always most proud of. Watching the impossible become the possible and another regular part of someone’s life.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

All of the things I’ve needed throughout my journey and all the things I’ve learned I would say PEOPLE are the biggest and best resources you can have. People can tell you where you fall short and help you in the areas that you’re weak in. I’ve met playwriters, tv show producers, directors, and writing mentors. They have become part of my journey and when there is a need it can be met as a team.

I’ve met people that have non-profits that sometimes help me navigate the 501c3 world. They’ve introduced me to people who are already successful in the non-profit world. Together we can sit and talk shop or develop new new ways to solve any issues that may be encountered in world where everyone seems to be for self.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Something I’d like to think I’m great at is effectively communicating with customers, mentees, and clients. I do my best to understand the issues at hand and try to resolve them with everyone in mind. If doing a side job working on a vehicle I try to provide paperwork on why I’m taking certain steps to fix and issue. If it’s writing, design or editing I update the parties involved and ask for feedback on the work they have entrusted me with.

Follow up questions go a long way. Double back to make sure things are up to par keep people on your side and that builds trust with them. Having those customer service skills means they can depend on you to get jobs done even when things for them may personally seem bleak. The dedication we show allows an opportunity to build trust, community and fosters that brand loyalty. Brand loyalty should show growth in you and your business which will keep customer/client retention.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: b.f.manifested
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• Linkedin: Benjamin Ford
• Twitter: bfmanifested