We recently connected with Amy Pearson and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I took a risk by going to the Wedding MBA last week. I haven’t been to an in-person conference since starting my business. However, Enji (the marketing/social media posting software that I use in my business was going and asked for booth volunteers. I loved the idea of going and helping other people find software that has made such a difference in my business, so I said yes. I had business cards made (for the first time ever). Up until recently, all of my marketing was virtual.

I’m a bit of an introvert. I’ve helped out at other promotional events over the years, but not for my own business. Talking to people all day is exhausting for me, but I wanted to try something new.

I went and spent two days talking to people. Letting them know that I use Enji in my own business, and if they asked, telling them about what I do. The jury is still out on the full ROI from going to the conference. In my opinion, it was totally worth it, because I met a lot of people, learned a few things by going to sessions, got to meet other Enji users (that I’ve only ever seen online), and built my network. However, so far, I have booked one discovery call because of a conversation that I had at the conference.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started my business in 2020 after losing my HR job during the pandemic. I had no idea how to look for work in that moment, so I enrolled in an online Virtual Assistant course just to get moving again.

One of the lessons broke down all the software a VA “needed” to work with clients — invoicing tools, contract tools, schedulers, proposal builders, CRMs. Every item on the list pointed to a different platform… except Dubsado. It could handle all of it in one place. For me, it was an easy decision: instead of stitching together five different programs, I chose the one tool that did it all.

At first, I only used the basics. But very quickly, I realized something game-changing: the more I automated in my business, the more time I freed up for actual client work. Admin tasks stopped eating my day, and I started to feel in control again.

From there, I fell in love with the strategy side — understanding how to design a seamless client journey, what Dubsado can and can’t do, and why a thoughtfully planned workflow matters so much. I began setting it up for other business owners and saw firsthand how powerful it was to have someone who truly knows the system guide the process.

Today, that’s what I do: help creative service providers build intuitive, automated systems that save them hours, elevate their client experience, and support the business they’re trying to grow.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals have hands-down been the strongest (and most joyful) source of new clients for me. Most of my clients are creative service providers who value trust and personal connection, so when someone they already know says, “You have to work with Amy,” that relationship starts off on the warmest possible foot.

This year, I decided to double down on that strength. Instead of trying to be everywhere online or force myself into marketing strategies that drain my energy, I built a simple referral program to intentionally nurture the relationships that are already working. It’s helped me stay connected to my community, reward the people who champion my work, and bring in more aligned clients without relying on tactics that feel forced or unsustainable.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A big lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that “more visibility equals more success.” Early in my business, I worked with a coach who had me follow a very intense content and engagement routine. It did technically “work.” I stayed busy, booked clients (I hit $10K months) and grew my audience, but it also pushed me straight into burnout.

As an introvert, the constant posting and forced engagement left me depleted. I didn’t feel like I had space for meaningful connection, and it took time away from the client work I actually loved. Worst of all, it didn’t feel like me. I value real conversations and genuine relationships, not performative interaction or pressure to be “on” all the time.

Now I build my marketing around strategies that honor my energy, leave space for client delivery, and make room for real connection. The business feels healthier, my results are stronger, and I’m proud of the way I show up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amysgould.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyspearson_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SystemsforCreatives

Image Credits

Deb Oliviara, Oliviara Multimedia