We recently connected with Amanda Boyers and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Working in any creative industry can be challenging and demanding, but more so when you get into the media and marketing industry I find road blocks often arise between the creation or process of the work and the bridge to understanding the ‘how’ or ‘why’ after its distributed. I think a number of people tend to ignore the truly creative side that plays into those streams of media finding success with their content, and then in the same hand, I think a number of people ignore the more technical sides of those streams and often overlook the trained and learned skill that plays out behind the scenes.

Coming from a background that has a very creative mission behind it while also being equipped with a scientific degree in Journalism and Sociology – at times throughout my career its been difficult for some people to grasp that something or someone can be wildly creative and have the ability to create gorgeous and engaging, dare I say trendy content, while also having a strong structure of analytics, science, skill and strategy behind that process. For me personally being able to execute photography, written messaging, sales copy, and engaging storytelling is obviously a dream package- but its not the norm, and its often not without many hours.
Not only does this level up the quality of the messaging and media a client might receive, but often it’s an integral part of the success of the message. It’s creative, but it has too be guided by logic and real time knowledge.
Communication now comes to us in such a myriad of forms -the ability to grasp the human behavioral elements, along with data, and concepts of how messaging and news is best absorbed and practiced is only as valuable as how the massage looks, how it feels, does it spark a memory or a thought, do the colors pull you in, is the photo contributing, that’s a creative skill, and its uncommon of someone to have them all, and its something that needs to be budgeted out if its missing in your business strategy. Often, that’s hard for business owners, especially small business owners to grasp.
I dont think one exists without the other when you look at extremely successful media, and I think that’s often overlooked in the industry. A creative is such an asset. An educated, skilled, and trained, creative or creatives is even better.

Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a creative through and through. My guide is nature, writing is my passion and has been since I was a child. I am a Journalist, Copywriter, and Digital Creative by trade. My mission is to support my community in sharing their passions, missions, and dreams- I do this by helping them to create inspiring and engaging messaging which in my case sometimes comes in the form of brand photography, creating travel guides for tourism agencies or community destinations, helping businesses through copywriting, media and content management, or writing stories on community businesses and entrepreneurs.

I am an avid outdoors enthusiast and I wear many many hats while dabbling in a number hobbies that include travel photography, backpacking, yoga, cooking and baking, home diy, and recently homesteading. I am a first generation college graduate. A previous Montessori teacher for 7 years; which is also how I was able to pursue my degree and now feels like a lifetime ago. Social science is a passion of mine and if I was not successful in my journalism and writing career I would have pursued becoming a sociologist, and because its part of my degree, I still might. I am an oldest sister. A daughter. A wife. The best friend who will plan all the trips and set the itinerary. I am a libra which means I crave balance and justice, an engram 5 aka ‘the investigator’ which explains why i’m so curious, and I am a complete introvert who loves a good book and a quiet vibe at home. Slow living and engaging in nature on a wholesome level is one of the most important aspects of this life we are creating and I strive to honor that.
If I had to give advice it would be to just keep going. Stay curious, not rigid. Keep centered in who you are completely. There is no one path but if you’re following your passions and the things that light you up while finding a way to contribute and give back to this incredible circle of nature we are in, then you’ll find your way. No doubt. I have been told many times throughout my adolescence that following a passion would not lead to success, that happiness isn’t important, that writing isn’t a career, that you will never have a career you truly love. I am very happy to tell you, that none of that was true. I think the world would be a better place if everyone followed their spark.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

An aspect of work culture that took me some time to unlearn was the idea that personality and creative influences do not belong in the workplace. Especially as an entrepreneur or freelancer who is just starting out, it gets really easy to fall into the idea that a paying client is your ideal client, or that the client is always right. As you grow into your roll you realize that not everyone is your ideal client, and that the clients you actually enjoy and have valuable and integrity based relationships with are the ones that you are going to find the most success with. I spent too long in a position once that came with a really big and fancy title, but the creative freedom and respect was not there. As a creative when your processes and materials are dictated and controlled by outside parties, and at the same time your talents aren’t appreciated or given room to grow, it can be a really toxic environment. The difference in working alongside those who trust and want your actual talents- the difference is night and day, and once you experience that for yourself you dont go back.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

It’s common to be asked as a Freelancer ‘how’ you’re doing it. Where are you sourcing clients? How are you retaining clients? How are you finding new ones? I know this day in age there are a plethora of marketing tactics, social media growth strategies, viral videos, email blasts, the list goes on. But honestly my answer is the same every time. Just do good work. The amount of time you can waste on virtual trainings, events, coaches, networking groups, it’s time you’re not going to get back and most usually the ROI sucks. My best clients have come to me from word of mouth. Friends of previous clients I’ve helped. Community members who have caught word of my work. Brands and people who’ve followed my work elsewhere.
Be your mission, share your message, and help in the ways you’re saying you’re going to help. When you’re showing up – results speak for themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandaboyers.wordpress.com
• Instagram: @adventuringbeing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-boyers-69816b130/
• Other: adventuringbeing.com