We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Howell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I have ever taken is opening the Amanda Howell Agency. I separated from my previous company on February 19, 2024 and had this idea for many years to go into business for myself using my personality, ability to build strong connections, love of networking and community to build a business. I joked for years, if I could open a company of my own, become self employed, attend networking events – connect others and serve non profits for a living, I would do it. Here I am 10 years later from that thought, running my own company that does just that. I started this with an idea, after a devastating job loss and did it all with very little money, no income to fall on, a hope, a dream, lots of faith and prayer. From February 19 to February 23rd, I brainstormed a business idea, contacted friends, colleagues with the idea and Amanda Howell Agency was born in a coffee shop on a napkin, over a latte with friends and about $12 in my account. By March 01, it was licensed, operating and had it’s first few clients. The goal was 20 clients within the first year- AHA gained 20 clients in roughly 14 days. There is no one in my area doing this type of “boots on the ground” Marketing and it is unique to my brand. A MAJOR RISK. There is no back up plan, just faith in the Lord, lots and lots of prayer, ambition, dreams, and plenty of hard work.

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Amanda Howell Agency is a dynamic and forward-thinking business development agency dedicated to driving small business success through innovative strategies and unparalleled creativity. With apassion for helping businesses thrive in today’s competitive market,

Amanda Howell Agency (AHA) offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the distinct needs of its clients. AHA supports small businesses with years ofexperience in business development, marketing, branding, and communications. AHA leverages cutting-edge technologies and creative strategies — giving small business owners
their own AHA Moment while delivering measurable results and exceeding client expectations.

At Amanda Howell Agency, we believe that every small business has a unique story to tell, and
our mission is to help them amplify their message and connect with their target customers in
meaningful, measurable and profitable ways.

Amanda Howell Agency was a top 3 finalist for the 2024 Ruthies – Community Choice Awards and a Platinum Winner for Community Votes Murfreesboro for Marketing. These are both exceptional accomplishments in less than a year of being in business.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my commitment to community, heart of service and my authenticity helped build my reputation within my market. I moved to Murfreesboro 3 years ago not knowing anyone so I had to work hard to make myself seen, heard and to have a meaningful impact. I threw myself into non profit work, plugging into the Chamber of Commerce, learning about the area, attending events, serving on boards, networking, connecting with others with intent and being consistent, honest and always being present. That has definitely been the number one factor in building my reputation in this market.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Owning this business has definitely been a pivot for me. I have spent all my life working for others so learning to balance working for myself, shifting from an employee mindset to business owner mindset was different and a major pivot as I have to do all the work and no longer have a team and must do everything on my own. I now make my own schedule, make all the decisions and my salary is no longer provided by another. I have loved every moment of this journey and learned to pivot every step of the way. Sometimes the way you envision things isn’t practical and you must shift, pivot and learn in order to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandahowellagency.net/
• Instagram: amandahowellagency
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaHowellAgency
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-howell-445b4222b