Hello!
My name is Amanda Relyea-Voss, but I’ve gone by Mandi since I was in Grade 5. I thought it was cooler (yes I say cooler), but turns out it didn’t help much! I’ve always been a bit of a loner, and a nerd, but once you get to know me I come out of my shell and show my true colours.
I am the owner and lead social media strategist for Like A Voss Social Media. Words cannot describe how much I love what I do – but if I have to I’d say that I wake up each morning with a big fat smile on my face looking forward to what the day will bring.
When it comes to school, I have always been on the creative side of things. I was heavy into music throughout high school (even wanted to be a professional Clarinet player), as well as photography. I did one year of Photography at the University of Guelph-Humber – but decided that it wasn’t what I wanted to do for a living. I am a graduate of the two-year Advertising Diploma program at St. Lawrence College, as well as the three-year Advanced Diploma program in Integrated Marketing Communications. We covered a lot of things during my time in school, but I found out quite quickly that although shy – I have a knack for social media.
My favourite thing about school was when we split into groups and worked on marketing campaigns for REAL clients! There is no way to describe the learning experience that came with having actual meetings and delivering real campaigns to local business (in Kingston, Ontario).
I ended up working in social media after a year of being a bank teller – LOL! I was doing their social media marketing while I was there, but it was such a small part of the job – I was a teller first. After a year at the Kingston Community Credit Union I met the (then) CEO of Ottawa Kiosk and started working in their Kingston branch as the Events and Promotions Manager. From there I was promoted to head office where I wore many hats, but mostly I was managing their HUGE social media presence, and selling social media promotions for events in Ottawa. It was so much fun, and I am very thankful for the experience.
I started Like A Voss Social Media after working for Ottawa Kiosk for a year, because several of the people that I was selling promotions to wanted someone to help with their social media marketing. I was offered several jobs (on the side) before deciding that I had enough people on board to go out on my own – and so I did. I worked alone for several years, 12-18 hour days, making ends meet, and seeing if I could ‘hack it’ as a business owner…and it turns out I could!
The best thing about my job is meeting new people and learning what their passions are, and in my opinion, it’s one of the most essential elements of the job. Unless you REALLY know your clients – it’s hard to get their message across online! Taking the time to discover what makes them tick, what their goals are, and learn their voice is what sets us apart from the competition.
But enough business! I am a person too. LOL!
In my off time, I spend most of my energy around the house. I love to cook and bake (and am pretty good too). Also, as I said before, music was a big part of my life – and I still do some playing from time to time. I started playing the piano when I was five years old, and then picked up a Clarinet for the first time in Grade 7. I took it pretty far, Grade 5 Royal Conservatory with Clarinet and Grade 6 Royal Conservatory with Piano, as well as Grade Three Music Theory. Yes, sounds intense – but I’ll be honest and say that without practice knowledge fades. I’ll admit that I am not as good as I once was at the piano or clarinet, and my guitar skills need much improvement – but I derive great joy in sitting down to practice for at least an hour a day. And, I’ll admit that I am trying to reach my previous skill level – because I was good, and I want to be good again.
In my opinion, everyone needs to watch Fight Club! Yup, that’s right! I watched it for the first time when I was in my early teens, and it just spoke to me. I’ve never really been into “things” as much as other people that I know – it’s more about experiences. I am sure anyone reading this has likely seen the movie – but if not I suggest you add it to your list. It’s a great commentary on society and what we’re taught about possessions and money.
I’ll end with some advice to anyone reading this who is wondering about how to manage their social media presence. BE YOURSELF! It sounds so simple, but it’s the best thing I can think of, and it’s what I tell all my clients. YOU are what people are buying, so why hide who you are? I used to be shy about being myself, but over the years (and many client meetings) I’ve learned that my clients are with Like A Voss Social Media because of who we are, as much as because of what we do. We have discovery calls, and the #1 thing I am told is “we just get such a good vibe from you” – which honestly is the best compliment someone can give me.
So – that’s it, my rambling is done. If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you.
Please also feel free to add me on social media (duh)!
Facebook: Amanda Relyea-Voss
Twitter: @mandirv
LinkedIn: Amanda Relyea-Voss
Instagram: @mandirelyeavoss
