For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Amanda-Marie Consulting!
Amanda-Marie Consulting assists small business owners and potential entrepreneurs with the development of their business so they can focus on their passions! Most business owners don’t actually want to run a business, they want to focus on what they’re good at. Amanda-Marie Consulting gives them the tools in their way to run their business in whatever way works best for them! As part of a brokerage, Amanda-Marie can also offer entrepreneurs access to financial options they didn’t even know they had. The ultimate success is building the business and protecting the human(s) behind the business!
Our CEO Mandi Relyea-Voss interviewed Amanda-Marie about her secrets to success in business and in life. And of course, we asked her about her use of social media – and got some insight into how it has worked for her.
A Little Bit About Being a Female Entrepreneur
How long have you been in business for?
It’s been about 6 years, but I went full time self-employed just this year!
What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start your own business as a business consultant & financial agent?
I always knew that I would be a business owner one day, but never knew exactly what that looked like as my artistry skills are honestly terrible, and I have zero ideas for new products so being an inventor was totally out of the question. I loved working in operations, and it was suggested to me by a professor of mine at Loyalist College that consulting would be a good option for me.
So initially I started working with start-up companies and while it was fun, it wasn’t really a successful venture. I decided to get a job in corporate to help me fund my business. Being new in my career I knew it would be a great opportunity to learn more about myself, and the workforce in general.
Fast forward almost 4 years, my corporate job was overwhelmingly busy, and my consulting business had completely changed. I started focusing only in operations, and financial education and I started to really struggle to balance corporate and my business. It was time to make a decision.
I knew whole-heartily that I could make more of an impact in my community and for my own family if I went the self-employment route. The services I provide are needed in our community, and while I really enjoyed what I did in ‘corporate’, I knew they could find someone else to replace me!
What do you love most about being a female entrepreneur?
The time flexibility and knowing that I’m in control of my future. I will be successful if I put in the work, I know I need to do. I also love the community. We have so many business owners in Kingston that it’s really great to connect with everyone!
What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your own business?
The hardest thing for me, and I often see this with the entrepreneurs that I work with as well, is the realization that not everyone will understand or support your business. Sometimes it’s even the people closest to us or people we have spent a lot of time supporting in the past.
Although it’s difficult at the time to see, it’s important to realize their lack of support isn’t usually a malicious thing. They usually have the best of intentions in trying to protect you, or sometimes they’re envious that they didn’t take that same leap of faith. I usually remind my clients (and myself) of a quote – I’m not sure who originally said it, “If you wouldn’t trade lives with them, don’t take advice from them”
What is something cool about working in consulting that we would be surprised to learn?
Well, something I think is pretty cool is that I get to learn a variety of different industries because my client all come from different backgrounds. I’ve had clients in the vending industry, wholesale, retail, skincare, landscaping, and graphic design, just to name a few! I learn just as much from my clients, as they learn from me!
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
Do you have a favorite social media platform? And why?
My top two are LinkedIn and Instagram. I love the reach that you can get on LinkedIn, and the ability to make new connections pretty easily. For Instagram, I love watching stories and I find it’s a great way to start conversations!
What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your business?
Honestly, I’m not great at promoting my business on social media! Ha! But I’ve always been aware that it’s an easier way to get connected within the community, so I just wing it.
The amount of times that I’m introduced to someone as my Instagram handle (@amandamariebiz) actually makes me laugh. Or I love when someone comes up to me in public, and says “Hey I know you from Instagram but we’ve never actually met, I’m so and so” It makes me feel like I’m on the right track at least! Haha!
How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
Social media is an excellent conversation starter and ultimately that’s what impacts any business. It’s the ability to communicate in a way that potential clients see how you solve a problem they’re currently experiencing. While I’m no social media expert, I totally believe it’s an effective marketing tool if done correctly. On the flip side, it could also be a huge time suck, it’s really important to find that balance.
What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with potential clients?
I think it’s essential for anyone using social media to just be themselves. Stay true to who you are and what you want to express online. There is a happy balance between being professional and personal and I believe it’s most effective when people are reminded that there is a human behind the business.
I know there are tons of strategies the experts say about when to post and frequency but I’m a firm believer that it’s all about finding the best strategy for you and your business. Don’t let social media stress you out, it’s supposed to be fun!
What is the best social media campaign/post that you’ve seen recently – and why do you love it so much?
Oh, this one is kinda tricky. I’m a sucker for all things animal-related so I love any of the local accounts like @whozagooddog or @useless_farm!! They always make me laugh! When it comes to business accounts that I love, there are too many to name. It’s a win for me anytime I can read the caption on a post and hear the voice of the person behind it.
A Little More About Amanda-Marie
Amanda-Marie is a Loyalist College Business graduate who also holds an advanced diploma in Business Administration-Human Resources from St. Lawrence College. She has a passion for all things business & finance and believe there are many misconceptions about the industry.
Even as a child, she knew she wanted to be in business. That said, she needs a stencil to draw stick people, so she knew an artistic adventure would never be for her.
During her time in College, she discovered that her love for business stems from the simple concept of helping people. She realized that most people don’t want to be business owners dealing with daily operations and behind the scenes stuff! No, most want to focus on their passions. Her passion just happened to be the daily operations and behind the scenes stuff! She looked for a resource that helped small businesses or potential entrepreneurs develop the back end of their business while allowing them the time to focus on their passions, and I was shocked to find very limited industry resources. And that is how Amanda-Marie Consulting was established!
In her spare time, you’ll likely find her with a notebook, drinking a blonde americano brainstorming her next big adventure. She enjoys spending time with her family and makes a mean guacamole! She believes in focusing on the positive of every situation, setting goals and working towards a better you every day.
Connect with Amanda-Marie:
– Instagram
– Facebook
– LinkedIn
– Website
Know Any Voss Babes?
Do you know a female entrepreneur who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
