Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Lott.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In February 2023, I was laid off my corporate job. With nearly 10 years expertise in my field, it was what I knew and it felt safe. Deep down, my greatest desire was to become an entrepreneur however, what was interpreted as “job security,” always led me to dismiss any imaginings of investing in myself and my own passion fueled talents. So, my search for a new employer ensued. With the predicted economic downturn, securing a new job took on a dismal outlook, and lucrative offersbecame non-existent. Considering myself well groomed, credentialed and possessing a great skill set, the difficulty landing a new job was foreign to me. Months passed and I quickly grew tired of the stagnant holding pattern and employer rejections after undergoing multiple rounds of extensive interviews, requiring well thought out presentations and soul bearing explanations about why I deserved a position within someone else’s company. It did something to me. On the verge of tears and, having exhausted all my resources, I was exhausted, stressed, frustrated and… still unemployed.
Of course, my determination (coupled with a positive self-image) would not allow me to remain in any negative space. I decompressed and digested all my personal thoughts to remind myself, this wasn’t a personal failure. After meditating in prayer, there was instant clarity. It was time I take a chance on me! After all, it has been proven that, “The greatest risk of all is to never take a risk.” I was going to start my own business. When sharing the idea with my husband, I could tell he was nervous but very supportive. This was going to be a complete lifestyle change. There were no guarantees and the amount of time it would take to generate any substantial income was dependent on sound business choices. It was a huge risk, especially dealing with post Covid inflation. My income, at the time, was nonexistent but I knew there was a fire inside of me to pursue my vision. Taking pride in my work, I knew my vision was a huge undertaking and it all started with a sound business plan.
Funny thing is, I thought I was going to open a property management training company. Meanwhile, I was managing my brother-in-law’s business social media accounts for extra cash. And… there it was! I absolutely loved it. Thinking to myself, ‘it would be a fun full-time job’, I dismissed the thought, believing I should stick to what I knew. My brother-in-law began getting attention and recognition from his colleagues. People wereasking who was responsible for his ad photos, videos and content creation. From there, everything snowballed. Like a fast-moving train, my business plan began to unfold and I was along for the ride, enjoying and adapting with every twist and turn!With several new clients on board, I ended up producing an entire Oklahoma portfolio (stationed out of Dallas) within one week. It was evident, my passion lie within storytelling from behind the camera.
Once I came to that realization, I knew I had to switch gears and produce the highest quality work possible if I was going to embrace this process full throttle. Using everything I know from my experience in corporate marketing, I took another huge risk. No longer using my phone for videos, I emptied out my savings to buy the highest quality camera gear, equipment and insurance I could afford. I went to networking events, joined online communities and put myself out there. It takes consistency and persistence to break into the industry of work I want to do full-time. Included in my quest to reach the public and establish social media platforms, I offered free giveaways in an online group, reaching nearly eleven thousand people. Money was not the immediate goal, that would come soon enough. There’s a lot of work entailed in an event of this magnitude but I knew something great would come from the fruits of my labor. Anytime I invest my best, the return is always much more than imagined.
Finally, my vision came to fruition. The work I produced was so beautiful, it almost scared me when I posted it online.Afterwards, there was a domino effect. People took notice and business picked up rapidly. There is no greater feeling than reaping the benefits of your hard work; affirmation the reward far outweighed the risk. Believe in yourself and your vision. Nurture your passion and talents; only great things will come from it! I vowed to give my best in everything I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. I took a risk emptying out my savings. I’m from Oklahoma; people didn’t know who I was here in Dallas. So, I worked 100 times harder to get my name out there, establish connections and consistently posting content when I didn’t have clients.
Trying to convert leads into clients is frustrating when people need your services but seek elsewhere. Being disciplined in your finances is a challenge but, necessary for entrepreneurs at any level. Working on a tight budget, trying to make the most with what you have is a large part of commitment to success. Being creative even when there are days creativity doesn’t flow and working 18 hours a day, 7 days a week became the standard in order to develop processes for my business to thrive.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do digital marketing, specializing in content creation and digital assets for small business owners, large companies, enterprises and nonprofits.
I also do freelance photography and videography.
I am known not only for my body of work but for my persistence and determination to not give up, regardless of how hard it gets. Anytime I become discouraged, I’ve found the greatest inspiration can be found through encouraging others.
It has been truly rewarding to realize success, whether to a small or significant degree, especially with odds stacked against me. I’m also proud of the work I have done and the lives I have touched.
When I meet with my clients, I want to leave something with them that they can carry forward. A great experience, of course, but a special connection.
As I work with my clients, my goal is to make them feel empowered in front of the camera. In order to do this, I uncover the true meaning behind the video or photo I’ve been asked to create. Understanding their why allows me to capture the moment and bring their vision to life. In everything I do, I will always give my absolute best.
That is what sets me apart.
How do you define success?
Success comes in many forms. So, it can look different for everyone. However, for me, success looks like producing high-quality digital assets for my clients. It looks like people’s faces lighting up when they see photos and videos from special events. Financial freedom, adequately funding my business, flexibility, work-life balance, being a role model, and inspiringothers to pursue their dreams without fear of failure. You never know what’s on the other side. I’m the happiest I have ever been. I can’t picture my life any other way. That is the ultimate success.
Pricing:
- Event photo and video $200/hr
- Social media management prices vary
- Photo sessions start at $90/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: mybestbusinessservices.com
- Instagram: Instagram/Mybest.wsw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090926750856
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalott23t
Image Credits
Be-YOU-tiful smiles photography
4 Hearts Photography
