Aardvark Girl | Amanda McCune

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Podcast Editors MastermindNavigating the Podcast Editing Business MazeHey there, podcast aficionado! Strap in, because today we're serving up a heavy dose of reality about the business and mindset of podcast editing.Imagine this: Bryan (one of your faithful Yetis) is in the thick of it - searching for quality-over-quantity clients, and we're joined by Jesse, Tara, and Amanda to help him (and you) cut through the noise. Expect unfiltered advice on pricing, embracing AI without losing our human touch, and finding that sweet spot between making bank and keeping the passion alive.We'll dissect whether to fly solo or assemble a podcast...2024-02-0854 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesHow to Be a Good ClientI spend a lot of time talking about building relationships with clients and how to approach things from the vendor perspective. But many of us who have clients also ARE clients, because we hire other contractors to do portions of our projects. So I’m wondering how many of us put as much effort into being a good client as we expect our clients to do for us. It’s that whole idea of treat others how you want to be treated. It’s simple in concept but for some reason it seems trickier in execution. For m...2022-02-0708 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesHow Many Clients Should You Have?I was asked an interesting question the other day: How many clients should you have? I’ve never really thought about that before and I’m not sure there’s a concrete answer for that. But I thought it was worth exploring here. I don’t think it’s so much about a number as it as about balance, factoring in workload, income, and other needs. I suppose the easy answer is “enough.” You need enough clients to keep your business healthy, but not so many you can’t keep up. Let’s talk about what that really means, starting with some...2022-01-2411 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesSetting Boundaries without Being DefensiveWe all know I have a lot of favorite things about being self-employed. On that list is being able to set your own rules for how you run your business. You get to choose your hours, your location, how you communicate, which systems work for you, and everything else. It’s way better than having to fit the mold that someone else controls and might not align with what is right for you. But, that doesn’t mean that you get your way all the time. If that’s what you are expecting, and you get defensive when someone needs...2022-01-1009 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesHow do You Take Time Off When You ARE Your Business?When you own your own business and you ARE your own business, taking time off can feel overwhelmingly impossible. But you owe it to yourself to prioritize your own well-being and taking breaks is a big part of that. This episode is about making that time through outsourcing, planning, committing to yourself the same as you would to a client, and more. What are some ways you give yourself time off? Do you generally go for the big blocks of time, more consistent smaller actions, or somewhere in between? I’d love to hear how you prioritize yo...2022-01-0313 min

Business for Self-Employed Creatives2021 in ReviewWell, it finally happened. As you may have noticed, I’ve been gone for a few weeks. I officially ran out of time. I’ve always done my best to prioritize this podcast, but I got to the point where it was either make another episode or take some much-needed rest and I had to choose the latter. You’ve heard me talk about the importance of self-care and taking breaks and I stand by it. I rarely let myself get to the point where that’s even a question, but the last several months have been intense. I continue...2021-12-2404 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesLessons from ElshaIf we’re connected on social, you may have seen that the world recently lost a special soul, Elsha Stockseth. I first met Elsha in 2017 when Dave and I took a one-day thousand-mile roundtrip drive to interview her for “Dream Out Loud.” She was well-known by the U2 community at that point, but neither of us had met her. She was unable to travel for that tour, but we knew it was important to include her in the film. We didn’t know how much it would change our lives. We often overuse words like “special” and “amazing” and “...2021-11-2910 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesKindness is Not WeaknessI’ve never understood why people think kindness is weakness. It’s something I’ve heard over the years and it just doesn’t make any sense in my brain. It takes a lot of strength to be kind, especially when you’re frustrated, under a tight deadline, or don’t agree with the way someone is handling a situation. Not to mention being nice usually gets you further ahead in your life and career. I suppose that’s where some people object. There’s this idea that you have to be cutthroat and walk all over others to progre...2021-11-2207 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesIf You Don‘t Ask, You Don‘t GetIn 2017 when Dave Barry and I were making the “Dream Out Loud” documentary, we met a wonderful human named Aaron Govern. We initially talked to him because he was a big U2 fan, but when we finally met him in Vancouver, we knew he was so much more than that. I still think back fondly of walking through the city, stopping for tea at a café, and having one of those great conversations that are all too rare these days. He was English, so of course he was very particular about his tea, and I hoped he wouldn’t judge m...2021-11-1506 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesQ&A #3: Pivotal MomentsIt's time for another listener Q&A episode, where I talk about the biggest mistakes I've made in business, the most pivotal moments in my career, and my biggest piece of advice for other self-employed creatives. For the full transcript, go to https://aardvarkgirl.com/QA3. -- If you have any questions, send them my way. You can always reach me at info@aardvarkgirl.com or on social @aardvarkgirl. This podcast is for you, so if there is a topic that would be helpful to you, let me know. I always look forward to hearing...2021-11-0813 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesInvoicing Tips: Make it Easier to Get PaidI’m wrapping a big project and a big part of that is collecting and reviewing invoices from the crew and other vendors. In this case, there are probably 50 or more invoices, so I see a lot of different things. This goes back to my job job days when I used to oversee the accounting department and knew what drove them crazy. I did my best to be a buffer and that’s something I’ve continued as I work directly with creatives. But it still surprises me how some invoices come in, not just from newer freelancers but from p...2021-11-0109 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesHow to Say & Hear NoI am always looking for new guests for this podcast. I get a lot of weird pitches, but you know the vibe I’m going for. I like to have real conversations about people’s stories and what has helped them successfully run their businesses. I want to talk to more people who genuinely want to help others and aren’t just trying to get more sales for themselves. I’m happy to promote products and services, but that’s never the focus of this podcast. If you would like to be a guest, or know of someone who would be a...2021-10-2510 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMelissa Moats: Go Forth and Be AwesomeMelissa Moats is a full-time voice actor and owner of The Voice Actors Studio in Las Vegas. In this episode we talk about work-life balance, staying productive, and building long-term relationships with clients. We also discuss the importance of follow-through, the often overlooked superpower of kindness, the "web of awesome" that is your network, and so much more. Connect with Melissa: Instagram @melissamoatsvo VO Website: https://www.ladyluckvoiceovers.com/ The Voice Actors Studio: https://www.thevoiceactorstudio.com/ -- Connect with me on your...2021-10-1848 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMoney Tip: Tax Planning Before the End of the YearAs we’re nearing the end of the year, it’s a good time to start thinking about taxes. Why think about taxes in October when they’re not due until April? Because even though it’s true that you still have 6 months before you have to file, the decisions you make before December can impact how much you owe or is owed to you. It’s much better to know now so you can adjust as needed before it’s too late. As always, here’s my disclaimer that I am not a CPA or tax professional...2021-10-1107 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesGetting it Done with Prioritizing, Logic & Self-AwarenessWhen you feel like you have too much to do, use prioritizing, logic, and self-awareness to help you figure out how to get it all done. Have a suggestion for a topic? Email info@aardvarkgirl.com or DM me on social @aardvarkgirl -- Running a business can be a lot of work, especially when you’re doing it all yourself. When you can hire help and delegate tasks to ease your own workload, that can be helpful, but sometimes you have to be the one doing it. And while we are capable of ha...2021-10-0405 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesDrew Marvick: Don‘t Be Afraid to FailDrew Marvick is a producer, writer, director, actor, horror enthusiast, and so much more. In this episode, we discuss the world of production, horror fandom, and why it's so important to not let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your passion. Drew's primary career has been as a producer in the commercial world, but he's branched into acting in indie films and horror movies. He talks about his work ethic and not having an ego on set. It's not about where you're at on the call sheet, it's about coming together as a team...2021-09-2749 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBe the Person People Want to HireLet me know what you think about this topic, or if there's something else you'd like to hear about. You can email info@aardvarkgirl.com or DM me on social @aardvarkgirl on all platforms. -- It sounds so cliche to say, “I don't know where the time is going.” But I really don't. Last week, I was working on something and my phone went off as a reminder that it was the 15th, and there are certain things that I need to do on the 15th, and I almost didn't believe my phone. I thought it w...2021-09-2012 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesWhy Remote Work is Here to StayThe demand for remote work and flexible schedules was there long before the pandemic forced employers to let people work from home. Now that it's proven as a possible, and often beneficial, option, many workers are not willing to go back to that archaic 40-hour work week structure. -- If you have a topic you'd like to hear about on this podcast, let me know at info@aardvarkgirl.com or DM me on social @aardvarkgirl. -- When I first started consulting, I noticed a common theme amongst employees. They were annoyed...2021-09-1309 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesGilda Graham: The Hero‘s JourneyGilda Graham is an actor, screenwriter and Emmy-nominated producer. She also helps others navigate the stressful nature of the film and television industry through her coaching program, "The Hero's Journey," in which she helps people write their own scripts by figuring out where they are now, where they want to be, and guiding them on their path to get there. In this episode, we discuss her passion for the film industry, and why she had to pursue that career path, even if it wasn't what her family wanted for her. Her journey, like the journey many creatives...2021-09-0650 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesHow to Function When You've Said Yes to Too Many ProjectsEven with the best boundaries and understanding the importance of not overdoing it, we sometimes find ourselves in that situation where we've taken on too much. Here's how I got to that place and what I do to get through it. Please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! Questions and comments can also be emailed to info@aardvarkgirl.com Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- As I’m about to start recording, I’m reminded of this college English class where...2021-08-3011 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesSolopreneurship 101: A Quick Intro to Running a One-Person BusinessIf you want to get started with your one-person business, you might not be sure where to start. Here is a super quick introduction to what it takes to become a solopreneur. -- Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- I’m still not sure how I feel about these made-up words like solopreneur, but they seem to be common so I’m doing my best to embrace them. I think the word entrepreneur has been overused to the point it hass lost its original meaning. Ever...2021-08-2307 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesAiden Clark McFarland: Be LimitlessHe's a business and lifestyle coach with a gender-free clothing line called Limitless. He helps other creatives not only think outside the box, but blow up the box entirely. Please welcome Aiden Clark McFarland. -- Connect with Aiden: https://www.limitlesswearables.com/ Twitter @AidenLimitless Instagram @aidenislimitless YouTube: Be Limitless and Queerate -- Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- 00:40 Instead of just a bump, it became a wall of like, do I keep wanting...2021-08-1645 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesStop Treating Women This WayEven with all of the recent momentum in the right direction, women are still being mistreated at work. We're still being talked down to, ogled, touched, or otherwise made to feel uncomfortable when we're just trying to do our jobs. A lot of men don't even realize this is happening, even when they're at the same place. We need to keep speaking up for ourselves and others until this behavior stops. -- Please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! Questions and comments can also be emailed to info@aardvarkgirl.com 2021-08-0907 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesWhich Kind of Person Are You?There are different choices you can make as a business owner, whether you’re a client or a vendor, a per-project freelancer or on retainer, or whatever your particular setup may be. These choices will impact your interactions with others on a job, and that may also affect whether you get hired again. But it seems people often forget, or don’t care, to think about these things. It all goes back to some common themes on this podcast – mindset, communication, and being a decent human. So, which kind of human are you? -- Connect with m...2021-08-0213 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesArzo Yusuf: Social Impact EntrepreneurshipShe's a social impact entrepreneur, a public speaker and a women's empowerment activist who's doing everything she can to make a positive change in the world. Please welcome Arzo Yusuf. Connect with Arzo @thearzoyusuf and @thesexybossbabe Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- 00:22 A social impact entrepreneur is really somebody that has a social impact business model. So it's a for-profit business with a social component. So something that contributes to the social good of the community in various aspects. It could be the environment. It...2021-07-2638 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBusiness TherapyThe “Business for Self-Employed Creatives” club meets every Wednesday at 4pm Pacific on Clubhouse. Each week, we discuss a different topic that most of us are dealing with or have dealt with in the past, and we brainstorm solutions together. It’s really nice to have a group of other solo business owners to chat with about all this stuff. Sometimes when you’re doing everything yourself, it can feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to or that no one will understand. It’s a nice way to take a break from work for an hour to talk abou...2021-07-1906 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBuilding Relationships with Quality ClientsQuality clients appreciate what you do, value your time, and respect your boundaries. But how do you build those relationships and weed out the ones who want to micromanage or bully you about rates? -- Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- We had a great chat on Clubhouse a few weeks ago about finding quality clients. Specifically, how do you find good clients who are willing to pay appropriate rates? This is something I feel like everyone in business deals with, no matter how long...2021-07-1210 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBrent Mukai: From Creative to Business - the Mental ShiftBrent Mukai had a goal to quit his job as soon as he was making enough money to pay the bills doing what he loved. He crushed that goal and is now thriving as a full-time voice actor. In this episode, we discuss how becoming self-employed has changed the way he looks at everything from business to dating and how he's started seeing opportunities instead of obstacles. We talk about his background in Improv, which he calls his religion, and how it taught him some important lessons about connecting with people. The pandemic gave him the opportunity...2021-07-0548 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesDealing with Different PersonalitiesWe can't always control with whom we work, but we can control how to interact with them. Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- Whether you work for yourself or someone else, you’re bound to encounter a variety of personality types. You don’t always get to choose who else is on your team. If you hire them, sure, but you might be on a crew with a bunch of people your client hired. You might have to communicate with different positions at their company. If something is j...2021-06-2809 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesFinding Clarity When Starting a New ProjectReflecting on a year of this podcast, it also made me think about how to find clarity when working on any new project. It often starts with the basics - who, what, when, where, how and why. Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- It’s officially been a year since the “Business for Self-Employed Creatives” podcast launched. Some of you have been with me since day one, some found it later on, and this might be the first episode you’ve ever heard. No matter what, I apprecia...2021-06-2109 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesJaimee Finney: UntitledJaimee Finney is a lot of things - a designer, a writer, a speaker, a coach, a mom, and so much more. She's the co-founder and CEO of Picture This Clothing, a company that turns your art into clothing. She's always experimenting her way into new ideas about what she wants to do. In this episode, we talk about how hard it is to answer the question "What do you do?" when you do so many things. And how trying to simplify it into a definition others understand can place unnecessary limitations on your abilities. ...2021-06-1453 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesDon't Get Fooled by Imposter SyndromePSA: Imposter Syndrome is running rampant in creative industries and it's not okay. You are not a fraud! If you are struggling with these thoughts, this episode is a reminder that you deserve all the success you've earned for yourself. -- Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- A few weeks ago, our weekly Clubhouse meetup was supposed to be about money management for creatives. It quickly became focused more on making money than what to do with the money we’ve already made. Everyone was in...2021-06-0707 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMaking the Best of a Bad SituationWhen it feels like everything is falling apart, some perspective, acceptance, and understanding might help you make the best of a bad situation. I took my own advice this week and it helped me keep my sanity amidst some chaos. -- Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- Well, this isn’t the episode I planned on releasing this week. But, a lot of things happened over the last several days that I didn’t plan on either. I won’t bore you with all of the co...2021-05-3109 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesJohn Masse: Seagulls & SandwichesJohn Masse is the perfect example of a self-employed creative. He’s had a lucrative career as an illustrator, animator, creative director, scenic designer, and more. His creations have been seen all over the world, and while he loves what he does, he also prioritizes his family. In this episode, we discuss what it takes to run a creative business - managing your time and money, avoiding procrastination, knowing when to call it a day, and more. He can trace every step of his career back to his first job designing t-shirts in a shop in Vegas. Th...2021-05-2456 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesIf You Can't Handle Change, You Don't Belong in BusinessOne of the most important skills for business owners is adaptability. If you are a person who gets frustrated when things change – whether a schedule shifts, an idea evolves, or a plan takes a different direction – you don’t have any business being in business. Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl and join the Self-Employed Creatives club on Clubhouse every Wednesday at 4pm Pacific time. -- I recently encountered a situation that made me shake my head. All I kept thinking is this… if you get frustrated when a plan c...2021-05-1707 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesAnticrastinationUsing your down time to your advantage is what I like to call anticrastination. It's the opposite of putting things off. It’s taking advantage of the time you have right now to do things you might not have time for later. Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl The Self-Employed Creatives club meets Wednesdays at 4pm Pacific time on Clubhouse. -- We are all familiar with procrastination. I was a pro procrastinator in school. I actually found that I couldn’t write a paper if I had t...2021-05-1007 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesSong Lopez: Living PurposefullySong Lopez had a successful career as a celebrity makeup artist for TV and film, which came to a halt in 2020 when the pandemic wiped out production. During that time, she embraced the solitude and got to know herself. She learned to live in the moment and remembered why it's so important to play. She's created a new identity for herself, one that evolves with her as she continues to grow. In this episode, we discuss how she turned makeup into a business by developing her own custom makeup line, but also why she wants to be...2021-05-0357 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesWhy is Authenticity Still on Trend?If you’re enjoying this podcast and want to join the conversation, the “Self-Employed Creatives” club meets every Wednesday at 4pm Pacific time on Clubhouse. I hope you’ll join us there: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/self-employed-creati Authenticity has been a hot topic for a while now. But what does it mean to be your "true authentic self," and why is that so important? The full episode transcript is available at http://aardvarkgirl.com/authenticity -- I’ve noticed a trend amongst the people I’ve talked to in the last year. A...2021-04-2609 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesWorking Through Pain, Grief and Other TurmoilWe all know it's important to set boundaries, but what do you do when you've already committed to something and you're just not feeling your best? If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review and share with your friends! You can find me @aardvarkgirl on all social platforms and the “Self-Employed Creatives” club meets every Wednesday at 4pm Pacific time on Clubhouse. We’d love for you to join us there. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/self-employed-creati -- The full transcript is available at https://aardvarkgirl.com/painandgrief You’ve probabl...2021-04-1914 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesShawn Eiferman: The People You Meet & the Books You ReadShawn Eiferman is a singer, songwriter, musician & creative entrepreneur who's been a staple of Las Vegas entertainment since the 90s. When he's not performing, he's exploring other business ventures like creating solutions for working musicians and renovating RVs. In this episode, we're talking about his career in the music business, doing what you're passionate about, and the two things that will change your life: the people you meet and the books you read. He's played shows countless major artists, but the highlights of his career have been singing with Prince and opening for Journey. Even...2021-04-1244 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMy Favorite Things About Self-EmploymentLast week’s topic was pretty heavy, so I want to lighten things up this week. You’ve heard me start a lot of sentences with “one of my favorite things about working for myself is…” I often laugh at myself when I say it because I realize I have a lot of favorite things about self-employment. So for anyone thinking about starting a business, here are some perks that are waiting for you when you do. Or if you’re already in business for yourself, maybe this is another reminder why you’re doing what you do. I'd love it...2021-04-0509 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesWhy Coach Has Become a Bad WordI offer services that help business owners and other self-employed creatives in various ways. I've never liked using the word "coaching" for those services, but I'm especially moving away from it now after seeing what's been going on in that space lately. What should I call myself? DM me @aardvarkgirl on any social platform and let me know! Shout out to Arzo Yusuf of the Sexy Boss Babe podcast for inspiring this episode. Check out Episode 22 for her take on Predatory Coaching Programs. Join us Tuesday nights at 6pm Pacific time on Clubhouse for discussions...2021-03-2911 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesCrystal Thurman: Never Have to Say "What If?"From a stay-at-home mom to a model to forming her own casting agency, Cast Vegas, Crystal Thurman is proof that it is possible to have it all. In this episode, she talks about turning her passion into a dream career and why it doesn't feel like work. She credits drive, faith and fear for motivating her throughout the journey, along with working hard and keeping herself accountable to her vision. We also discuss some positive outcomes of the pandemic, such as finding her love for Lululemon clothing, giving herself more down time, and not stressing...2021-03-2245 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBusiness Ghosting: People Deserve BetterGhosting has moved its way into business, and it's not okay. If you don't want to work with someone anymore, don't be a coward. Have the decency to let them know. -- Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- I think we’re all familiar with the concept of “ghosting” as it applies to the dating world. The gist of it is that two people are having some kind of relationship and then one of them disappears – no more communication, no explanation of what went wrong – just gone...2021-03-1511 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMoney Tip: Saving is Buying Peace of MindIt’s time for another Money Tip! Because we all want more money but don’t always know how to get it. And when we get it, it’s tempting to use it to buy stuff. That’s kind of how the economy works, right? But, let’s face it, there are a lot of people out there who wouldn’t consider themselves to be “good with money.” Is that you? Let’s talk about that. -- Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- I want to start with a di...2021-03-0811 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesJarrod Oram: Experience, Understanding, Empathy & HumilityJarrod Oram is a creative with many talents and doesn't like to be restricted by any specific label. In this episode, we're talking about the importance of surrender, self-care, authenticity, enjoying the journey, and saying yes to opportunities along the way. Connect with Jarrod @jarrodoram Connect with me on your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- 00:42 I think, just in society as a whole, labels are safe because they give us identification and they can provide us with a sense of who we are. But all a label is is...2021-03-0154 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesSelling without a PitchCan you sell without a pitch? I believe you can. I sell by doing good work, sharing value, and being kind. Not traditional sales techniques, but that's how I've built a loyal client base. -- Please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- In my opinion, selling is one of the necessary evils of running a business. Whether you’re pushing a product, a service, or both, you have to let people know yo...2021-02-2209 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBusyness is Not a Badge of HonorWhy do people seem to take so much pride in how busy they are? I'm all for hard work, but if you don't have time for anything else, what's the point? -- Please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! Questions and comments can also be emailed to info@aardvarkgirl.com. Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- Because this seems to keep coming up in my conversations, both on this podcast and outside of it, I want to talk a...2021-02-1509 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesCasey Eade: Being a Professional Silly PersonCasey Eade is a brilliant and funny creative with many talents - voiceover, copywriting, marketing, social media management, art and cosplay, to name a few. Less than two years ago, she left her corporate job to pursue her passion, and she's never looked back. In this episode, we talk about knowing when it's time to quit your job and become self-employed, balancing multiple interests, and being an adult while still having fun with what you do. We also discuss the Millennial point of view of what work should be, figuring out what work style and...2021-02-0849 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesDoes the Clubhouse App Live Up to the Hype?Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for topics, email info@aardvarkgirl.com or find me on social @aardvarkgirl. If you want to work with me, that’s where you’ll find me, too. -- There’s a new-ish social media app called Clubhouse. It’s still in its beta form and is currently only available to iPhone users, and only by invitation. You can find me there @aardvarkgirl. If you’re not on it, don’t tune out yet. You may have heard a...2021-02-0108 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesA Healthy You is Important for a Healthy BusinessConnect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl Is there a topic you want to hear about? Or do you have a question for me? Email info@aardvarkgirl.com and let me know! -- January is typically a time when people plan on changing their eating habits to be healthier. Sadly, many don’t stick with it for more than a few weeks. It can be hard to make big lifestyle changes for a number of reasons. When you’re a business owner, you might feel like you don’t have en...2021-01-2510 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMarcus Weiss: Expressing & ConnectingMarcus Weiss is an actor who's had an extensive career in theater, TV, film, and radio. You may have seen him in Blue Man Group, Le Reve, Hedwig & the Angry Inch, and Second City Improv & Comedy, to name a few. He's also a teaching artist for the Disney Musicals in Schools Program at the Smith Center for Performing Arts, and a performance coach with a Mastermind called “Express and Connect.” In this episode, we talk about how growing up in Switzerland shaped his outlook on seeking "busyness," how formal training (he got his BA in drama from Dart...2021-01-181h 00

Business for Self-Employed CreativesWhen You Feel Like You Can't Catch Up, Prioritize!When you're feeling overwhelmed with all the things you need to get done, take a few moments to prioritize and make sure you're working effectively. Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- Have you ever had one of those weeks where you feel like you just can’t catch up? Like every time you cross one thing off of your to do list, you’ve added three more? That’s the kind of week I had last week. I started off with what I considered to be a reason...2021-01-1108 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesResolutions Aren't Just for the New YearConnect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl I'm on Clubhouse @aardvarkgirl -- Because of everything that happened in 2020, I think a lot of people are putting a ton of pressure on 2021 to be better. But things don’t suddenly change overnight because the calendar says it’s a new year. So let’s not focus on the date so much as how we approach the current moment. I’m not against New Year's resolutions as a concept. I think it’s important to set goals, intentions, and make plans...2021-01-0409 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMolly Sullivan: Sports Broadcasting & Staying True to YourselfMolly Sullivan had a successful career in entertainment reporting before starting over to fulfill her lifelong passion for sports. She made her way to the NBA and NFL, and is now back home on the sidelines for the Las Vegas Raiders - at the same place where she got her first internship. Talk about full circle. In this episode, we talk about Molly's career path and how she's had to create the opportunities she wants for herself. Even when people told her she didn't have "it," she never took "no" for an answer because she believed in...2020-12-2844 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMake it WorkConnect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl Because this episode is publishing the week of Christmas, I figured I should do something festive. Just kidding. If you know me, you know I’m not a Christmas person at all. I wouldn’t say I’m a grinch, because I would never deny others their joy in the holiday. I’m not an outward humbug either. My grumpiness during the season is more internal. It starts with the first time I’m forced to hear Christmas music. Yeah. I’m guessing it...2020-12-2106 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesAardvark Girl Q&A #2: Why Do a Podcast?I'm back for round #2 of the Aardvark Girl Q&A series. This time I'm answering some questions based on podcasting. Why I started one and what advice I have for anyone else who's doing it or thinking about it. It seems appropriate to have a podcast about a podcast, right? Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl Why did I decide to do a podcast? From a nagging feeling one night to more than a year co-hosting the Womanpreneur Podcast with my friend Melissa, I talk about my journey...2020-12-1419 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesFernando Delgado: New Technology & Being Money SmartFernando Delgado is an Emmy Award-winning audio consultant and owner of Stickman Sound in Las Vegas. He's an audio expert who truly loves what he does, and he recently developed a remote recording solution that allows people to stay home without sacrificing sound quality. He also happens to be a great human in general with some wonderful business advice. -- Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl Connect with Fernando: Stickman Sound Instagram @stickmansound Twitter @stickman_sound Facebook @stickmansound ...2020-12-0726 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesDigital DeclutteringConnect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl There has been a big trend in the last few years with decluttering. Suddenly organization has become trendy, which is something I’m not mad about at all. Shows on Netflix like “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” and “The Home Edit” have inspired many people to look at all their stuff and find better ways to put it away or display it. With more people at home during the pandemic, we’ve heard a lot about garages, pantries, and closets getting cleared out, organized, and looking better than...2020-11-3013 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesCommunication: Details Are There for a ReasonWe all know how important communication is in business, but we can easily get overwhelmed by the amount of communication we get. But remember that the details are there for a reason, so instead of rushing through and potentially missing them, slow down and pay attention so you don't end up creating extra work for yourself or the others with whom you're working. Nobody wants that! Connect with me through your favorite platform: https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl -- I’m guessing we’ve all been in this scenario. You send an email to a cl...2020-11-2312 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesClaire Hart: Photography & Southern HospitalityClaire Hart is a a high-energy, fun-spirited photographer who can make anyone look good. In this episode, we're talking about why she loves her job, how she uses her Southern hospitality to put people at ease, building relationships with clients, what she's been doing during the pandemic, and more! 00:38 How Claire went from a degree in nuclear medicine to a career in photography 05:31 Shifting from "just a photographer" or "just a freelancer" to the mindset of a business owner 08:21 Staying relevant when cell phones make everyone feel like they're a pro photographer 2020-11-1637 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMoney Tip: Budget isn't a Bad WordWhen you hear the word budget, do you cringe? Does it make you want to run away? It seems the typical response, especially in the creative world, is a negative one. People associate budget with restriction. Or tedious scrutiny of everything you do wrapped up in a boring spreadsheet. Or rules. And we know how we all feel about rules. We got into business for ourselves so we could create them, not follow them. But budget doesn’t have to be a bad word. 00:54 The real reason for having a budget is so you know wh...2020-11-0909 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesCelebrating SuccessesWe are taught to be polite. Stay humble. Don’t brag. I think those are all important habits. Arrogance is a turnoff for most people. But we need to be confident, especially when we’re running a business. Where is that line? When is it okay to talk about yourself and when does it mean you’re being cocky if you do? With the current climate of social media and personal branding, self-promotion has become necessary. But how do you promote yourself without sounding like you’re bragging? It used to be that talking about yourself...2020-11-0205 min

Meg in the MorningActress Sarah Best & Producer Amanda McCuneWake up with me!Today I am dishing on the Lily James & Dominic West drama, Hillary Duff's new baby, Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Justin Bieber's new documentary! Then I am sitting down with Actress Sarah Best to talk about her recent role in Buried in the Backyard on Oxygen and Producer Amanda McCune to talk about her company Aardvark Girl! Sarah Best is a drama and comedy actor best known for her roles in Buried in the Backyard on Oxygen, Untethered, Eden, and Rogue Saints. She has an extensive background in th...2020-10-2930 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesJohn McClain: Have Fun and Don't Be a DHe's a Grammy and Emmy winning post sound mixer and sound designer, a composer, a voice actor, a professor, a killer harmonica player, and all-around cool dude. He loves working on podcasts, but this time he gets to be the guest. Please enjoy the musings of John McClain. We're talking about the importance of having fun as a business owner, using your tools, and making sure you're working with people who are simpatico. He also shares the two rules he's given to his kid and applies to everything in life: 1- Have fun. 2 - Don't be a D. 2020-10-2640 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBe Your Own HeroI’ve been watching a documentary on HBO called “The Vow.” It’s your typical feel-good story where a bunch of people get involved with a self-help guru without realizing they’ve actually joined a cult, despite some obvious red flags like… well, I don’t want to give anything away. You should check it out though. It’s fascinating. Watching this, it’s easy to wonder how anyone can possibly get into this situation and not know that something isn’t right. I always do my best to understand other points of view. I try to put my own judgment...2020-10-1907 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesThe Day I Deleted My InboxesI think I’ve mentioned before that I have a lot of email addresses that I have to maintain regularly. I have my personal address, my business address, my spam address, and 10 or more client addresses. Clients often give me an email from their domain so when I’m communicating with their clients, vendors, or whomever else, it’s more cohesive. It may sound like a lot, but I don’t really mind. It actually helps me keep everything separated so I can focus on one client at a time without one massive inbox. I’m pretty organized...2020-10-1205 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBeth Lano: Wearing Many HatsIn this episode, I am talking with the multi-talented musician, radio host, businesswoman (and so much more) about wearing a lot of hats, adapting to the current climate and being forward-focused in your career. Beth is a well established French horn player with the Las Vegas Philharmonic. She toured with Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and has played with a range of artists - Metallica, the Who, Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, and so many more. Beyond her musical career, she works as a voice actor, a radio personality, a writer, a teacher, and a business consultant. She's currently...2020-10-0545 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesCharge Your WorthOne of the most common business discussions I see online is about rates - how to price your services, how to get clients to pay what you’re worth, and why sometimes you have to say no and walk away. This especially happens with those who are just starting out. There seems to be an inherent fear that if you charge too much, you won’t get any clients and your business will fail. But it’s so much harder to sustain a business when you’re undervaluing your services. You have to work twice as hard, and who...2020-09-2807 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesFinding Balance & Being a BossWe often have many, many thoughts going on in our heads at once, so that's what this episode is - a collection of thoughts from the week. 00:38 How do we find that balance that's so important in the middle of the chaos? 01:06 One of my solutions for everything is just to find humor in a situation. A couple of my go-to videos when I need to laugh: https://youtu.be/KOOmaBbqYBk (Michael Stipe's dance moves around 1:50) and any Future Islands performance: https://youtu.be/GK4lD3Uf8_o 02:57 Changing your mood is helpful, b...2020-09-2114 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesKelly Schwarze: A Filmmaking MindsetJoining me today is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and author. His latest book, “A Filmmaking Mindset: The New Path of Today’s Filmmaker” is available on Amazon now. I’m talking with Kelly Schwarze about how the film industry is shifting and what we can do to adapt. Buy 2020-09-1436 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesAardvark Girl Q&A #1I thought it would be fun to do something a little differently, so this episode will be a bit of a Q&A session. I posted a poll on social to find out what you might want to know from me, and here are a few of the suggestions. 00:16 How did you know it was time to go out on your own? 06:33 How long did it take you to get started? 08:07 What is the best and worst advice you were given when starting out? 13:35 What is the most overlooked skill you...2020-09-0715 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesYou Can't Be Motivated All the TimeWe can’t be motivated and productive all the time. Sometimes we need to take breaks to recharge. Other times we need to do what we feel like doing, and not just what we think we should be doing. Everything comes down to a choice and understanding what the best thing for you actually is in that moment. For some reason, when people start working for themselves, they tend to forget that stopping from time to time is a perfectly valid option. It’s easy to get so engulfed with what you’re doing – all the things you have to do, w...2020-08-3113 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesDanielle Demski: Balancing Work, Life & Being on TVYou may have seen her in shows like Veep, AP Bio and NCIS, or co-hosting “Let's Make a Deal” with Wayne Brady. In this episode, I'm talking with Danielle Demski about work-life balance and the newly changing world of TV. Learn more about Danielle at http://www.danielledemski.com/ Follow her on Instagram @danielledemski and Twitter @danielle_demski 00:39 Balancing work, marriage & motherhood 01:56 Adjusting to life during COVID - when productions aren't happening, travel isn't safe, and you have to find new adventures. 04:19 When you love what you do, you figur...2020-08-2414 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesGetting Started in BusinessWhen I’m working with people on their businesses, the comment I get more than any other is, “I don’t know what I don’t know.” When you start going down that rabbit hole researching all the things, it can seem like there is just too much to do. What do you do first? My best advice is to not overthink it. Start simple and grow as you’re able. You don’t have to have it all figured out ahead of time. And sometimes you don’t even want to because as you start doing more business, you realize what...2020-08-1711 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesDon't Fret About FollowersPeople put a lot of focus on followers - the number of people on our social accounts - as proof of success. But I think it's more important to concentrate on delivering solid content that connects with our target audience and inspires them to engage and share. Maybe it's because I don't enjoy social media, but I do believe organic growth is possible, and often more meaningful. For me, if even one person resonates with my message, I consider that a success. 01:06 What follower count can means for podcasters, YouTubers, IG posters and bloggers 2020-08-1007 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMichael Caprio: Be Kind, Honest & ForgivingIn this episode, I'm talking with celebrity publicist and owner of Caprio Media Design, Michael Caprio. Michael represents celebrities like Olivia Newton-John, Ian Ziering, Leeza Gibbons, Richard Marx, and Jon Secada, along with Vegas shows like Chippendales and Human Nature. He talks about how his love of Broadway led to a thriving career in PR and ultimately starting his own company. We discuss the 3 most important things his mom taught him - "be kind, be honest, and be forgiving." He also adds "be respectful" to that list, and applies these traits in everything he does. H...2020-08-0346 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesPitching New ClientsFor a video summary of this topic on YouTube, or to connect with me on your favorite platform, visit https://pods.link/aardvarkgirl One of the trickiest parts of running your business can be finding new clients. So many of us know what we have to offer, but conveying it clearly to the right person at the right time can be challenging. And a lot of us don’t want to sell. You want the work, but you don’t want to be pushy or gimmicky or come across as desperate. So you spend the time...2020-07-2711 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesToxic Positivity & Business MindsetI recently heard the phrase "toxic positivity," which sounded contradictory. How can positivity be toxic? I know not everybody wants to hear about the “power of a positive mindset” and “everything happens for a reason.” But toxic? It’s not saying that all positivity is bad, but if you’re portraying yourself as being happy no matter what, or shutting out anything that might be viewed as negative, that’s the problem. It's also encouraging everyone to always see the bright side, or to keep anything bad buried instead of opening up about it. That can be dangerous, too...2020-07-2006 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesRobbie Gennet: Inspiration Through Tragedy - A Songwriter's PerspectiveIn this episode, I'm talking to Robbie Gennet (singer/songwriter/musician/journalist/teacher/artist) about finding inspiration in tragedy. From losing his home in the California fires to COVID-19 changing the music industry again, he's had to adapt. But rather than feeling defeated, he's found a new drive and is working on some of the most exciting material of his career. We talk about random meetings leading to lifelong friends (one such encounter with him is the reason I'm called "Aardvark Girl"), finding gratitude and acceptance, looking at fear as a driver, stepping out of comfort zones...2020-07-1336 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesCommunicating with ClientsTalking about money? Setting boundaries? Managing expectations? It can be difficult having those conversations with clients sometimes, but that communication is essential in any working relationship. I've heard so many freelancers complain about an "unreasonable" client who calls after work hours, need constant attention, doesn't respect their time, etc. But rather than talk to the client about those issues, they just complain and build resentment inside. Sometimes, yes, clients are... challenging. But if you aren't happy with how business is going, and they don't know your concerns, how are they supposed to change? 00:44...2020-07-0611 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesIntroverts in BusinessMy name is Amanda and I'm an introvert. Sometimes I feel like I have to open with that and identify myself so people know how I'm going to react in certain situations. But I find that a lot of people have a misconception about what being introverted really means, and can easily underestimate the value of those characteristics, especially in business. 01:08 A major difference between introverts and extroverts has to do with energy and how we're affected by the people around us. 01:30 Sometimes an introvert doesn't appear to be "shy," but that's not what it's...2020-06-2906 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesTrusting Your InstinctsTrusting your instincts is an important business skill that often gets overlooked. It can be helpful to get input and advice from others, but sometimes you have to quiet that external chatter and look inward for the answers. Sometimes that means going against the common actions and proven methods, and that's okay. Let your gut tell you what's right (and wrong) for you and your business. 00:56 Listening to advice 01:50 Some of the biggest life decisions I've made have been based on gut instinct 03:15 Why I'm glad I didn't take ot...2020-06-2210 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesMoney & Mindset with Danny JMy guest is a speaker, coach, and co-host of “The Best Life” podcast – Danny J. It's a long episode because we cover a lot of important topics: - the connection between mindset & money - sharing your personal stories to connect with others - pushing yourself out of your comfort zone - the importance of communication & having hard conversations - releasing judgment, assumptions & resentment - setting boundaries with clients - the danger of blaming COVID-19 & the economy - abundance mindset vs. fixed mindse...2020-06-1547 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesAdaptabilityWhen you’re self-employed, you have to be adaptable. There are so many unknowns that come along with running your own business. And it’s one thing to be prepared – to have a sort of backup plan, to have your savings put aside in case of emergencies, to understand that your business is going to fluctuate throughout the year. But sometimes, the unexpected happens. And what do you do then? 00:52 Don't get too comfortable 01:39 We're all in this together 02:15 Sit back and wait or be proactive 02:54 Educating your c...2020-06-0805 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesPerfection as an ExcuseWhen you're creative, sometimes you want everything to be perfect. But art isn't perfect. Business isn't perfect. Humans aren't perfect. And while it's good to have high standards for yourself, seeking perfection can be an excuse that stops us from moving forward. But making mistakes is how we learn, grow, and improve. Sometimes it's better to do something that isn't perfect than to not do anything at all. 00:42 Why I struggle with making videos 02:08 Accepting my awkwardness 02:58 Making excuses 03:41 Just start. 03:58 When "good enough" is...2020-06-0106 min

Business for Self-Employed Creatives10 Tips for Time Management“What is the biggest struggle you face while running your business?” When I asked my self-employed creative friends, the most common answer was time management. In this episode, I share 10 tips for time management (plus two bonus tips at the end). We all feel like we don't have enough time sometimes, but sometimes it's just a matter of knowing where our time is going, where we want it to go, and finding ways to keep ourselves productive. 00:31 Time Tracking 01:29 To Do Lists 02:11 Set Deadlines 02:45 Peak Scheduling 03:47 Remove Dist...2020-06-0110 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesIntroducing Business for Self-Employed CreativesIntroducing Business for Self-Employed Creatives - a video series/podcast with business tips from Amanda McCune aka "Aardvark Girl" - a producer, project manager, and business coach for creatives who is passionate about helping business owners and freelancers succeed. In this introductory episode, I share my own work experience and qualifications that have gotten me here, where I can share everything I've learned throughout my journey. 1:06 Producer 1:54 Business & Project Manager 4:24 Business Coach for Creatives 8:04 Why I'm Here The video version of this podcast is available on my...2020-06-0108 min

The Womanpreneur PodcastIntroducing "Business For Self-Employed Creatives" with Aardvark GirlHello. It’s Amanda, aka “Aardvark Girl,” here to let you know about my new podcast, Business for Self-Employed Creatives. If you’ve been listening to the Womanpreneur Podcast, you know I’m passionate about all things business, especially helping business owners and freelancers succeed… and have fun doing it. There’s nothing like the privilege of working for yourself – making your own rules, owning your time, and trusting your instincts to make the right decisions. You also know I have a “tough love” approach at times, and I’ll be honest – running a business is not always easy. It c...2020-05-2801 min

The Womanpreneur PodcastDefine, Destroy, or Strengthen"When something bad happens you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you." - Dr. Seuss Whether we like it or not, everything in life has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Life is filled with so many exciting and interesting chapters, and hopefully we learn a little something from all of them! Amanda McCune and Melissa Moats bring their podcasting chapter to a close... The dear friends, both independent business owners, have decided to head in new directions - with...2020-05-2734 min

Business for Self-Employed CreativesBusiness For Self-Employed CreativesHi. I'm “Aardvark Girl” and this is "Business for Self-Employed Creatives." I am a producer, project manager, and business specialist, and I created this podcast because I’m passionate about helping business owners and freelancers succeed… and have fun doing it. There’s nothing like the privilege of working for yourself – making your own rules, owning your time, and trusting your instincts to make the right decisions. But I’ll be honest – it’s not always easy. It can feel overwhelming with all the things you have to do. But you CAN do it – you just have to be motivated and...2020-05-1201 min