We asked insiders and experts from various industries to tell us something they think outsiders are unaware of and we’ve shared a few of those responses below.

Paul Miller

I would say one thing that people outside of my industry are probably unaware of is the amount of time that is not spent behind a camera taking pictures or capturing video. There is a tremendous portion of time that is spent in front of a computer screen. Whether it is editing, managing social media accounts and websites, preproduction for shoots, or networking and managing relationships, the majority of time spent is focused around those things vs on set. Read more>>

Myranda Hausheer

Some of the biggest misconceptions about content creation is that it’s easy, people get lucky, go viral, and you “just get to hike and travel all of the time”. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old and owning my own business is the hardest I’ve ever worked. It’s been the most rewarding, though. I love what I do and I’m so grateful. However, there is a lot that goes into this industry that most people never see. I sit in front of a computer (or my iPhone) a lot. There are days that there is less of that, of course, but I have a lot of “desk time” with this role. If you want to be a full time creator you can’t sit around and wait for brand deals to come to you. I do have inbound brand deals (brands who reach out to me) but I also pitch a lot. You also have to follow up, a lot. Sometimes you never hear back, you get ghosted, or told no. You can’t take rejection personally. Thankfully I have a thick skin from an old sales role, but it’s a grind. You also have to deal with people who are mean online. I am very quick to block folks who are mean to me, or my followers. I want my page to be a safe space, especially for beginners in the outdoors. Read more>>

Amber Larusso | Vibrational Sound Therapy Practitioner and Yoga Guide

One thing outsiders are probably unaware of is just how much goes into cultivating a session whether it is private or with a group. What I offer as a wellness provider is one part skill and one part soul journey (and one part whatever my client brings with them!) With Vibrational Sound Therapy, I spend time honing my craft, playing my instruments, learning and understanding them, how they respond in different environments, and tuning into them as much as I do to my client during their session. Their energy, intention, and relative openness can change the direction of a session quite a bit. Every session is like weaving a tapestry together with a unique design that we are discovering as we go which is possible when a weaver is seasoned and skilled. In this case, we are weaving with sound, vibration, and energy. But, skill is just one part of the equation. I have to be tuned in, connected inwardly, and also allow my own healing journey to unfold(on my own time). I need to keep up my yoga and energy work practices, cultivating a lifestyle that allows me to be grounded and keeps me clear and aware, so my empathic and intuitive qualities are serving my clients and elevating their experience of personal inner connection. Most people sign up for relaxation and stress release, but this is just the beginning with yoga, sound therapy, and reiki. It can be a gateway to deep healing transformation if people desire that. Read more>>

Steve Sarin | Fractional Marketing Director

I’ll take some flack for saying the quiet part out loud, but most marketers are full of shit. One of the biggest issues in marketing is the widespread reliance on vanity metrics—like impressions, likes, and shares—that look good on paper but don’t drive meaningful business results. These metrics serve as a smokescreen, allowing marketers to justify their fees without showing real value. What really matters are actionable metrics, such as customer acquisition costs, conversion rates, and return on investment—data that directly impacts a company’s bottom line. Read more>>

Elicia Williams | President and Executive Director

The one of the most traumatic things a child in foster care experiences is the change in families. It doesn’t matter that their life wasn’t safe or healthy for them. They only see that they are leaving everything they know and have to live with a new family which is unknown. This is hard for even adults, and we expect small children and teens to handle this without some sort of mental health issue outcome. Read more>>

Aaron Groziak | Business Operation Manager, Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center

The Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center (CO VBOC) has been in Colorado for less than two years. It was established in May of 2023 and is hosted by the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs, CO. The Colorado VBOC is the only office of its kind in Colorado and serves the entire state. The Colorado VBOC provides counseling, training, technical skill development, comprehensive business assessment and mentoring services to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and business owners who are active-duty military members, veterans, members of the National Guard or Reserve, military spouses, and family members. Read more>>

Madison Carpenter | Silversmith & Jewelry Designer

One thing people might not realize about the jewelry industry is how much work goes into creating each piece by hand. From designing and shaping to soldering, polishing, and perfecting the details, every step takes skill, precision, and a lot of time—even for the simplest designs! Read more>>

Teresa Cierco-lópez | Exploremos! Climber of Mountains & Outdoor Community Leader

One thing people outside the outdoor industry might not realize is how intimidating it can be to venture into the outdoors for the first time. I understand this personally because when I moved to Colorado in 2002, I had no prior experience or knowledge about outdoor activities. Coming from Barcelona, Spain, I grew up as a beach girl, spending summers with my family by the Mediterranean Sea. The outdoors here felt unfamiliar and daunting at first. What makes a huge difference is having someone by your side who is knowledgeable, skilled, speaks your language, and understands the risks—whether it’s unpredictable weather, wildlife, or simply knowing how to be prepared for an overnight situation. That kind of support helps people feel safer and more confident. Read more>>