Andy Boyer

Blog

  • Baseball and Presence

    An old lecture from Father Hobbs:

    “Baseball is a metaphor for how to practice restraint.You can’t out-hustle the pitcher. You can’t rush the at-bat. You have to wait for the game to come to you. And in that waiting, everything gets quieter.”

    Entrepreneurship, marketing, the tech world – they all teach us how to sprint, to go chase the game. But baseball taught me to stop swinging at bad pitches.

    Now I use that same mindset to handle distractions, deadlines, and overthinking.

    Stay in the box. Watch the ball. Swing when it matters.

  • How Vin Scully Would Describe Parenting a 3 Year Old

    I have to admit a silly little hobby I’ve developed. I like taking topics relevant to my life, things I may have actually journaled about myself, and then seeing how some of the wordsmiths I admire might describe it. Here’s an example of ChatGPT suggesting how the legendary Vin Scully may have regaled us with the joys and pains of managing a toddler.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, take your seats. The game of parenting a 3-year-old is about to begin. Imagine, if you will, a ballpark not filled with fans, but with toys scattered across the outfield, sippy cups perched precariously on the infield, and a mound that’s just the right height for a tiny pitcher who doesn’t so much throw fastballs as toss Cheerios with wild abandon.

    Ah, the three-year-old, a true double threat! They’re as curious as a rookie stepping onto the diamond for the first time, and as unpredictable as a knuckleball on a breezy day. One moment, they’re the sweetest slugger you’ve ever seen, running full speed into your arms with a grin that could light up Dodger Stadium. The next, they’re a base runner caught in a pickle, wailing about a lost toy as if it were Game 7 of the World Series.

    Let me set the scene for you. The day begins early, as if they’ve got an East Coast road trip schedule to keep. The morning is filled with small victories and dramatic defeats: a successful mission to put on their shoes, followed by a heart-wrenching meltdown because the oatmeal is ‘too lumpy.’ You’ll learn to cheer the wins—‘And he eats all his broccoli! What a clutch performance!’—and let the losses roll off like a foul ball into the stands.

    Now, parenting a three-year-old is not without its strategy. You’ll need the patience of a bullpen coach, the flexibility of a shortstop, and the creativity of a pinch hitter. The ‘why’ questions come fast and furious, like a batting practice session you didn’t sign up for: ‘Why is the sky blue?’ ‘Why can’t I have ice cream for breakfast?’ ‘Why does the dog bark?’ Every answer feels like stepping up to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded.

    But oh, the moments of magic! Watching a 3-year-old discover the world is like witnessing a home run hit deep into the night sky—awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Their laughter rings out like a perfectly struck ball, soaring high and true. They have an uncanny ability to find joy in the smallest things—a dandelion in the grass, a butterfly fluttering by, a cardboard box that becomes a spaceship.

    And let’s not forget, folks, that every day with a 3-year-old is a doubleheader. The afternoon might bring a nap that’s fought harder than any pennant race, and bedtime often feels like extra innings. But as the house finally quiets, and you steal a moment to watch them sleep, you realize you wouldn’t trade this game for anything in the world.

    So here’s to the parents out there, grinding it out day after day, finding the beauty in the chaos and the poetry in the madness. Because, as any baseball fan—or parent—knows, it’s not just about the wins and losses. It’s about the love of the game.”

  • Some sunsets

  • A Modified Pomodoro Hack for Procrastination

    I hate stressing about the easy things I haven’t done because I “don’t have the time.” I know that’s nonsense. I have the 10-20 minutes it will take. I need to momentum and confidence that I can get in and out in those 20 minutes, and not go to bed 2 hours later instead. So I’ve been trying this.

    I took the standard Pomodoro technique which is 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off.

    My version for the short sprint:

    • 20-minute timer, but I’m usually done faster,.
    • Something random from Spotify Music I’ve never heard before (no lyrics).
    • One task. One browser tab, no email, no pretending.

    At the end, I don’t just take a break. I’ll do one physical movement. Walk in the yard, do a few pushups, stretch, whatever. It breaks the trance and resets the brain. Plus, my mind is focused now that one middling thing is done.

  • Comparing Parenting a Toddler to Launching a Startup

  • Mind Like a Marketer, Sleep Like a Toddler

  • 2022 Marketing in Review – The world tried to be normal again

    Title: Burnout, Bots, and Brand Trust: The Year Marketing Tried to Be Human Again
    Published: January 2023

    In 2022, marketing stopped trying to win the internet and started trying to win people back.

    After a two-year sprint through pandemic pivots, remote chaos, and digital everything, the mood shifted. Customers were burned out. Teams were burned out. And somewhere in the noise, a quiet message emerged:

    “Don’t try to be everywhere. Try to be real.”

    It was the year of rebuilding brand trust. Of cutting through automation sludge. Of rethinking the funnel. And for many of us—of remembering why we got into this work in the first place.

    Here’s what actually happened.

    Consumer Behavior Changed—And Got More Selective

    • 78% of consumers unfollowed brands in 2022 due to “inauthentic” messaging
      (Source: Stackla, “Bridging the Gap” Report)

    • Trust in social ads dropped for the third straight year—down to 43%, with Gen Z showing the sharpest decline
      (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer)

    • Email open rates held steady at 21.5%, but click-throughs declined by 5%
      People opened out of habit, not curiosity.

    • Reviews, UGC, and peer-led content outperformed branded ads in 73% of A/B tests
      Trust shifted to real people, not stylized creatives.

    We Over-Automated, Then Regretted It

    • Martech stack bloat peaked: the average mid-sized marketing team used 91 tools
      (Source: ChiefMartec 2022)

    • Chatbots replaced contact forms on 62% of B2C websites—but customer satisfaction dropped by 11%
      The human touch was missed more than expected.

    • AI-generated content became trendy—but conversion rates were 37% lower when used without human editing
      You can’t automate authenticity.

    What Did Work? Anything That Felt Human

    • Influencer marketing spend rose 42% year over year
      Especially micro-creators (under 100K followers), who delivered better ROI and engagement.

    • SMS campaigns saw a 35% click-through rate—with 98% open rates
      Text isn’t dead. It’s just underused.

    • Podcast ad revenue jumped to $2 billion, and listener trust remained higher than any digital format
      People still like voices more than headlines.

    • Brands that publicly admitted mistakes saw an 8% brand trust lift
      Honesty scaled.

    So What Do We Do With This?

    The lesson of 2022 wasn’t “be everywhere.” It was:

    Be somewhere real. With something worth saying. To people who might actually care.

    We learned (again) that automation should support communication—not replace it. That being human still scales when done right. That trust still matters more than targeting.

    And that the brands who won last year weren’t louder. They were clearer.

    Five Takeaways From 2022

    For CMOs, marketing leads, and teams who want to make smarter moves in 2023:

    1. Cut your stack. Most teams don’t need 90 tools.

    2. Edit your AI. Machine content is only as good as the human who sharpens it.

    3. Trust is the new KPI. If your customers don’t believe you, your reach is meaningless.

    4. Get personal again. SMS, podcasts, micro-creators—small formats built real engagement.

    5. Real is rare. That’s why it still works.

  • ChatGPT Is Not a Copywriter. It’s a Brutal First Draft Machine.

    Let’s get this out of the way: I like AI. I use it. I even talk to it more than some of my friends. But let’s not pretend it’s Don Draper.

    What AI is great at? Vomiting out a rough idea so you can sharpen it. Rewriting headlines until one of them doesn’t suck. Spitting out 20 variations of something you weren’t even sure how to start.

    But it doesn’t know timing. Or tone. Or how to write a line that makes you pause, not scroll.

    A lot of brands are skipping the human part. They’re posting AI-generated sludge and calling it “content.” That’s not innovation. That’s

    laziness dressed up in automation.

    The good news? If you still have a voice, your own. You can make AI your assistant, not your replacement. But it starts with knowing who you are before you press “generate.”

  • It’s Cold and Rainy. And I Need Something to Do

    It’s that time of year when we’re all going stir crazy. But this year, I have a little baby who needs constant attention, so any moments I can break free of the house need to be spent wisely. My good friend ChatGPT recommended some ideas to me. What do you think?

    1. Explore the Kubota Garden

    Tucked away in South Seattle, Kubota Garden is a hidden gem that fuses traditional Japanese landscaping with Pacific Northwest beauty. The rain enhances the colors of the trees and the ponds, creating a tranquil, almost mystical experience. Walk along the serene paths, cross arched bridges, and enjoy the sound of the rain on the leaves. Bring an umbrella and good boots, and you’ll have the park practically to yourself.

    2. DIY Workshop at Ballard Reuse

    If you’re into building or upcycling, Ballard Reuse is your spot. This architectural salvage shop is full of reclaimed materials, from vintage wood to old hardware. They host DIY workshops on creating furniture or decor from salvage items. Even if there’s no class that day, you can spend hours exploring the treasures and getting inspiration for a rainy-day project.

    3. Catch a Cult Classic at the Grand Illusion Cinema

    Skip the blockbusters and head to the Grand Illusion Cinema in the U-District. This small, independent theater shows obscure films, cult classics, and indie flicks that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The theater itself is an experience—an intimate, old-school space that feels like stepping back in time.

    4. Pioneer Square’s Underground Tour

    Seattle’s famous underground is something most tourists don’t know about until they visit, but locals often forget about it too. The rain makes it an ideal time to dive into the city’s hidden history. Explore the old streets buried below modern Seattle, hear stories about the city’s past, and walk through spaces that are both eerie and fascinating.

    5. Make Your Own Terrarium at Glasswing Greenhouse

    If you’re looking for a creative way to bring the outdoors inside, check out Glasswing Greenhouse in Capitol Hill. They offer workshops where you can create your own terrarium or plant arrangement. Whether you’re a gardening pro or have never kept a plant alive, it’s a fun, hands-on way to engage with nature while staying dry.

    6. Shop for Quirky Finds at Archie McPhee

    For a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience, visit Archie McPhee in Wallingford. Known as the home of bizarre and unusual items, it’s the perfect rainy-day escape. From rubber chickens to quirky costumes, you’re bound to find something fun (or at least laugh-worthy) here. It’s also a great spot to pick up a weird gift for that friend who has everything.

    7. Volunteer at the Bike Kitchen

    For those who love tinkering, check out the Bike Kitchen in the U-District. It’s a community bike repair space where you can learn how to fix bikes, build your own, or help others with repairs. Whether you’re an expert or a total newbie, it’s a great way to spend a rainy day while doing something hands-on and helpful.

    8. DIY Pottery at Emerald City Fired Arts

    Unleash your inner artist at Emerald City Fired Arts. You can choose from a range of pottery pieces to paint, and they’ll glaze and fire them for you. It’s a calming and creative way to spend the day, plus you get to bring home your handmade art.

    9. Indoor Mini Golf at Flatstick Pub

    If you want to combine indoor fun, a little friendly competition, and local beer, Flatstick Pub in South Lake Union or Pioneer Square is the place to be. They offer mini golf and other games in a laid-back pub atmosphere, perfect for rainy-day entertainment with friends.

    How did ChatGPT do? Like any of them?

  • Seriously, Just Get Vaccinated Already

    The only people who read this are friends of mine. And as far as I know, 100% of my friends are vaccinated.

    But if you stumbled here from some random Twitter or Facebook post, please get vaccinated.

    Look, I get that you may hate Democrats on principle. But there’s no reason to tank the economy and put the health of the nation at risk just because you want to make sure that the magical day you are sure will happen when you finally make $400,000 a year, your taxes aren’t higher.

    Just get vaccinated. It’s safe. And look at it this way. If the vaccine ISN’T safe, you’re screwed anyway. Either 1/2 of us will be flesh-eating zombies and take you down regardless, or 1/2 of us will be dead and you won’t have a way to manage taking care of yourselves without any scientists or doctors. So you might as well just join us.