In Conversation with Coach & Strategist Madison Tinder

Describe your business in a few words?

I am a coach and strategist who helps female entrepreneurs grow their online business, increase their visibility and create unique offers.

What made you take the leap? 

I stumbled upon entrepreneurship while looking for a full-time job after graduate school. I got a part-time job being a social media director for a doctor’s office and immediately fell in love with it. When I got a few social media management clients on the side, I knew I could make a living doing this. I took a BIG LEAP. Within 2 months I had a business license and a website and knew I was going to make it happen. That’s when my social media management business was born and little did I know, it was only going to go up from there.

What was your background prior to starting your own business? 

I started my social media management business while looking for a full-time job. When I started that business, I ended up doing social media for 8 small businesses in the Dallas area. 

I had prior experience with social media and marketing. I studied communications and journalism at The University of Kentucky and got my masters in Sports Management at Southern Methodist University. Back then, my dream was to work in sports but I had to follow my calling of entrepreneurship. 

I started my social media business in May 2018 and started documenting my client results on my business Instagram around July. I was welcomed with open arms in the online space and started getting more into the consulting realm. I was capped with management clients and knew I needed another stream of income.

I started doing free social media consulting in August 2018 and knew that was my passion. So I always say I stumbled really fast in the online space and had to keep standing on my feet.

Did you know you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I knew I had an entrepreneurial bone in me. Some of my family members have their own business so I got to witness working on and growing those. It was fascinating to me and I always knew I wanted to work for myself in some capacity. My mom worked from home while I was growing up and it was nice having her there with me. I knew I wanted to have the flexibility to be at home when I decided to start a family so working for myself was a big priority.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

I would say my marketing strategy starting out was just to talk about my business. I was scared to announce my business at first because I didn’t know what family members would think. But, no one would know I have a business if I never talked about it. There were two things I did constantly when I first started (and still do today); show up for my audience through live video, email, IG posts, IG stories, etc... on a daily basis and sell the solution to my customers' problems. Doing those two things positioned me as an authority and helped grow my business. Everything else was a journey to figure out.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

Honestly, there are always challenging times being an entrepreneur. But, a challenging time for me was in the first 5-6 months of my business. It was challenging my mindset and I felt like I couldn’t find my voice. I let my thoughts and beliefs really bring me down and hold me back from taking action. Working on my mindset is something I continuously work on and is essential to work on as an entrepreneur. All the strategies in the world won’t work without confidence in yourself. 

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Buying my first house at 24! In April 2020, we bought our first home and moved from Dallas to Kentucky. It has been a dream of mine to own a house and being able to buy one at 24 was a huge accomplishment. Without this business, this dream and vision would have not been possible. 

When hiring for your team, what is your go-to interview question? Please share any hiring tips you can share from your experience?

I always ask what are their interests OUTSIDE of business. I personally think shared interests outside of business that you’re able to relate to and build on a personal level is key to keep the business structure running properly. It might sound silly but I want to work with people who share the same interests and visions as me. 

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

I actually started a second business during the pandemic. My industry is online so it was impacted but what I noticed is a lot of people are MOVING online. Our industry had to make some shifts in offers and selling but overall most of my clients are online. 

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Currently, I’m focusing on my e-commerce business called Soulful Scrunchies. I’m working on balancing my coaching and product based business at the moment. In the next few years I plan to scale Soulful Scrunchies, sponsor events and move into more speaking opportunities.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

Be prepared to pivot. It’s ok to switch things up, try something new or stop doing something you don't like or don't want to do.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

Trust the process and be patient. Owning a business can be tough and it takes TIME to learn and grow. Don’t expect quick fixes. We are here for the long term.

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

I’ve focused on finding more time for myself. Last year, I worked SO much I felt like I didn't get to enjoy my life. This year I focused on taking care of myself, working less and being more present with family. I have done this by setting more boundaries for myself, not letting my schedule control me and doing something that brings me joy everyday. 

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I believe there isn’t a 50-50 balance but I do believe you have to find a balance that works for you. You have to try and keep your business and life separated or you will feel like you’re working constantly. One tip I have is setting boundaries with yourself early on. Set dedicated time for work everyday and also set the boundary to close the laptop and enjoy time to yourself. The second tip I have is don’t let your schedule control you. Make sure you aren’t taking on so much where you get burnt out. 

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m tall! I’m about 6 feet tall and it was something that I was insecure about growing up. 

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

1. Get your longest tasks done before noon: this ensures that you won’t keep putting it off. 
2. Write down your to-do list for the next day before bed: you will wake up feeling more organized and know exactly what you need to tackle for the day
3. Set time for creative work: set time each day to step into your creative flow. Workout, go on a walk, sit outside. Step away from technology so you can get those creative juices flowing.

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

Owning your authenticity as a female entrepreneur and not letting anything hold you back from following your dreams!