In Conversation with Justine McDonald of Goal Chasers

Describe Goal Chasers in a few words?

Coaching & goal setting tools for career Moms.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

A job loss during covid inspired me to finally go all in!

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I worked in corporate Marketing for 10 years and sold some products through various ecommerce websites.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I always knew I would love to be my own boss but I had convinced myself for years that it wasn't for me. I didn't like financial instability at the time and that kept me in a 9-5 job for years.

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?

Well, it never really goes as planned right? When I first started promoting my business I did an event called Inspiration Cocktails. I got two very successful local business owners to come speak about how goal setting helped them achieve their success. But...my social media promoting wasn't selling tickets. So I pivoted last minute and offered them for free to local bloggers and the buzz afterwards was amazing!

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?

My first business was actually producing products to sell on Amazon. So when the rules changed and I was no longer allowed to store my products in the USA warehouse (I live in Canada), it basically dissolved my Amazon business. I learnt not to keep all my eggs in one basket and that I can't do this alone. I need to hire out what I'm not a specialist at to move my business forward more quickly.

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

Well, the Mama’s Got Goals Planner is my #1 business accomplishment. From concept to completion it took me only 6 months and I'm so proud of the incredible support tool it is for Moms looking to accomplish any goals in their life.

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

For me it's all about the energy and transparency. If you can meet my needs and I feel like you understand the purpose of the brand, I'll give you a try. That being said, I hire subcontractors currently because I believe you get more efficiency in the beginning and these people are also running a business so they're more invested in your result.

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

It really started during covid so I would say the only issue I've faced is delayed shipping / production times.

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

You'll see me speaking on a lot more stages and possibly coming out with new variations of the Mama’s Got Goals Planner. For example we are working on creating ones specific to health, financial and business goals.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

Just follow your gut. Life won't show you the how until you take the leap.

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

To hire help. You can't do it all and trying stalls progress from the overwhelm. Get help!

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

I have many spiritual practices as well as my own coach. I love to walk in nature, meditate and I've recently started doing breath work. All have kept me focused and steady.

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

No. I don't actually. I believe there's no balance, only choices. And most people struggle to make choices due to outside pressures or a fear of being judged.

My best tip is to live your life for a legacy you can be proud of. When you do this, you stop worrying what everyone else wants for you because you're certain YOU know what's best for you.

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

I haven't eaten red meat or seafood in 24 years!

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

• Fuel your mind with something powerful first - NO SOCIAL MEDIA. Podcast, youtube video, book or audiobook.

• Be compassionate with yourself during periods of growth. Feel the discomfort and reconnect to the reasons why it matters.

• Write things down on paper. You need a visual and there is great satisfaction in crossing it off. And what we feel excited about, the brain wants more of!

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

It means I'm an example to girls around the world of what is possible when you believe in yourself. It means history is waiting for me to make waves so I must show up for it and myself.