Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Madinah James, owner of MNJ Media Consulting, located in Roseland, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a domestic and international media professional with extensive experience working in television/media/marketing/public relations. I specialize in diverse business and media consulting projects, including writing for renowned media outlets and organizations such as CNN, MSNBC, Mercedes-Benz USA, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium, Harper's Bazaar Arabia, New York Fashion Week, The American Heart Association, The World Hypertension League, etc. Some of my various roles include TV Production/Writing, Booking, Research, Public Relations, Publicity, Speaking, Script Writing, Voice Overs, Coordinating, On-Camera Correspondence, Social Media Marketing/Management, and Content Creation. Some of my achievements include providing media coverage for domestic and international media outlets, affiliates, and international news bureaus, to create newsworthy stories. I cover diverse news and events from the entrepreneurial, business, philanthropic, health & wellness, educational, political, societal, entertainment, and community landscapes.
I have a media consulting company, MNJ Media Consulting, cultivated from 20 years of different media experiences and composed of diverse services. Professionally, our target market is individuals looking to utilize media as a tool to market and promote their businesses and/or services. We serve as a 'think tank' for organizations seeking to increase their visibility in local, national, and international communities. We are mission based in promoting businesses and organizations while balancing economic prosperity and providing tools to successfully communicate their strategies. Furthermore, we provide a pathway by which organizations and businesses can ensure accountability in that all communication passes through a third party for accuracy. Also, we are responsible for organizing executive communications such as external press calls, press appearances, and other logistics. Additional roles include participating in international panel discussions at the United Nations around gender equality for women and the role the media plays in highlighting relevant issues and topics, raising awareness and countering stigma and misinformation to covering local and global forums, discussions, and events. In addition, we highlight non-profit organizations committed to health and wellness community initiatives. In our business model, it is important to be properly aligned and utilize the diverse tool of media in a positive manner. We do so by raising awareness of the social mission and integrating social impact as a core part of the business.
Tell us about yourself
I became a business owner as a result of my father having a massive stroke in 2011, after working in media for many years. My life and priorities shifted as I became a full-time caregiver for my Dad. I had a career working in television/media, and upon my father getting sick, I had to pivot as I couldn't work a full-time job any longer. I embarked upon entrepreneurship, creating a business model through trial, error, and struggles where I could still pursue my dreams and passion yet have the time and flexibility to be there for my father on an ongoing basis, hence why I started my media consulting company. The road to entrepreneurship hasn't been easy and has been filled with ups and downs, ebbs and flows, and good times and bad times. I still had to navigate learning about the do's and don't of entrepreneurship while being there for my Dad for five years until he passed in 2016. At that stage, a new chapter began of healing, recovery, and trying to adjust to this new life. So even after that, it's taken me a few years to get on track financially as I sacrificed a lot financially to be there for my Dad. In the midst of recovery, a global pandemic came along and proceeded to uproot life in a significant way. Thus, the past decade has been quite a journey, but I keep the faith and keep pushing forward because I know that all of my experiences are the foundation of my purpose to make an impact and effect change during my time on earth that God gives me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am really excited about recently expanding my platform to the Middle East, doing media coverage of Expo 2020 Dubai, a global 6-month event highlighting close to 200 countries with a focus on mobility, sustainability, and opportunity. The process and the journey to get to this point have not been easy by any means, but it's been worth it. I have driven my industry forward in the past year by highlighting news on a global level and showcasing what is going on in other parts of the world, thus positioning my business to make more of an impact on a domestic and international level. I am proud of the fact that I have been able to step out on faith, take a career that I am passionate about and turn it into a business model that I can nurture, cultivate and grow, no matter how long it takes, as a result of sacrificing and being there for my father. It's something I am extremely proud of and is actually the beginning of my legacy.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest aspect of entrepreneurship is dealing with the daily, ongoing nuances of maintaining a business. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into being a business owner, and it's not a 24/7 glamorous process by any means. You have to keep up with paperwork, licenses, annual reports, taxes, etc., to make sure you are operating your business within legal parameters and with integrity. You have to consistently advocate for yourself and continue to build strong networks within various industries to build your clientele and position your business to grow and consistently flourish. Also, understand that you will make many sacrifices as an entrepreneur, and it will not always be easy. However, ultimately the accomplishments and rewards are worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Focus and zone in on what you are passionate about. Do a self-evaluation and introspective analysis of where you are currently in your life and what you envision for your life and business in the future. Stay true to yourself and your goals. Be like a sponge and learn as much as you can from the success of those who have come before you and your counterparts. Have mentors. Build a supportive network. Treat people well. Always invest in continuing education. Have a spirit of discernment, pray, have faith, and keep God at the center of your life and business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mnjonline.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnjmediaconsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mnjmediaconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mnjconsultingc1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madinah-n-james/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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