Today, we’d like to introduce you to Madison Ahlgren.
Madison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Welcome! I am new here too, my name is Madison! I am 23 years old and I grew up in Minnesota! I know Minnesota seems like it’s just farmers, but I lived in the city and experienced both! Once I finished college, I knew I wanted to make my own schedule and do my own thing after working for other people since the age of 13. I always had a very different work ethic from the people around me.
When they wanted something they would ask for it and wait for it-not me. If I wanted something I would get it, or make a plan to get it myself. This caused me to enter the working world earlier than most, forcing me to grow up and communicate. Working from such a young age has given me so many different skills and communication techniques that help me be successful each day when working with people.
I picked up my life and my dog and drove across the country to Huntington Beach, California! Did I move here to “follow a dream?” Yes. 100%. The other main reason is the WEATHER! Growing up in a place where you don’t go outside was affecting my life, so I chose to live where I would go on vacation and it has been the best decision I have ever made.
I am surrounded by outgoing and active people who blend well with my personality. I am very loud, energetic, and outgoing. I am told by a ton of others that I can be “too loud” or “too much” but I use this to my advantage as a lot of people are not able to come out of their shells in public like I am. So I let my personality shine no matter what!
My greatest skill hidden within me is my drive to help people. It doesn’t have to be marketing-related, I truly enjoy helping others with something they are struggling with. It not only makes me feel good, but I learn something new each and every time! That is my turn passion, for learning every day! When I got here I LEARNED! I learned how to open my own business, I learned how to put MYSELF out there for others if I wanted my dream to come true. And it did. All my myself.
Madison Avenue Communications has been my dream since I was 12 years old, standing on the Madison Avenue Bridge in Chicago. I was obsessed with seeing my name on things, but where my name was, the items weren’t mine. Madison Ave Communications, IS MINE! I have made it and I am so happy to be here! Let’s grow together, learn together, and become better humans, TOGETHER! I am excited for this journey and I am excited to take you along with me!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been smooth- but it has been effective in my learning process of how to become a better businesswoman and small business owner! I run into new issues all the time, but I have slowly created a community around me that is filled with constant support! Once you have a community and support- you can do it all.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Madison Avenue Communications?
As I am continuing my first year in business, I have been asked the same question, why aren’t you doing this for a bigger marketing agency that is more established? I have many different answers to this. The first one is honesty. I have worked within bigger agencies, there was always something small the company wanted to hide and keep a secret from their clients. This could be a wide variety of things, but it did not sit right with me.
Another is, I listen to what my clients want and execute. That is the biggest advantage I have when representing my clients on social media. It looks how they want it, it doesn’t include extra branding for myself, just for my clients! The last is payments. It was so hard for me to see small businesses get taken advantage of. Do you need a marketing budget? Yes. Does it need to be over $2,000/month? No way.
I am able to connect with my clients, look at sales and budgets, and create a price point that not only works for them but for me as well! If you haven’t gotten a social media manager due to your budget, then connect with me! My goal at the end of the day is to teach my clients how to manage their social media and marketing alone! This is so we can both learn and grow together! That’s what business is all about right?
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
Increasing my pricing for long-time clients is always a risk, but it does work out when they truly love the work you are providing them.
You have to remember to be confident in your skills and craft, and your clients will follow and respect you for it. Have I lost clients when my prices went up? Yes. Did it suck? Yes. Do I stop? HELL NO! Since I lost my first client due to price, I landed 3 more! Consistency and confidence are key.
Pricing:
- Social Media Management-GOLD $1200
- Social Media Management- SILVER $800
- Social Media Management- BRONZE $400
- Web Design & Management $1300
- Web Management $600/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madisonavenuecommunications.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonavenuecommunications?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
