We were lucky to catch up with Avery Reynolds recently and have shared our conversation below.
Avery, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started my magazine with a deep passion for connection and community. Having been in the publishing industry for over a decade, this magazine marks my 7th venture, and it holds a special place in my heart. The goal of the magazine is simple but powerful: to foster meaningful connections, especially in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic when we need it more than ever.
As a community-focused publication, our magazine is written about the community and by the community. Each month, we feature stories of families, kids, pets, athletes, and recipes that are all relevant to our readers. By sharing these common experiences, we create a larger connection that bridges our differences and brings us closer together.
For businesses advertising in the magazine, we maintain exclusivity by featuring only five businesses from each industry. This exclusivity allows our partners to shine brightly in the Northern Colorado (NOCO) community, giving them the opportunity to be highlighted among a small group of exceptional businesses.
In addition to featuring the community, we go beyond the pages of the magazine and host social events each month. These gatherings provide a unique platform for our businesses and the community to meet face-to-face, fostering genuine relationships and creating a strong sense of synergy.
The division prevalent in the world today makes our mission even more significant. I started this magazine with a belief in the transformative power of human connection. During the challenging times of Covid, we saw firsthand how crucial it is to stay connected and support one another.
Through our publication, we showcase inspiring stories of resilience, highlight acts of kindness, and celebrate the achievements of our community members. It is my sincere hope that each issue uplifts, inspires, and empowers our readers, leaving a positive impact on their lives.
The journey of opening this magazine is driven by a desire to contribute to the building of a connected and compassionate community. As we continue to navigate through challenges together, I am honored to play a role in fostering unity and creating a sense of belonging for all.
My passion for this magazine is fueled by the belief that by coming together and supporting one another, we can create a better world. As we build relationships and connections through the magazine, I am excited to see the lasting impact it will have on our NOCO community.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey of connection, compassion, and community building. Together, let’s create a magazine that not only informs but also unites, bringing joy and hope to all who read its pages.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share my experience of a significant pivot in my publishing journey.
Having been in the publishing industry for over a decade and successfully running print publications, I was excited to venture into opening my own magazine. However, just a few months into this new venture, unforeseen challenges emerged in the form of a paper and ink shortage, as well as a significant rise in postage rates. These sudden cost increases put a strain on the print aspect of the magazine, and I realized that I needed to find an alternative solution to keep the business thriving.
Pivoting to a digital platform was both a daunting and necessary decision. As someone whose expertise was in print, the transition to the digital realm felt overwhelming, and I admit that I was terrified of the unknown. However, I recognized that this pivot was vital for the magazine’s sustainability and growth.
I knew I needed to adapt quickly and find a way to create a compelling digital magazine that would resonate with our audience. In the face of uncertainty, I took a leap of faith and sought the help of an amazing designer who was quick to jump onboard and embrace the digital transformation with enthusiasm.
The shift from print to digital came with its challenges. Our clients were accustomed to the print format, and navigating the digital component was new to them as well. We were learning and adapting together, which did cause some initial stress for all parties involved.
But, as the saying goes, sometimes the most terrifying steps that take us out of our comfort zones turn out to be the best decisions we’ve ever made. Despite the initial challenges, I can now confidently say that transitioning to a digital platform has been the best thing that’s ever happened to my magazine.
In the digital world, we have the flexibility to embed videos, create live links, and offer interactive features that simply weren’t possible in print. This has enriched our readers’ experience and allowed our clients to showcase their businesses in dynamic ways. We even offer the convenience of making restaurant reservations and placing food orders directly from the magazine.
The video embedding feature has been particularly impactful, allowing our business owners to virtually connect with readers and share their passion and dedication to their ventures. This digital platform has become an excellent tool for building trust and fostering connections with our community.
Though the pivot initially felt intimidating, it has led to remarkable growth and opportunities for the magazine. Embracing digital technology has expanded our reach and engagement, and our readers and clients alike have embraced the change with enthusiasm.
Looking back on this journey, I am grateful for the courage to pivot and embrace the digital era. It has been a transformative experience that has not only strengthened our business but has also shown me the potential for growth and innovation even in uncertain times.
As a lesson learned, I now understand that taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to remarkable rewards. My passion for connecting the community remains unwavering, and I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to foster meaningful connections through the digital world.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a strong reputation within the market is an ongoing journey, and I believe that our mission of building trust and connections in the Northern Colorado community has been the cornerstone of our success. The key elements that have helped us establish our reputation are:
Mission-Driven Approach: Our mission is centered around building trust and fostering connections within the Northern Colorado community. By staying true to this mission, we have consistently delivered value to our readers and clients, creating a positive impact in the community.
Engaging Social Events: Our monthly social events have been a game-changer. Whether they are family-focused, date nights for parents, ladies’ nights, or guys’ nights, these events have provided our readers with opportunities to connect and form meaningful relationships. Bringing people together through fun activities has been instrumental in uniting the community and breaking down barriers.
Addressing Divisions: In a world where divisions can often prevail, our efforts to bring people together have played a crucial role in creating a sense of unity. By focusing on shared experiences and common interests, we’ve been able to foster a greater sense of belonging within the community.
Passionate Leadership: My personal passion for connection and community has been the driving force behind our success. I firmly believe that meaningful connections enrich our lives and businesses, and this passion shines through in every aspect of our magazine.
Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize the success of our clients and focus on building their brand recognition and businesses. By providing them with a platform to showcase their offerings and connect with the community, we have strengthened their position in the market.
Consistent Delivery of Value: Our commitment to delivering valuable content and experiences to our readers has been a consistent aspect of our reputation. Readers know that they can rely on our magazine for engaging content and opportunities to connect.
Authenticity: We prioritize authenticity in our interactions with readers, clients, and the community. Being genuine and transparent has helped us build trust and credibility, leading to a positive reputation within the market.
Community-Centric Approach: We genuinely care about the Northern Colorado community and strive to make a positive impact through our magazine. This community-centric approach has resonated with our readers and clients, further enhancing our reputation.
In summary, our reputation has been built on a foundation of mission-driven efforts, engaging social events, addressing divisions, passionate leadership, client-centricity, consistent value delivery, authenticity, and a community-centric approach. As we continue to prioritize trust, connection, and community, we are confident that our reputation will continue to flourish, making a lasting impact on the Northern Colorado market.
Contact Info:
- Website: theinfluencemagazines.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinfluencemagazines/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheInfluenceMagazinesNorthernColorado https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenortherncoloradoinfluence
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avery-reynolds-b81670262/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqk49IxjISNaI7W9DbGsKZw