Knowledge Marketplace
My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

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Acquire and consolidate dying magazines into profitable commerce-driven media business

Entrepreneurs with access to capital who understand specific niche audiences

3-7 years to build substantial portfolio

What Success Looks Like

Portfolio of 20+ magazines generating $50M+ revenue with 18%+ EBITDA margins by selling high-value products to engaged audiences

Steps to Execute

1

Identify large publishing companies with underperforming magazine portfolios

2

Target magazines around expensive hobbies (aviation, boating, luxury goods)

3

Negotiate bulk acquisitions at 3-5x EBITDA multiples

4

Separate print and digital P&Ls immediately post-acquisition

5

Maintain print for legitimacy, focus digital growth for engagement

6

Develop commerce products that serve the audience's expensive hobby

7

Use magazine content and audience to validate and sell products

8

Reinvest profits into more acquisitions and product development

Checklist

Access to patient capital for acquisitions
Understanding of specific niche audience needs
Ability to separate media operations from commerce operations
Digital marketing and e-commerce capabilities
Network for bulk magazine acquisition deals

Inputs Needed

  • $10M+ acquisition capital
  • Industry connections to publishing companies
  • Team with media and e-commerce experience
  • Legal structure for holding multiple brands

Outputs

  • Portfolio of owned media properties
  • Recurring subscription revenue
  • High-margin product sales
  • Valuable audience data and relationships

Example

“Acquire 10 boating magazines for $5M total, maintain subscriptions, develop marina/boat sales business, generate $15M revenue in year 2 with 20% margins”