From Surviving to Thriving: Reinventing a Magazine Empire in the Digital Age w/Seth Soloff

Living The Red Life - A podcast by Rudy Mawer

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In todays episode, I've got Seth Soloff in the studio, co-founder of Haute Living, about his journey of navigating and evolving in the magazine industry over the past 19 years. Facing many challenges, especially with the declining popularity of print media, Seth adapted by pivoting the business model. Haute Living diversified its revenue streams, focusing more on events, digital, and social media content. They also ventured into new business areas such as launching a jet company and a real estate brokerage. Despite their efforts and continuous learning, Seth emphasizes that the evolution is ongoing, and no one ever really "figures it out," as constant adaptation is crucial for sustained success.

The interview touches on Seth's strategic approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they transitioned to hosting virtual events and leveraging social media for business continuity. Seth discusses their use of Facebook and Google ads, underscoring the importance of a strong backend system for tracking leads and sales to truly benefit from advertising efforts. Rudy and Seth also talk about the significance of automations, proper CRM setups, and the necessity of continually learning and evolving in the business landscape. Seth highlights how Haute Living's adaptability and innovative thinking, such as launching a new members-only app, play essential roles in maintaining their relevance and success in the luxury lifestyle market.

CHAPTER TITLES

1:11 - Introduction to Seth and Haute Living

2:21 - The Evolution of Haute Living

3:53 - Embracing Digital and Social Media

4:43 - Success Stories: Private Jet Booking from Facebook Ads

5:52 - The Power of Consistent Learning and Adaptation

7:06 - Pivoting to Event-Based Income

8:37 - Overcoming Industry Challenges

10:12 - Navigating COVID: From In-Person to Virtual Events

11:48 - The Importance of Flexibility in Business

12:59 - Exploring New Revenue Streams: Jets and Real Estate

15:31 - The Importance of Lead Generation and Tracking