Walking the Talk: What Selling My Own Business Taught Me

At the end of February this year, I completed on the sale of Berkhamsted & Tring Living Magazines – a business I’d owned and developed for the past seven years. It marked the end of a very special chapter for me, both personally and professionally.

As someone who supports clients every day with their marketing, growth, and communications, running Living Magazines gave me the opportunity to put those same principles into practice. I didn’t just talk the talk – I lived it. And while there were plenty of challenges along the way, the experience was invaluable.

Building a purpose-led business

When I took over the magazines, I saw real potential to modernise the brand and make it more accessible – both for readers and advertisers. My goal was to enhance the quality of the content, strengthen the business model, and build a platform that could support other local businesses in a meaningful way.

None of this would have been possible without the small but brilliant team behind me. They completely bought into my ethos – not just around marketing, but in our shared passion for celebrating the local area, supporting independent businesses, and helping people feel more connected to where they live and work. Through the magazines, we aimed to keep readers informed, involved, and proud of their community – and to champion the value of shopping local wherever possible.

Over time, we refined our processes, improved profitability, grew our digital presence, and deepened our connections in the community. The magazines became a trusted voice in the local area – and that meant a lot.

Staying visible when it mattered most

Running any business brings its pressures – but nothing prepared any of us for the disruption of Covid. During that time, Living Magazines became the only local publication that continued to be delivered, thanks to our partnership with Royal Mail rather than relying on multiple hand-delivery teams.

That decision turned out to be a lifeline – not just for our advertisers, but for our readers. Staying visible, consistent and community-focused through the most difficult period reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience and long-term thinking. It wasn’t about pushing messages – it was about showing up, offering support, and remaining part of people’s lives.

Selling as the ultimate audit

In the latter stages of ownership, I started preparing the business for sale. That process gave me the opportunity to review everything with a fresh perspective – from profitability and client retention to brand consistency and audience engagement. In many ways, it was the ultimate audit of all the marketing principles I believe in.

Happily, the effort paid off. I passed the business on in great shape – and even picked up a couple of unexpected accolades along the way, including Best Community Magazine Publisher 2024 – Hertfordshire and Lifestyle Magazine Publication of the Year – Hertfordshire 2024/25. A lovely note to end on.

What the Journey Reaffirmed

Running and eventually selling Living Magazines didn’t necessarily teach me anything radically new – but it did reaffirm some important truths I’ve long believed in, both as a business owner and as a marketing professional:

• Consistency builds trust. Whether through regular publication or sustained messaging, showing up matters – especially in difficult times.
• Resilience is strategic. Planning for the unexpected and maintaining visibility during disruption helps protect and strengthen a brand.
• Marketing is a long game. Incremental improvements to brand, systems, and relationships all contribute to long-term value.
• Purpose matters. Being genuinely invested in the community created a deeper connection – and a more fulfilling outcome.

A lasting legacy

Selling Living Magazines wasn’t just about exiting a business – it was about seeing something I cared deeply about continue to thrive. And it reminded me of what good marketing really is: consistent, thoughtful, relationship-driven, and grounded in purpose.

The experience has deepened my empathy with clients, sharpened my strategic approach, and reaffirmed that strong marketing isn’t just something I advise on – it’s something I’ve lived.

If you’re looking to grow your business with clarity and confidence – or simply want a sounding board – feel free to get in touch. I’d love to help.

Book a free 20-minute marketing consultation with APM or contact us to find out more on tel: 07963 002065 or email: hello@alisonpagemarketing.co.uk.