I have some exciting news to share: My content marketing company, Socialexis, has been acquired by Taylor Media, a digital media startup.
While I feel good about moving forward, this wasn’t an easy decision to make. Those of you who read this blog regularly know I wasn’t positioning myself to sell the business. Since launching Socialexis nearly five years ago, I’ve intentionally kept the company small, scaling just enough to get awesome systems in place and over-deliver for our clients without compromising my own work-life balance.
But the universe presents opportunities when we least expect them, and often those are the paths most worth taking. While some details typically remain under wraps in private deal like this one, I do want to share as much as I can about how this happened and what it means going forward, with the goal of teasing out some lessons for anyone else who’s building a business.
For the last few years, my company has focused on blog management, helping businesses and content-focused websites publish blog posts worth reading to grow their communities online. We’ve offered a full-service solution, from strategizing content direction to recruiting writers to editing, optimizing for search and publishing.
Here’s a one-minute video that explains how we work:
The site has grown significantly since we started managing its editorial side, publishing about 20 posts weekly. Now, Taylor Media is bringing our blog-management team and processes in-house, so we can continue to grow and scale this site and other media properties together. My job as Executive Editor will be to oversee all content creation, and to accomplish that I’ll be building a team of editors and writers at Taylor Media headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida, essentially running a small newsroom.
This type of sale is called an acqui-hire, when a company buys another business purely for its talent and systems, and isn’t interested in its clients or product line. Typically this kind of agreement is aimed at bringing software developers in-house, but I bet we’ll start to see it happen more frequently with content marketers and bloggers, as these skills are increasingly in demand. (Our acquisition applies only to the blog-management arm of Socialexis, not its other web properties.)
Despite the growing thirst for content marketing, and despite watching other similar small businesses like Scribewise get acquired, I never expected another company to want to buy Socialexis, nor did I expect myself to be interested in such an opportunity. I bootstrapped and built this company as a lifestyle business, intentionally staying small, with six-to-10 core team members at any given time, plus a larger circle of several dozen freelance writers who write regularly for our sites.
While I have scaled the business over the last few years, narrowing our offerings and putting systems and people in place to deliver great work, I didn’t do that with an acquisition in mind, like many startups envision from the beginning. Rather than building a business with the intention of selling it, I grew a company that would fit into my life, with a focus on providing clients incredible value.
But here’s what I learned from this experience: If you do amazing work, other people will want to work with you, and maybe even acquire what you’ve built, regardless of whether you follow the often-cited “rules” of growing a salable business.
From the day we started working together, I’ve been so impressed with Taylor Media, especially the founder, Kyle Taylor”¦ but more on that in a moment. I know we’ll do big things now that we’re joining forces!
Now we get to the question I know you’re wondering about: Why would I accept such an offer? If I wasn’t building a company with an acquisition as an end goal, why would I agree to sell what I’ve created? If I love working for myself and building my own business, why would I go in-house at a startup?
The truth is, I did agonize over it. This business has been my baby for the last five years, giving me freedom, autonomy, and the chance to do work I really enjoy. My identity is tightly woven around running my own business, and I truly believe in the power of building an alternative career. I knew accepting this role would require shifting that mindset.
But in the end, Taylor Media made an offer that jived with my professional and personal goals, and showed just how much they valued our work. This taught me another valuable lesson, one I’ll take with me as I recruit more talent to build our newsroom: you can always make it worth their while. Someone might say they’re not interested in a new position or opportunity, but if you create the right combination of opportunity for growth, flexibility and financial incentives, you can appeal to top talent.
Here’s why I agreed to sell the company and go in-house to build a content team for Taylor Media.
I’m psyched to be part of this startup from the early stages; I truly believe in the company, its mission and its founder. Taylor Media is already a profitable (and bootstrapped!) company, and in my mind, that early success is a sign of big things to come.
The founder shares my vision for what work should be like: enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. And I can’t wait to build my editorial dream team. We already have a running start, with several of the editors and writers I work with on a regular basis forming the backbone of the operation.
And yes, that means we’re hiring for positions based at our office in downtown St. Petersburg. If you think you might be a good fit, check out the job descriptions. On the editorial side, we’re looking for full-time editors and writers, as well as full- and part-time web and writing interns. You’d work directly with me.
The mark of a good career is whether you continue to learn, and I know I’ll learn a lot helping to grow this company. My team and I are good at creating and optimizing content, but I’m eager to learn more about the business and monetization side of running websites.
That’s exactly what Taylor Media’s founder, Kyle Taylor, is good at. Since we started working together, I’ve watched his revenue and pageviews increase exponentially, all while doing business in a smart, ethical and sustainable way — it’s impressive! As an example, Taylor Media pays its bloggers better than most other clients we’ve worked with, including generous bonuses for high-performing posts.
(Journo tip: If you write for any business sites, Kyle would be an amazing profile or source. He has managed to fly under the radar until now, in part because his business has really only taken off in the last year or two. But we’re about to start hearing more about him and the company, starting with this story in Entrepreneur.)
This career pivot isn’t the only big news I’m sharing on this blog for the first time: I’m also expecting a baby in September! With that major change ahead, and a little life I will want to spend time with, I think my brain will benefit from focusing on one or two professional projects, rather than juggling half a dozen clients. In other words, this offer came at the perfect time.
Joining this team is a chance for me to streamline, while still using my editorial skills, building something awesome and making good money. And that brings me to…
I think it would do us all some good to talk more openly about money, and it wouldn’t be honest to leave this out as part of the big picture. Financially, this was a deal I couldn’t resist — and quite frankly, it had to be to get me on board, since I’m giving up much of the business I’ve been building for the last few years.
Money isn’t everything, and I wouldn’t have sold the company if that was the only incentive. But money can provide freedom and flexibility to pursue the lifestyle you want — so long as there’s room in your work life to pursue those dreams.
Critics of self-employment sometimes say it “makes you unemployable,” that no one will want to hire you after a long stint working for yourself (that is, if you ever want to go back to working for someone else). I’m so proud to prove those people wrong. Over the last few years, I’ve learned many skills, grown my network and built something from the ground up — milestones I likely never would have accomplished in a more traditional job. And that work has led me to this place, to this next step.
The big lesson? No matter how you’re earning a paycheck, never stop investing in yourself.
Never stop investing in yourself.
So what will happen to The Write Life and AlexisGrant.com?
This acquisition applies only to the blog-management arm of the company; it does not include my pet projects, so you’ll still be able to enjoy both The Write Life and this blog. My team for The Write Life has awesome systems in place, which means everything will continue to chug along. In fact, we have a plan to add more helpful information and resources to The Write Life in the coming months, so keep your eyes on that site if you’re a writer.
Between this opportunity and a new baby, I might blog less frequently at AlexisGrant.com going forward — I’m going to feel that out as I go along, and find a schedule that works both for me and my readers. But you can bet I’ll continue to share ideas and insights, even if I don’t show up in your inbox quite as often.
One of the things I’ll be practicing over the coming months as I learn to juggle a new job and a new baby is recognizing what’s “enough” for me. What’s enough work, what’s enough accomplishments, what’s enough money — and when it’s time to sit back a little and enjoy our family. Part of reconciling “enough” with my hustling mentality is acknowledging that I can’t do everything, knowing that’s OK, and feeling good about my priorities.
I’m excited about this new adventure, and I look forward to continuing to share lessons with you along the way.
Update: Here’s Taylor Media’s press release about the acquisition.
Hi Alexis,
This wonderful news! Congratulations!
And congrats for the baby!
I´m sure you´ll find a way to juggle everything (baby and new business) and I can´t wait to hear from you.
Meanwhile, enjoy it!
All the best,
Corina
Thanks, Corina!
Congratulations, Alexis! That is wonderful news on two fronts — the business and the new baby!
Best wishes!
Susan
Thanks, Susan! I always enjoy watching your progress as well =)
Congrats, Alexis.
Fantastic news!!!
Jason
Thanks, Jason!
Hi Alexis,
Congratulations, both on the acquisition and the baby. Thanks for sharing, it sounds like a very exciting time for you. Change can be scary, but when these opportunities come along you have to grab them with both hands. The only downside? I’m not in Florida, so can’t apply to be part of the team 😉
All the best, and I look forward to hearing how it goes!
Thanks, Daniel! Yes on grabbing opps with both hands!
This is all so exciting Alexis! Thanks so much for sharing more of the behind the scenes too 🙂 congrats on all of it!
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading =)
Congrats! What an exciting opportunity. And thanks for laying out your reasoning. Very insightful.
Thanks, Danny! I’m hoping others can learn from it like I have.
Alexis, I’m very excited about both your announcements and wish you continued success with your business and the new baby!
Appreciate it, MaryBeth! Keep writing for us =)
Alexis, this is amazing! Congratulations!!! I’ve learned so much through your seemingly fearless navigation into the “next phase”, it would be impossible to thank you in a post. Congrats! Looking forward to hearing how this blossoms.
Cheers!
Will
Thanks, Will! I’ve loved watching you grow, too… And still lots of great things to come =)
Alexis, I am very, very happy for you. I have watched your business grow, benefited from all you share and loved being at the receiving end of your expertise. You have a wonderful way of bringing your readers into your world. And huge congratulations ¡Felicidades! with your new baby. You have had many exciting changes the last few years, wasn’t it just yesterday you came back from your honeymoon? Get used to time really flying now that you are a mother. Blink and you’ll have a college grad. At least that’s what happened with me 🙂 Keep embracing all your new challenges. So happy you will be continuing with The Write Life
Thanks, Christine! I love hearing from people like you who have followed the journey and hopefully benefited from my mistakes in some way =) And for sure, continuing with TWL! Cheers!
Hi Alexis,
Congratulations on your next endeavors. I do not mean to be a clique but success is a journey. I have enjoyed your work and appreciate your insight and knowledge. I am sure you will be successful moving forward.
Paula
Thanks, Paula!
Congrats on the new baby! But I’ll definitely miss you in my inbox.
I’ll still be in your inbox… don’t you worry =)
Lexi, congratulations! I’m so happy for you! Truly great news on both fronts.
Thanks, Lindsey!
Congrats, Alexa!
I just wish you had been this excited about digital media when you worked for us.
Me too! But all those writing/reporting skills I learned while working for the Chron still tie in nicely.
Amazing news Alexis! Wishing you continued success and all the joy a new little life can provide. Our soon to be 5 yr old put me on the self-employment career track. Looking forward to good things. -Jenelle
Thanks, Jenelle!
Hi Alexis!
Well, your life sure has changed and will change even more in the next few months! Congratulations on these achievements! 🙂
And, as usual, we all benefit from your experience thanks to your post. Well done ! Thanks a lot !
Thanks, Nathalie!
Congrats, Alexis! As always, I so appreciate your transparency and how generously and frankly you share the evolution of your businesses and the lessons you discover along the way. It’s very inspiring to me as I continue to build my own business. All the best on your new ventures!
Great to hear that, Leah — Thanks! Keep chugging =)
I’ve enjoyed following your site and will appreciate occasional future posts. Congrats on both new jobs. 😉 And also on moving to St. Pete, a city I know and love.
Thanks, Diane! I’m actually not moving to St. Pete, but will be traveling there frequently… Have heard it’s BEAUTIFUL. And who doesn’t love a low cost of living, too? Looking forward to some beach!
This is so exciting! Congratulations! It’s been really interesting following you from the beginning and seeing how much your business has flourished.
Thanks, Alex! It’s always nice to see familiar names in the comments =)
Such wonderful news; very happy for you! And as a fellow mommy, can’t wait to see a picture of the baby once she/he arrives. It’s a lot of work, but worth every late night feeding and messy outfit change. 🙂 All the best to you and your family!
Thanks, Charlotte! It’s writers like you who have helped us make this happen! Keep up the great work.
Congratulations, Alexis! I have followed you here and on The Write Life, and your willingness to share openly and specifically has kept me inspired in my own work. I am so happy for your acqui-hire and know you and your team will be a huge success! And a baby!! “Make your own luck in your career and life.” I’d say these two events illustrate that perfectly!
Thanks for following along so loyally, Lisa!
Congratulations, Alexis. Thrilled to hear your great news. All the best in the world of business and baby!
Thanks, Annie! I know you’ve been reading for YEARS — I remember you commenting back on my writing blog in 2009!
Hi Alexis!!
It sounds like two congratulations are in order!!! 🙂 Congratulations on both the job and the baby!! So exciting!!!!
I am in a very similar situation, actually! I have been freelancing for 3 years and SWORE I would never go back to an office job. Well, two weeks ago I was offered a position I literally could not refuse. It’s still writing and editing, I get to work from home two days per week, it’s salaried, I get to collaborate with others instead of always working by myself, etc. The benefits are just incredible and as much as I thought I’d never go back to regular employment, I am just so excited for this opportunity!! I also have two little girls and feel it will be SO nice to only have “one” client (my job!). I personally think you are making a wonderful decision!!! Congratulations!!! 🙂
Congrats to YOU, Sarah! It’s all about the arrangement and the timing, right? You’ll have to let me know how the full-time position goes!
Hi Alexis,
Congratulations for this wonderful news. I feel inspired. Every time I read something you have written, I am forced to take notes.
Many thanks.
Glad to hear it’s helpful, Eugene! Thanks!
So many congrats, Alexis! We’ll miss you and your entrepreneurial spirit & experience in DC!
Thanks, Amanda! I’ll be staying in DC though, so don’t miss me too much… =)
Alexis,
Congrats on everything — what an exciting time for you. It has been fun to watch you grow and develop all of these businesses. I learn so much (as do my students). I will continue to be a big fan and I’m eager to see where everything goes!
Carol Z
Thanks, Carol! Great to hear from you!
Congratulations 2x. I wish you the best. I’m located in Orlando so if you get a chance to stop by I’d love to grab lunch or coffee.
Sounds great! I’d love to organize a bloggers meetup in Tampa / St. Pete at some point.
Hello Alexis!
Congratulations!
So happy for you!
I’ve always enjoyed reading your blog.
Thank you for your openness to share – I learned a lot from your experience.
Cheers,
Bonnie
Thanks, Bonnie!
Congratulations Alexis! And THANK YOU for delving into the decision-making process. Clearly, this was a complex — but wonderful — situation that many others can learn from.
-Dan
You’re very welcome, Dan! And great to connect via email as well.
Alexis, in these types of acquisitions does the owner typically get a lump sum payment for the business and also get hired on as an employee? Congrats!
Hi Chris — Brought on as an employee, yes, since that’s the entire point of an acqui-hire: getting the CEO(s) + at least part of the team. But the compensation structure varies, sometimes it’s a lump payment, often it’s paid out over time (to encourage the CEO to stay with the new company long term)… for privately owned companies, the compensation structure often isn’t revealed.
Hmmm…. let me first congratulate you… if that was a purpose – then even better. Goal achieved:)
I’ve read your post entirely because I think about it (if someone is ever going to buy my small blogs here in Slovenia :)) and didn’t noticed how long how you managed to work on your site. Or is it now even relevant how much time does it have to go through, when one blog becomes interesting? Regards, Matija
That’s fantastic news, Alexis. Congratulations!
Thanks, Melissa!
This is wonderful news Alexis and very inspiring. Congratulations!
This is awesome. Congrats!
Congrats!! What exciting news. I was unaware in this industry that comapnies were even doing that. It will be interesting to see how this new development plays out for you.
How exciting – I wondered what Taylor Media was, when I viewed your LI profile. Congrats! And congrats on your life changes as well (marriage and baby) – those are very fulfilling in their own right. Looking forward to your upcoming posts about career and life!
Hey Alexis
As said by everyone else, congrats on the business deal, and on the addition to the family.
I also want to thank you for all the great advice you have provided, both on podcasts, and through your ebooks, it finally gave me the kick up the ass I needed to start my content media design and editing company. I used your social media business book as a guide, and transposed that into a business area that I love.
I’ve got clients already, so thanks
Steve