#MediaMonday – Cliff Cook
Each Monday, we are posting a blog to help our readers get to know the media just a little bit better.
With a TWIST!
No, we aren’t posting story pitch tips or media lists, but instead great stories from the media themselves about their lives, their work and other little known facts! Think of it as your first “networking” opportunity of the week!
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Cliff Cook, publisher of AZ Outdoor Magazine, which just launched its debut issue.
So, Cliff Cook, time to share!
What do you want to tell the blogosphere about yourself today?
About three years ago I was working late one night, cursing the fact that most of my life is spent in front of a computer. Owning a design studio, I spend many late nights working feverishly to meet client deadlines.
Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. It allows me to use my creativity to help businesses meet their goals. But what about my goals? What makes me happy? Yes, I enjoy running my business, but what am I working so hard for if I don’t have the time to enjoy my hobbies? I sat there and realized, my goal is quite simple. I need to get outside more. It was then an idea popped into my head: combine my job and hobby. As random and crazy as it was, it somehow made sense. I could start an outdoor magazine.
I had many of the resources already in place through my design studio. Writers, designers, web developers, printers…all I needed was to map out the strategy and prove to myself that the business model could work. And then maybe, just maybe, I could create a vehicle that not only could be a successful business, but would also allow me to get out and experience more of this great state.
Well, after three years of researching, planning, saving and even shadowing a publisher client of mine, I decided there’s no time like the present. So this summer, I made a 100% commitment to follow through with my idea. We launched AZOutdoorMagazine.com in July and started the social media campaign immediately. Now, here we are a few months later and the debut issue is finally available. Click here to take a look.
AZ Outdoor Magazine is a free, bi-monthly publication distributed to more than 500 locations Valleywide such as running and biking shops, outdoor retailers, health clubs & gyms, car washes, bookstores, libraries, sidewalk racks in downtown areas and many more. Subscriptions are also available at www.azoutdoormagazine.com/subscribe.
Needless to say, I’m very excited to see where this adventure takes me. The outdoors are a passion of mine, and so is this magazine.
I look forward to providing readers with all kinds of interesting and useful outdoor content that will inspire you to get out there and enjoy all that Arizona has to offer.
See you on the trail!
