To create another stable revenue stream ahead of her maternity leave, the founder informally rented a small part of her production facility to another entrepreneur. This person works off-hours, providing a no-conflict way to help cover rent and reduce financial stress.
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Instead of starting in a kitchen, CPG entrepreneur Emma Hernan bought a manufacturing facility first. This generated revenue by co-packing for other brands, secured her own supply chain, and created multiple income streams from a single asset before her product even launched.
Instead of choosing between going all-in or shutting down a struggling business, consider a hybrid approach. The founder can return to a full-time job for financial stability, turning the venture into a side hustle. This reduces pressure while allowing them to use targeted, low-cost marketing to rebuild demand and potentially scale back up later.
Relying solely on a time-for-money service model is precarious, as a personal crisis can halt all income. Entrepreneurs in service industries should conceptualize passive income streams from day one, even before implementation. This builds resilience and provides options when they can no longer trade time for money.
Monologue creator Naveen Nadeau arranged to work three days a week at his old job while exploring new ideas. This provided financial stability and runway, allowing him to experiment with less pressure before committing full-time to his own venture.
Instead of viewing her baby as a potential hindrance, the founder intentionally designed her company to support her life goals, including maternity leave. This perspective shifts the business from the primary focus to a vehicle for personal fulfillment.
The founder leveraged her certified production space to create honey for other brands. This “white labeling” service, born from custom corporate orders, provides a consistent, secondary revenue stream to cover fixed costs like rent, de-risking her primary business.
To adapt to hybrid work and reduce overhead, Hard Numbers shares its office with another agency. One firm uses the space on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the other takes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This "timeshare" model is a practical real estate hack for companies no longer needing a five-day-a-week presence.
If your business stops the moment you do, burnout is an inevitable outcome of a flawed model. Use this exhaustion as a signal to build systems, delegate, or create passive income streams. This shifts the focus from personal endurance to creating a sustainable enterprise that can function without your constant presence.
To bootstrap her company, the founder rented out her spare bedroom on Airbnb. This income covered her mortgage, freeing up 100% of business revenue for reinvestment. As a bonus, guests often became temporary helpers and early brand evangelists.
Brent Ridge, who started his business during the 2008 recession, advises founders in today's chaotic economy to mitigate risk. He suggests either having a partner with a stable career or maintaining a side job to ensure a steady income while launching the new venture, countering the 'all-in' mentality.
