What if my business doesn’t make enough money to support me?

Look, I've been there, standing on the thin line between going all-in on my passion and being pulled back by financial realities. The truth is, starting your own thing—especially transitioning from a steady paycheck—is not always smooth sailing. But don’t lose heart. Let’s break it down and find some actionable steps forward.

First, assess your current situation honestly. Financial transparency is key. Know your numbers—both what you're bringing in and what you need to cover your essentials. This gives clarity and helps in making strategic decisions.

Next, diversify your income streams. It's what I call the "Develop" phase of my framework. If you’re not making enough from your business, think about freelance opportunities, consulting gigs, or even a part-time job that aligns with your skills. It’s not a step backward; it’s a smart move to stabilize while you grow your venture.

Also, be critical about your business model and offerings. Are you truly meeting a need, or is there a mismatch somewhere? Sometimes a pivot is necessary. Talk to your customers, tweak your services, and don’t be afraid to innovate and adjust.

Another thing is managing expectations and timelines. We often underestimate the time it takes to build something sustainable. Set realistic milestones and celebrate small wins to keep your motivation tank full.

Finally, never undervalue networking. Exposing your ideas, weaknesses, and strengths to a community can open doors you didn’t know existed.

Remember, redefining success includes understanding that the journey is non-linear. Embrace the messy middle. You might have to lean on a combination of efforts to achieve financial stability, but every step counts. Keep iterating, keep pushing, and most importantly, trust in the process.