Breaking the seven-figure revenue mark is a significant milestone, but only 1 in 20 small businesses ever achieve it. With over 95% of businesses operating with fewer than ten employees, scaling to a million dollars might seem impossible—but it doesn’t have to be. By leveraging proven business models, even small teams can achieve this goal.
Here are five simple ways to make a million dollars and how to apply them to your business strategy.
1. Build Repeatable Monthly Income
To hit $1 million annually, you need $83,333 in monthly revenue. Whether you aim for 1,000 customers paying $83 each or 100 paying $833, subscription-based models offer a reliable path to recurring income.
The subscription economy is projected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025. Focus on converting your products or services into monthly packages that customers can’t resist. With product-market fit and strong retention strategies, you can achieve steady growth.
2. Offer Annual Subscriptions
Annual subscriptions not only boost revenue but also foster long-term customer loyalty. For example, with 1,000 clients paying $1,000 annually or 500 paying $2,000, you’re on track to a million-dollar business.
Once customers commit to a year, you have time to showcase the value of your offer and turn them into long-term advocates. Encourage referrals and watch your revenue multiply.
3. Focus on High-Ticket Sales
If volume isn’t your focus, think bigger with high-ticket items or services. For instance:
- One $1 million deal
- Four $250,000 sales annually
- Ten $100,000 clients
High-ticket sales require identifying premium clients and delivering transformative value. Whether it’s consulting, coaching, or enterprise solutions, solving high-stakes problems can command top-tier pricing.
4. Sell Low-Cost, High-Volume Products
Aiming for $2,740 daily ($342/hour) can feel daunting, but with the right products, it’s achievable. Selling low-cost items like eBooks, digital courses, or physical goods in bulk can generate consistent income.
For instance:
- 100 daily sales of a $27 product
- 10 daily sales of a $274 product
Experiment with affordable, scalable offerings and let the numbers work in your favor.
5. Plan for a Million-Dollar Exit
You don’t need to generate $1 million in revenue to sell your business for that amount. With an EBITDA multiple of 3-5, a business earning $200,000-$333,000 in annual profit could secure a million-dollar sale.
To prepare for an exit:
- Focus on profitability by cutting unnecessary costs.
- Double down on high-margin products or services.
- Identify potential buyers and begin conversations early.
Choose Your Million-Dollar Business Model
Whether you aim for recurring subscriptions, high-ticket sales, or a strategic exit, reaching seven figures requires focus, strategy, and persistence.
By narrowing your offer, identifying your target market, and optimizing your operations, you can break past the million-dollar barrier and join the top 5% of businesses.
Want more actionable insights? Follow me on X or visit my website for additional tips on scaling your business to seven figures.