You check your phone—it’s the first of the month. Your bills are due, but your business bank account is nearly empty. You sigh, knowing you’ll have to start from scratch again, chasing customers just to break even.
Sound familiar?
Tunde was in the same position. Every month felt like a fresh struggle. He had customers, but there was no guarantee they’d return. No repeat sales meant no financial stability.
The Hot Seat
Tunde shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He had watched others take the spotlight, but now it was his turn. His palms were sweaty. He had never thought of his shop as anything more than a daily hustle. Could he really build something that made money without constantly selling?
Babs leaned forward and asked a single question that changed everything.
“Tunde, what happens if you take a break for a month?”
Tunde hesitated before answering.
“If I stop selling, I stop making money.”
Babs nodded.
“Exactly. That means you don’t own a business—you own a job you can’t quit.”
That hit hard.
Then, Babs stood and wrote two words on the whiteboard:
Recurring Revenue
“Let me show you how to escape the sales hustle trap.”
The Modern Milkman: A Recurring Revenue Success Story
Recently, a salesperson knocked on my door. Normally, I ignore these things, but this one intrigued me.
They called themselves The Modern Milkman.
It wasn’t just about milk. They had found a way to turn an old business model into a modern, recurring revenue machine. Customers could subscribe to regular deliveries of milk, eggs, bread, fruits, and even household essentials.
People weren’t just paying for the products—they were paying for convenience.
And here’s the thing: While some customers were happy to pay extra for the ease of home delivery, others subscribed because bundling products saved them money.
It made me wonder: Why don’t more small businesses do this?
Babs turned back to Tunde.
“You need a system like this in your business. You’re letting money slip through your fingers every month.”
Why One-Time Sales Are Hurting Your Business
Most small business owners operate like Tunde. They sell a product or service, get paid once, and then start from zero the next month.
The problem?
❌ Every month starts from scratch – No guaranteed income.
❌ Marketing is expensive – Finding new customers costs 5x more than keeping existing ones.
❌ No financial stability – If you stop working, the money stops coming in.
But successful businesses don’t rely on one-time sales.
They turn customers into repeat buyers with subscriptions, memberships, and service plans.
How Tunde Can Build Recurring Revenue
Babs pointed at the whiteboard.
“Tunde, what do your customers buy every month, without fail?”
Tunde thought for a moment.
“Rice, oil, spices, noodles, canned food…”
Babs smiled.
“Great. Instead of waiting for them to return, offer a monthly subscription.”
1. The Subscription Box Model (For Product Businesses)
✅ Tunde’s Essentials Box – A pre-packed grocery bundle delivered automatically every month.
Why It Works:
✔ Customers sign up once and get deliveries every month.
✔ No more chasing sales.
✔ Guaranteed recurring revenue.
Tunde nodded, but another thought hit him.
“What about customers who don’t want a full subscription box?”
Babs smiled.
“That’s where the Delivery Pass comes in.”
✅ Tunde’s Delivery Pass – Local customers pay a small monthly fee for 4 or 5 free deliveries.
Why It Works:
✔ Customers hate paying for delivery, so they’ll opt for a membership.
✔ They order more to maximize their subscription benefits.
✔ You generate consistent monthly revenue, whether they order or not.
How Any Business Can Add Recurring Revenue
Tunde leaned forward, taking notes. The early signs of a smile appeared on his face.
He realized he could stop chasing one-time sales and build predictable income instead.
📌 If You Sell Products:
✔ Offer a subscription box (e.g., groceries, skincare, coffee, etc.).
✔ Provide a refill service (automatic restocking of essentials).
✔ Create a loyalty membership with special discounts.
📌 If You Offer Services:
✔ Create a monthly retainer for ongoing clients.
✔ Offer a VIP membership with exclusive perks.
✔ Sell a delivery pass or service subscription.
What If Customers Don’t Want to Commit?
Babs anticipated Tunde’s concern.
“Not every customer will sign up immediately. But here’s how you can ease them in.”
✅ Start with a trial period – Offer the first month at a discount.
✅ Give an exclusive perk – Membership customers get priority delivery or discounts.
✅ Make it easy to cancel – No long-term commitment builds trust.
Final Thoughts: Are You Building a Business or a Job?
Babs’ final words stayed with Tunde.
“A real business makes money even when you’re not working. A job only pays you when you’re on the clock.”
This mastermind session changed how not only Tunde but other attendees saw their businesses.
Tunde committed to launching his Essentials Subscription Box and Delivery Pass within three months. No more starting each month at zero.
Now, It’s Your Turn
👉 Is your business making predictable income, or do you keep starting from scratch?
💬 Drop a comment below: What’s one way you could turn your business into a recurring revenue machine?
Need help brainstorming ideas? Comment your business type, and I’ll suggest a model that fits!
