Hybrid: client services fund the product
Take on focused service work for steady income while two days a week go to building the subscription product.
Why it’s recommended
It is the only option that scores well on all four of your high-priority criteria. It moves toward the scalable product you want, while client income protects your six-month runway.
Strongest supporting evidence
- You ranked long-term scalability above faster revenue.
- Client income reduces how much of the $60,000 budget the build consumes.
- Three developers can split into a client track and a product track.
Major risks
- High Client deadlines crowd out product work
- Medium Context switching slows the whole team
- Low First clients take longer to sign than planned
Assumptions
- A first service client can be signed within about four weeks.
- Two days a week can be protected for product work.
- Demand for the product idea holds over the next six months.
Why other options scored lower
- Client services (70): fast and low-risk, but does little for your main goal of a scalable product.
- Subscription product (47): the biggest upside, but your budget and timeline can’t absorb a slow start.
What could change it
- If faster revenue becomes your top priority, client services moves ahead.
- If your budget roughly doubles, the product-only path becomes viable.
- If no client signs within six weeks, revisit the decision.
