We all hear it “Create seven streams of income!” Sounds exciting, right? Like you’ll wake up one morning and money will be raining down on you from all angles.
But here’s the problem for most African entrepreneurs: we take it literally.
I know a guy let’s call him Tawanda who thought seven streams of income meant seven separate businesses.
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He’s a sweets and banana vendor at the corner.
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He’s also a “runner,” bringing in Dubai suits for side cash.
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There’s a cellphone shop he opened last year.
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He sells gas in jerrycans from the driveway.
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Broilers are being raised at home don’t ask where the neighbors’ chickens are.
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A tuck shop on the side.
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And he even does an in-drive car service whenever someone calls.
Seven businesses. One man. Zero sleep.
The Chaos of Too Many Streams
Imagine Tawanda waking up at 5 a.m., juggling deliveries, customers, chicken feed, gas orders, and Dubai suits. By the time noon comes, he’s so tired he can barely tell a banana from a broiler.
That, my friends, is disaster disguised as ambition.
Having seven small businesses all running at the same time is like having seven babies at once. Sure, you’re technically a parent but how do you give any of them the attention they need to grow? And guess what? Every single one is still a “baby business,” barely walking, barely talking, and definitely not earning the millions you dreamed about.
Quality > Quantity
The smart approach? Build one strong business at a time. Let it grow for at least five years. Understand the market, stabilize your cash flow, hire the right people, and automate processes. Only then consider adding the next “baby” to your income family.
Think about it this way: would you raise seven toddlers simultaneously with no help, no plan, and no sleep? Probably not. So why raise seven tiny businesses at once and expect them to thrive?
Lesson for African Entrepreneurs
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Seven streams of income ≠ seven separate businesses.
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Focus on maturing one business before adding another.
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Patience is your best tool. Don’t rush to show off “I’m diversified” while all your ventures are struggling.
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Growth is like family planning do it thoughtfully, or you’ll end up exhausted, broke, and overwhelmed.
So the next time someone tells you to “build seven streams of income,” remember: don’t try to have seven business babies at once. Nurture one properly, and the rest will follow.
By The Chartered Vendor
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