With InnovateTech secured as a long-term client, Ethan understood that this was only the beginning. The steady flow of revenue gave the team some much-needed breathing room, but it also presented a new challenge: growth. They couldn't afford to remain reactive—they had to start planning proactively for the future.
Ethan called for a team meeting, determined to set a course for what came next.
"Alright, we made it through our first major project," he said, scanning the faces of his team members on the video call. "But we're not done. Now we need to think bigger. We can't just wait for clients to come to us—we need to start pitching to larger companies."
Priya nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed. But we also need more hands on deck. If we keep taking on projects at this scale, the four of us won't be able to handle it all."
"Yeah," Ryan added, his expression serious. "I can't keep pulling all-nighters debugging. We need another developer, and maybe even a dedicated QA person to catch all the bugs before they get to the client."
Ethan tapped his fingers against his desk, processing their concerns. "Alright. We expand, but we do it smart. No full-time hires yet—we'll start with freelancers. I'll begin scouting for talent. Priya, you focus on marketing and outreach. Marco, refine our portfolio and make sure it highlights our best work. Ryan, look into automation tools that can streamline our workflow."
The team nodded in agreement, each member aware of their role in this next phase. The journey was no longer just about surviving—it was about building something that could sustain itself and grow beyond what they could manage on their own.
In the following weeks, Ethan worked tirelessly to recruit new talent. He scoured forums, posted in college groups, and interviewed designers, developers, and marketers—students just like them, eager to learn and hungry for opportunity.
Priya's marketing efforts started to show results. Their online presence grew, and soon, inbound inquiries began to pour in. One particular email caught Ethan's attention. It was from a venture-backed startup looking for a digital solutions partner.
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. If they landed this deal, it could push them to the next level, solidifying their position in the market and possibly securing a long-term partnership that would allow them to scale even faster.
Without hesitation, Ethan responded to the email and set up a meeting. As he stared at the message, he couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement. This wasn't just a college hustle anymore. They were on the verge of something real—something that could shape their futures.
And Ethan was ready for it.