EPISODE · Apr 30, 2026 · 34 MIN
The $500 Test: How to Know If Your Side Project Is Real
from Company of One with Dale Callahan · host Dale Callahan
"Before you build a business, before you make any move—pass the $500 test.Can you make $500 a month from a real customer who isn't your employer? If not, you don't have a business yet. You have a hobby.In this episode, we break down:Why $500 is the right numberThe backwards way engineers approach building (and why it fails)What actually counts as passing the testHow one customer changes your entire negotiating positionThis isn't theory. It's the gate between 'thinking about it' and 'doing it.'This is Company of One.Helping professionals stop drifting and take ownership of their work, income, and future.If something in this episode connected with you, send me a message on LinkedIn and tell me what hit home.🌐 dalecallahan.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dalecallahan🎙 Company of One Podcast on YouTubeDale Callahan, Ph.D., P.E.Director of Engineering Management @ UAB
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"Before you build a business, before you make any move—pass the $500 test. Can you make $500 a month from a real customer who isn't your employer? If not, you don't have a business yet. You have a hobby. In this episode, we break down: Why $500 is the right numberThe backwards way engineers approach building (and why it fails)What actually counts as passing the testHow one customer changes your entire negotiating positionThis isn't theory. It's the gate between 'thinking about it' and 'doing ...
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The $500 Test: How to Know If Your Side Project Is Real
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