Crisis Education Pivot

During COVID-19, Morning Brew and The Hustle pivoted to education/course businesses as a crisis revenue strategy when their advertising revenue suddenly collapsed.

The Crisis Pivot Strategy:

• Initial COVID Impact:

  • Morning Brew lost 30% of booked revenue within weeks
  • A $75,000 sponsorship was canceled the day before it was due
  • Both companies feared going out of business

• Emergency Response:

  • Morning Brew turned paid acquisition down to zero as first cost-cutting measure
  • Both companies brainstormed alternative revenue streams

• Education Business Launch:

  • Morning Brew partnered with Scott Galloway's Section Four
  • The Hustle created their own course

• Results:

  • The Hustle's course generated $300,000 in one month
  • Morning Brew's education business provided critical short-term cash
  • This revenue helped both companies avoid layoffs during the crisis

• Long-Term Outcome:

  • Morning Brew eventually shuttered their education business
  • The pivot demonstrated the value of having multiple revenue streams
  • Showed the importance of being able to quickly adapt business models during crisis