What if working for oneself and building a profitable, sustainable company of one was the real secret to a more meaningful job than scaling up? This book, according to Deep Work author and New York Times bestselling author Cal Newport, is “a must-read for any entrepreneur who chooses a rich life over money.” Company of One is a remarkably innovative business model that is committed to becoming better rather than bigger. Why? Because maintaining a small firm allows one to pursue more fulfilling pleasures while avoiding the challenges associated with standard growth-oriented businesses. Paul Jarvis, the author, discusses how you can eliminate the corporate hierarchy that continuously demands more after having personally experienced its advantages. With the help of this ground-breaking manual, you’ll discover how to open your business, calculate your desired profits, handle unforeseen emergencies, maintain the satisfaction of your important customers, and find fulfillment along the road. By valuing less over more, tiny over large, and niche over mass, the business philosophy presented by Company of One challenges conventional thinking. In addition to outlining this idea, it offers helpful advice for creating your own small business organization that can give you the freedom, independence, and money necessary to lead the life you desire.
Key ideas in this book:
- Companies of one are different from typical small enterprises or freelancing forms of self-employment.
- Companies of one reject the mindset of seeking expansion for the sake of growth, adopting a more holistic view of life.
- Develop your company of one out of a side gig rather than quitting your employment.
- Make your job your passion, not the other way around.
- Identify your niche and target a particular demographic.
- Recognize the strength of personality and simplicity.
- Develop relationships with your target audience and take notes from them.
- Avoid making big initial investments, and aim to turn a profit as quickly and cheaply as you can.
- Let the snowball effect work for your business’s growth, and increase investments as it expands.
- Pay attention to customer retention and service.
About the Author:
Paul Jarvis is a web designer, author, educator, and entrepreneur who has been self-employed for approximately twenty years. Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, and Warner Music are among his previous customers. His work and ideas have been featured in WIRED, Vice, Fast Company, and USA Today, among other publications.
