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By Paul Jarvis | Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business

In a world obsessed with scaling fast, chasing investor funding, and building the next unicorn, Paul Jarvis flips the script with Company of One. This book challenges the traditional belief that bigger is always better in business. Instead, Jarvis advocates for a more intentional path—one where staying small, lean, and independent can actually lead to more freedom, stability, and satisfaction.

Drawing from his own experience as a successful solo entrepreneur, Jarvis makes the case for businesses that are purposefully designed to remain small, agile, and profitable—not because they lack ambition, but because they value autonomy, sustainability, and meaningful work over constant growth.

Company of One isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a practical guide for creatives, freelancers, founders, and small business owners who want to build a business on their own terms. It shows that success doesn’t have to mean managing a team or chasing scale. It can mean working smarter, living well, and choosing growth that aligns with your personal values.

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Top 10 Lessons from Company of One

1. Growth Should Be a Choice, Not a Default

Just because you can scale doesn’t mean you should. Sustainable growth starts by asking whether expansion aligns with your goals or simply adds unnecessary complexity.

2. Success Is Freedom, Not Size

The real goal of entrepreneurship isn’t headcount or funding rounds—it’s freedom. A company of one allows you to design a business around the lifestyle and values you care about most.

3. Stay Small to Stay Flexible

Smaller businesses can pivot quickly, experiment freely, and adapt faster than large organizations weighed down by layers of decision-making.

4. Profit Over Prestige

Forget vanity metrics. A company of one focuses on profitability, not popularity. It’s better to run a quiet, profitable business than chase visibility without returns.

5. Know When “Enough” Is Enough

More isn’t always better. Define what “enough” looks like for you—whether that’s revenue, clients, or working hours—and optimize your business around that finish line.

6. Automation and Simplicity Beat Complexity

You don’t need to hire to scale. With the right systems, tools, and processes, solo entrepreneurs can run lean, high-performing businesses without growing overhead.

7. Build an Audience Before a Product

Trust and relationships are your most valuable assets. Start by offering value, building credibility, and nurturing your audience—before you try to sell.

8. Focus on Long-Term Relationships, Not Quick Wins

Loyal customers, word-of-mouth referrals, and repeat business matter more than short-term hype. Small businesses win by investing deeply in trust and service.

9. Independence Is a Competitive Advantage

You don’t need to wait for approval, funding, or permission. As a company of one, your ability to make fast decisions is a powerful asset in a noisy marketplace.

10. Sustainability Beats Hustle

Burnout is not a badge of honor. A company of one thrives by building steady, manageable systems that support both business health and personal well-being.