Company of One - by Paul Jarvis (Paperback)

About the Book

What if the real key to a richer and more fulfilling career was not to scale up, but rather, to work for yourself and become a (highly profitable) and sustainable company of one? This book, now available in paperback, explains how to do just that.

Book Synopsis

What if the real key to a more fulfilling career was not to scale up but to work for yourself and become a successful and sustainable company of one? The New York Times bestselling author of Deep Work Cal Newport calls this book a "must-read for any entrepreneur who prioritizes a rich life over riches."

Company of One offers a refreshingly original small business strategy that's focused on a commitment to being better instead of bigger. Why? Because staying small provides one with the freedom to pursue more meaningful pleasures in life--and avoid the headaches that come with traditional growth-oriented business. Having personally discovered the benefits of cutting out the corporate hierarchy that constantly demands more, author Paul Jarvis explains how you can do the same. With this groundbreaking guide, you'll learn how to set up your shop, determine your desired revenues, deal with unexpected crises, keep your key clients happy, and find self-fulfillment and true work-life balance every step of the way.

It's a counterintuitive approach that redefines success--putting you back in control of your business and your life.

• The Case for Staying Small: Why questioning growth is the smartest move for long-term profitability and avoiding the headaches that come with scaling.
• A Sustainable Business Model: Learn how to determine your desired revenue, keep key clients happy, and create a company built for the long haul, not just a quick exit.
• Build a Lifestyle Business: Discover the freedom that comes from designing your work around your life, not the other way around, to pursue more meaningful pleasures.
• The Solopreneur's Mindset: Master the autonomy, resilience, and speed required to take full ownership of your career, whether you're a freelancer or a founder.

Review Quotes

"Jarvis makes a compelling case for making your business better instead of bigger. A must-read for any entrepreneur who prioritizes a rich life over riches." --CAL NEWPORT, bestselling author of DEEP WORK "You're not a machine, so why would you run your business like one? Company of One shows you another way. If you've ever wondered how to have a business that works for you--instead of the other way around--you need this book." --CHRIS GUILLEBEAU, bestselling author of SIDE HUSTLE and THE $100 STARTUP "Growth has been hacked to simply mean "more". More revenue, more customers, more employees, more products, more, more, more. That's a tragically myopic view of growth. Paul Jarvis will help you open your eyes to a broader, wiser definition of growth. One of learning, one of betterment, one of contentment. There's never been a more opportune time to launch or run companies that embrace having and being "enough". The most important ingredient is a new world view. Company of One can give you just that." --DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON, Creator of RUBY ON RAILS and Founder of BASECAMP "Your business can thrive with less! Company of One is an riveting, lucidly written guide to run a successful minimalist business." --Joshua Fields Millburn, host of The Minimalists podcast "The default equation of more = better in business isn't working anymore. If you want to build something that matters, make a difference for your family and the world, and actually enjoy what you do, Company of One offers the inspiration and step by step actions that will change the way you do business, and the way you do life." --COURTNEY CARVER, bestselling author of SOULFUL SIMPLICITY "Paul Jarvis beautifully illustrates that "Small is the new big." It's true. It's not about how many employees you have (or how many customers you serve). It is about "who" you are working with. This is a revolutionary idea for our times: build your business based on your values. There's nothing small about that. This book is a treasure." --MITCH JOEL, founder, Six Pixels Group, and author of SIX PIXELS OF SEPARATION and CTRL ALT Delete "Ever since starting MailChimp 18 years ago, I've always been told that my way was wrong. My way has never been to "be big." My way was always to "be useful." My company has become a global brand with millions of customers, over $525 million in annual revenue, and almost 1000 employees united by a single mission to empower companies of one. Go figure. There's not one, right way. Only your way. Paul's book can help you find your way." --BEN CHESTNUT, CEO and founder of MailChimp "Company of One will give you invaluable insights to focus on the purposeful, interesting, and impactful work you actually love doing, right alongside permission to stop blindly chasing growth by defining success on your own terms. This book is great for freelancers, side-hustlers, and small business owners who are looking to bring autonomy, self-reliance, and creativity to their work without becoming total workaholics. --KATHLEEN SHANNON and EMILY THOMPSON, authors/hosts of Being Boss "Paul Jarvis is the savviest sole proprietor I know. This book is a permission slip to reject tired corporate business advice in favor of a smaller, slower, more personal approach. Amen." --JOCELYN K. GLEI, host of Hurry Slowly "A bright, useful entry in the small-is-beautiful genre."--Kirkus Reviews "Persuasive . . . Jarvis's soothing guide is a good reminder that chasing the million-customer mark is not the right choice for every entrepreneur."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

PAUL JARVIS is a veteran of the online tech world, and over the years he has had corporate clients such as Microsoft, Yahoo, Mercedes-Benz, Warner Music and even Shaquille O'Neal. These days, he teaches courses online and does consulting from his home on a remote island off of Vancouver.