Why “Small” is the New Big
In the fast-paced world of business, where growth and scale seem to be the golden standards of success, Paul Jarvis introduces a radical concept that flips the narrative. His book, Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business, challenges the traditional mindset that bigger is always better. Jarvis advocates for the idea that not all businesses need to expand endlessly. In fact, staying small might just be the secret weapon to sustainability, profitability, and personal satisfaction.
At a time when entrepreneurs are bombarded with advice to “scale fast” and “go big,” Company of One offers a refreshing alternative. This book is not just for freelancers or solo entrepreneurs; it speaks to business owners of all sizes, suggesting that keeping things simple, streamlined, and personal can lead to long-term success. Paul Jarvis, with his wealth of experience, takes readers on a journey to understand why the obsession with growth might be misguided.
What makes this book compelling is Jarvis’s ability to back up his ideas with practical examples, insightful stories, and real-world applications. He argues that businesses don’t have to follow the conventional route of scaling up. Instead, companies can thrive by intentionally choosing to remain small, focusing on quality over quantity, and prioritizing meaningful relationships with clients and customers.
The notion of a “company of one” is not about rejecting growth altogether but about redefining what growth means. This book invites readers to question the pressures of expansion and offers a new way of thinking about success in business—a way that is more fulfilling, balanced, and ultimately, more profitable. Let’s dive deeper into this revolutionary concept and explore how Company of One can reshape your perspective on what it means to build and run a successful business.
Book Summary: Embracing the Power of Small
In Company of One, Paul Jarvis sets out to debunk the myth that growth is a necessary component of success. Instead, he makes a strong case for staying small and agile, a philosophy that allows businesses to focus on what truly matters—sustainability, customer satisfaction, and personal fulfillment. Jarvis begins by explaining the dangers of unchecked growth, noting how the pursuit of expansion can often lead to burnout, financial strain, and loss of control over one’s business.
The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of running a “company of one.” Jarvis emphasizes the importance of efficiency and autonomy, showing how smaller businesses can outpace their larger competitors by staying lean and adaptable. One key point he makes is that by maintaining a manageable size, businesses can respond quickly to market changes, deliver personalized services, and maintain a high level of quality that larger companies struggle to achieve.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the idea that growth should be intentional and aligned with personal and professional goals. Jarvis argues that not all growth is beneficial—sometimes, staying small is the better option. He provides numerous examples of successful companies that have thrived by focusing on a niche market, maintaining a small team, or even staying as a one-person operation. His philosophy is built around the idea that businesses should be sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable to run.
Jarvis also explores the personal benefits of running a smaller business, such as greater flexibility, work-life balance, and the ability to focus on meaningful work. He presents a compelling argument for rejecting the hustle culture and the obsession with constant expansion. Instead, he encourages readers to find success on their own terms, aligning their business goals with their personal values and lifestyle choices. This, he suggests, leads to a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to entrepreneurship.
Key Lessons and Insights from Company of One
1. Growth Is Not Always the Best Path
One of the core insights of Company of One is that growth for growth’s sake can be detrimental. Jarvis explains that businesses often chase expansion without considering the costs—financial, emotional, and operational. He argues that staying small allows for greater control, fewer expenses, and more focused priorities. Companies can maintain higher quality standards and avoid the pitfalls of overextension, such as burnout and mismanagement.
The lesson here is that growth should be intentional and purposeful. Businesses need to ask themselves why they are growing and if that growth aligns with their values and goals. Jarvis emphasizes the importance of sustainability over rapid expansion, suggesting that small companies can be more agile, adaptable, and profitable without sacrificing the quality of their work or their mental health.
2. Efficiency Is the Key to Success
In contrast to large corporations that may become bogged down by bureaucracy, smaller businesses can thrive by being more efficient. Jarvis discusses how small teams or solo entrepreneurs can streamline their operations, reduce overhead costs, and focus on delivering exceptional value to their customers. He points out that efficiency is not just about cutting costs but about optimizing workflows and eliminating unnecessary tasks.
Efficiency allows small businesses to be more flexible and responsive to market changes. By keeping operations lean, a company of one can pivot quickly when needed, take advantage of new opportunities, and stay ahead of larger competitors. This lesson teaches entrepreneurs that success is not about doing more—it’s about doing less, but better.
3. Autonomy Leads to Freedom
Another key lesson from Company of One is the power of autonomy. Jarvis argues that one of the greatest benefits of staying small is the freedom to make your own decisions without having to answer to a board of directors, investors, or shareholders. This autonomy allows entrepreneurs to build their business in a way that aligns with their values, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
With autonomy comes the ability to prioritize work that is meaningful and enjoyable. Jarvis suggests that when you are in control of your business, you can design your workday in a way that fosters creativity, productivity, and personal satisfaction. This level of freedom is often lost in larger companies, where decisions are made by committee and individual creativity can be stifled.
4. Focus on Relationships, Not Scale
Jarvis stresses the importance of building strong, meaningful relationships with clients and customers rather than focusing on scaling to reach as many people as possible. In a small business, every customer interaction matters, and these relationships can lead to long-term success through referrals, repeat business, and customer loyalty.
The personal touch that comes with being a company of one can set you apart from larger competitors who may struggle to offer the same level of care and attention. This lesson is a reminder that scaling should not come at the expense of the customer experience. Small businesses can thrive by focusing on the quality of their relationships, not the quantity.
5. The Value of Niche Markets
Jarvis makes a strong case for the power of niche markets in Company of One. He explains that small businesses often succeed by focusing on a specific target audience, delivering specialized services or products that larger companies might overlook. By catering to a niche, businesses can establish themselves as experts and create a loyal customer base.
This lesson highlights the importance of knowing your audience and delivering exactly what they need. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, businesses should focus on serving a smaller, more dedicated group of customers. This approach not only allows for more personalized service but also reduces competition, as niche markets are often underserved by larger corporations.
6. Profitability Over Growth
One of the most important insights from the book is that profitability should take precedence over growth. Jarvis argues that businesses should focus on becoming profitable first before considering expansion. Many companies fail because they prioritize growth without ensuring their business model is financially sustainable.
The lesson here is that it’s better to have a small, profitable business than a large, struggling one. By focusing on profitability from the start, companies can avoid taking on unnecessary debt, stretching their resources too thin, or making compromises that negatively affect the quality of their product or service.
7. Sustainability Beats Speed
In a world obsessed with speed, Jarvis champions sustainability. He argues that businesses should focus on long-term success rather than short-term wins. This means building a company that can weather market changes, economic downturns, and personal challenges without collapsing under the pressure of constant growth.
Sustainability is about creating a business that can last—one that supports both the entrepreneur and their customers in a meaningful way. This lesson encourages business owners to think beyond the immediate and plan for the future, ensuring that their company can thrive for years to come.
8. Work-Life Balance Matters
One of the personal benefits of running a small business, according to Jarvis, is the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Unlike larger companies, where long hours and high stress are often the norm, a company of one can design its operations in a way that prioritizes the well-being of the owner.
This lesson is a powerful reminder that success is not just about financial gain—it’s about creating a life that is enjoyable and fulfilling. Jarvis encourages entrepreneurs to find a balance between work and personal life, ensuring that their business supports, rather than detracts from, their overall happiness.
9. The Importance of Personal Branding
Jarvis highlights the role of personal branding in the success of a company of one. In a small business, the owner’s personality, values, and expertise become an integral part of the brand. This personal connection helps build trust with customers and creates a sense of authenticity that is often missing in larger corporations.
Personal branding allows entrepreneurs to differentiate themselves from the competition and attract customers who resonate with their values. This lesson underscores the importance of being authentic and transparent in your business dealings, as these qualities can lead to stronger customer relationships and greater loyalty.
10. Adaptability Is Crucial
In Company of One, adaptability is a recurring theme. Jarvis explains that one of the greatest strengths of staying small is the ability to adapt quickly to changes in the market. While larger companies may be slow to respond to new trends or challenges, a company of one can pivot rapidly, ensuring that it remains relevant and competitive.
Adaptability is essential for long-term success, as it allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve and seize new opportunities as they arise. This lesson is a reminder that flexibility is often more valuable than size, especially in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Conclusion: The Future of Small Business
Paul Jarvis’s Company of One offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be successful in business. His book challenges the conventional wisdom that bigger is better, arguing that staying small can be a more sustainable, profitable, and fulfilling path. By focusing on efficiency, autonomy, relationships, and profitability, businesses can achieve success on their own terms.
For entrepreneurs who are tired of the hustle culture and the constant pressure to grow, Company of One provides a much-needed alternative. It shows that there is another way to succeed—one that prioritizes quality over quantity, balance over burnout, and meaning over mindless expansion.
Jarvis’s insights are not just theoretical; they are backed by real-world examples and practical advice that can be applied to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or even the leader of a larger company, this book will challenge you to rethink your approach to growth and success.
In the end, Company of One is not just a business book—it’s a manifesto for a new way of thinking about entrepreneurship. It’s about reclaiming control, finding balance, and building a business that works for you, not the other way around.
About the Author
Paul Jarvis is a writer, designer, and online course creator who has worked with professional athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, corporations like Microsoft, and online entrepreneurs such as Marie Forleo. With over two decades of experience as a freelancer, Jarvis has built a reputation as a thought leader in the world of small business and entrepreneurship. His writing has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and The Huffington Post. Through his work, Jarvis has helped countless entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that prioritize personal fulfillment and long-term success over endless growth.
Disclaimer
Note that the ideas and content in the book are solely from the Author of the book and not the LAPMONK Editorial Team. All opinions expressed in this book review are entirely from the LAPMONK Editorial Team. This review may contain affiliate links, meaning LAPMONK may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
