Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Overview
- Title: Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business
- Author: Paul Jarvis
- Format: Paperback
- ISBN: 9780241644775
- Publication Year: 2023
- Pages: 249
- Publisher: Penguin
- Language: English
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 2 x 19.6 cm.
Description
Company of One by Paul Jarvis offers a groundbreaking perspective on business success by advocating for staying small rather than pursuing continuous growth. Jarvis, a former high-profile corporate professional, shares his personal journey of leaving the high-pressure corporate world to discover the immense benefits of maintaining a smaller, more manageable business. This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for a refreshing approach that emphasises quality over quantity and personal satisfaction over endless expansion.
Key Features
- A Refreshing Business Approach: Learn how staying small can lead to greater success and personal fulfilment
- Focus on Quality: Discover how to enhance your business by focusing on getting better rather than bigger
- Practical Advice: Gain insights on setting up your business, managing crises, and keeping customers happy on your terms
- Mindset and Leadership: Understand the mindset required to lead a small but successful business
- Scalable Systems: Learn about implementing systems that grow efficiency without increasing size
- Building Trust and Relationships: Explore the hidden value of strong customer relationships and trust
- Inspiring Examples: Includes the story of the world's oldest continuously run hotel, which has thrived for over 1,300 years by focusing on customer service.
Subheadings
Introduction to the Concept Paul Jarvis introduces the concept of a "Company of One" and explains why he believes staying small is the future of successful business. He shares his personal experience of leaving the corporate world and finding a new path that prioritises personal satisfaction and meaningful work.
The Benefits of Staying Small Jarvis outlines the numerous benefits of deliberately keeping a business small. He argues that smaller companies can be more agile, customer-focused, and less stressful to manage, allowing business owners to enjoy more meaningful pleasures in life.
Setting Up Your Business Learn how to establish your business with a focus on sustainability and quality. Jarvis provides practical advice on determining your desired revenue, creating a business plan, and setting realistic goals that align with your personal and professional values.
Dealing with Crises Every business faces unexpected challenges. Jarvis shares strategies for handling crises effectively while maintaining the integrity and stability of a small business.
Keeping Customers Happy Customer satisfaction is crucial for any business, especially smaller ones. Jarvis discusses how to keep your key customers happy and build long-lasting relationships that drive success.
Leading a Small Business Understand the unique leadership qualities required to manage a small business. Jarvis emphasises the importance of mindset, personality, and developing a leadership style that fosters growth without expansion.
Scalable Systems Implement scalable systems that enhance efficiency and productivity without increasing the size of your business. Jarvis provides tips on utilising technology and creating processes that support sustainable growth.
Teaching and Sharing Knowledge Jarvis believes in the power of teaching and sharing knowledge as a way to build trust and authority in your industry. Learn how to effectively share your expertise and create value for your audience.
The Value of Relationships Explore the hidden value of building strong relationships with customers, partners, and the community. Jarvis highlights how these connections can provide stability and growth opportunities for your business.
Inspiring Examples The book includes inspiring examples, such as the story of the world's oldest continuously run hotel in Japan. This 1,300-year-old establishment has thrived by focusing on exceptional customer service and maintaining a small, dedicated team.
Company of One by Paul Jarvis is an essential read for anyone looking to break away from the traditional growth-oriented business model. It provides a compelling argument for the benefits of staying small, offering practical advice and inspiring examples that demonstrate how a smaller business can lead to greater success and personal fulfilment. Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or corporate escapee, this book will help you build a business that aligns with your values and supports a fulfilling lifestyle.
About the Author
Paul is a veteran of the online tech world, and over the years has had such corporate clients as Microsoft, Yahoo, Mercedes-Benz, Warner Music and even Shaquille O'Neal. Today, he is the cofounder of Fathom Analytics.