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Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business Hardcover – January 15, 2019

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,701 ratings

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What if the real key to a richer and more fulfilling career was not to create and scale a new start-up, but rather, to be able to work for yourself, determine your own hours, and become a (highly profitable) and sustainable company of one? Suppose the better—and smarter—solution is simply to remain small? This book explains how to do just that.

Company of One is a refreshingly new approach centered on staying small and avoiding growth, for any size business. Not as a freelancer who only gets paid on a per piece basis, and not as an entrepreneurial start-up that wants to scale as soon as possible, but as a small business that is deliberately committed to staying that way. By staying small, one can have freedom to pursue more meaningful pleasures in life, and avoid the headaches that result from dealing with employees, long meetings, or worrying about expansion. Company of One introduces this unique business strategy and explains how to make it work for you, including how to generate cash flow on an ongoing basis.

Paul Jarvis left the corporate world when he realized that working in a high-pressure, high profile world was not his idea of success. Instead, he now works for himself out of his home on a small, lush island off of Vancouver, and lives a much more rewarding and productive life. He no longer has to contend with an environment that constantly demands more productivity, more output, and more growth.
 
In
Company of One, Jarvis explains how you can find the right pathway to do the same, including planning how to set up your shop, determining your desired revenues, dealing with unexpected crises, keeping your key clients happy, and of course, doing all of this on your own.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

As a corporate tech designer and internet consultant, Paul Jarvis spent years working with professional athletes like Warren Sapp, Steve Nash and Shaquille O’Neal with their online presence, and with large companies like Yahoo, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz and Warner Music. He then migrated to working with online entrepreneurs like Marie Forleo, Danielle LaPorte, and Kris Carr to help build their brands. Since becoming a company of one, he spends his time writing, podcasting, and creating online courses for more than 10,000 students. He lives with his wife on an island off the coast of Vancouver.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books (January 15, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1328972356
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1328972354
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.91 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,701 ratings

About the author

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Paul Jarvis
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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.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,701 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides useful advice and practical steps for entrepreneurs. They describe it as a great read with relatable examples. The book offers compelling arguments for staying small and scaling smartly. Readers appreciate the author's storytelling style and value for money. However, some feel the writing is repetitive and monotonous.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

62 customers mention "Advice level"62 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides practical advice and insights for solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and managers. They appreciate the framework and steps toward building a successful venture. The ideas are important and not often given, and the book affirms their beliefs.

"...since the author is a good person and more importantly these are important ideas that are not usually given much attention...." Read more

"...At least it's not full of simply motivational quotes." Read more

"A good read, well explained." Read more

"This book explores a very pragmatic approach to starting and running a business...." Read more

38 customers mention "Readability"38 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and interesting. They appreciate the author's writing style and consider it a worthwhile listen.

"...I hope so since the author is a good person and more importantly these are important ideas that are not usually given much attention...." Read more

"A good read, well explained." Read more

"...read or do personal development or business audio book regularly, worth a listen" Read more

"The fallacy of bigger is better is busted in this easy read. The book will help change your thinking about keeping your business small and focused...." Read more

5 customers mention "Scalability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's scalability compelling. It makes a case that you can make more money by staying small, versus trying to grow your business. The book is a useful guide for solopreneurs and small businesses, showing how staying small and personable can have benefits.

"...can scale your business, delight your customers, and make more money while staying small and enjoying the experience instead shaving years off your..." Read more

"...It's a book about building a small business that allows you to enjoy more of your life...." Read more

"...And scale smartly instead of following the trend of too big too fast. Loved it!" Read more

"...Paul Jarvis's book is a confirmation that staying small and personable can have immense advantages. It's well written and full of good insights." Read more

5 customers mention "Storytelling"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book. They find the stories relatable and interesting, with examples of success and cautionary tales. The writing is practical and well-written.

"...the tenets of that philosophy with examples of success and cautionary tales...." Read more

"...Well written. Very personable. Full of relevant and relatable examples...." Read more

"...Mr. Jarvis has a great way of telling his story, and those of others, and making them relevant to solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and managers in..." Read more

"...a Company of One I loved the tone, the reflection questions and the stories...." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They say it provides enough revenue, customers, and systems to make it a worthwhile investment.

"...Quality, value, excellence are worth working for; and creating a practice that reflects these values is possible and the best choice for me...." Read more

"...Which means higher profits and more time freedom. I work at a big corporation and have a side hustle...." Read more

"...His book company of one is a legit investment that you will benefit from 4 years to come." Read more

"...Just enough products and/or services. Just enough revenue. Just enough customers. Just enough systems in place." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"0 positive5 negative

Customers find the writing repetitive and lacking variety. They feel the book contains too much fluff and repetition of concepts, making it difficult to finish. The small print makes the text hard to read.

"...The paper back is in a small type and hard to read, at least for me. It is good for highlighting, dog earing and sharing...." Read more

"...What discouraged me about the book was a very repetitive writing and retelling of the same concepts, over and over...." Read more

"Quite monotonous. Couldn't finish the book. I was quite hopeful when I bought the book after I heard some recommendations on a youtube channel...." Read more

"Too repetitive. Has common sense advice." Read more

A breathe of entrepreneurial fresh air
5 out of 5 stars
A breathe of entrepreneurial fresh air
A breathe of fresh air for any entrepreneur feeling the pressure to grow but not wanting to lose the reason you started in the first place. Smart advice in here to tamp down that ego and maintain the business that suits your life.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2019
    I have been following Mr. Jarvis for over a year now, and we have exchanged email a few times. In the world of digital business gurus, he is a refreshing voice. Most gurus dangle the potential of becoming insanely rich and/or only have to work four hours a week as a promise to sell courses, books, software, and services. Jarvis is the antidote to these snake oil sales people. He is personal and sincere.

    When we first started emailing, he told me about the book and how he was working with a traditional publisher which meant it was going to take at least a year longer than if he self-published. I don't think that the delay added any value to the book...and I am interested to see whether the publishing deal translates into greater visibility and sales. I hope so since the author is a good person and more importantly these are important ideas that are not usually given much attention.

    Having waited a year for the book, though, I was disappointed. The ideas are important, and Jarvis does a good job of providing data and examples to support his point of view. Unfortunately, many of the stories he uses are of companies that are not companies of one. They may share some of his values about building relationships with customers and quality over growth, but they are not examples that support the larger argument about a company of one.

    There are examples of companies that do follow this model, and it is a missed opportunity to not talk more about those in greater depth. For example, he talks about a design firm that is a network of designers. It would be great to understand better how they operate, what systems they have in place, and how others could follow from than example.

    Jarvis talks about his accountant and lawyer, but I know from his other writings that he works with a team of other contractors. Yet the book does not really go into those details. Overall, the book is NOT a how to manual. It is what I would describe as a manifesto that articulates a particular vision and set of values, but it could do that much better. I wonder how much the publisher and editor influenced the direction of the book in this way, because it was not as strong as his weekly newsletters.

    My personal belief is that the future of business will be very large companies and lots of companies of one that form networks to solve problems. This book is a first step in articulating some of the values and reasons for this future. Interesting omissions, though, are the idea of the long tail and 1,000 true fans that are foundational to the shift from mass marketing and production to micro marketing and production that leverage personalization versus scale.

    Maybe the book would have been better as two books. One on the company of one and the other on relationship marketing. While these are related ideas and both reflect how Jarvis operates his own company, they are also separate. This would allow discussion of how companies like Basecamp operate to develop relationships with customers and how companies of one can operate their businesses.

    Despite my frustrations with the execution of the book, it is still a valuable read and important.
    81 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
    I guess I expected at least some of the chapters to be on business structure and more about shaping your own company of one. Instead, it's pretty much about having the correct mindset and reiterates that fact throughout the chapters I've read so far. At least it's not full of simply motivational quotes.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
    A good read, well explained.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024
    This book explores a very pragmatic approach to starting and running a business. If you read only one book before embarking on your business adventure, make sure it’s this book.

    It outlines a philosophy which serves as the foundation for what follows. Then it supports the tenets of that philosophy with examples of success and cautionary tales. Finally, it provides concrete steps to take to build your business around the philosophy.

    Also, if you’re a fan of Cal Newport’s work (Deep Work, Digital Minimals etc.) then you’ll love this book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
    This is an excellent book for serious entrepreneurs who what to build a financially success business that can make a difference in the world doing what it is you love doing.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2022
    >5% of this book is unique, but if you read or do personal development or business audio book regularly, worth a listen
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2022
    The fallacy of bigger is better is busted in this easy read. The book will help change your thinking about keeping your business small and focused. I would have liked to see more tactical elements, but that’s not the premise. The premise was to show that a company of one is not only possible, but potentially preferable. If you’re thinking about doing your own thing, read the book.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    Took my time reading this one. It’s definitely a business model that I can get with. I’ll be reading this one again and again to remind myself that my company has options and I determine what those are.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Nishita
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful & validating.
    Reviewed in India on October 17, 2024
    Company of One is the most impactful book I've read this year because of Paul's perspective and the case studies, specially. It helped me feel grounded in my current direction, and think about 'growth' from a new lens. 10/10 recommend to anyone grappling with the question of scaling up.
  • Auralys Catherina
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book which helps you who owns your own company
    Reviewed in Germany on September 10, 2024
    I love this book, it really gives you all the reasons for staying a small but still yet to become a business people will go to. This is a book that every entrepreneur should have on the bookshelf.
  • Cátia Moutinho
    5.0 out of 5 stars Um dos melhores livros de empreendimento
    Reviewed in Spain on February 23, 2024
    Como empreendedora, este foi um dos melhores livros que li. Super inspirador e uma perspectiva completamente diferente. Recomendo
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    Cátia Moutinho
    5.0 out of 5 stars Um dos melhores livros de empreendimento
    Reviewed in Spain on February 23, 2024
    Como empreendedora, este foi um dos melhores livros que li. Super inspirador e uma perspectiva completamente diferente. Recomendo
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  • Bruno Giosa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Solopreneurs
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 22, 2020
    I loved Company of One. It gave me a new perspective on how to think my one-man business and how to deal with pressure to scale clients, revenue, and employees all the time. I highly recommend for people who work well on their own, already have a good deal of clients and it's looking for a next step or even better the right next step.
  • Justine Zamora
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2021
    This book has so many valuable information about being a company of one. I particularly like that after the end of each chapter there’s questions to think about that Paul has written down for readers to reflect. I have taken so much value from this book personally and it’s really changed my perspective on running my business. I love this book for that.

    I purchased the kindle version of this and love it, so easy to read and add notes to and highlight! I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested or running a business already. If you’re looking for an alternative way to run a business, this is the best book to read in my opinion. It’s based off research and real life people/businesses as examples to back up what Paul says in the book.