Company of One

About the Author

Paul Jarvis is an experienced entrepreneur, writer, and designer who has worked with leading companies like Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, and Warner Music. He is best known for his work on the concept of the "Company of One," which challenges traditional business growth paradigms and advocates for small, efficient, and highly effective business models. Jarvis is also a prolific author and speaker, sharing his insights on business, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle design.

Main Idea

The central thesis of Paul Jarvis's Company of One is that growth isn't a necessity for business success. Instead, remaining small and focused can often be more durable, profitable, and enjoyable. Jarvis argues that by staying small, businesses can prioritize better over bigger, leading to greater personal fulfillment and business sustainability. This approach allows entrepreneurs to focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and personal well-being rather than constantly chasing expansion.

Table of Contents

• Start Small
• Define Growth
• Keep Learning

Start Small

Starting small is a fundamental principle of the Company of One philosophy. Instead of chasing rapid growth, focus on building a solid foundation by being smart, efficient, and resilient. This approach allows you to grow your revenue without necessarily increasing your headcount or taking on more risk. By staying small, you can concentrate on delivering high-quality products and services, which leads to better customer satisfaction and more sustainable success.

"A company of one resists and questions some forms of traditional growth, not on principle, but because growth isn’t always the most beneficial or financially viable move." - Paul Jarvis