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dianalamantia's review
2.0
I couldn’t finish the book. I only got half way through when it started going numb for me. I do understand where he was getting at. I do not think every topic or point is for everyone. I do like the concept that you yourself is an entity in a large company and have to look after that entity. But I can only give 2 stars as I just put it down and walked away and couldn’t find myself picking it up again.
bernieanderson's review
3.0
This book should have either been much shorter —or much longer. Essentially the first and last chapters are what you need here. If the book went into the details of how to build out the company of one from soup to nuts — that would have been more helpful. Otherwise — here’s the bottom line:
Exponential growth is not always the answer. Consider that Stability over a long period of time could be a better business model for you than exponential growth.
End of story. That’s the book.
Exponential growth is not always the answer. Consider that Stability over a long period of time could be a better business model for you than exponential growth.
End of story. That’s the book.
miharekar's review
5.0
The exact opposite of Not Taught that I read before this one.
Sustainable, profitable company of one is where it’s at. Recommend if you’re starting or thinking of starting a small business.
Sustainable, profitable company of one is where it’s at. Recommend if you’re starting or thinking of starting a small business.
nocto's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
This book caught my eye in the online library even though I'm not much of a businesss book reader. I have a kind of imposter syndrome about the world of business. Firstly there's the thing where I look up people I knew at school and college and find their profiles with high powered sounding roles listed. Then there's the fact that whilst I have successfully run a business for coming up on twenty-five years, I always feel we've not done things in a "business" way. What do you do for a living is a question I always struggle with a bit. There are times when I look at my life's career path and it seems to veer wildly away from the norm, or the path I might have expected and sometimes I'm disappointed in myself for that .This book was very much the validation I needed.
One of the reasons I picked up the book was just idle curiosity to see how narrow the author's definition of "company of one" was. It's pretty broad, it definitely covers the business partnership I've been part of and I'm pleased he also talks about being part of larger organisations even though that doesn't apply to me. I did skim-read a fair chunk of the book as it's aimed at people wanting to start their own businesses and that isn't me, but I think it's all pretty decent advice and there are lots of different companies used as examples and they are definitely not all the same type of business and there are contradictory stories here too, something which is always good. Especially when you are doing something a bit off the wall something that is a good idea can have an opposite that is also a good idea.
It was interesting to have a framework for a small company that isn't focussed on growth presented as a good thing. I think I agree pretty much entirely with the author's philosophy but there's a lot here I hadn't actively articulated to myself and the book has both made me feel better about choices I've made in the past and made me surer of the choices I'll make in the future. For me the most important thing about running a small business has been that we get to say "no" a lot, we dont have to do things we're not happy with or pursue relationships that make us uncomfortable. And I like the observation that this isn't the path for everyone. At some point you have to be every department of a larger company - accounts, marketing, customer support etc - as well as whatever you actually want to do. I like that but I think the best advice I have is to be a company of two or three rather than just a company of one. Being able to delegate a task or talk things through are very useful weapons in your armoury. A second perspective is very useful. Some of the most useful conversations we've had a business are those that come down to "Why are we doing this? Why don't we just not do this?", which is the power of "no" all over again.
Anyway, this hit a spot for me that I didn't realise needed some enlightenment and apart from that I think it would make a decent guide to getting your own small business up and running.
One of the reasons I picked up the book was just idle curiosity to see how narrow the author's definition of "company of one" was. It's pretty broad, it definitely covers the business partnership I've been part of and I'm pleased he also talks about being part of larger organisations even though that doesn't apply to me. I did skim-read a fair chunk of the book as it's aimed at people wanting to start their own businesses and that isn't me, but I think it's all pretty decent advice and there are lots of different companies used as examples and they are definitely not all the same type of business and there are contradictory stories here too, something which is always good. Especially when you are doing something a bit off the wall something that is a good idea can have an opposite that is also a good idea.
It was interesting to have a framework for a small company that isn't focussed on growth presented as a good thing. I think I agree pretty much entirely with the author's philosophy but there's a lot here I hadn't actively articulated to myself and the book has both made me feel better about choices I've made in the past and made me surer of the choices I'll make in the future. For me the most important thing about running a small business has been that we get to say "no" a lot, we dont have to do things we're not happy with or pursue relationships that make us uncomfortable. And I like the observation that this isn't the path for everyone. At some point you have to be every department of a larger company - accounts, marketing, customer support etc - as well as whatever you actually want to do. I like that but I think the best advice I have is to be a company of two or three rather than just a company of one. Being able to delegate a task or talk things through are very useful weapons in your armoury. A second perspective is very useful. Some of the most useful conversations we've had a business are those that come down to "Why are we doing this? Why don't we just not do this?", which is the power of "no" all over again.
Anyway, this hit a spot for me that I didn't realise needed some enlightenment and apart from that I think it would make a decent guide to getting your own small business up and running.
maxineha's review
5.0
Loved this book, and I am inspired how I can apply what I’ve read in my own company of one.
booktalkwithkarla's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
This is a book for business owners and employees who disagree that more is better and the only way to success. Instead they think better is better and is success. People who want to do meaningful work while devoting significant time to relationships and interests will find it helpful.
Paul Jarvis combines his own experiences with interviews and research to show key concepts and strategies for staying small. He is a good writer and communicator so the concepts can be understood and executed.
I appreciated this book and am taking away many concepts, answers, and actions that I can implement in my business and positively affect my life. Much of it affirmed some of my decisions which is no small thing when combatting “more” tendencies. I found this book very useful.
d6y's review against another edition
2.0
Skimmed. Nothing new jumped out at me, but useful to be reminded to question why and how you work.
camscampbell's review against another edition
3.0
I found this enjoyable and helpful. I’m a solo freelancer and have been thinking of ways to apply this philosophy to my own situation as I was listening to it; I’m not really quite sure yet, but it feels like I ought to get the philosophy first and then keep that in mind as I build my company of one. I’ve joined the group and bought the Mailchimp course too — the former mainly to give me access to discussion and the latter, well, because Paul’s automated sales funnel works well and I took advantage of the discount he offered. I look forward to learning more and keeping growing into the author’s mindset.
tc4mpbell's review
2.0
An excellent essays-worth of ideas puffed into book-length with case studies and repetition.
Relevant takeaways: Explosive growth isn't the only measure of successful companies. Over-focus on growth makes you fragile. Can stay small, focus on relationships and quality, have a better company and happier life.
Irrelevant rantings: Is this the stock 'business book' format? I dislike this "expand a blog post into a book" thing.
Relevant takeaways: Explosive growth isn't the only measure of successful companies. Over-focus on growth makes you fragile. Can stay small, focus on relationships and quality, have a better company and happier life.
Irrelevant rantings: Is this the stock 'business book' format? I dislike this "expand a blog post into a book" thing.