How to Build a One Person Business and Succeed with a Lean Structure
In 2023, after reflecting on the challenges of managing a large team, the author discovered the value and efficiency of a One Person Business — a lean business model that can be run by a single person or a very small team.
Previously, he had expanded his company too quickly, hiring about ten people without having a stable financial foundation. This decision put him in a stressful situation, where he ended up working more and earning less, with most of his income going to cover the company’s expenses.
It was in this context that he learned about the concept of a One Person Business, inspired by experts such as Dan Koe and Justin Welsh, along with the books Company of One by Paul Jarvis and Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley.
These resources formed the foundation of his current business strategy. Here, he shares key insights and recommendations for those who want to apply this model.
What is a One Person Business?
The concept of a One Person Business has gained popularity over the years. Although the term suggests that the business is run by a single person, it’s actually about maintaining a lean structure, minimizing fixed costs, and maximizing profit margins. Inspired by Company of One, this model prioritizes a sustainable business that doesn’t rely on a large team to grow.
Tip: While it’s possible to operate alone, having at least one person to assist with administrative tasks can optimize time and allow the founder to focus on the business’s strategic and creative activities.
How to Structure a One Person Business: Step-by-Step
Here are the essential steps to start and scale a lean business:
Start with a Service You Can Sell
The best way to start is with a service that allows a direct exchange of time for money. This is the foundation for building a solid financial base and gaining experience with clients.
For those who haven’t yet mastered a specific skill, it’s recommended to invest time in learning something marketable, like content creation, design, or video editing.
Example: Someone skilled in design could offer social media services for small businesses, accumulating clients and establishing a predictable income.
Consider Partnerships or Small Teams
While the idea of a “One Person Business” is appealing, it’s often more efficient to have a duo or trio to share tasks. In many cases, these businesses consist of at least two people — one focused on creative work and another on management.
Real Example: Early on, the author relied on his spouse to manage finances and administrative tasks, which allowed him to focus on services and clients directly. This kept the business sustainable without requiring a large team.
Aim for Scalable Delivery
To ensure sustainable growth, your service delivery should be scalable. Directly trading hours for payment limits the number of clients you can serve. The goal is to find ways to deliver value without requiring more time for each new client.
Example: Instead of individual sessions, you might offer group mentoring, increasing the value of each working hour. Alternatively, you could create digital products, like online courses, which clients can purchase without your direct involvement.
Use Automation Tools and Artificial Intelligence
Automation and AI tools make it possible to streamline repetitive tasks, allowing the entrepreneur to focus on core activities. Examples include ActiveCampaign for email automation and ManyChat for Instagram message automation.
Tip: Automating lead capture and sales processes enables entrepreneurs to concentrate on content creation and strategy.
The Importance of Evergreen Content for a One Person Business
One of the best ways to attract clients organically and at scale is to invest in evergreen content — content that remains relevant over time. Instead of relying on temporary posts, it’s ideal to create content that can be revisited, such as YouTube videos or blog articles.
1. Timeless Content: Addressing enduring topics increases content relevance in the long run.
2. Platforms That Enable Revisitability: YouTube, for example, keeps videos accessible to new viewers over time, unlike Instagram stories, which disappear after 24 hours.
Set a Financial Ceiling for Your Business
Having an exact figure of your monthly income goal helps you structure your time and objectives effectively. Setting a financial ceiling — a number that covers expenses while leaving a profit margin — makes planning easier.
Once you reach this ceiling, the focus shifts to making the same amount while working less, rather than trying to accumulate endless clients.
Example: For someone targeting $4,000 per month, it becomes easier to determine the necessary number of clients to reach this amount and plan how to optimize time to reduce working hours.
Using the Internet and Content Scalability
To ensure a One Person Business is a sustainable model, scalable promotion is essential. One of the internet’s advantages is that you can create content that keeps attracting people over time. Focusing on evergreen themes, which will remain relevant for the foreseeable future, is key.
Lessons from the One Person Business Model
The One Person Business model, inspired by books like Company of One, has transformed the way many entrepreneurs view sustainable and profitable business operations.
This approach allows for a streamlined management style, keeping time and costs under control without the complexity of a large team. With a small team, partnerships, and automation tools, it’s possible to grow organically and efficiently.
For anyone interested in a lean business model that allows for scalability and stability, the concept presented in Company of One provides an excellent foundation for building a profitable and autonomous operation.