A Productive Conversation

Paul Jarvis Talks About Staying Small in Business


Listen Later

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my conversation with Paul Jarvis from 2019, to discuss the release of his bestselling book, Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business. Paul’s insights into building a fulfilling, scalable business without unnecessary growth struck a chord with listeners and remain highly relevant today. Since this episode aired, Paul has focused on mentoring and creative projects that align with his minimalist business philosophy.

(But he's also done something else. That will be revealed in the early part of the episode.)

We explore the core principles of operating as a “company of one,” why small businesses can have a big impact, and how to balance profitability with sustainability. Paul’s approach to entrepreneurship offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing intentionality, simplicity, and values over traditional growth metrics.

Key Discussion Points

  • The concept of a “company of one” and why staying small works.
  • Balancing profitability and sustainability in business.
  • How ego and societal expectations influence business decisions.
  • The importance of automating and scaling without unnecessary complexity.
  • Building a business that aligns with personal values and priorities.
  • Why simplifying systems upfront saves time and energy long-term.
  • Applying the “company of one” mindset within larger organizations.

  • Paul's practical advice and thought-provoking ideas make this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking a more intentional way to grow. (Originally released January 2019)

    Links Worth Exploring

    • You can't connect with Paul. Listen to find out why.
    • Paul and Justin are both friends of mine. They caught up after a spell in 2024. Listen to their conversation.
    • Related Conversation: Paul Jarvis: Old Man Internet
    • Related Blog Post: Review: Everything I Know by Paul Jarvis

    • Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

      Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

      Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      A Productive ConversationBy Mike Vardy

      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2

      4.2

      102 ratings


      More shows like A Productive Conversation

      View all
      Getting Things Done by GTD®

      Getting Things Done

      459 Listeners

      Modern Mentor by QuickAndDirtyTips.com

      Modern Mentor

      687 Listeners

      Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

      Good Life Project

      3,385 Listeners

      The 5 AM Miracle: Healthy Productivity for High Achievers by Jeff Sanders

      The 5 AM Miracle: Healthy Productivity for High Achievers

      723 Listeners

      Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life by Erik Fisher

      Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

      836 Listeners

      The Productivity Show by Asian Efficiency

      The Productivity Show

      507 Listeners

      10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

      10% Happier with Dan Harris

      12,768 Listeners

      Best of Both Worlds Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

      Best of Both Worlds Podcast

      775 Listeners

      The Double Win by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt-Miller

      The Double Win

      1,435 Listeners

      Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

      Worklife with Adam Grant

      9,159 Listeners

      Focus on This by Full Focus

      Focus on This

      633 Listeners

      SYSTEMIZE YOUR LIFE | Overwhelmed, Organized, Routines, Schedules, Time Management, Time Blocking, Business Systems, Online Business, Work-From-Home, SAHM by Chelsi Jo

      SYSTEMIZE YOUR LIFE | Overwhelmed, Organized, Routines, Schedules, Time Management, Time Blocking, Business Systems, Online Business, Work-From-Home, SAHM

      693 Listeners

      Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport

      Deep Questions with Cal Newport

      1,343 Listeners

      Best Laid Plans by Sarah Hart-Unger

      Best Laid Plans

      817 Listeners

      Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

      Huberman Lab

      29,328 Listeners