Episode 492: Building a Lifestyle Business - Fun, Freedom, Flexibility, and Financial Success

Aug 29, 2025

Dive into the world of lifestyle businesses that prioritize enjoyment, freedom, and flexibility! Discover the intriguing 'Four F’s' framework designed to align your business with your personal values. Explore the contrast between performance-driven models and those that let you define your success on your own terms. Reflect on what fun means for you, how to achieve freedom, and the flexibility you crave in work. Tips for creating a fulfilling business environment are also shared—perfect for those looking to thrive without being overwhelmed.

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INSIGHT

Lifestyle Business Vs Performance Business

A lifestyle business contrasts with a performance business focused on scale and exits.
Lifestyle businesses prioritize owner control and sustainable profits over outside investment.

ANECDOTE

Friend In Banking As Contrast

Bradley contrasts his own business context with a friend who works in banking and lives in large-scale performance deals.
He uses this contrast to show different valid business goals and lifestyles.

INSIGHT

The Four F's Framework

Bradley defines the 'Four F's' as fun, freedom, flexibility, and financial success.
Those four priorities shape what a sustainable small business should deliver for its owner.

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This episode explores the concept of a lifestyle business versus a performance business, introducing the "Four F's" framework for building a business that serves your life rather than consuming it.

Lifestyle Business vs. Performance Business

Performance Business: Revenue-focused ($10M-$100M+), built to sell, often requires outside investment, 30+ team members.

Lifestyle Business: Built around the Four F's, $1-3M profitable revenue range, small team, owner-controlled.

How can you define your lifestyle business? Find a quiet space (coffee shop recommended) and journal on:

What does fun look like in your business?
How do you define freedom for your life?
What flexibility do you need?
What's your personal financial success number?

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