Ep. 150: LISTENER CALLS: Finding More Family Time

In 'Company of One,' Paul Jarvis challenges the conventional notion that business growth must always mean scaling up. He argues that staying small can provide more freedom, independence, and a better quality of life. The book offers practical advice on setting up a solo business, determining desired revenues, keeping clients happy, and dealing with crises. Jarvis emphasizes the importance of resilience, autonomy, speed, and simplicity in running a successful 'company of one. ' This approach is particularly appealing to solo entrepreneurs and small business owners who prioritize a balanced and fulfilling life over traditional growth models.

In '168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think,' Laura Vanderkam challenges the common narrative that people are starved for time. After interviewing dozens of successful and happy individuals, she found that they allocate their time differently, prioritizing important activities over lesser ones. The book provides strategies for optimizing time use, such as logging your time, focusing on core competencies, outsourcing non-essential tasks, and making the most of downtime. Vanderkam argues that with careful planning and discipline, it is possible to sleep eight hours a night, exercise regularly, pursue hobbies, and maintain quality time for work, family, and other important aspects of life.