Since I started this newsletter in July 2022, I’ve written about a number of different topics.
But I haven’t yet shared exactly what a minimalist biz is and why you might want one.
Funny that. But there’s a good reason.
As I’ve been writing regularly, I’ve been reflecting on everything I’ve learned and done over my career as a digital strategist. Especially the last 10 years in online business where I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful entrepreneurs – both hands-on and as a coach.
The people I’ve coached and supported have built businesses in many different areas:
Jazz singing, VR for therapy, wealth building, musician wellbeing, branding, marketing, fitness, interior design, sewing, speaking, life coaching, LinkedIn strategy, writing, art, copywriting, crafts, improving sex lives, executive leadership, online business, nutrition, course creation, launching, learning strategy, and more.
Having an inside view of all these businesses helped me determine what was essential for service-based online businesses to grow sustainably.
Because the truth is, most businesses are not what they seem on the outside.
Some struggle for a long time and then something they do works. They make more money in a month than they have in the previous six months. But they can’t reliably replicate that success.
Some never quite figure out what works and continue to make a few thousand dollars each month. Wondering why they can’t seem to make more money.
Some grow fast and realize that they aren’t cut out to, nor do they want to, manage people.
All my behind-the-scenes experience has led me to define the kind of business I want and that I want to help others build.
While I’ve known for many years that a minimalist approach was what I preferred, it was only after 9 months of focused reflection, research, feedback, and writing that a clear framework emerged.
Today, I’m sharing the why, who and what of a minimalist biz and next week I’ll share the framework – the how.
Why a minimalist biz?
Creating a minimalist biz helps you be a mighty millionaire in the making.
Why not straight up millionaire instead of millionaire in the making?
Because a minimalist biz is highly profitable but it is not a stepping stone to a business empire.
While many online business coaches promise to help you build a 7-figure business, the majority of people simply don’t get there.
With a minimalist biz, you maximize your profits and invest those profits strategically. Not only in the business but also in outside ventures and vehicles. That’s where you can make your million or more.
It’s surprising how many entrepreneurs put all their eggs in one basket.
Most of their money is tied up in their business. Don’t do that.
Who is a minimalist biz for?
It’s for a solo entrepreneur who has been in business for a year or more and wants to intentionally grow but has stayed at the same revenue level for 3+ months.
It’s the right approach for you if you strive to live a deep life that’s engaging and stimulating without overcomplicating things.
What is a minimalist biz?
A minimalist biz harnesses the mighty middle.
Picture an hourglass.
In the first year or two of your business you are at the top – the exploration sandbox.
You’ve explored and experimented with your approach, your model, your offers, your marketing and sales, and your best-fit clients.
Many business owners stay in the sandbox without ever getting any real traction. They never commit to a specific niche, client, problem, approach, etc.
But that’s not you.
You’re ready to focus on the few things that will give you exponential results.
This is the middle of the hourglass – the mighty middle.
Where you concentrate your efforts.
You simplify, you clarify, you specify, and you stick with this approach for long enough to get the most out of those efforts.
This is where you create a solid foundation for steady, intentional growth.
You can stay here and build a highly profitable business that stays simple and grows with a steady quality audience.
Or you can explore and expand into the bottom of the hourglass.
Here your business can grow to include different initiatives.
Your middle efforts are what make this possible.
So now that you have the why, who, and what…the how is going to make a whole more sense.
I’ll share that framework in the next issue.