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Stay Small, Embrace Freedom: Rethinking Business Growth

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Chapter 1: The Myth of Size in Business

For many individuals, the conventional wisdom surrounding business revolves around the idea of expansion—larger operations, increased revenue, and a multitude of employees. Society often lauds entrepreneurs who establish colossal enterprises.

It's important to recognize the brilliance of figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Yet, I firmly believe that a vast majority of individuals should not aspire to emulate their paths. Most people are not suited to manage sprawling corporations like Amazon or Tesla, and I certainly do not wish to be in that position.

My passion lies in entrepreneurship, but the notion of building a massive entity contradicts my very essence. Here's my perspective:

Entrepreneurship signifies freedom for me.

The primary motivation behind starting my own business was to gain autonomy over my life. I yearned to dictate my lifestyle and work according to my preferences—when I want, where I want, and with whom I want, if I choose to.

Establishing a business has allowed me to achieve this. However, embracing a small scale has proven to be a remarkable advantage.

It can be alluring to strive for more—more clients, more income, more staff, more expansion. But at what cost?

When you confront that question honestly, if you resonate with my experience, you might come to realize that pursuing size can be antithetical to your true desires.

As I began to scale my workforce, I had a profound realization: growth for its own sake often devolves into an exercise in ego.

There’s a certain satisfaction in proclaiming that you manage a company with 10, 20, 50, or even 100 employees. However, I discovered that increased growth frequently leads to diminished freedom, and I refuse to accept that trade-off.

Currently, I lead a small, dynamic team of contractors. I learned that a select group of talented individuals could deliver premium services without the necessity of adding more employees or clients merely for the sake of growth.

Focusing on quality enables me to maintain complete freedom and control over my schedule, and I ensure that my team enjoys similar levels of autonomy. They experience more freedom than what traditional employers usually offer—because I seek collaborators who share my values.

I compensate fairly, earn enough for a comfortable living, and invest generously.

I’m not suggesting that building a large-scale business with numerous employees and offices is inherently negative. If that aligns with your aspirations, then go for it.

However, if you are currently managing or contemplating starting a business, reflecting on the lifestyle you wish to create is crucial.

For me, sacrificing freedom for growth is not a worthwhile exchange.

If you found this discussion insightful, you may appreciate joining my email community, The ROI Report. Subscribe below for exclusive insights on entrepreneurship and personal development delivered straight to your inbox.

The ROI Report | Cameron Scott | Substack

A community focused on maximizing your Return On Investment—whether in yourself, your business, or your assets. Written by an…

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Chapter 2: Embracing Freedom in Business

In the first video, "Bigger is not always better #shorts," explore the notion that success does not have to equate with size.

The second video, "Bigger is Not Always Better," delves deeper into why maintaining a smaller operation can lead to greater satisfaction and freedom.

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