The Ultimate Business Model for Minimalists

Author

Jackson Riley
December 19, 2024

Quick Backstory

Since my freshman year of high school, being an entrepreneur has been my ultimate dream. The vision of financial, locational, and time freedom has always fueled me. But for years, I struggled to figure out where to start, how to gain the necessary skills, or how to build financial capital. The challenge felt monumental, and this uncertainty led to years of inaction and distraction.

That’s why I’m writing this. If you’ve ever wanted to work for yourself and experience more freedom and autonomy, I believe this modern business model can change your life. Even if you’re currently working a traditional job or running a physical business, this approach can complement anything else you’re doing.

The One Person Business Model

I first learned about the One Person Business model from Dan Koe, and it completely shifted my perspective. Please check out his website thedankoe.com and follow his socials. He is the reason I am writing this newsletter and taking action on the business model I am about to share with you.

At its core, the model is simple:

Build an audience > Offer a digital product or service

Chances are, this concept isn’t new to you. It’s essentially what any creator or influencer online is doing: build an audience, offer a product.

Now, you might be thinking:

  • “I don’t want to be a YouTuber.”

  • “I don’t like talking to a camera.”

  • “I don’t know how to create content.”

  • “Why would anyone want to follow me?”

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to go on camera, be an entertainer, learn editing, or even be an expert. Let me explain why this is the ultimate business model and how you can get started.

Why It’s the Ultimate Business Model

  • Minimal Investment: You only need a laptop, internet, and your own ideas.

  • Location Freedom: Work from anywhere in the world.

  • Time Freedom: Set your own schedule.

  • Flexibility: Your business evolves as you evolve.

  • Growth Opportunity: You grow as a person through the process.

  • Community: Build a group of like-minded individuals while enhancing the lives of your customers.

This model is more than a business; it’s a life practice. It’s a daily commitment to growth—personally, financially, and within your community.

Personal Alignment

One of the best aspects of this model is its alignment with your personal interests and goals:

  • The content you create reflects your unique personality and passions. If you are a trader or crypto person, write about those things. If you are into fitness and going to the gym, write about it. Anything goes as long as you have interest and passion for it.

  • You don’t need to lock yourself into one niche. As you grow, your content and business can pivot to match your interests.

  • It’s minimalist: all you need is your mind, a laptop, and an internet connection.

Top Down Content Creation (Writing)

When it comes to the actual content you create, Dan suggest starting with writing based content, such as a newsletter. This is what I am doing. One of the reasons he suggest starting a newsletter is that it serves as a great base or starting point for all other forms of content.

The content of a newsletter can be broken down, condensed and transformed into

  • Multiple X tweets

  • An X thread, or Threads thread

  • A LinkedIn post

  • Instagram carousel post (copy and paste threads into Canva image template)

  • Long form YouTube video script

  • Short for video scripts for Reels and TikTok's

All good content starts from writing, so you might as well write a longer form piece of content such as a newsletter to then use as a base for all your other content.

Steps to Starting

  1. Look Inward

  • What are you good at?

  • What are your interests?

  • What do you want to become an expert in?

  1. Gather Your Tools

  • A place to write and organize ideas.

  • Social media accounts to post content and research successful creators.

  • Tools like Canva or a free video editor if you want to expand into video or image content.

  1. Document and Experiment

  • Start creating and sharing content. Write and post.

  • Continue this process forever

  • Test different formats and styles to see what resonates with your audience.

  1. Monetize

  • Once you have an audience built up you can begin to offer additional value in the form of paid

  • Consulting calls

  • E-books

  • Templates

  • Affiliate links to products related to your topics

  • Anything. Get creative.

Taking Action

This model isn’t just a way to make money; it’s a way to build a meaningful life around your passions and goals. By embracing the One Person Business model, you’re investing in a future where you’re not just financially free but also creatively and personally fulfilled.

This isn’t going to take off overnight. Think of it as a lifelong commitment—like journaling, but more polished and shared with the public to direct them toward valuable, paid information related to the topics you’re passionate about.

If it hasn't been obvious yet, this newsletter is content for MY one person business.

If you want to follow my journey as I take action on the One Person Business model, subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on X at @onejacksonriley. If there is anyone who actually read this far; thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Jackson Riley