Start small,stay small/Re-Work

There is a world where growth is put on a pedestal. And there’s another world where you think more about operating sustainably.

• RE:Work
  • 1. Start Small and Stay Simple
    • 2. Focus on Doing
    • 3. Work Smarter, Not Harder
    • 4. Marketing by Teaching
    • 5. Reframe Competition
    • 6. Customer-Centric Approach
    • 7. Embrace Constraints
    • 8. Forget Growth for Growth’s Sake
    • 9. Culture and Team
  • Start smalls stay small

RE:Work

1. Start Small and Stay Simple

• Build Less: Avoid overcomplicating your product or business; focus on what’s essential.
• Minimal Planning: Create quick, actionable plans rather than overly detailed, long-term strategies.
• Launch Now: Don’t wait for perfection; release your product and improve based on feedback.

2. Focus on Doing

• No Excuses: You don’t need a large team, a fancy office, or a massive budget to start a business.
• Action Over Ideas: Execution matters more than brainstorming the “perfect” idea.
• Avoid Meetings: Most meetings are unnecessary. Communicate through simple, direct methods.

3. Work Smarter, Not Harder

• Say No: Learn to say no to anything that doesn’t align with your core goals.
• Be a Curator: Prioritize the few things that truly matter.
• Avoid Burnout: Work at a sustainable pace to maintain long-term productivity.

4. Marketing by Teaching

• Share Knowledge: Educate your customers instead of focusing on traditional ads.
• Transparency Wins: Be open and honest; customers value authenticity.
• Embrace Your Audience: Your niche audience is your strength—speak directly to them.

5. Reframe Competition

• Ignore the Competition: Focus on improving your own business instead of obsessing over others.
• Be Unique: Stand out by being different, not by copying.
• Underdo the Competition: Offer less but do it better.

6. Customer-Centric Approach

• Make It Easy: Focus on creating a simple and intuitive user experience.
• Cut Out the Middleman: Build direct relationships with customers.
• Happy Customers Market You: Great products and services naturally create word-of-mouth.

7. Embrace Constraints

• Constraints Inspire Creativity: Limited resources force you to think innovatively.
• Don’t Wait for Perfection: Constraints help you prioritize what’s essential.

8. Forget Growth for Growth’s Sake

• Small is Fine: A small, profitable business is better than a large, unsustainable one.
• Grow Organically: Focus on steady improvement rather than explosive expansion.
• Quality Over Quantity: Don’t chase customers who aren’t a good fit for your business.

9. Culture and Team

• Hire Less: Only add people when absolutely necessary.
• Hire Doers: Look for self-motivated individuals who get things done.
• Be Flexible: Allow autonomy and encourage creative solutions.

The authors argue for a less-is-more approach to business. They promote practicality, sustainability, and staying true to your core values while rejecting common business clichés.

Start smalls stay small

Another old book on this topic