I’ve started 5 different businesses, all were small. Under $1 million in gross revenue. I’ve also sold three of them. These businesses provided for my family and have some nice things too. The businesses, even though small, also helped me pay others so they could provide for their families. It’s YOUR choice the size of business you want to have.

In today’s startup-obsessed world, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short if your business isn’t on track to become the next billion-dollar unicorn. The media constantly celebrates massive funding rounds, rapid scaling, and astronomical valuations. But here’s the truth: there’s no single “right” way to build a business. What matters most is aligning your business model with your personal values, goals, and vision for life.

Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Success in business isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. For some entrepreneurs, success means building a global empire that transforms an industry. For others, it might mean running a profitable local business that allows them to know every customer by name. The key is to be honest with yourself about what truly matters to you, not what others think should matter.

Consider what brings you joy in business. Do you thrive on solving complex organizational challenges? Or do you find satisfaction in personal connections and hands-on work? Your answer to these questions should guide your business model, not the latest TechCrunch headlines.

The Path to Scale: Building a Larger Enterprise

If you’re drawn to building a larger company, it’s important to understand what that journey entails. Running a high-growth business requires a distinct set of skills and priorities.

Advantages of Building Big:

• Potential for significant financial returns and wealth creation
• Opportunity to solve problems at a massive scale
• Ability to attract top talent and resources
• Greater potential for industry influence and innovation
• More exit opportunities through acquisition or IPO

Challenges to Consider:

• Need to constantly raise capital and manage investor relationships
• Less direct involvement with day-to-day operations
• Higher stress levels and personal pressure
• More time spent on management and less on craft
• Responsibility for many employees’ livelihoods

The Beauty of Staying Small: Building a Lifestyle Business

There’s something special about running a smaller, lifestyle-oriented business. While these companies might not make headlines, they can provide immense personal satisfaction and a comfortable living.

Benefits of Staying Small:

• Greater control over company culture and direction
• Direct relationship with customers and team members
• Better work-life balance potential
• Lower stress from external pressures
• Freedom to make decisions without investor influence
• More flexibility to pivot or adapt quickly

Tradeoffs to Consider:

• Limited potential for massive financial returns
• May hit growth ceiling due to personal bandwidth
• Fewer resources for expansion or innovation
• More vulnerable to market changes
• May need to wear many hats indefinitely

Finding Your Sweet Spot

The size of your business should reflect your personal definition of success. If you’re energized by leading large teams and dealing with complex organizational challenges, pursue growth. If you value autonomy and close relationships over scale, stay small and focused.

Remember that there’s no shame in either path. A successful small business that provides value to its customers and a good living for its owner is just as worthy of respect as a unicorn startup. What matters is building something that aligns with your values and allows you to live the life you want.

Making the Choice

As you consider your path, ask yourself these questions:

• What kind of daily work energizes you?
• How much personal time and flexibility do you want?
• What level of financial risk are you comfortable with?
• Do you enjoy managing people?
• How important is maintaining direct control over your business?

Your answers will help guide you toward the right size and structure for your business. Remember that this choice isn’t permanent – many successful businesses start small and grow organically as their owners’ ambitions and capabilities evolve.

Conclusion

The next time you feel pressure to “go big or go home,” remember that there’s no universal blueprint for business success. Whether you choose to build a unicorn or a lifestyle business, what matters most is creating something that brings value to others while allowing you to live authentically and purposefully.

Focus on building a business that serves your definition of success, not someone else’s. After all, the true measure of business success isn’t just about numbers – it’s about creating something that makes you proud and fulfilled while serving your customers well.