This final piece shows a historical success of the company of one model and the power in putting one’s practice quality and customers first. It discusses the resilience (through mass changes and economic crises) of Buddhist temples in Japan, due to their commitment to their work and dedication to serving their customers. Instead of building something that is ‘too big’ to fail and thus accumulates bigger dangers, bigger risks, and more work to become more profitable. Jarvis urges entrepreneurs and businesspeople alike to build something that is ‘too small’ to fail (p. 218).
Here is an exceptional quote that I would like to leave everyone with: “The ideas, research tied, and lessons in this book point to a broader philosophy of business achievement: business success does not lie in growing something quickly and massively, but rather in building something that’s both remarkable and resilient over the long term” (Jarvis, 2020, p. 217).
Jarvise leaves us with some concepts to consider. What if growth doesn’t matter? What happens when we put an upper bound on our goals? What if business and capitalism itself are turned on in their head (Jarvis, 2020, 220)?
He even ends the book by providing his email, stating that he would like to hear everyone’s company of one story and that he will respond to as many as he can. I would list his email (I’m sure you can easily find it online); however, I think it is best gained by reading his work.
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One response to “Afterword: Never Grow Up”
Hi,
I enjoyed reading your reflection this week. Your book seems to be a direct contract to the one that I read which is all about scaling and growing businesses to cash out and repeat the process. I also like the idea of your book to build something that is so small that it cannot fail. This gives me a direct alternative perspective on business. Scaling and growing can be scary and cumbersome, but your reflection showed me that it could be more attainable and simplistic if you’re not up for all of that. Great job!
Kind Regards,
Tonya T. Thomas