Simplicity: The Essence of CreationYou'd achieve more by building less. Focus on what's absolutely necessary, and consider automating or outsourcing the rest. Strive for excellence in one thing rather than being average in many. Collaborate with your customers, iterate solutions with them, and ensure it's something they'd pay for.

Build Only What's Essential

Mindful Growth: The Sustainable PathYou'd be happier and more successful by owning your business, not letting it own you. Avoid debts and never compromise profitability for mere scale. Remember, in the game of business, it's not about being the biggest but being the most sustainable.

Grow Mindfully, Stay Grounded

Authenticity: Your Unique Selling PointYou'd resonate more by sharing your genuine journey, from challenges to victories. Understand that people connect with real stories. Instead of chasing headlines, focus on building genuine fans who, over time, become loyal customers.

Market Authentically, Be Yourself

Community: The Heartbeat of SuccessYou'd benefit immensely by building on a foundation of community. Instead of merely asking how you can assist, be observant and nurture genuine relationships. Dedicate time to understand and earn trust. Before crafting any product, ensure you've deeply understood the market's needs.

Cultivate Genuine Community Ties

Craftsmanship: Building with PurposeYou'd thrive by surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. Challenge the status quo and build your company based on first principles. Your unique approach might not appeal to everyone, but it will resonate deeply with a select few who share your values.

Craft a Business You're Proud Of

Profit: The Lifeline of BusinessYou'd be wise to prioritize profitability above all else. Remember, profit is the oxygen that keeps businesses alive. Instead of chasing investor funds or planning to sell before profits kick in, focus on creating a product that customers are willing to pay for. Avoid the trap of selling users to advertisers; instead, sell a valuable product directly to your customers.

Prioritize Profitability from Day One

Sales: A Journey of DiscoveryYou'd find more success by educating rather than convincing. Treat sales as a two-way discovery process. Engage with potential customers individually, understanding their needs while introducing them to your product. This approach is a long-term investment in relationships, not just a quick sale.

Educate, Don't Just Convince

Success: A Personal Definition You'd find fulfillment by understanding that entrepreneurship isn't just about the company. It's about improving the quality of life for many. Define what "enough" means to you. Success isn't a fixed target; it's what you make of it.

Redefine Success on Your Terms

My new favorite book on building your venture

“Pay attention.”—Jason Fried A revolutionary roadmap for building startups that go the distance   Now more than ever, you don’t need a fancy office, Ivy League degree, or millions of dollars in venture capital to launch a business that matters for the communities you care most about. Software, the internet, and remote work have made it possible for entrepreneurs to start for free, make a customer of anyone, and grow a profitable, sustainable company from anywhere.  Packed with hard-won, battle-tested lessons from Lavingia’s own journey of building Gumroad, a platform for creators to sell their work, The Minimalist Entrepreneur teaches founders how to:     •  start then learn   •  build a community, then solve a problem for them   •  charge for something even before you’ve built anything   •  avoid running out of money and, more importantly, energy   •  run a tight ship amid the rise of the gig economy and remote work   •  own a business without it owning you back.   The Minimalist Entrepreneur is the manifesto for a new generation of founders who would rather build great companies than big ones. This is essential knowledge for every founder aspiring to build a business worth building.