Building a 1 Person Business From Scratch ( Youtube Notes)
1. Finding Your Skill
Look for something you’re naturally drawn to (you don’t have to be amazing at it).
Example: My brother Alex started a handyman business just 4 months ago because he was naturally good with tools.
My own story: At 22, I thought I’d start a social media company. I charged only $300/month (undercharging big time) but got 4 clients quickly.
One of those clients asked me to shoot houses → that’s how I transitioned into real estate media.
Lesson: Life often nudges you where you’re meant to go. Follow those signals.
2. Skills You Can Build a 1 Person Business On
Content creation (photo, video, editing, design).
Handy work (plumbing, repairs, painting, etc.).
Marketing skills (ads, social media, copywriting).
Coaching/teaching (fitness, mindfulness, business).
Tech-based skills (web design, automation, IT).
Writing & communication (blogging, email newsletters).
(If you don’t know your skill yet, just pick one from this list and start experimenting.)
3. Getting Your First Clients
Mental Hump:
Doubt creeps in (“what am I doing?”).
You feel embarrassed or shy.
90% of people quit here.
Remember: The only way the dark cloud of doubt wins is if you quit.
How to Get Clients Without Ads:
Reach out to friends, family, and old contacts.
Post consistently on social media.
Cold call / cold email businesses.
DM people directly.
What to Say:
Keep it short.
Be honest.
Be yourself.
Example: “Hey, I’m building my [service]. I’d love to do a project for you, even free/discounted, in exchange for feedback and a review.”
Work for Free (Strategically):
Especially for creative services → free or 50% off builds portfolio.
Insist on feedback + testimonial to start growing your brand.
4. Hitting Your First $6K
Expect pain points early on → they are signals to improve systems.
Examples from my journey:
Invoicing was a pain → I set up automation/paywalls.
Bookings were chaotic → I stopped taking shoots on Sundays to control schedule.
Key Realization: You’re the designer of your business.
Build systems that make life easier.
Don’t create another “hell-hole job” for yourself.
Remember why you started → to buy back your time.
5. Scaling Up From There
As your skills improve → you can charge more.
As you charge more → you can work less.
At a certain point, you can decide:
Keep it solo (high-profit, low-stress).
Or expand and hire (turn it into a company).
Either way → you used your skill to break free from working for someone else.
6. Final Reminders
Keep your job while building, if needed.
Every invoice paid is proof you’re on the right path.
Persist → numbers game + resilience.
Build your 1 person business to buy freedom, not trap yourself.