Starting a 1-person agency is not easy. But don't let a fear of the unknown prevent you from pursuing a path of solopreneurship. Today, I explore the essentials of building a successful 1-person agency.

Let’s break it down…

Define your niche

Identify the specific services you want to offer and the industries you want to target. Specializing in a niche allows you to become an expert in that area, making it easier to market yourself and attract clients.

Build a strong personal brand

Your personal brand is the key to setting yourself apart from competitors. Develop a unique selling proposition highlighting your expertise, values, and personality. Create a professional website and maintain an active presence on social media.

Create a portfolio

A portfolio is essential for demonstrating your skills and previous work. Include case studies, testimonials, and relevant work samples to give potential clients a clear idea of your capabilities and achievements.

Set your pricing strategy

Determine your pricing based on factors like your experience, market rates, and project complexity. Consider offering different pricing models like hourly rates, project-based fees, or retainer agreements to accommodate different client needs.

Develop a sales process

Create a systematic approach to finding, qualifying, and closing leads. Research potential clients, contact them with personalized pitches, and follow up regularly. Don't forget to ask for referrals from satisfied clients.

Master project management

As a 1-person agency, you'll need to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Use project management tools like Notion to stay organized, set deadlines, and monitor progress.

Prioritize communication

Effective communication is vital for maintaining strong client relationships. Be responsive to client inquiries, provide regular updates on project status, and actively solicit feedback to ensure you're meeting their needs.

Optimize your workflow

Develop processes to streamline your work and increase productivity. Automate repetitive tasks, outsource non-core activities, and maintain a consistent schedule to maximize efficiency.

Take care of yourself

Running a 1-person agency can be demanding, so don't neglect your well-being. Set work-life balance boundaries, exercise regularly, and prioritize mental health to maintain peak performance.

Building a successful 1-person agency takes dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach to business development. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to establishing a thriving, client-centric agency.

Thank you for reading.

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How to build a thriving 1-person agency

I wander to unlearn (the untrue).

In 28 years, I visited 41 countries.

9 secrets of happy living:

Dolce far niente:

In Italy, "sweet doing nothing."

Doing nothing and enjoying it.

Pleasant idleness.

Hygge:

In Denmark, "coziness."

Enjoying the company of friends.

Or a warm cup of coffee.

Pura vida:

In Costa Rica, "pure life."

More like a way of life.

Happiness, optimism, good fortune.

Friluftsliv:

In Norway, "outdoor life."

A passion for nature.

Open-air living.

Fernweh:

In Germany, "wanderlust."

The opposite of homesick.

Far-sickness.

Wabi-sabi:

In Japan, "the beauty of imperfection."

Appreciate simple things.

Be patient to find them.

Lagom:

In Sweden, "moderation."

Not too little, not too much.

From work to food.

Ohana:

In Hawaii, "family."

Not just blood relatives.

Never forgotten.

C'est la vie

In France, "such is life."

When things don't go to plan.

Accept things.

9 secrets of happy living:

• Dolce far niente
• C'est la vie
• Wabi-sabi
• Friluftsliv
• Pura vida
• Fernweh
• Lagom
• Ohana
• Hygge

Thank you for reading.

Follow for more.

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Wanderlust

Your writing doesn't suck.

Your 2nd-grade English class sucked.

The Paradoxes of Writing...

Escapism Paradox:

Writing can be a way to escape from the pressures of daily life, yet it also requires a strong work ethic.

Like a hot air balloon that lifts you into the sky, but requires constant fuel to stay afloat.

Solitude Paradox:

Writers must embrace quiet solitude to create, but seek feedback from others to grow.

Like a seed that germinates underground, only to break through the soil and seek sunlight to grow.

Chaos Paradox:

Writing can be a way to create a sense of order, however it also requires an acceptance of chaos in the creative process.

Like sculpting a beautiful statue out of a raw, formless block of marble.

Vulnerability Paradox:

Writers must be vulnerable, but have thick skin to handle rejection.

Like a delicate flower that blooms despite harsh winds.

Spontaneity Paradox:

Writing requires discipline, yet creativity thrives in disorder and spontaneity.

Like a dance that follows a choreography, but shines with impromptu moves.

Reality Paradox:

Writing can be a way to escape reality, but it requires a deep understanding of the world around us.

Like a kite soaring high, tethered to the world by a string.

Intuition Paradox:

Writers must be critical of their work, yet they must also trust their intuition.

Like a tightrope walker balancing critical thought and gut feeling to cross a chasm.

Precision Paradox:

Writing requires precision, but it also requires freedom to allow creativity and imagination.

Like a river carving a path through a landscape, both guided and unrestrained.

Self-Expression Paradox:

Writing can be a way to express one's personal experiences, however it also requires an understanding of others.

Like a mirror reflecting one's inner world, while still capturing the essence of others.

The Paradoxes of Writing:

• Self-Expression Paradox
• Vulnerability Paradox
• Spontaneity Paradox
• Escapism Paradox
• Precision Paradox
• Intuition Paradox
• Solitude Paradox
• Reality Paradox
• Chaos Paradox

The Paradoxes of Writing

Is anything sexier than vocabulary?

Literary language 101...

Anachronism:

Something out of its proper historical time; an error in chronology.

"The movie depicted a medieval knight using a cell phone."

Anthropomorphism:

Attributing human characteristics or behaviors to non-human entities.

The talking animals in Animal Farm are an example of anthropomorphism.

Bildungsroman:

A novel that focuses on the coming-of-age or personal growth of the protagonist.

The Catcher in the Rye is a classic bildungsroman.

Circumlocution:

Using excessive or indirect language to avoid being clear or direct.

"The politician's speech was full of circumlocution."

Denouement

The resolution or outcome of the plot in a story or play.

The denouement of Romeo and Juliet is their tragic deaths.

Deus ex machina:

A plot device in which a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected intervention.

In Jurassic Park, a T-Rex helps everyone escape Velociraptors in deus ex machina style.

Enthymeme:

An argument in which a premise is unstated but implied.

"All dogs are animals, so this dog must be an animal."

Hamartia:

A fatal flaw or error in judgment that leads to a character's downfall.

Macbeth's hamartia is his ambition.

Hyperbole:

Exaggeration for effect or emphasis.

"I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"

Malapropism:

The unintentional misuse of a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a different meaning.

"She's a real glitterati." (vs "glamorati")

Metonymy:

Substituting a word for another word that is closely associated with it.

"The White House issued a statement." (instead of "The President issued a statement.")

Paradox:

A statement that contradicts itself or is absurd, but reveals a deeper truth.

"People who can’t trust, can’t be trusted."

Pleonasm:

Using more words than necessary to convey a message.

"He added an additional bonus."

Soliloquy:

A speech in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, usually when alone on stage.

Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' soliloquy is one of the most famous soliloquies in literature.

Verisimilitude:

The appearance of being true or real, often used to describe the realism of a work of fiction.

"The author's attention to detail creates a sense of verisimilitude in the story."

Zeugma:

A figure of speech in which a word is used in two different senses in the same sentence.

"She broke his car and his heart."

Literary Language 101

Your writing doesn't suck.

Your 4th-grade English class sucked.

Razors for writers...

Occam's Razor:

The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

Opt for the more plausible option when choosing between two plot twists.

Russell's Teapot:

The burden of proof lies on the person making the extraordinary claim, not the skeptic.

When creating a story, provide enough detail to make it believable.

Hitchen's Razor:

Any claim made without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.

Ensure there's evidence within a narrative to support it.

Hickam's Dictum:

Consider all possibilities rather than focusing on one.

Craft complex stories that reflect real-life challenges.

Hanlon's Razor:

Don't assume someone is wrong when they could be making a mistake.

If a character makes a bad decision, explore their ignorance.

Newton's Flaming Laser Sword:

Any theory that cannot be confirmed with evidence should be discarded.

Avoid building a story around a concept that cannot be verified.

Popper's Razor:

We should be critical of any theory that cannot be tested.

Base your central conflict on the premise that can be explored through the story's events.

Darwin's Razor:

When multiple explanations are available, the one that relies on fewer assumptions is more likely to be correct.

If choosing between rival character motivations, select the one with fewer assumptions.

The Principle of Charity:

Interpret other people's statements in the most rational way possible.

Portray characters' arguments as well-intentioned, even if flawed.

The Principle of Plenitude:

Everything that can exist does exist.

Create imaginative worlds that explore numerous possibilities and perspectives.

The Perfect Solution Fallacy:

This principle warns against rejecting a good solution because it is not perfect.

Characters make imperfect yet practical decisions, reflecting real life.

The Razor of Consistency:

We should strive to apply our principles and beliefs consistently.

Ensure your characters' actions align with their established values.

Razors for writers:

• Newton's Flaming Laser Sword
• Perfect Solution Fallacy
• Principle of Plenitude
• Razor of Consistency
• Principle of Charity
• Hickam's Dictum
• Russell's Teapot
• Hitchen's Razor
• Hanlon's Razor
• Popper's Razor
• Occam's Razor

Razors for writers

Writing is like sculpting.

Shaping and molding words into a cohesive and meaningful form.

The allegories of writing...

Writing is a puzzle:

Piecing together elements of a story, fitting them together to create a complete picture.

Writing is a dance:

Moving in rhythm just as a dancer balances grace and control.

Writing is a chess game:

Planning and anticipating the characters' next move.

Writing is a garden:

Cultivating ideas, developing characters, and nurturing stories.

Writing is a bridge:

Connecting different worlds and ideas to create new experiences.

Writing is a recipe:

Mixing the right ingredients to create something savory and delicious.

Writing is a game:

Challenging readers to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and (ultimately) win a great prize.

Writing is a mirror:

Reflecting the truth, while also revealing overlooked aspects of life.

Writing is a map:

Providing direction and guidance as readers navigate the story.

Writing is a house:

A sturdy foundation of plot and structure, with layers of detail and nuance.

Writing is a heartbeat:

Pulsing with the rhythm of the characters and their journey.

Writing is a prism:

Refracting the many different facets of human experience and emotion.

Writing is a symphony:

Weaving together motifs into a harmonious and satisfying song.

Writing is a time machine:

Preserving history and passing it down to future generations.

Writing is a river:

Flowing as the story progresses and carrying readers along on a journey of discovery.

Allegories 101

How to learn 10x faster.

11 systems to remember anything:

Method of loci:

Associate information with specific locations in an imaginary place.

• Imagine a palace
• List features
• Associate

The method of loci is one of the most powerful memory techniques.

Multi-sensory:

Best for people who learn through hands-on experiences.

• Engage multiple senses while learning
• Eg. podcasts + videos
• Eg. hands-on classes

Engaging your senses reinforces memory.

Mind mapping:

Organize useful information into a diagram.

• Start w/ the central idea
• Expand w/ branches
• Add keywords

Mind maps create connections between pieces of information.

Journaling:

Track what you learn in a diary.

• Summarize each lesson
• Bullets for insights
• A reflection

Review entries to improve retention.

Mnemonics:

Mnemonics are useful for remembering information by associating it with something memorable.

• Use acronyms
• Use acrostics
• Use images

For example, ROYGBIV.

Peg system:

Associate each item you want to remember with a visual image.

• Form a mental image of a coat rack
• Associate info with images
• Place image on rack

Hanging items on pegs helps you remember.

Chunking:

Break down large amounts of information into smaller chunks.

• Turn long lists into short lists
• Group related information
• Organize w/ categories

By grouping related information together, you can make it easier to remember.

Retrieval:

Practice recalling information from memory instead of rereading.

• Use crosswords
• Flashcards
• Quizzes

Retrieval improves long-term memory in in children and adults.

Active learning:

Engage with material through active learning such as...

• Teaching
• Discussions
• Problem Solving

Hands-on experiences are memorable experiences.

Color coding:

Assign colors to each piece of information.

• List your information
• Organize list by category
• Assign colors

Use highlighters to create a color-coded mind map.

Mental rehearsal:

Practice a task by performing it in your mind.

• Rehearse a speech
• Rehearse a talent
• Rehearse a skill

Practicing the task creates a mental blueprint and muscle memory.

11 systems to remember anything:

• Mental rehearsal
• Active learning
• Method of loci
• Mind mapping
• Multi-sensory
• Color coding
• Mnemonics
• Peg system
• Journaling
• Chunking
• Retrieval

11 Systems to Remember Anything

Your writing doesn't suck.

Your high school English class sucked.

Mental models 101:

The OODA Loop:

OODA is a virtuous cycle to improve your writing.

• Observe your work
• Orient your feedback
• Decide on adjustments
• Act by implementing changes

Use the OODA Loop to become a better writer.

The Hedgehog Concept:

Identify the intersection of skills, passion, and value creation.

• Determine your unique writing niche
• Consider the value you bring
• Focus on the intersection

Apply the Hedgehog Concept to find personal fulfillment and create meaning for readers.

The Iceberg Theory:

Reveal a small portion of the story on the surface. Keep the rest hidden.

• Provide essential information
• Let the reader imply deeper meaning
• Use symbolism and subtle hints

Embrace the Iceberg Theory to enhance reader engagement.

The Zeigarnik Effect:

The tendency to remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones.

• Start multiple projects
• Take breaks regularly
• Return to each project

Use the Zeigarnik Effect to overcome writer's block.

SCAMPER:

A creative thinking technique to brainstorm new ideas.

• Substitute
• Combine
• Adapt
• Modify
• Put to another use
• Eliminate
• Reverse

Apply Scamper to continuously generate fresh ideas.

Ladder of Abstraction:

Move between abstract concepts and specific details in your writing.

• Balance themes with examples
• Connect ideas and emotions
• Create a big picture and small details

Use the Ladder of Abstraction to make your writing more thought-provoking.

Shoshin:

Approach your writing with a beginner's mindset.

• Embrace your curiosity
• Question your assumptions
• Be open to feedback

Apply Shoshin to keep growing. Be a learner for life.

The Einstellung Effect:

People rely on familiar approaches, even when better options are available.

• Question your writing methods
• Explore new techniques
• Seek feedback from fellow writers

Embracing the Einstellung Effect will improve your writing exponentially.

The Writing Flywheel:

Momentum builds over time through consistent effort and small wins.

• Set realistic writing goals
• Celebrate small achievements
• Create a consistent writing schedule

Use the Writing Flywheel to focus on long-term success in your writing.

The T-Shaped Knowledge:

Develop deep expertise in your niche while acquiring a breadth of knowledge across various subjects.

• Become an expert in your niche
• Study other niches
• Jack-of-all-trades, master of one

T-Shaped Knowledge creates versatility.

The Johari Window:

Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots as a writer.

• Seek feedback from peers and mentors
• Reflect on your writing experiences
• Set personal development goals

Embracing the Johari Window supports self-awareness and personal growth.

The False Consensus Effect:

People assume that others share the same opinions and beliefs.

• Research your target audience
• Develop empathy for readers
• Talk to your readers

Overcoming the False Consensus Effect is the key to relatable writing.

Thank you for reading.

Follow me @jamierusso for more.

If you liked it, share it.

Mental Models 101

Your writing doesn't suck.

Your 5th-grade English class sucked.

Storytelling 101:

The Snowflake Method:

A writer begins with a deep, simple theme and then, over time, develops and adds complexity.

• Idea
• Sentence
• Paragraphs
• 2-pg summary

Story Circle:

8-steps of character development:

• You - establish a protagonist
• Need - something isn't right
• Go - crossing the threshold
• Search - the road of trials
• Find - meeting goodness
• Take - paying the price
• Return - bring it home
• Change - mastery

Fichtean Curve:

Rising and falling action through a series of crises and resolutions to increase tension and suspense.

• Fast tension
• Crisis #1
• Bigger problem
• Crisis #2
• Worsening problem
• Climax
• Height of tension
• Resolution

Story Spine:

8 simple phrases to structure a story:

• Once upon a time...
• Every day...
• Until one day...
• Because of that...
• And because of that...
• Until finally...
• And ever since then...
• The moral of the story...

Hero's Journey:

A hero embarks on an adventure, faces challenges, achieves a decisive victory, and returns home transformed.

• Call to adventure
• Meets mentor
• Trials + failure
• Growth
• Death + rebirth
• Revelation
• Atonement
• Gets gift
• Returns changed

W-Plot:

A progression of peaks and valleys (forms a "W" shape) to represent a character's emotional journey.

• 1st triggering event
• Set up the problem
• 1st turning point
• Recovery
• 2nd triggering event
• Worsen the problem
• 2nd turning point
• Resolution

Freytag's Pyramid:

A five-part dramatic structure that rises and falls in the shape of a pyramid.

• Exposition
• Rising Action
• Climax
• Falling action
• Resolution

Nutshell Technique:

Identify the protagonist's central flaw, the crisis that forces them to confront it, and the resulting transformation.

• Set up want
• Point of no return
• Crisis
• Climatic Choice
• Final step

Todorov's Narrative:

Establish a status quo. Disrupt it and attempt to restore it. End with a new normal.

• Equilibrium
• Disruption
• Recognition
• Resolution
• New Normal

M.I.C.E. Quotient:

Four storytelling elements create a well-rounded narrative with conflict and rising tension.

• Milieu - setting
• Idea - theme
• Character - growth
• Event - plot

Kishōtenketsu:

This four-part East Asian narrative is a non-conflict-driven approach to storytelling vs. Western narratives that rely heavily on conflict.

ki - introduction
shō - development
ten - twist
ketsu - conclusion

Thank you for reading.

Follow me @jamierusso for more on my life, business, and journey to $50k/mo.

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