You-Yourself Inc

Imagine this: a one-person business producing a billion dollars in revenue. It sounds like science fiction, but Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has a bet going with his tech-savvy friends. They’re not betting on if it will happen but when. The tools are here, the timing is right, and the possibilities are endless.

Can’t you see it? You, lounging on a yacht in St. Barts, sipping a chilled drink while ChatGPT generates your next big business idea. Sure, a billion-dollar business might not be what most of us are chasing. Instead, we’re aiming for something more grounded: sustainable, creative lives where we’re our own bosses. An income that brings not just comfort but agency and fulfillment.

Why Now?

Why is this more achievable now than ever before? The answer lies in Altman’s job title: AI. Artificial intelligence, paired with other digital tools, is democratizing entrepreneurship. It’s making it possible for anyone to become the CEO of You, Inc.

Platforms like Facebook, Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), and TikTok Shop, along with digital services like Beehiiv (newsletter management), Shopify, and Stanstore, are making it easier than ever to create, market, and sell. Whether it’s printing a custom t-shirt, writing a book, producing a podcast, or launching an online course, the barriers to entry are crumbling.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Still skeptical? Here are some numbers to chew on. The United States is home to 28.5 million solopreneurs. Of these, 54.4% are women, proving that this isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a seismic shift in how we work. In the UK, entrepreneurial activity among the working-age population in the United Kingdom has more than doubled, rising to 29.4% between 2002 and 2023.

Getting Started

I can already hear you saying, “Faark, I hope it’s not too late!” The good news is: it’s not. You don’t need a perfect plan to start. What you do need is the willingness to try. Here’s how:

• Start a Project: Don’t wait for the perfect idea. Experiment, iterate, and refine as you go.

• Explore the Tools: Many platforms offer free trials. Use them to get a feel for what works best for you.

• Think About Your Strengths: Ignore the cliché advice to “follow your passion.” Instead, focus on what you’re good at and how it can solve a problem for others.

As Professor Scott Galloway puts it, “Follow your passion is rogue advice”—usually peddled by people already wealthy from industries like iron ore smelting or tax accounting. Instead, lean into what you know and what the market needs.

The Time Is Now

The era of the pint-sized startup is here to stay. The only thing stopping You, Inc. is… you. So take the leap, explore the tools, and start building your dream life. Whether you’re chasing a billion dollars or just a meaningful side hustle, the possibilities have never been greater.

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