Issue 128, Part Time CEO Newsletter

Hey, it's Dhiren 👋,

I hear this all the time from founders:

“I just run a small business.”

They say it like an apology—like small means unimportant.

But I get it. I used to think this way too. That if my business wasn’t big, it wasn’t real. That if I didn’t have a big team, an office, or some fancy title, I wasn’t playing the real game.

But here’s the thing

🧠 Bullet One: The Myth of Small vs Big

Imagine pulling out a measuring tape, trying to size up your business.

Somewhere along the way, hustle culture convinced us that if you don’t have a big team, an office, or a feature in Forbes, it’s just a small business.

And if you do? Well, congratulations, you’re a real entrepreneur now.

The truth ? Big and small are just labels.

They don’t define success. They define status.

Naval Ravikant calls this a status game—a way to rank yourself against others using vanity metrics instead of real freedom, profitability, and fulfillment.

If a solo consultant makes AED 500K working 20 hours a week, is that a “small” business?

If a 50-person agency is barely profitable and drowning in client demands, is that a “big” business?

Which one is actually winning?

🧠 Bullet Two: The Only Measure That Matters

Instead of trying to “size” your business, ask:

• Does my business give me freedom—or am I a prisoner to it?
• Is it profitable—or am I just chasing top-line revenue?
• Do I actually enjoy running it—or am I doing it for external validation?

Because here’s the truth: Your business isn’t big or small.

It’s either working for you, or you’re working for it.

And that’s the only metric that matters.

Your Turn

What’s a false measurement you’ve been using that’s keeping you stuck?

Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear.

📢 Dhiren’s Updates

🚀 1:1 Coaching Now Open: I’m opening up a very limited number of 1:1 coaching slots for founders who want personalized guidance on building a business that runs without you. If that’s you, hit reply and let’s talk.

💡 Entrepreneur Basecamp Is Back: If you're tired of spending thousands on marketing that doesn't work, then join the next 3-day bootcamp for agency and consulting founders that is happening on March 20th, 2025. Reply to this email and I'll share more details.

📌 Dhiren’s Pick of the Week

Since we talked about status games this week, it’s only fitting that I recommend this book—a collection of Naval’s most powerful insights on wealth, happiness, and decision-making.

One of my favorite takeaways?

👉 Play long-term games with long-term people. Avoid status games. Play wealth games.

If you’ve ever found yourself measuring against this book will help you reset your thinking and focus on what truly matters.

Have you read it? Reply and let me know what you think! 🚀

Much Love,

Dhiren Bhatia ​Founder, Elevated Entrepreneur ​ElevatedEntrepreneur.co​ ☎️ Book a 1:1 Clarity Call​

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