You don’t need a big team to build a big business. One-person million-dollar businesses—also called “solopreneur empires”—are run by individuals who handle most of the operations themselves, often with the help of automation and occasional freelancers.
These business owners keep costs low, work smarter, and focus on high-profit, scalable models. The result? They generate seven figures in revenue without full-time employees.
If you’re looking to build a lean business with big potential, here are 10 business models that work especially well for solo entrepreneurs.
1. Online Courses and Digital Products
Sell your knowledge in the form of online courses, workbooks, templates, or toolkits. Platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or Gumroad make it easy to get started.
Action Step: Pick a topic you’re skilled in. Outline 3–5 lessons and create a simple course or product to sell.
2. Consulting or Coaching
If you have expertise in marketing, leadership, HR, or another area, you can charge premium rates to help others succeed.
Action Step: Define your niche. Create one signature offer and start pitching it to your network or online audience.
3. Freelance Services with a Premium Niche
Writers, designers, developers, and marketers can earn more by narrowing their niche and charging for value, not hours.
Action Step: Choose one high-demand skill. Create a package-based pricing structure and build a portfolio site.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Promote other people’s products through your website, blog, YouTube, or social media and earn a commission on each sale.
Action Step: Choose a platform and start creating content in a niche you enjoy. Apply to affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
5. Subscription Box or Membership Site
Curate a monthly product box or host a membership site with exclusive content or community access.
Action Step: Survey your audience to identify a specific need. Use platforms like Patreon or Substack to get started.
6. Ecommerce with Drop shipping or Print-on-Demand
Sell products online without handling inventory. You design or list items, and a third-party company handles the rest.
Action Step: Pick a niche product. Use Shopify or Etsy with a print-on-demand partner like Printful to launch your store.
7. YouTube Channel or Podcasting
Content creators can build a loyal audience and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or product sales.
Action Step: Choose a topic you’re passionate about. Commit to posting weekly content and promote it across platforms.
8. Real Estate Investing
Buying and renting property—or managing short-term rentals—can become a lucrative solo business.
Action Step: Start by learning your local market. Explore options like rental property, Airbnb, or real estate crowdfunding.
9. Speaking and Paid Workshops
Experts who enjoy teaching can earn through live or virtual speaking events, conferences, and workshops.
Action Step: Create a speaker one-sheet. Reach out to local organizations or pitch virtual events in your industry.
10. Self-Publishing
Write and sell eBooks or print books on Amazon. Some solopreneurs create a catalog of books that sell passively.
Action Step: Outline a short how-to book or guide. Use Amazon KDP to self-publish and start promoting online.
A million-dollar business doesn’t require a big team—it just needs the right focus, model, and strategy. Whether you’re an expert, a creator, or a doer, there’s a solo path that can help you grow on your terms. Pick one model, start small, and stay consistent. Your one-person empire could be just around the corner.