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Have you been trying to run a business by yourself? You may have realized how tough it is to do that. I had the pleasure of speaking with Billy Kilgore, Co-founder of 7-Fold marketing. He credits his successful company to the care and attention he gives to his team. The truth is that it is impossible to run a business by yourself, no matter how small. More than impossible, it is selfish to deprive people of what your business could offer them and what they can offer your business. So how can you build an unstoppable and loyal team?
Actionable knowledge on building a team for your start-up business.
Billy Kilgore, Co-Founder of 7-Fold Marketing
It's selfish to try and start a business by yourself. It's unfair to the people your business will serve and unacceptable to those who want to be part of your team. Even the smallest business requires support and knowledge in several specialties requiring consistent attention. There is no such thing as a solo entrepreneur because you must have help to run your business. If you have selfish goals for your business, it's time to expand your thinking. If you can learn to serve others, then your business will reflect that service to yourself. If you will help others reach their goals, you will achieve yours.
Putting together your team starts with completing a needs assessment for a short-term vision for your business. The needs assessment is your business's foundation, and the stronger your foundation, the more significant business you can build on it. It would be best to sell people on the foundational idea at the early stage of your business. They need to know you can help them achieve a reasonable outcome now. They can't pay rent on your hopes and dreams. Figure out what resources and who you need to run the most basic version of your business possible, which can quickly provide for all the people involved, including yourself.
A start-up business cannot cater to you; you must cater to your team to succeed. Develop a start-up plan that helps your team obtain foundational goals. Turn any selfish desires into a by-product of helping your team achieve their goals. Instead of trying to use your business to replace your job, figure out how to hire someone to run your business when you are not there. Instead of being a boss, learn how to inspire the best in someone. The more you focus on your team's growth, the more benefits you will reap.
After creating a needs assessment for your foundational business, the best way to build a team from scratch is to sell them on your foundational business plan. The plan includes what you can do for them in the short term. The more they know you have their interest at heart, the more they will trust you with their time, energy, and expertise. If you can't offer money in the beginning, get creative. Sometimes you can help people make money indirectly. Your team may be looking for something other than money in the short term. You have to determine what they want and provide it.
If you try to run your business alone, you set yourself up for failure. Keep your eyes open for people who can help your business grow to unforeseen heights. Focus on serving your team; the by-product will be everything you ever wanted for your business. The number one risk to your business is your selfishness.
