Stop thinking you can run a business by yourself. This is the exact team I would build from startup right through to exit.


Free live workshop - https://bit.ly/workshop-grow-team


In this video, Daniel Priestley walks through the steps to building and growing a dream team in business, drawing inspiration from historical best practices and time-tested strategies.

Remember, the essence of a successful business lies in its team. You can't manage everything solo, and the right team can be the key to unlocking your business's true potential.


Step 1: Begin with a Scout Team (2 people)
The journey starts with a two-person scout team. This is about validating your business idea. You and a colleague should focus on two critical questions: Can your idea be sold effectively, and is it feasible to build? This stage involves practical experiments like launching a waiting list, hosting mini-events, or creating white papers to gauge market interest. It's about testing the waters before diving in.


Step 2: Launch with a Fire Team (4 people)
Once your idea has proven its worth, it's time to assemble a four-person fire team. This team is your launchpad. It should comprise a key person of influence who pitches the idea, a dedicated salesperson for lead generation and closing deals, an admin or general manager for organisational tasks, and an operator to ensure customer satisfaction. This team's primary mission is to engage the market and convert that engagement into initial sales.


Step 3: Stability with an Eight-Person Team (8 people)
The next milestone is forming an eight-person team. This phase focuses on revenue generation, aiming for a stable £100,000 per team member. Your team should now include roles in sales, marketing, administration, finance, operations, and IT. The operator ensures that customers receive what they were promised, while the IT specialist works on automating processes and systematising the business.


Step 4: Maintaining a Lifestyle Business (up to 12 people)
An optimal team size for a lifestyle business is up to 12 people. This size maintains a balance between business growth and personal freedom. Here, the focus is on enjoying your work while achieving steady growth and profits.


Step 5: Expanding to a Performance Business (35 people+)
For those aiming higher, the next step is a 35-person team. This includes a five-person leadership team – CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, and CMO – surrounded by specialised teams in sales, marketing, customer success, and technology. This structure is designed for significant profit generation, attracting investors, and potentially paving the way for a lucrative business exit.


Building and scaling a team is complex but it is highly rewarding. It's not just about numbers; it's about finding the right people for the right roles and fostering a collaborative and productive environment.

For more in-depth strategies and personalised guidance, join our upcoming workshop at hhttps://bit.ly/workshop-grow-team