Investing in Expert Support: Why You Need a Dream Team to Succeed
- Martin Foster
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Meet George—a skilled entrepreneur with big dreams, but like many others, he’s fallen into the trap of trying to do everything himself. He believes in saving money and thinks no one else can do a better job than him. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: this mindset is not only exhausting, but it’s the opposite of building passive income and sustainable success. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing business, one of the smartest moves you can make is investing in expert support.
Why You Shouldn’t Do It All Alone
When George decided to build his cycling app, he realised he’d need help with app development since his skills were rusty. But when I shared the full list of people I rely on—from marketing managers to accountants, life coaches to project managers—he was shocked.
“Doesn’t all that cost a fortune?” George asked.
The truth is, the real cost lies in doing everything yourself. By trying to handle every task, you’re wasting your valuable time on things that others could do faster and better. And the worst part? You’re stuck working in your business instead of on your business.
The Game-Changing Power of Outsourcing
Want to know how to determine if outsourcing is worth it? Here’s a simple exercise:
Calculate Your Effective Hourly Rate: Take your net income over the last 6-12 months and divide it by the number of hours you worked. Let’s say your rate is £25/hour.
Outsource Tasks Below Your Hourly Rate: If you can hire a bookkeeper for £20/hour, it’s a no-brainer. By outsourcing, you save £5/hour and free up time to focus on tasks that grow your business, like finding new clients, networking, or expanding your skillset.
Think Like a Business Owner
Successful entrepreneurs know one critical thing: you must work on growing your business, not just keeping it afloat. This means focusing on high-level tasks like strategizing, networking, and scaling. When you outsource the day-to-day minutia, you create the space to make more money and build a thriving, passive-income stream.
So, what’s next? It’s time to build your own Dream Team—a network of professionals who help you scale and stay focused on your goals.
Actionable Steps to Start Building Your Dream Team
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Break your business into key skill areas. What are you great at? What do you struggle with? The tasks you find time-consuming or draining are the ones you should outsource.
Calculate Your Effective Hourly Rate: Figure out your time’s value, then start outsourcing tasks that cost less than your hourly rate. This will free you up to focus on high-impact activities.
Start Small: You don’t need a giant team to start. Maybe hire a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper. As your business grows, so will your needs—and your team.
Fill Two Key Pots: Think of your support network as two essential “pots”:
Inspirational Pot: Mentors, coaches, and peers who motivate and guide you. Look for those who inspire you to level up, whether through formal mentorship or reading books by successful entrepreneurs.
Professional Pot: This is your “Black Book Team” of experts—accountants, marketers, project managers—who help you run and grow your business. Keep this team simmering by nurturing relationships and consistently reviewing your needs.
Invest in Paid Support: Don’t be afraid to pay for expert advice. The right accountant, lawyer, or life coach can save you money, help you avoid costly mistakes, and keep you focused on the big picture.
Work on Cultivating Relationships: Building rapport with your team and maintaining those relationships is key to long-term success. A great team is like a well-balanced stew—give it the attention it deserves!
Bottom Line: Surround Yourself with the Right People
To become truly successful, you need to surround yourself with a supportive network that lifts you higher. Focus on filling both your Inspirational Pot and Professional Pot with people who help you grow, inspire you, and provide the practical support to take your business to new heights.
Your success journey doesn’t have to be a solo ride. Build your Dream Team and watch your business (and your life) soar.
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