I Built a 7-Figure Business with a Team I Had Never Met – Here’s What I Learned

I constructed a seven-figure enterprise with a staff I had by no means met in particular person.

Some might name my journey fortunate. Others may credit score exhausting work, consistency or timing. However for me, the reply is evident: I constructed it on 4 rules — belief, loyalty, appreciation and proactiveness. These values guided each main determination and helped form the type of firm I needed to run.

This is not a one-of-a-kind success story. However it’s proof that your rules can form your path. Let’s return to the start.

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Making the choice to outsource

In 2013, I used to be deep within the trenches of my managed IT enterprise in Boca Raton, Florida. We had been overloaded. Irrespective of how exhausting my small staff labored, we had been always behind. One mission would wrap, and two extra would floor.

My staff was burned out — and so was I. Hiring extra employees appeared like the plain reply, however we did not have the capability or funds for it. So I began trying elsewhere.

What I discovered wasn’t in a typical how-to weblog or playbook. It was outsourcing — on the time, nonetheless comparatively new within the small enterprise world. World IT outsourcing was simply gaining traction, with worldwide spending estimated at $937 billion.

However to me, outsourcing supplied precisely what we would have liked:

Aid for my teamOperational efficiencyScalable progress at a manageable price

So, armed with analysis and anchored by my core 4, I employed my first outsourced contractor, Charlie.

Constructing an outsourced staff from scratch

I went in with low expectations. I wasn’t positive how time zones or cultural variations would have an effect on the standard of labor. However Charlie rapidly proved himself, outperforming a few of my in-house staff.

Impressed, I requested him if he had associates or household with the same mindset. One introduction led to a different, and earlier than lengthy, my distant staff was rising.

In the event you’re hiring your first distant teammate, begin small and assume good. Search for a good BPO (enterprise course of outsourcing) supplier or digital assistant company with pre-vetted candidates. This is what to judge:

Availability – Will they work throughout your key enterprise hours?Abilities – Have they got the technical and smooth expertise required? (Some suppliers even enable you discover specialists like engineers, consumption coordinators, or gross sales reps.)Price – Are their charges aggressive on your market and dimension?Scalability – Can they develop with you? Ask for case research or references.Safety – Do they provide safe, cloud-based environments and meet requirements like ISO, SOC 2, or HIPAA?

Begin with a small, low-risk process. Conduct a short video interview, ask real-world state of affairs questions, and prioritize communication expertise alongside technical means. A few of your finest future hires might come by way of inside referrals, identical to Charlie did for me.

Associated: How I Constructed a 7-Determine Enterprise in Much less Than 8 Months by Making This Easy However Highly effective Shift

Navigating the inevitable challenges

Outsourcing is not a magic wand. You may face friction, particularly early on. This is navigate it:

Over-communicate – Distant groups do not have the posh of hallway chats. Be clear, concise and in line with expectations.Acknowledge cultural variations – Respect native holidays, time zones, and work-life stability. Empathy builds loyalty.Encourage and implement suggestions – Your distant staff is your spine. Ask for his or her enter — and act on it when it improves operations.

Not each rent shall be a match. That is okay. What issues is your dedication to getting the suitable individuals, not simply any individuals.

The core 4 that constructed my enterprise

On the coronary heart of all this are the identical 4 values that helped me construct a sustainable, remote-first firm:

Belief

Begin by setting clear expectations. Use instruments like Trello, ClickUp, or Asana. Let individuals personal their work early on — do not micromanage.

That early staff of 5, constructed on referrals and belief, turned the inspiration for what ultimately turned my firm, Distant CoWorker.

Loyalty

It is constructed by way of consistency, suggestions and respect. Almost the entire authentic staff nonetheless works with me at present, aside from one member who sadly handed away.

Appreciation

A thank-you message. A shock bonus. A Slack shout-out. It does not must be extravagant — it simply must be real.

Proactiveness

Do not await chaos to construct techniques. Create onboarding paperwork, coaching movies and suggestions loops earlier than you want them. Invite your staff to enhance processes — they usually see issues you do not.

Tradition is not written on a wall. It is modeled by management. Each interplay is an opportunity to strengthen your values.

It is your flip

Again in 2013, IT outsourcing was a $937 billion market. In 2025, it is valued at over $1.5 trillion, with projections to almost double by 2034. If I hadn’t leaned into my core 4, I might need missed that chance completely.

In the event you’re overwhelmed and able to develop, outsourcing could be your subsequent transfer. Begin with one repetitive process. Doc it. Delegate it. Then check, refine, and scale from there.

Use instruments like Loom for coaching, Slack for communication and Notion for documentation. You do not have to construct your staff in a single day — simply begin by changing one seat with somebody who’s dependable and aligned along with your values.

However keep in mind: outcomes begin with expectations. Do not overload your VA with work you would not do your self. Maintain the scope lifelike and the communication open. That is how belief varieties — and progress follows.

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