Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
I constructed a seven-figure enterprise with a crew I had by no means met in individual.
Some might name my journey fortunate. Others would possibly 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 wished 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.
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 crew labored, we had been consistently behind. One mission would wrap, and two extra would floor.
My crew was burned out — and so was I. Hiring extra workers appeared like the apparent 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. International IT outsourcing was simply gaining traction, with worldwide spending estimated at $937 billion.
However to me, outsourcing provided precisely what we wanted:
- Aid for my crew
- Operational effectivity
- Scalable development at a manageable price
So, armed with analysis and anchored by my core 4, I employed my first outsourced contractor, Charlie.
Constructing an outsourced crew from scratch
I went in with low expectations. I wasn’t certain how time zones or cultural variations would have an effect on the standard of labor. However Charlie shortly proved himself, outperforming a few of my in-house workers.
Impressed, I requested him if he had mates or household with the same mindset. One introduction led to a different, and earlier than lengthy, my distant crew was rising.
When you’re hiring your first distant teammate, begin small and suppose sensible. Search for a good BPO (enterprise course of outsourcing) supplier or digital assistant company with pre-vetted candidates. Here is what to judge:
- Availability – Will they work throughout your key enterprise hours?
- Expertise – Have they got the technical and gentle abilities required? (Some suppliers even provide help to discover specialists like engineers, consumption coordinators, or gross sales reps.)
- Price – Are their charges aggressive on your market and measurement?
- 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 activity. Conduct a quick video interview, ask real-world situation questions, and prioritize communication abilities alongside technical capability. A few of your finest future hires might come by way of inner referrals, similar to Charlie did for me.
Navigating the inevitable challenges
Outsourcing is not a magic wand. You will face friction, particularly early on. Here is navigate it:
- Over-communicate – Distant groups haven’t got the posh of hallway chats. Be clear, concise and in keeping with expectations.
- Acknowledge cultural variations – Respect native holidays, time zones, and work-life steadiness. Empathy builds loyalty.
- Encourage and implement suggestions – Your distant crew is your spine. Ask for his or her enter — and act on it when it improves operations.
Not each rent might 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 crew of 5, constructed on referrals and belief, turned the muse for what finally turned my firm, Distant CoWorker.
Loyalty
It is constructed by way of consistency, suggestions and respect. Almost the entire authentic crew nonetheless works with me at present, apart 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 needs to be real.
Proactiveness
Do not anticipate chaos to construct techniques. Create onboarding paperwork, coaching movies and suggestions loops earlier than you want them. Invite your crew 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 bolster 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 just about double by 2034. If I hadn’t leaned into my core 4, I might need missed that chance solely.
When you’re overwhelmed and able to develop, outsourcing may be your subsequent transfer. Begin with one repetitive activity. 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 crew in a single day — simply begin by changing one seat with somebody who’s dependable and aligned together with your values.
However bear in mind: outcomes begin with expectations. Do not overload your VA with work you would not do your self. Hold the scope lifelike and the communication open. That is how belief kinds — and development follows.
I constructed a seven-figure enterprise with a crew I had by no means met in individual.
Some might name my journey fortunate. Others would possibly 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 wished 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.
The remainder of this text is locked.
Be part of Entrepreneur+ at present for entry.
