Welcome to part 3 of our Million-Dollar series. If I had to start over tomorrow with no list, no team, and no safety net, the next place I’d focus right after cash flow and inventory is building the right team.
For retailers, this is a game changer. This is what I learned: You don’t hit that million-dollar mark by grinding harder alone. You hit it by building a team that grows with you and can eventually operate without you being everywhere all the time.
Watch the Full Episode here:
1. I’d Build Toward a Dream Organizational Chart
Here’s a truth: most teams get built reacting to what’s urgent. But this is exactly where I went wrong at first.
This is what I’d do differently now: I’d start by imagining my dream team, what it looks like, fully built, clear roles and all. When you do this, you stop patching holes and start building a structure that lasts.
For retailers, this means when someone leaves, you’re not scrambling, you’re ready. It’s a mindset and strategy shift that feels small but transforms everything.
2. I’d Hire for Attitude and Train for Skill
This is huge, so listen up.
What I learned the hard way is that skills can be taught: Point-of-sale, inventory check-ins, sales skills… all of it. But what you cannot train is heart and ownership.
For retailers building a team, this means hiring people who are motivated, proactive, and ready to care deeply about your store and customers. Because when the attitude is right, everything else falls into place.
3. I’d Document Systems So I’m Not Scaling Chaos
This one saved me: You cannot scale chaos.
This is what I learned: Early on, I started documenting everything using simple tools like Loom or screen recordings. I made my team members record their processes.
When your systems live outside your head, your business becomes trainable and scalable. For any retailer wanting growth without overwhelm, this is non-negotiable.
4. I’d Let the Team Train Each Other
Here’s a secret: you’re not the only teacher your team needs.
This is what I’d do, have one team member teach another. It’s a win-win because teaching deepens their understanding, builds leadership, and often surfaces improvements I never thought of.
Empowering your team this way builds ownership and confidence. And that kind of team? They show up differently.
5. I’d Create Clear, Energizing Sales Goals
Your team wants to win.
What I learned is that when I shared clear, exciting sales goals whether individual or team goals, it energized everyone. The magic isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the visibility and shared purpose.
If you want your team to care like you do, get goals out in the open and talk about them often. It changes the game.
6. I’d Build Regular Coaching and Feedback Into the Calendar
This is one I wish I did sooner.
Don’t wait for problems or mistakes to force conversations. Schedule regular, short check-ins. I’m talking 15 minutes every six weeks to just ask: How’s it going? What do you want to learn next? How do you want to grow?
When you ask, your team will surprise you with how much they want to contribute and how ready they are to take on more.
7. I’d Ruthlessly Delegate $20/hour Tasks
If you’re a retailer still stuck doing low-impact tasks, this is for you:
I’d get brutally honest with myself and delegate anything that’s a $20/hour task or less. My focus would be on the $2,000/hour work creating events, leading vision, and growing the business.
This is what I’d do because your time is your most valuable resource. Leading means letting go of busywork and stepping into the role that moves the needle.
Listen to the Full Episode here:
The Big Takeaway
A million-dollar business isn’t built by one exhausted owner juggling it all.
Growth happens when you operate in your zone of genius, build strong systems, and empower your team to rise with you.
When you stop trying to do everything yourself, growth doesn’t just become possible, it becomes inevitable.
Your Millie Moment:
For retailers ready to take action:
- Write out your dream organizational chart even if it feels like a stretch.
- Pick one task this week to document and delegate.
- Ask a team member how they want to grow in their role.
- Share a clear sales goal and talk about it often.
- Block time on your calendar for leadership, not just operations.
Resources and Links:
- Want expert guidance to Build a Million-Dollar Team? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
- Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
- Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: You were never meant to do this alone. A million-dollar business isn’t built by working harder, it’s built by leading better. With the right systems, the right people, and a clear vision, your business can support your life, your goals, and your freedom. Progress is happening, even when it doesn’t feel fast. You are capable of building this and you don’t have to do it alone.
