Building the Right Team: Lessons from a Solopreneur’s Journey to a Team of 11

In the early days of UR Digital, it was just me—a solopreneur with big ambitions, a vision for growth, and a commitment to doing things the right way. I knew that to truly make an impact, I needed a team who believed in our mission as much as I did. What I didn’t realise, however, was just how important attitude would be in building that team.

Looking back, my hiring process was focused primarily on skills. I wanted experts who could hit the ground running, thinking that technical know-how alone would drive our success. But as UR Digital has grown from a solo venture to a team of 11, I’ve learned one of the most valuable lessons in business: skills can be taught, but attitude and mindset cannot.

Today, I want to share some insights on building a team that not only performs well but truly embodies your company’s values and vision. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

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1. Hire for Attitude, Train for Skills

As business owners, it’s tempting to seek out the most skilled candidates, especially when you’re eager to grow. But over time, I realised that a person’s attitude—their willingness to learn, their passion, and their alignment with the company’s values—far outweighs their technical abilities. Skills can be developed with the right training, but a positive attitude and a growth mindset are intrinsic qualities that cannot easily be taught.

Our current team members bring a unique mix of skills, but above all, they bring an attitude of commitment, respect, and enthusiasm. They share the same core values that UR Digital was founded upon—always caring for our clients, striving to do the right thing, and going above and beyond.

2. Build a Foundation of Shared Values

As a business owner, your team is an extension of your vision and values. That’s why building a team culture based on shared values is essential. I learned early on that it’s important to define and communicate these values clearly—both to potential hires and existing team members.

At UR Digital, we prioritise integrity, excellence, and commitment to each other. These values shape the way we work, the way we interact with clients, and the way we grow together as a team. When hiring, I look for individuals who not only have the right attitude but also align with these core principles. Our values are the foundation upon which we build trust, foster collaboration, and create a positive work environment.

3. Encourage a Growth Mindset

In a fast-evolving industry like digital marketing, adaptability is crucial. To keep up with industry changes, our team needs to be constantly learning, unlearning, and relearning. This is where the growth mindset becomes invaluable.

A growth mindset means that team members see challenges as opportunities for improvement and setbacks as learning experiences. This mindset has become a key criterion in our hiring process. Our team members don’t shy away from challenges; instead, they embrace them with enthusiasm and resilience. This has been essential as we’ve scaled from a one-person operation to a thriving team.

4. Prioritise Commitment and Reliability

In any business, reliability is a key factor in building trust—both within the team and with clients. At UR Digital, I’m proud to say that our team members are not only skilled but also incredibly reliable. They’re the type of people who would pick up the phone 24/7, 365 days a year, if needed—not that I’d call them outside of work hours, but the dedication is there.

This level of commitment means everything in a client-focused business. When your team is willing to go above and beyond, clients notice. They see that our commitment isn’t just lip service but a true dedication to delivering the best results, no matter what.

5. Foster a Supportive and Positive Culture

While skills and attitude are important, a positive work culture is what keeps people engaged, motivated, and satisfied in their roles. At UR Digital, I strive to create a culture that values open communication, mutual respect, and recognition for hard work. We celebrate wins together, support each other through challenges, and always look out for one another.

A supportive culture doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated through intentional actions. By encouraging collaboration, recognising achievements, and providing opportunities for growth, I aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to do their best work.

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Final Thoughts

Building a team isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about creating a group of people who believe in a shared mission, who are driven by the same values, and who bring out the best in each other. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the immense value of hiring for attitude rather than skills. My team at UR Digital is a testament to that lesson, and I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible group of individuals who have helped us grow into what we are today.

If you’re building a team of your own, I encourage you to prioritise attitude, values, and mindset. Skills can always be developed, but a positive attitude and shared values are what make a team truly exceptional.

What are your experiences in building a team? Do you agree that attitude matters more than skills? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!