Welcome to the Tribe Newsletter!

Hey there!

If you’re reading these words, you are part of something new, something special –– TRIBE!

First off, welcome to the community.

This is one of the few places on the internet for early-stage entrepreneurs who are still actively building.

Second, welcome to the newsletter!

Once per week, we’ll drop into your inbox to share business lessons, profiles, stories, tactics, and book summaries (with a lot more to come). We’ll aim to pack a ton of value for your business journey – in 5 minutes or less.

We’re so excited to start this journey together… let’s dive right in!

Meet Marcus Lemonis

Marcus is the CEO of Camping World, but you probably know him from a TV show called The Profit.

On that show, he’d visit struggling businesses across the country, invest in them, and help them turn things around.

The Profit was a treasure trove of business insights. Entrepreneurs could see firsthand how Marcus tackled real-world business problems with practical solutions, demonstrating that with the right approach, any business can thrive.

The 3 Ps of Operating A Business

As a founder, you are balancing dozens of priorities at once:

• Marketing

• Accounting

• Finance

• Sales

• Product

And 100s of other things.

But at its core, Marcus says to focus on 3 things if you want to get business right:

People: Right people in the right seats

Process: Clean processes in place for everything

Product: The product actually needs to be good

Marcus emphasizes that having the right people can transform a business. Clear processes ensure efficiency and a great product keeps customers coming back.

Four Business Principles

Here are four core principles Marcus Lemonis believes are essential for success:

1. Know Your Numbers

Businesses are built in the margins: net and gross.

In the past decade, there’s been a credo to “grow at all costs.” Some giant businesses (think Uber) haven’t made a single dime. As a small business owner, you have to consider building your business with profits first in mind.

To do this, you gotta know your numbers.

Here’s a simple resource we found to help you start tracking your numbers: Simplified Profit First

2. Focus on People

Businesses are about people.

Managing people.

Selling to people.

Talking to people.

EQ is greater than IQ.

Master the art of working with people, and you’re halfway to mastering business.

This is one of the greatest books ever written to help you improve social skills, build relationships, and achieve personal and professional success: How to Win Friends and Influence People

3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

By far, the hardest thing about entrepreneurship is telling the world.

It’s vulnerable to announce, “Hey! I’m in business!”

What if you get made fun of?

What if nobody buys your product?

Or worst of all… what if nobody cares?

Well, my friend, there’s no way around this.

It will be uncomfortable.

But… this is your advantage. Most people can’t stand the discomfort –– you can!

So hit the streets. Knock on doors. Go to trade shows. Sell at farmers' markets.

Do things others aren’t willing to do.

Get out of your comfort zone.

4. Go Slow to Go Fast

If you’re on X/Twitter enough, you’ll see posts that sound like this:

How I made $1M in ONE year!

I hit $100K MRR in 6 months!

How to build a $10M empire in 10 weeks!

Everyone is looking to get rich quickly.

It’s tempting. Alluring.

To think you can change your life in 6 weeks? Who wouldn’t sign up for that?

But here’s the truth…

Most businesses are built slowly. Brick by brick. Year over year. Thoughtfully. Carefully.

And – in the long run – these types of businesses are more effective, sustainable, accurate, and solid.

Grow once you are ready. Not too fast.

Greatness Takes Time

Marcus taught us more about business than almost anyone else. His insights have shaped our approach and will hopefully inspire you too.

Take these lessons to heart as you build your business, and remember, greatness takes time.

Have a great week,

– TRIBE Team