Scaling from $1M to $10M? This is what actually changed

Getting to your first $1M in revenue is a grind. 

You sell, build, support, repeat. It’s messy. It’s personal. And it’s all on your back.

But from $1M to $10M?

It’s a different game. 

One that requires you to stop being the engine and start building the machine.

Here’s what changes when it’s time to scale:

Use Reviews to Grow

By now, you've served real customers. Solved real problems. Earned real praise.

But don’t let those wins collect dust.

Put reviews everywhere. 

Let them drive your landing pages, your ads, your sales deck. Social proof turns warm leads into ready-to-buy customers. 

The biggest brands in the world are just the best at bragging (strategically).

Shift from Operator to Trainer

At $0 to $1M, you do it all yourself. You just have to.

But from here on out, the job shifts. The founder who wins at $10M isn’t the best operator. They’re the best trainer.

Because if it only works when you're in the room, it doesn’t scale.

Start teaching others how to do it your way. Systemize excellence. Build playbooks. 

Become obsessed with making your team just as good (or better) than you were.

Hire Before You "Need" To

Most founders wait too long to hire. They’re underwater, gasping for air… and then they start looking.

But if you want to grow, hire a little early. Staff ahead of the curve. 

When you know demand is coming, act like it. You’ll never regret having too much talent ready to go.

But you'll definitely regret scrambling to find someone while your best customer is waiting.

Let Your Brand Do The Work

Sales gets you to $1M. Brand gets you beyond it.

Because here’s the truth: great branding reduces friction. It makes people say, “I trust these guys” before they even meet you. 

It opens doors. It raises prices. It wins when you're not in the room.

If people don’t recognize you, don’t remember you, or don’t feel anything about you…it’s time to level up.

Start Leading with Vision

Hustle and grit got you here. 

But from $1M to $10M, your team needs to believe in something bigger.

That means crafting a clear vision and repeating it over and over until people can’t forget it.

The best founders aren’t just operators. They’re storytellers. Culture-setters. People who make others want to be part of the journey.

Want great people to stick around? Make them feel like they’re building something that matters.

If You Take One Thing From This…

The next stage of growth is about embracing a new identity. 

You go from operator → builder. From individual contributor → company architect. 

From “what can I do?” → “how do I make this work without me?”

That’s the difference between the $1M founder and the $10M one.

Have an amazing weekend!

—The TRIBE Team