For all of the thousands of successful business people I have met during my years as a corporate and entertainment lawyer, the following holds true: NO ONE EVER MADE A MILLION DOLLARS BY THEMSELVES! I don’t care who you are or how unique and wonderful your talent or business idea—you will not become successful without building and surrounding yourself with a good team that will assist you in bringing your goals to fruition.

More importantly, GOOD TEAM MEMBERS WILL MAKE YOU MONEY! Of course, they will also cost you money, but the benefits should outweigh the cost. Sure, I pay my accountant every year, but that’s because he finds ways to reduce my taxes and save me money. And if he wants to continue being my accountant, the money he saves me better exceed his fee! Also, the hours it would take for me to do my own taxes are better spent on my providing services to my own clients. I do what I do, and I let my accountant do what he does—because he’s good at it.

Building your personal team will take time, as the team may include financiers, insurance agents, managers, administrators, accountants and lawyers. Also keep in mind that finding team members with personalities that match yours is important when building long-term relationships.

One often overlooked, but essential team member is the technical adviser. In the past people would say that someone needs a good lawyer and accountant in order to be successful. But this is the new millennium! Nowadays the right technical advisor can be the difference maker between profit and loss. Technology can allow you to operate cost-effectively and generate an image greater than the one that you currently have.

So remember: You are only as good as your team! Ensure that you pick a good one. Even if you don’t need one today, have one in place for tomorrow! There are only 24 hours in a day, and you can’t do everything. Use your team members to your advantage, and everyone wins—ESPECIALLY YOU!