Manifesting Your Dream Team: How the Right People Can Transform Your Brand
Manifesting Your Dream Team: How the Right People Can Transform Your Brand
By: Dwight Allen O’Neal
Recently, I stumbled upon a new coffee shop. I walked in, and what happened next was pure magic. The owner herself greeted me with warmth, brought my coffee and pastry out, and stayed to chat, infusing her personality into every detail. I felt so welcome that I couldn’t help but return the next day, craving not just the coffee but that same connection. But this time, the experience felt… different. Although the employee behind the counter was perfectly polite and fulfilled my order, the energy was missing. They simply left my coffee on the counter, giving off an impression that this was just a job to them. It got me thinking about my company, Rose Neal Collective, and how the right team members can make or break the spirit of a brand.
When Karess and I founded Rose Neal Collective, we infused every ounce of ourselves into its mission. We live and breathe our brand, treating each client interaction as an opportunity to share our passion. But like many business owners, we’ve had a few hires who didn’t reflect that same energy—people who fulfilled the role but with a “clock in, clock out” mentality, lacking that spark that keeps clients returning. This experience at the coffee shop made me realize how crucial it is to manifest the right team, individuals who align deeply with your brand and take every opportunity to embody its mission.
So, how do we manifest our dream team? Here’s the practice that we, as business owners, can share to attract employees who don’t just work for us but believe with us.
1. Define the Brand’s Essence—Then Reinforce It
Start by crystalizing what your brand truly represents. Karess and I made it our mission to elevate the client experience, especially for BIPOC consumers, and we’ve instilled that purpose into every service we provide. But it’s not just about stating your mission—it’s about embodying it. When hiring, make it clear what your brand stands for and how you want that purpose to live in the day-to-day. The goal is to make it unmistakable: potential hires should feel the mission radiating through every conversation and client interaction.
2. Set Expectations Early
Manifestation requires intention. From the very first interview, be upfront about the passion and energy you expect. Explain that you’re looking for someone who sees more than just a job—a person who sees a purpose. This filters out those who may be skilled but lack the drive to embody your brand. If a potential hire isn’t ready to bring their heart into the role, they may not be the right fit. By setting expectations early, you’re attracting individuals who are already aligned with your vision.
3. Look for Personality, Not Just Skills
That coffee shop owner left a lasting impression because they brought themselves to the service. While skills are important, finding people who can bring personality, warmth, and genuine interest into their role is essential. Seek out those who don’t just want to check boxes but who aim to leave an impression, naturally uplift those around them, and are drawn to meaningful work. Remember, skills can be taught, but energy and passion are innate qualities that make a person memorable.
4. Stay Connected and Reinforce the Mission
Hiring the right people is only the beginning. Karess and I stay engaged with our team, reinforcing our mission and understanding each person’s unique strengths and aspirations. Regular check-ins keep energy flowing and help realign those who may have lost sight of the mission. These conversations also allow you to recognize when someone may be more suited for another role or even another path. By staying connected, you’re nurturing an environment where everyone feels invested and aligned with the brand.
5. Practice Positive Manifestation
Finally, we believe in the power of visualization. Each morning, visualize the dream team you’re building: a group of inspired individuals who reflect the values of your brand and bring their full selves to each client interaction. By setting this intention daily, you’re actively attracting people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves—people who will show up ready to elevate your brand.
The Ripple Effect of a Dream Team
The right team members don’t just perform a job; they amplify your mission, making every client feel valued, appreciated, and connected. Manifesting the right people is about calling in those who will offer the same impeccable service we’d give ourselves. So, to my fellow business owners: let’s keep the vision clear, the intentions set, and the dream team manifesting. Together, we can create brands that are more than just companies—they’re experiences that people want to return to, time and again.