Thinking to join Startup??

Posted on October 19, 2005 by ruchit

A good stuff by David Beisel who have questionaire ready for you to be asked to your employer (if it is an startup).

In startups you have many opportunities to learn new and do unrelated professionally enriching things . You get chance to wear different shoes and you can figure out which fits you best. You are always in radar of management due to small or no hierarchy (perform and rise x 3) but as Fred says there can be some issues.

I have started my career with an unlisted Startup company and these questions may not hold true for some scenarios:

1. Startup management will only be interested to answer these questions when you are getting recruited for key position in the company.

2.Company I joined was a self funded startup company, kinda new software business for the business house and hence I guess exit strategy was not in place.

So, for entry level or candidates with some experience, just forget about 7 questions by david. Work hard and get benefited from being in startup.

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  • Eric Rose

    I disagree with your #1 & #2.

    Background-wise, I’ve been working for 17 years & have been in 3 startups as an employee & am currently in a startup. I have 2 businesses of my own, 1 technical, 1 non-technical, & have had numerous other opportunities to work as a partner or employee in other startup businesses.

    Regarding #2, as a startup founder, you can not claim to have a business vision worthy of filing to create an LLC or any other corporate vehicle, until you have a vision for the exit strategy and long-term financial resolution of the business. It doesn’t matter what it is but if you don’t have that vision, it will get sniffed out almost immediately by any prospective investor and/or partner or employee. It can change but having some vision for the future is a must-have for any founder.

    Regarding #1, Every position in a startup company, by definition, is key & critical to future success. Large companies can afford non-contributing employees, startups can not. Also executives and managers like someone who asks relevant questions. It indicates an ability to focus on what’s important & act on that knowledge, both of which are key attributes of a contributing startup employee. Not asking these questions would less effective than asking them in a competitive job interview situation.

    So my recommendation is to follow David’s advice AND also work hard, learn & grow, & benefit from the experience. All of these need to be done, not just some, & it really doesn’t matter what one’s experience level is. It’s all good.

    thanks & best regards,
    eric rose

  • Steph

    hi eric,

    am considering joining a startup. your opinions really helped me sort out the dilemma i was having- to ask all those questions in my head or not – because as of now i am not sure at what level i am going to be recruited… but as you said, the level does not matter- every employee is key!

    however was wondering if in addition to david’s 7 questions its ok to ask questions more specific to the business plan or would that be getting too aggressive?

    thanks
    steph

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  • Francis

    hi Eric,
    your opinion surely meant a lot as I have just recently joined a startup myself with the same much known benefits of better exposure, learning and to be able to contribute.

    MY WORRY: 1)Is it a good decision to start a career with a startup?
    2)With brandnames mattering so much will it be difficult for me to switch jobs later?(serious concern as i’ve rejected big offers)
    3)ofcourse i’m a part of the finance, HR and also the IT dept.I’m filling some shoes but chances are I might end up as a jack of all but mastering none.Ur comments sir, would be accepted with thanks.

    my regards,
    Francis

  • Prash

    Hi Eric,

    Your openions are great and it has given definitely a good deal of insight to my thinking.
    My worry is 1) How do we evaluate the uncertaintys the startup is facing in the business they are? I mean, CEO and top guys are always gung-ho abt what they are doing as they see an apportunity but at Engineer level it is so difficult to visualise that way. Is there any margin of safety mechanishm to be used.
    2) And also what is the frame of mind should be join startup? I have tried in couple of startups and things didn’t suceed and decided to move to big company. But again there is an excellent offer from another startup, financially it is great, workwise ofocurce will be good, but technology is too uncertain. I am kind of confused now..

    Best Regards
    Prash