Working at a new company is a very different prospect to working for an established corporation. Yet, the reality is that excelling at a startup can help you advance your career and gain positive experience in your field. In fact, there are a number of benefits associated with working at a small business. And statistics indicate that over 600,000 new companies open for business every year. So there are plenty of opportunities for professionals to work at startups. Here, we’ll take a closer look at employment at new businesses and share five helpful tips that will help any pro hit the ground running at a fledgling organization:
Try New Things
Large corporations tend not to experiment with the way they operate on a day-to-day business. However, startups are usually more fluid. This means that professionals may have the chance to try out new things and learn new skills at startups. Do not hesitate to step up to tackle a new project or assignment. Just because you’ve never written a blog or made a sales call before, for instance, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn to while on the job. In fact, this is one of the best ways to expand your skillset.
Be Vocal
One of the most exciting things about working at a startup is the ability to influence the culture and direction of the business you are into. Odds are, that most startup employees have regular contact with their CEO. As such, it’s a good idea to speak up in meetings or during brainstorming sessions if you have a plan that can help move the company forward. Unlike massive corporations, startups depend on fresh initiatives developed by forward-thinking employees.
Prepare for a Grind
The harsh truth is that startups don’t have the cash or the resources to compete directly with large corporations. Because of this disadvantage, professionals working at startups should prepare themselves to work harder –– and smarter –– than their competition. This might mean taking on difficult or time-consuming tasks. So if you’re not prepared to go the extra mile, working at a startup might not be for you.
Think Outside the Box
To help their company stand out, startup employees need to think outside of the box every once in a while. The good news is that there are a myriad of marketing and advertising opportunities available to new businesses. Everything from social media messages to advertising space on public barricades, like those designed by OTW Safety, can help boost a startup’s visibility. Not to belabor the point, but a little creativity can go a long way toward developing a successful startup. Remember, no idea is a bad idea!
Stand up for Yourself
Startup owners sometimes ask their employees to work harder and longer hours than the “average professional.” While it is great to be industrious, no employee should ever let their boss use them. Stand up for yourself and demand compensation if you go above and beyond the call of duty. Otherwise, you’re just selling yourself short!
