| Topic Name: |
Is the startup life for you? |
| Message Name: |
good advice |
| Date Posted: |
02/28/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
Well, you have to be willing to accept the fact that you may go to a startup only to find it's not for you and leave in a couple months. Start-ups are volatile and frought with risk. What may seem like a sure thing one month may be on it's last legs only months later. Most internet startups are in hyper-growth mode, and are burning through cash as they build brand, develop product, or even rewrite their business plans. Because they're burning so much cash, the need for new financing is constant. And although it's a good market right now for entrepreneurs to raise funds, there is absolutely no guaruntee that they'll get it. So in addition to a strong tolerance for risk, you also have to understand the work environment of hyper-growth and constant change. As your startup's staff continues to grow, your role will change several times. At times you'll feel directionless, and that if you didn't create your own job, then you would have nothing to do. And that's the key-- you have to be proactive and creative in adding value to an ever evolving firm. For people who like their tasks laid out for them like homework assignments, startups are an unfriendly place. But for those who thrive on autonomy, change, and opportunity, then a startup is an addictive drug! |
| Message: |
You are definitely getting good advice from the other posters here especailly from Alley Guy... he is telling it straight. If I had to give a few traits I would list the following...
1) The ability to deal with ambiguity... you will be in a business that likely does not have hard fast rules and things will be moving fast... be able to take the ambiguous and turn it into results. Even in situations where there is ambiguity ... you will be expected to move decisively and fast all thw while supporting your decisions.
2) Ability to multi-task... sounds corny but its true. They can't hire specialized poeple to do every little thing, you'll be required to do more than what is just yours.
3) Ability to adapt... things will change and change fast, accept it.
4) And yes... an appetite for lots of work and meals eaten at breakneck pace. Put some Tums in your desk. The hours are not for the faint of heart.
That has been my experience to date and I don't see it changing. The challenge is great, the people are young and aggressive, and I was lucky to pick the right horse and my financial picture has changed dramatically as a result.
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