Hey there! Today, I'm going to share some insights from my journey as the first sales rep at a Series A tech startup. While startups can be a rollercoaster ride, they also offer some unique advantages. So, let's dive into the three pros of startup life that I've personally experienced. Remember, these are unique to my journey, and your experience in the startup world may vary.
1. Increased Responsibility in Startups
One of the biggest pros of working at a startup is the increased responsibility. From my experience, I learned more about team building, company management, and on-the-fly problem-solving at a startup than anywhere else.
When I joined my startup, we didn't have any sales tools set up, no process, no documentation. It was a blank canvas. I found myself doing tasks that a sales or marketing manager would typically do at a public company. From figuring out the tech stack to defining the sales process and putting together slides on our value proposition, pricing, and competitors - it was all in a day's work.
2. Networking Opportunities in Startups
If you join a good startup, you'll find yourself working with extremely intelligent and well-connected people. Depending on the size and role, you're typically just a few levels below the CEO/Founders, which means you're also close to the investors/board of directors.
In my startup, I was the first sales rep, and the CEO was just two levels above me. I got to meet and connect with the investors every time I visited our HQ. This network can be invaluable, whether you're planning to start your own company or looking for future opportunities.
3. Personal and Professional Development
This ties back to my first point on increased responsibility, but it's so important that it deserves its own section. At my startup, I didn't get any formal training or onboarding. I had to find the information and learn how to fill the gaps in the company. This was crucial for my personal development. Moreover, I got to work with leadership across different functions at the company. From the VP of Customer Experience to the Head of Marketing and the CTO, I learned how to have meaningful conversations and understand how a company goes to market and scales.
So, there you have it - the bright side of startup life. Here is Youtube video going more in-depth on the 3 pros
Remember, these are just my experiences. Yours could be completely different. But whatever path you choose, make sure to do your research and ask the right questions. Good luck on your startup journey!