What do you do if you want to switch from corporate marketing to a startup?

The velocity and degree of confidence when it comes to decision making is WAY different. On one hand, you have to be comfortable making decisions way faster, avoid the paralysis by analysis and therefore, accept a lower degree of confidence about them. The good news: you get used to that. The "making calls" muscle, once put into action, is possibly the best weapon towards the uncertainty of the startup environment. Plus, once you gain that new confidence of making decisions (even tho you might me "not right"), you start making bolder bets, taking bigger but more calculated risks, and increase your chances of standing out, that's what you want in part of your startup marketing at the end of the day.

It's simple: I do marketing for the expertise I can offer and show my track record. What scaling does the company have and how can I achieve my goals?

Upskilling is the way to go. Build your own marketing through projects and experiments. Learn some courses. Get up certificates. Build your knowledge on certain updates on tools and platform.

Networking is crucial when transitioning to the startup world. Connect with professionals in startups to gain insights into the culture and expectations. Attend industry events, join online communities, and engage in forums discussing startup issues. These connections can provide valuable advice and potentially lead to job opportunities. The startup community is often close-knit, so building genuine relationships is highly beneficial. Leverage platforms like PRoduct Hunt (if you're not on Product Hunt, create an account NOW!), and startup-focused networks to expand your professional circle and stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities in the startup ecosystem.

Agility is a must in the startup environment. Be prepared to adapt quickly as marketing strategies evolve rapidly. Embrace the need to pivot and innovate constantly in response to market feedback and changes. Learn from both failures and successes, as they are common in the startup world. While your corporate experience provides a foundation, be ready to modify your approaches swiftly. Cultivate a mindset of experimentation, iteration, and continuous improvement to thrive in the fast-paced startup setting. Agility also means being open to wearing multiple hats and taking on tasks outside your primary role when necessary.

Impact is the only "metric" that matters. While your work will always produce outcomes, not all of those outcomes will actually create impact. Yes, many of those outcomes will generate new learnings, which are necessary, but in "startup mode" you want to maximize the chances of creating impacting with what you do, either inwards (internally) and outwards (the market). Creating impacting in startup marketing is hard, so cultivating a culture that's focused on impact and not outcomes is essential.

Mental preparation is essential when switching to a startup. The pace and pressure can be intense, so develop strategies to manage stress and maintain work-life balance. Build resilience and perseverance, as these traits are critical for success in the startup world. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. Seek mentors or join support groups to navigate the emotional aspects of the transition. Cultivate a growth mindset, viewing obstacles as chances to learn and adapt. Prioritize self-care and set realistic expectations to prevent burnout. Remember that mental well-being is key to thriving in the dynamic startup environment.

This might be obvious, but always remember that in startup mode, "the only constant is change". Embrace it. For real. Younger folks (in their 20s, early 30s) might feel more comfortable with ongoing change. But as I'm getting older, it makes me stay mindful about it so I try to generate anchors for my team where we all find reassurance, continuity, consistency. It's like finding the same note in a complex harmony, that roots you down to the tone.