6 Pro Tips I've Learned as a Startup Baby

By now, I could fill an entire book with terrible startup stories. I like to think I’ve seen the full gamut, at least for someone who’s 25 – from Silicon Valley to New York City.

Every startup is different. You can even tell a drastic difference between the companies based in San Francisco vs Palo Alto. My start began with marketing internships in the world of digital video and eventually, I found the creative side of tech: working in content marketing in emerging industries like augmented reality and online education. I’ve seen a wide array of early-stage ventures. As one of the first Oculus Content Launchpad fellows, I can even remember when Palmer Luckey was still walking around the Facebook campus in thong sandals and a Hawaiian button-up shirt.

From the teams that made dog walking a normal job function to those that offer catered lunches and have all of the intentions of growing with stability – there’s a lot to prepare for in environments like these.

The idea of a startup has become homogenous.

Companies can change drastically as they scale, for better or for worse. That doesn’t mean that all VC backed businesses can provide a quality work environment and that also doesn’t inhibit smaller companies from creating a work culture to die for.

Yet, the idea of a startup has become homogenous. A few “top of mind” brands still aren’t even public. Take into consideration that my advice is very much about the early and growth-driven companies. With that said, there are thousands of things that you should know before joining a startup. Yes, you'll need some semblance of ping-pong skills and an affinity for dogs, but you'll also need the frame of mind to better the company and better yourself. Here are 6 unique lessons that have helped me navigate some of my early successes among startups.

Do your research

Generally, most of these companies exist in a tight-knit environment and it’s very high touch. With that said, joining a new team is very much about making sure that it not only elevates you as a professional but also as a person. I usually ask myself two questions before taking a role into serious consideration: Do you align with their company values? And where is the money coming from?

Company values may just sound like a buzzword, but when it’s actually a focus for the business, it’s apparent day in and day out.

The source of funding is also another important factor. Understand the company’s runway and who they’re funded by before making a commitment that could you set you back just months later.

Pace yourself!

It’s a marathon. The company as a whole is sprinting to capture the market but it’s important that you avoid burnout which comes often in the startup space. There’s likely little process for your work functions and putting that in place requires, research, effort, and an expertise. Creating a structure and process where there wasn’t one can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re wearing so many hats. It’s important to know how you best work. Do you strive in a fast-paced environment? Can you find your solace in a fast-paced environment? In the startup workplace, it’s important that each individual understands how to pace themselves so that they can sustain productivity in the long run.

Side projects are your dark horse

There was once a time when you’d hide your side projects in fear that it’d hurt your day job. Nowadays, your side hustle should be a part of your resume. The best startup employee is an intrapreneur. That person is a self-starter and treats their domain as if it’s their own.

Side projects are a great testament to your personality, your motivations, and your versatility. Believe it or not, they show true entrepreneurial spirit and it can help you expand your professional reach as a more sought-after candidate. I didn’t learn everything I do from my day to day job functions, much of my learnings came from my extracurricular work!

Get to know everyone in the room

You’re only but a few feet away from other departments, use that to your advantage. This accessibility is hard to find at a larger company and you may not understand how valuable that is until you’re in a bigger building. Use this to your advantage! Take the time at lunch to speak to other teams that interest you. A skill set in product or business development could aid a marketer. The same applies to other positions.

Wear many hats but don’t be a generalist

It’s important to specialize in something. What do you do better than most? It’s great and necessary to have a good breadth of knowledge but it’s also vital that you have a particular focus. I’m not just a digital marketer, but I focus on content marketing. Being a generalist can inhibit your professional growth.

Invest in yourself

What have you built that’s distinct to you? Is it your own agency? Is it a portfolio that stands unmatched with diverse projects? Whatever it may be, building something you can take with you is necessary for any professional; a startup is a perfect place to do just that.

Startups have no standard onboarding guide or tutorial and these experiences can differ greatly, but there are some fundamental standards to understand to best succeed in this type of environment!

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I speak about the future of content and how it relates to technology. Connect with Dennis on Twitter!

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