So you want to be an entrepreneur?
A while back, I wrote an email to a potential candidate about joining our team. If you’re thinking about starting your own company, joining as a co-founder, or making a career out of startups, you may find this helpful.
The way to think about this <startup> opportunity is starting your entrepreneurial career. It's very different to corporate life.
We’ll give you a basic salary, commission on sales you bring in, and you’ll build equity over time. Basic insurance and frugal business expenses. The rest is on you. There are no guarantees, and no special perks, but the upside is why you do it. It will be an adventure, and you will get your hands dirty.
It’s a conscious decision you have to make. You won’t keep up with the Joneses as an entrepreneur. No fancy cars, no jet-set lifestyle. If you want that, you need a steady corporate gig. It’s a rat race, but a very comfortable life.
We’re giving you a unique chance to get in a high growth business early, with a self-directed role that will grow with your success.
If you have doubts, go with <big company>. Nobody would fault you on that one. If <startup> feels right, we would love to have you on the team.
Related posts you can check out:
Much more to come…
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Any similar advice you’ve received and/or given for hopeful entrepreneurs? Please share so we can benefit, too.
Inspiring resilience, nurturing wellbeing through nature, and fostering leadership excellence
6 年Taking a leap of faith (or at least one with some level of cushioning) to work for yourself is a scary yet life changing and exciting experience. I did it back in 2005. No longer enjoying being overworked by bosses who did not value myself or my colleagues, and as we worked toward someone else's goals and dreams, it was my time to leave. On reflection my decision was hasty however I made a choice to spend the rest of my life working toward my own goals and dreams. As a start up I chose to learn and master the skill of networking. This proved to be and continues to be my chosen method of marketing. Networking is vital to build relationships with suppliers, customers and colleagues. Since 2005 I've run 2 successful small businesses. My first True Expressions offered content services which I ran from 2005 - 2013. During those years I trained as a Business Coach and Mentor. As my personal and professional development progressed my focus shifted toward coaching. In 2014 I rebranded as Gail Gibson Performance Coach. Now, as my 'leap of faith' journey continues I have niched my expertise to enable small business owners and professional people to perform at their personal best. So my advice to someone who is on the brink of corporate or becoming an entrepreneur - what do you have to lose - you can make things happen when you surround yourself with the right people who challenge, inspire and motivate you to become the person you were born to be #CanDo
Technologist
6 年I would hazard to comment that most individuals do not have the privilege (some might call it choice) to join a startup, take the risks and grind by on depressed salaries (let alone employment pass uncertainties) #truestory It can be called an adventure but for many its a painful journey, especially if the growing-up years were not from a family of entrepreneurs or high risk takers. A doubtful return is not where one wants to start. Its only a few with the attitude, grit, and some network who make the jump. #startuplife The other side of the coin in emerging markets are the business run for own survival; often not glamorous nor with any strategy other than putting food on the table #realworld