You are ready for a new challenge and decide to try something new: you go to work at a start-up. After all, who wouldn't want to work at a start-up that has the potential to grow into the new Google? Why not? Firstly, 9 out of 10 start-ups fail, so you shouldn't expect job security at a start-up. Secondly, the salary: don't expect a fortune, and furthermore, the benefits are not as extensive as you might be used to. Finally, it is hard work; don't count on a 9-to-5 mentality, and be prepared for many ups and downs . But what actually makes working at a start-up attractive? What do you get in return for giving up better employment conditions? We have listed the benefits of working at a start-up for you.
Work and you matter!
Start-ups stand for innovation and how cool is it if you are part of a groundbreaking innovation that will soon spread all over the world. At corporate companies you are only a small part of the bigger picture and ideas are quickly put in the suggestion box. This is different at a start-up, where your ideas are essential for the growth and success of the company.
Responsibility
Working at a start-up means working in a small team where there is little to no room for specialists with the same competencies. This means that as a specialist you are quickly assigned responsibilities and targets. An advantage here is that you have complete freedom to determine how you will achieve these targets, either to the left or to the right.
The work culture
Working at a start-up is like working within a family, which creates a special atmosphere. Everyone is enthusiastic, closely involved within the company, and helps each other where necessary. The work atmosphere is very well-coordinated, which is reflected in the way people communicate. Everyone communicates freely with one another and dares to say what needs to be said. You all work towards a greater goal, and everyone does so in their own way.
Flexibility
Corporate companies are complex when it comes to personnel regulations, whereas at a start-up there is more flexibility. Starting an hour later, working from home for a day, working on Saturday instead of Friday, or the Friday afternoon drinks that start as early as three o'clock. At some start-ups, you can even take unlimited vacation days, as long as you meet your targets.
Lots of variety
No day at a start-up is the same. On a Blue Monday, a lead can unexpectedly come along and all efforts must be made within the start-up. If you were still working on the growth strategy yesterday, today you have to get the product presentation in order to convert the lead into a sale. Each employee therefore has a diverse range of tasks, which offers room to discover your own hidden talents.
Do you want to further develop and challenge yourself within a dynamic environment? Are you willing to work for less salary to take a start-up to greater heights? Then working at a start-up is the right step for your career.
The importance of succession
Many sales opportunities are lost, not due to a bad conversation, but due to inadequate follow-up. After a good conversation, the customer is enthusiastic, but that enthusiasm quickly fades if there is no follow-up. Fast, personal follow-up is therefore essential. Send a summary of the conversation and the agreed next steps within 24 hours.
Make follow-up a regular part of your work routine. Schedule it in your calendar, use a CRM system to maintain an overview, and ensure you keep every appointment. Reliability in follow-up is one of the strongest signals you can send to a client. It shows that you work professionally and that the client can count on you.
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