The Startup Sidekick

Lose the distractions & get to work

We had the chance to sit down with Jennifer Thronson, SVP of Product & Business Development at Autovitals, to talk all about her experience at early-stage startups.   When you're looking to join a startup, Jennifer says you really have to like a challenge and even more so believe in the company & founders.    Other pieces of advice that you don't want to miss: When joining a startup, you have to be willing to execute. Thinking big picture is great, but you can't do crazy, fun ideas if you don't execute and sell anything. If you're joining a startup in a leadership role, learn as much as possible about the current processes, product, and market before you make any changes. Develop the mindset of getting a little better each day. The startup life is a grind, but if you focus on small, incremental progress you will be more likely to achieve your "big" goals.

Starting from scratch & building your future

Making the decision to join an early-stage startup is already risky, but to join and build a thriving Customer Success function (with no CS background)... that's bold.   But that's what Matt Hensler, Executive Consultant at inswing, did. He pivoted from marketing to customer success. However, his agency background of knowing how to provide high service, build relationships, and ability to problem solve, helped him adapt quickly.   Not sure if joining a startup is right for you? Matt shares what he's learned along the way. • Self-motivation is needed • Learn to be clear about what you want  • You need to be excited about the business • Building relationships is more important than you realize

Making the leap from corporate to startup

Interested in joining a startup, but not sure where to start?   Taylor Stevens, Client Success Lead at a healthcare company, joins me to talk about the transition to the startup world and how he's been so successful.   First piece of advice - communication. If you aren't on the same page as your Founder(s), it makes your job 10x harder. With all of the pressure Founders take on, it is vital for early-stage employees to help build and create that culture of communication.   Plus we talk all about how & when to grow your team as the company grows. There is never a clear answer, but Taylor can tell you signs to look for.   Hint hint: Take a couple of days off to see the impact it makes on the team.

Think like a Founder, it’s more powerful than you realize.

Have you ever heard someone say "ownership mentality"?    It's common in the startup world, but most people don't realize how powerful it can truly be. Thinking and acting like a Founder is a must-have when looking to join an early-stage startup.   Jen Spencer, CEO of SmartBug Media, joined me on The Startup Sidekick podcast to talk all about her journey. From inbound lead gen expert to leading sales & marketing teams to CEO, Jen has done it all.   Whether you're looking to join a startup for the first time or make a leap to another opportunity, Jen explains the difference between the different stages of startups and where you might fit best based on your personality & work ethic.

What it takes to be successful in the SaaS world

The type of people who are successful in a startup like to take initiative. It doesn't matter if you've worked for a "big named'' company or if you're straight out of college. The question you need to ask yourself is "Are you willing to take a risk but also take responsibility?"    Intrigued? Lio Slama, CEO & Co-Founder at AskNeo, joined me on The Startup Sidekick podcast to talk all about startup life and how to be successful.   P.S. If you sold anything while growing up - chocolate bars, coupon cards, etc. the startup life might be for you!