A few weeks ago, I wrote an article for Fast Company on why those searching for jobs should consider working at a startup over a bigger, more established corporation. While many Fast Company readers agreed with the sentiment, a few did point out the inherent risks of working at a startup. Jobs at a startup are naturally sketchy, with less job security, lower pay, and more turnover than a bigger corporation. But just because something is risky, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. It does mean that you need to weigh the risks against the many positives I outlined in my previous article.
To do so, ask yourself these important questions to help you decide if your startup option will be rewarding or if the entire office will be packing their boxes before the end of summer.
Question 1: Would you use the product?
This may seem like a very simple question, but it's one that is often overlooked. When deciding whether you think a startup will live or die, and therefore can provide you with an income for the foreseeable future, whether you would use the product or not is a pretty good measurement of your confidence in the product.
If your answer is yes, you would definitely use the product, than you've passed the most rudimentary test of judging a startup's success. However, this doesn't mean an answer of "no" completely writes off the validity of the startup. The follow-up question "Why wouldn't you use the product?" is definitely necessary. If your answer is: "Because it sucks," then you need to move on, my friend.
But if your answer is more logical and thought-out (geez, put in some effort, at least), and the result is that the product or site is targeted for a different type of user than you, then you can still believe in a product without using it. I may not be the target audience for a site that caters to travelers who want to tour through Europe, stay in 5-star hotels, and participate in wine tastings every night, but I can definitely understand the appeal. So, i...
[Source: Fast Company]
No comments:
Post a Comment