First Time Entrepreneurs: Work at a Startup First Before Starting Your Own

Aspiring startup founders often face a dilemma when deciding whether to take the plunge and start their own company. While it’s an exciting prospect, there are risks and challenges associated with starting a new venture. However, there is a solution: work at a startup before taking the leap.

Working at a startup allows you to observe how the company operates, how they identify and solve problems, and how they go about creating a successful product or service. It will also give you a chance to interact with other team members and learn from them. You’ll pick up a ton of valuable insights and knowledge, such as operations, HR, hiring, firing, learning, performance, technology, and more.

Another important aspect of working at a startup is building your network. You’ll meet a lot of new people who can be instrumental in your future success as a founder. According to Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn, “No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.” Building relationships with people who share your passion and interests can help you find a co-founder or other key team members.

So, if you’re considering becoming a startup founder, take my advice: go work at a startup first. There are countless funded startups out there that would love to have someone with your eagerness and drive on their team. You’ll gain valuable experience and insights into the startup world, build your network, and increase your chances of success when you do decide to take the leap.