10 mistakes you’re making as a startup employee

Some mistakes that are easy to make when you work for a startup and nothing like what you’ve experienced at a more established company. Here are some mistakes you can make when working for a start-up or small business consultant. Are you considering taking a position at a startup? Or are you already working for one

Letting a small budget hold you back

Think outside the box: what tools do you already have available that you can adapt?

Are there less expensive tools or platforms you could use? Could you build what you need yourself?
Zapier is a no-code automation tool that connects your apps into automated workflows.

Being wary of feedback

At a startup, feedback is often blunt and on the spot

It can catch you off guard, and if you have a tendency toward the dramatic, it might feel like the end of the world
When you receive negative feedback, don’t let it consume you, instead, find all the reasons why they are wrong

Giving in to imposter syndrome

You are qualified. You were hired because you are worthy of a spot on a rocket ship.

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and not having all the answers. It does not matter how well-equipped you are, just that you are willing to learn and comfortable with the unknown.

Specializing instead of generalizing

One of the best things you can do for your career (and for a small company) is to generalize your skills

Generalizing can teach you a little about everything and helps you see the full customer journey firsthand
It’s what helped her figure out what she wanted to specialize in and what her true talents were

Not setting boundaries

You can’t produce consistently good work if you’re biting off more than you can chew

Take time off, enjoy your weekends, and set your boundaries.
4 self-care workflows to get you started
Automation can give you the nudge you need

Using your voice incorrectly-or not at all

When speaking up, make sure you do not come across as a know-it-all

Everyone has their own communication style, and it is all about using your voice effectively to communicate your opinion and make your point drive your desired impact

Being inflexible

Things move fast. One second, you’re neck-deep in an industry analysis, and the next, there’s a complete change of direction and it’s all-hands-on-deck for a sales presentation.

Take it in stride and think about the skills you’ve learned.

Not over-communicating

Talk about your ideas and plans and how you’re going to tackle them.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your wins, too
Avoid duplicate work
Over-communicate is about making sure everything is noted in every communication channel.

Waiting to have things handed to you

Now’s the time to get creative and take initiative

Spend some time observing what’s going on at your startup.
What are your company’s goals for the quarter? Write out a list of things you’ve noticed and what can be done to solve them.