Why to choose startups for career growth

After completing our academics, one question that hovers over us is how to choose the right career path. We aspire to work with a well known brand as we dream to be successful because we always associate success with big fat compensation we receive. Also, it makes us feel proud when we quote about it to our relatives and friends. But one thing that we never think about is “Will I get to use my skills and my knowledge over there?” 

This is why we also need to contemplate other options.  If not a well known brand, then should I take up a job at an organization which is started recently and is in its growing stage? But many a time we do not think of this option because of the money factor. We opine that startups do not pay well. May be true or may be not? But, in fact, joining a start up would be more beneficial rather than joining a MNC. Let’s find out why?

At times the reality is that while working with the MNCs at the entry level we tend to become followers and that gets tagged with us forever. Once a follower always a follower! We are used to follow instructions from our superiors. Every day is the same day with nothing new to explore. The work you do is done by many others as well and you are just a part of the team. It’s a kind of monotonous job till the time you reach at a middle or higher level. The only reward you get is the financial reward at the end of each month.

Accepting the fact that startups are not that good payers but in a startup, even at an entry level, you are a leader/an initiator, and you have a free hand to utilize your skills to the fullest. You are allowed to experiment with your creativity and share your ideas. You have to daily face new challenges and you strive hard to complete the same, and that’s the motivating factor. You get recognized for your efforts and that in turn boosts your confidence. You become a contributor to the success of the organization.

Another factor is the experience you can gain in a startup. The experience here is not limited only to your domain. You are free to help others and show your skills in other areas where required. You get exposure to new responsibilities and new learning opportunities which means you can step in various shoes and as result every time can learn something new. Learning in a startup is a never ending process, you learn as you grow. Every responsibility will be unique. And gaining maximum experience should be a major driving force rather than money when you are in your early career.

The hierarchy here is different compared to a corporate. Here the seniority factor is not that important. You are the owner of your own work. Although you are free to approach anyone from the team you think will be able to help you. You are not limited to access. You can even access the management as and when required. You can share your vision, your creative ideas, can discuss about the company’s growth strategy and give suggestions as well to your management.  This helps you build a sense of ownership in you which is helpful for you in the long run of your life.

Let’s also not deny that you have to go through a lot of pressure in a startup, burn your hands many times, but the end result would be really satisfying. If you survive this pressure, you will be able to handle any difficult situation going ahead, as you become tough. You actually have to work for extra hours here but that is going to pay you for the hard work. That is going to make you ready when you reach a higher position in your professional tenure, because once you are at a middle or higher level you are expected to work for more hours than your subordinates. Putting in extra hours while working in a startup already makes you ready for the next level.  One day of absence would make a lot of difference to the organization, where as in a MNC even ten days of leave would not make any difference to your contribution.

Startups can be considered as a stepping stone for your career. Money should not be a driving factor but a good learning opportunity should be. The urge of learning something new, the motivation to face challenges everyday will help you grow in your life. Once these factors are imbibed in you, success will automatically be a part of your life. You can find ways to come out of any difficult situation that you are in.

 Arguably, startups can also be a setback for someone, but it’s up to you how you look up to it. You have to tell yourself “I can do it”, and this “I can do it” attitude is what will help you survive. Struggle will be a part but this struggle will make you tougher and help you go miles in future. These struggles will make you a part of the growth and success of the startup. You will be proud of yourself and your achievements.

So, decide for yourself, what you want to be, A Gladiator or a Trail Blazer.

5 Mistakes SMEs Do in Marketing

Marketing makes or breaks a business, reason why big brands splurge on marketing on different platforms. However, just like every decision in business does not yield desired results, marketing too sometimes fail partly or out rightly. Big names or brands, can afford to forgo the wastage of time money in undesired results due to the cushion in budget. But small businesses or SMEs, in particular, do not get that cushion as they run short on time and resources and so there is little margin for error for SMEs.

This is not as much to say that SMEs should not think about using the power of marketing, they should know the right approach to marketing. Much as they need to know what to do in marketing, they should better know what not to do in marketing to avoid the common mistakes SMEs often commit.

If you are an owner of SME business or are mulling plans to start your own business, sooner or later, you should take note of these don’ts that will give your business the boost it needs to become a brand.

Not Believing in the Need of Marketing  

Some small business owners often have preconceived notions such as their business is too small to need marketing at all and they do not need marketing for their products to be sold. Certainly some products and services are strong enough to do that, but not until after people know about them. If you aren’t marketing your business because you think what you have to offer will handle it itself, then you are missing out on opportunities to earn new business, let alone establishing your business a brand.

Some time small business owners think they do not have the required budget to indulge in marketing. This idea stems from the lack of knowledge about or willingness to try new marketing approaches. Digital marketing is the new marketing technique which costs less than traditional marketing campaign and hence is suitable for small business owners or SMEs.

Not Having a Marketing Plan

SMEs often are found lacking in having a proper marketing plan for their business due to lack of clear vision about their own businesses i.e. what their business goals are, how is their business different from that of their competitors.

As a result, many a time, small business owners end up spending too much on adopting wrong marketing techniques. Like every plan in a business, marketing, too, should have a proper layout which is based on the insights about one’s own business and goals.

Not Having Online Presence    

Your marketing starts from having your presence on the internet – that is a website for your business.  SMEs often think they are too small or too local to run an online presence, so they do not require a website at all. But the truth is customers use internet as the first channel to find out products and solutions provider for their needs. So, a website for your business will only add up to the identity building process of your business among customers, both local and global.

Not Targeting Right Customers

The very basic mistake that small business owners commit is that they do not earmark their target customer group and so they target all as their customers. When it comes to marketing you need to narrow down your target to a recognizable group so you can use best use marketing approaches that work more effectively.

A tricky situation that arises here is too often small business owner are some time too blinded by their the idea about target customer segment that they fail to recognize an actually potential customer segment that goes unnoticed.

Not Focusing on Social Media Marketing

Those business owners who are averse to using new marketing approaches show a dull face to using social media marketing. It is true, although, that small business owners often do not have the time to spend in social media marketing. But this platform can be actually be rewarding and an ideal platform for small business owners. Social media marketing is one of the most affordable and effective marketing techniques for business owners who can focus their efforts and maximize their time spent on social media to yield big results.

A key point to remember here is once they start social media marketing they should avoid abrupt absence from it. Since customer these days search online and keep track of your product and solutions online, if a potential customer sees no activity, that often leaves them wondering if you are still in business and they move on to the next company. So, choose your channel wisely and keep updated.

Five points to consider before entering in the Customer Service job

Making your client valuable is the key to success of any business and very important for organizations these days. Building credibility is very tough in today’s era of competition. Business means not only acquiring new clients but also retaining your existing clients. Your existing clients are your ambassadors, who can help promote your business and in turn help you grow. But, this will happen only if they are satisfied with your customer service. In today’s world, client servicing is not an option but a must. You don’t have to struggle for repeat business if your relationship with your existing clients is excellent. Neglecting client servicing means neglecting your business, and that’s why, it has to be taken seriously. It is also one sure way of assuring your organization’s cash register ringing.

If you are in a Client Relations profile, you have to take utmost care while dealing with your customers. Good customer service should come naturally to you and should be a major part of your daily schedule. Below are five guiding principles to abide by in a Client Servicing profile:

1. Effective Communication - both verbal and non-verbal: Communication is an essential aspect of Client Servicing. If you have good communication skills, you will be able to express your thoughts in a much better manner to your clients. This ensures that the information you provide is conveyed effectively to them. Effective communication helps to bind your customer with you for a long term as it is the foundation of any business. The interaction should be personalized, and the clients should feel your willingness to help them. Client relations are effectively maintained if communication is made in a positive manner. Negative communication can make a bad impact on the client. So, communicate appropriately and clearly with your clients.

2. Be a good Listener: Active listening is another important aspect of Client Relations. Listening carefully helps avoid miscommunication as miscommunication can cause us to lose a great deal of business. It helps us in resolving client queries effectively. Active listening makes the client feel that you can relate to their needs. It helps you focus on the problem completely. Show respect towards the client by avoiding any interruption during the conversation. Be focused.

3. Understand the Customer Needs: Try to understand the needs of your customer and act promptly. Think from the clients’ perspective and try to offer them solutions accordingly. This ensures the clients’ trust in you. It makes your clients feel that you care for them and their business. For this, you need to thoroughly understand your clients’ business, as you can offer solutions as per their needs. You have to regularly interact with your clients to know the current trends and to know any future developments at their end. Knowing about your clients can help you anticipate what you can offer them. This gives you a better edge over your competition.

4. Know-how of the Service Catalog: Strong know-how of your organization’s service catalog is another attribute of the Client Servicing profile. Knowing your services completely can help you map the customer’s needs more effectively. Because of your strong know-how of the services, you can eventually spread your footprints in the customer landscape. You can be more confident while dealing with your clients as you can address any query immediately.

5. Patience - A crucial factor for customer servicing Patience is the key to relieving all the problems. Be patient with your clients, especially when they are angry or irritated with you due to any reason. Empathize with them and give them extra attention to understand the problem. Try to keep calm and cool, when dealing with a dissatisfied customer. Being patient helps to avoid any impulsive decision and also plays a major role in winning the client. As it’s said, patience is a virtue, so have lots and lots of patience.

Client servicing is all about how to know the pain areas of your clients, take feedback from them, and provide them solutions promptly as per their needs. There many more attributes to a Client Relations profile, apart from the ones mentioned above. Client servicing is not a one-time job, but it needs continuous improvement. The more you improvise, the better you get at it. Your style of customer service can leave an impression on your clients’ mind for quite a long time, and your client will start recognizing you as the face of your organization. 

Lastly, remember that great customer service is an art and can help you to maintain a long-lasting relationship with your clients. Make your customer feel valuable and increase the chances of your organization’s growth.