Big Picture, Small Startup
If you stare too closely at a picture for long enough, you can forget what it actually looks like. Between Will’s talk yesterday and my check-in with Jeremy I was able to take a step back and remember why I am actually here. I didn’t quit my job and start this insane journey just to become a web-developer. I joined SIB to give myself the best possible chance of finding a company that aligns with my personal goals and that is doing something I can share a passion for. They also have to like me enough to hire me, but let’s be honest… what’s not to like (don’t be honest).
My BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) puts me as a founder/co-founder of a company ten years from now. As Will said, the best I can do right now is point my cannon in that direction. For good or bad (good for ramen noodle stock, bad for my bank account), that direction seems to be in the land of small, lowly funded startups. Unfortunately, realizing what my target company is doesn’t make it any easier finding a job. Fortunately Startup Institute and Krash are allowing me the opportunities to rapidly grow my network, which I’m hoping will eventually lead me to this company.
So I want to work for a small startup that will:
allow me to grow with the company…
give me many different hats (not just a developer hat)…
is doing something I think is awesome…
and is a “cultural fit”.
I won’t be upset if they provide a kegerator full of craft beer, but I don’t require it. With all these limitations, it will be easy to fall back into a comfortable place and take a job that sort of, almost, kind of feels right (especially if they provide free lunch and have a ping pong table!). For all of us, I’m sure that will be a very real temptation. When that demon comes knocking at your door, remember those goals and priorities you wrote down... then punch him in the face. Also remember Miro Kazakoff’s talk about the CEO who hired a good person that just wasn’t a good fit (if you weren't lucky enough to be there, it was a very compelling story)… no fun for either party. Don’t accept anything less than what feels right.
As for where my passion lies… I have yet to clearly define that. I seem to be drawn to using technology to connect people. Not social media, but something more real. I found One Mighty Roar really interesting at the partner fair this week. The original idea that got me into building web sites was something like TaskRabbit. My next idea was similar to KitchenSurfing, and I’m currently working on a platform for a karma based sharing system/economy. I feel that everyone has something useful to give, whether it’s a skill, an item, or just some free time, and these are generally wasted resources with an enormous potential.
So what have I learned so far this week? Take a step back, remember why you’re here, and put on some pants (Allan)!
In the words of the late great philosopher Mitch Hedberg:
“I’m tired of following my dreams. I’m just going to ask them where they’re goin’ and hook up with them later.”






