Do you want to start your own business and live as an entrepreneur? Are you afraid you do not know the ropes enough to get started? Or would you just rather get a job in a startup company so you can be more where the action is and feel less like a cog-in-the-wheel? Startup companies are loaded with opportunity, but you have to know how to find the opportunity and how to present yourself as someone who can deliver. Photo courtesy of businessinsider.com [/featured-image]Finding a job at a startup is not like finding any old job. It is a search that will take you to places most people never see. Looking for an adventure?Click to Listen*NOTE: If you are reading this in email, you will need to go to Itunes or my blog to get access to this show.Steps to Finding an OpportunityMany startups will tell you they are not hiring, but that is a lie. Startups are hungry to hire, even if they do not know it! On the podcast I share some ways you can find a job in a startup company.Outline of the PodcastWhy work for a startup?You will be close to the action. This means you will learn a lot more than working for a larger company where you have a single role.You will be close to the leaders. Unlike working for a Fortune 100, you will know the CEO as a personal friend and co-worker.Opportunities. Working at a startup will rarely pay as much as a larger company, but you will never get a huge win working for a Fortune 100. In a startup, you can win and win big by growing your salary as the company grows as well as reaping financial rewards when it is acquired.Where to find startupsAngel and venture capital groupsIncubators and accelerator programsAttorneys and CPAsAssociations and groups that focus on entrepreneurship. One example would be the Nashville Technology Council.How to get an introduction to meet the leaderListen to them talkTake a tour of their facilitiesWork with their leaders on a projectAsk for adviceFind their pain - Often this is a revenue and sales issue, but look carefully to see what is their big pain. They may not know.Examine their financial runway - How long can they go before they are broke? Are they spending money wisely?How can you help? Make a pitch.Negotiating a win-win proposalDoes working for equity make sense?Startups are often very tight with money, for good reason. But, they also are often action oriented. So you might find the above process takes days (or even hours), but be prepared for a process that takes months.Subscription LinksIf you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe:Your FeedbackIf you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see or a question about an upcoming episode, e-mail me.Also, if you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out! Thanks.[reminder]Do you have one of these groups in your town? Send me a link in the comments. [/reminder]Dale Callahan, Ph.D.Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy SessionDirector of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn

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