Working in the start-up environment where the whole crew shares a single pizza assuming everyone likes the same toppings is one of the most unusual scenarios in my life that I am experiencing. Why unusual, you ask? A salesforce start up gives you that feeling where the ride is exhilarating as well as full of learning. Let’s discuss the inside scoop of how it is that we work in this type of environment.

We’re all Sheriffs

Where job titles are suggestions and not rules, someone’s business card says salesforce consultant but on one given day, he/she might seem working as the marketing manager or a barista for that matter. The founders can also seem to be taking a brainstorming session with a client or the team and the next moment they can also be seen making coffee for the whole team. Multiple hats are to be worn by multiple people at the same time.

Founders Are Everywhere (Literally)

With the handful of employees including the founders, the ratio is very unique. One can face- time with the top leaders most of the time as compared to the top 500 companies. Isn’t this great for the people who seek mentorship and learning in their journey? This kind of wisdom can change someone’s path for their own betterment.

Genuine Camaraderie and Chaos.

When you are a team of a few people, you kind of start knowing them in a profound way. Everyone’s quirks are in full display mode. There might be someone who drinks only coffee, one who listens to Spotify and another who always answers with smiley’s. Now, this is true and profound camaraderie where highs are celebrated and lows are gulped together.

Getting the hang of it

This is the time when learning is always continued in a loop. Absorption of skills like salesforce administration, sales, project management, development and sometimes even HR  is an everyday part of the organization. There are always rare chances for formal training. I still remember asking several questions directly to the founders as to how and what items should the pantry have etc. Quite fun it is to work in an environment like this.

Sanity: Optional and Flexibility: Encouraged

In a start up, multiple processes are always ongoing. Practices are often a work in progress. Things do change at a faster pace. What seems a lot suitable today, might not feel like the correct step tomorrow. The key is to adapt for the start up to flourish. I agree that a routine is a must have in any culture but a start up is always routine deficient by nature. No one craves uncertainty yet this is what makes the journey worth living.

Unified in Growth

Little wins are always celebrated together. From someone passing a certification to figuring out who left their lunch in the fridge, everything is shared and hence the growth too. Every single person is linked to the growth of the company.

The grit and the glory

There are days when people work till late, sometimes in meetings, sometimes working as admin people adjusting something in the office and I hate to say this but at times they are exhausted and exasperated. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, now I can say that. Still, people manage their inhibitions and stay motivated for the sake of their passion towards their work.

The Unwritten Perks

I don’t know if many people will understand perks like people making career long friendships and maybe some rivalries and learning something in just a few months that they haven’t yet, even after working at big corporations. To build something from the ground up is something, right? Your fingerprints are all over the company’s DNA.

Salesforce start up can be thrilling, sometimes absurd and challenging. This ride is to enjoy, maybe drink a coffee with the founder and have some meaningful conversations or pull up the chair and hustle hard. But we should always remember that this is the most fun anybody is going to have while learning and growing together as an initial team and that's a secret that no one can tell you but it can only be experienced.