I wonder why Indian people fear to join startups. It's the reverse in Western countries. I feel the following factors contribute:
- Lack of risk-taking ability
- Very few have the passion to contribute and do something different
- Fear of the fact that they need to set up everything in the office
I need help from you guys in letting me know how to attract the right talent for startup companies. Thanks!!!
Idrish
From India, Pune
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3- Lack of risk-taking ability
- Very few have the passion to contribute and do something different
- Fear of the fact that they need to set up everything in the office
I need help from you guys in letting me know how to attract the right talent for startup companies. Thanks!!!
Idrish
From India, Pune
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Dear Idrish Vahora,
It's not fair to substantiate Indian from a Western workmen/employee. Indeed, they are factors apart from one thing -
Why does someone join a new or any start-up company? When you think that you are ready with the following, then I raise an eyebrow to the question that you prompted:
1. Have you already prepared a business plan which you think to execute the entire succeeding year or a quarter?
2. Have you decided on the business structure and finalized the legal requirements that have to be stipulated mandatorily?
3. Have you organized the sufficient capital to pay expenditures until the business becomes profitable?
4. Has the workspace requirement been zoned according to the business that you've planned for?
5. Has your business been defined with clients/customers/stakeholders/partners who can financially project the company and analyze the demographics to the market level?
6. Have you already opened the path to advertising tactics?
Having good business ownership and an opportunity to recruit the resources that suit the job type is important. Do not always expect that everybody should approach you. Your one-step forward will bestow many rewards.
From India, Visakhapatnam
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It's not fair to substantiate Indian from a Western workmen/employee. Indeed, they are factors apart from one thing -
Why does someone join a new or any start-up company? When you think that you are ready with the following, then I raise an eyebrow to the question that you prompted:
1. Have you already prepared a business plan which you think to execute the entire succeeding year or a quarter?
2. Have you decided on the business structure and finalized the legal requirements that have to be stipulated mandatorily?
3. Have you organized the sufficient capital to pay expenditures until the business becomes profitable?
4. Has the workspace requirement been zoned according to the business that you've planned for?
5. Has your business been defined with clients/customers/stakeholders/partners who can financially project the company and analyze the demographics to the market level?
6. Have you already opened the path to advertising tactics?
Having good business ownership and an opportunity to recruit the resources that suit the job type is important. Do not always expect that everybody should approach you. Your one-step forward will bestow many rewards.
From India, Visakhapatnam
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Greetings!
I agree with Sharmila. If somebody is confident, then joining a new company is far better than joining a settled company. In a new organization, if it is a higher position, he/she can rule from the beginning and also have chances to get exposure to many areas, implement new and own ideas. I think few people are getting that kind of opportunity, and those who are accepting the challenge will definitely reach a leading position. In my case, after having seven years of exposure in Generalist HR, I got an opportunity to join an MNC when the company's building was in construction mode. After two years of service, I am now leading around 5 team members and handling around 150 employees with a full setup.
SD
From India, Kakinada
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I agree with Sharmila. If somebody is confident, then joining a new company is far better than joining a settled company. In a new organization, if it is a higher position, he/she can rule from the beginning and also have chances to get exposure to many areas, implement new and own ideas. I think few people are getting that kind of opportunity, and those who are accepting the challenge will definitely reach a leading position. In my case, after having seven years of exposure in Generalist HR, I got an opportunity to join an MNC when the company's building was in construction mode. After two years of service, I am now leading around 5 team members and handling around 150 employees with a full setup.
SD
From India, Kakinada
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I am running a startup so I can tell you about what I've seen and felt:
FIRST, WHY THERE ARE SO FEW STARTUPS
1. Starting up is difficult without money, and to get money, you need to have an idea, an execution team, and a solution to a problem in a large, profitable market. Without these, no one will fund you.
2. Not enough people have enough money to try new services in India - they prefer to buy brands or trust brands that have the money to build brand recognition. This is an early stage for our country's startup movement - which is why we are seeing huge investments in deals, e-commerce companies. Even though they are not profitable today, they will be the rulers in the years to come. These are almost certain victories in the long run. Flipkart will be the Amazon in India - no one will do it better.
3. People are still wary of being nice to other people - the tendency of people in our country is to exploit where they see someone giving generously or trying to be fair. This comes from the fact that there is no accountability, people don't have enough (or they think they don't have enough as the disparity of wealth is immense - an example: average people in the US can own an iPad/iPhone, but not here) - so there is little to no reward in being nice to strangers. This is, however, changing - but the percentage of people who are seeing the benefits of this is probably 1% of the population.
WHY PEOPLE DON'T PREFER JOINING STARTUPS HERE
1. The entrepreneurs do not have any support system in place - there are very few veteran entrepreneurs who are providing support to the younger ones. This makes the new entrepreneur weak from the beginning. People can most of the times see that. Plus for any good candidate, there are enough options available to work for a large brand.
2. Most businesses are family-owned and have been built over years - so they are not really startups. Most of them are actually just retail houses - there's nothing innovative happening there. So the son who just came in may make it feel like a startup but it's really not - these organizations have roots and methods that are very difficult to break out of.
3. Startups will be a lot more hard work than traditional companies without any guarantees or job security - that is the common perception, which is probably true. It would always seem better to join and grow in a well-established large firm.
WHY PEOPLE SHOULD JOIN STARTUPS
1. Early in your career, it gives you a lot more exposure - this is an ideal time as you have little to lose.
2. If you find a good entrepreneur - it'll be the best learning experience in terms of immediate exposure to generating ideas and insights. You'll never have such a close relationship with your employer in any large organization.
3. Most startups provide a lot more flexibility of work hours - but it's a trade-off for less pay and lack of security. Most people want more money, rather than more time or freedom. But for people who want the flexibility, it's ideal.
From India, Gurgaon
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FIRST, WHY THERE ARE SO FEW STARTUPS
1. Starting up is difficult without money, and to get money, you need to have an idea, an execution team, and a solution to a problem in a large, profitable market. Without these, no one will fund you.
2. Not enough people have enough money to try new services in India - they prefer to buy brands or trust brands that have the money to build brand recognition. This is an early stage for our country's startup movement - which is why we are seeing huge investments in deals, e-commerce companies. Even though they are not profitable today, they will be the rulers in the years to come. These are almost certain victories in the long run. Flipkart will be the Amazon in India - no one will do it better.
3. People are still wary of being nice to other people - the tendency of people in our country is to exploit where they see someone giving generously or trying to be fair. This comes from the fact that there is no accountability, people don't have enough (or they think they don't have enough as the disparity of wealth is immense - an example: average people in the US can own an iPad/iPhone, but not here) - so there is little to no reward in being nice to strangers. This is, however, changing - but the percentage of people who are seeing the benefits of this is probably 1% of the population.
WHY PEOPLE DON'T PREFER JOINING STARTUPS HERE
1. The entrepreneurs do not have any support system in place - there are very few veteran entrepreneurs who are providing support to the younger ones. This makes the new entrepreneur weak from the beginning. People can most of the times see that. Plus for any good candidate, there are enough options available to work for a large brand.
2. Most businesses are family-owned and have been built over years - so they are not really startups. Most of them are actually just retail houses - there's nothing innovative happening there. So the son who just came in may make it feel like a startup but it's really not - these organizations have roots and methods that are very difficult to break out of.
3. Startups will be a lot more hard work than traditional companies without any guarantees or job security - that is the common perception, which is probably true. It would always seem better to join and grow in a well-established large firm.
WHY PEOPLE SHOULD JOIN STARTUPS
1. Early in your career, it gives you a lot more exposure - this is an ideal time as you have little to lose.
2. If you find a good entrepreneur - it'll be the best learning experience in terms of immediate exposure to generating ideas and insights. You'll never have such a close relationship with your employer in any large organization.
3. Most startups provide a lot more flexibility of work hours - but it's a trade-off for less pay and lack of security. Most people want more money, rather than more time or freedom. But for people who want the flexibility, it's ideal.
From India, Gurgaon
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As a startup myself, I find difficulty in attracting talent as well. This can simply be attributed to:
Those who don't know you, won't join you.
Those who know you, may not want to join you.
Those who want to join you, may have other family concerns.
So, in order to overcome these challenges, America, and other countries, created ecosystems for startups, the most notable one being the Silicon Valley. Hence, those who want to join, can find you; those who know you, may recommend people to you; those who are joining you, can bring their whole families there.
From Malaysia, Kuching
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Those who don't know you, won't join you.
Those who know you, may not want to join you.
Those who want to join you, may have other family concerns.
So, in order to overcome these challenges, America, and other countries, created ecosystems for startups, the most notable one being the Silicon Valley. Hence, those who want to join, can find you; those who know you, may recommend people to you; those who are joining you, can bring their whole families there.
From Malaysia, Kuching
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Hi all,
I think there is no risk to join a startup. I would suggest the following benefits one can avail by joining a startup:
A. at junior level
1. You are not going to be discarded from the company unless and until the company is down. And if a company is concerned, it is not going to close in a month or a year.
2. As a startup, there is much more things to learn about.
3. As far as job risk is concerned, you are fair enough to switch to somewhere else.
B. At senior level
1. You are well-equipped to decide on business clients/customers/stakeholders, workspace requirements of the company.
2. Understand the capital investment, future prospects, and business structure.
Now, if you have gone through all these factors, then what is the fear to join the company?
Regards,
Santosh
From India, Chandigarh
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I think there is no risk to join a startup. I would suggest the following benefits one can avail by joining a startup:
A. at junior level
1. You are not going to be discarded from the company unless and until the company is down. And if a company is concerned, it is not going to close in a month or a year.
2. As a startup, there is much more things to learn about.
3. As far as job risk is concerned, you are fair enough to switch to somewhere else.
B. At senior level
1. You are well-equipped to decide on business clients/customers/stakeholders, workspace requirements of the company.
2. Understand the capital investment, future prospects, and business structure.
Now, if you have gone through all these factors, then what is the fear to join the company?
Regards,
Santosh
From India, Chandigarh
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Dear Idrish,
I agree with you, but let me share this from my experience over the last month. I have joined a startup, taking the risk of leaving the best bank not only in India but also the best in the Asian region. However, I have no regrets at all. We have created our own space and job descriptions, so we are responsible right from day one and have set our own targets according to our capabilities.
1. The startup has an excellent roadmap for the next five-plus years.
2. The product has huge scalability.
3. The team is excellent, all from IIT and IIM.
4. Experience-wise, the total team has over 70 years of experience combined.
Prashant
From India, Mumbai
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I agree with you, but let me share this from my experience over the last month. I have joined a startup, taking the risk of leaving the best bank not only in India but also the best in the Asian region. However, I have no regrets at all. We have created our own space and job descriptions, so we are responsible right from day one and have set our own targets according to our capabilities.
1. The startup has an excellent roadmap for the next five-plus years.
2. The product has huge scalability.
3. The team is excellent, all from IIT and IIM.
4. Experience-wise, the total team has over 70 years of experience combined.
Prashant
From India, Mumbai
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Hi Idrish,
After having worked with some top MNCs for the past 6 years, I have joined a startup now. I feel more comfortable than I was in a stable and secure environment. Here, I am heading the department, and there is so much scope to implement things. I feel good when people appreciate the work I do. In spite of reporting to the Director and MD of the company, I don't feel scared at all in approaching them even for trivial issues. They are friendly with everyone, and even though the strength is just 30+, it's a homely atmosphere with no politics and gossip, thereby making my job quite easy. The entire management team's experience is collectively 50+ years, with many of them having headed MNC organizations previously in APAC, US, and UK regions before starting this company.
From India, Bangalore
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After having worked with some top MNCs for the past 6 years, I have joined a startup now. I feel more comfortable than I was in a stable and secure environment. Here, I am heading the department, and there is so much scope to implement things. I feel good when people appreciate the work I do. In spite of reporting to the Director and MD of the company, I don't feel scared at all in approaching them even for trivial issues. They are friendly with everyone, and even though the strength is just 30+, it's a homely atmosphere with no politics and gossip, thereby making my job quite easy. The entire management team's experience is collectively 50+ years, with many of them having headed MNC organizations previously in APAC, US, and UK regions before starting this company.
From India, Bangalore
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Hello Giridhar Alwar,
I'm glad that you really enjoy your experience in a startup. However, I am not sure if it can be extrapolated or generalized. I think it depends totally on individual perceptions and priorities in his or her career - whether he or she wants to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond. And, like for every choice one makes, there are bound to be the consequent agonies and ecstasies.
Regards,
TS
From India, Hyderabad
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I'm glad that you really enjoy your experience in a startup. However, I am not sure if it can be extrapolated or generalized. I think it depends totally on individual perceptions and priorities in his or her career - whether he or she wants to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond. And, like for every choice one makes, there are bound to be the consequent agonies and ecstasies.
Regards,
TS
From India, Hyderabad
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An employee will not join a startup in India for the salary. Also, the stories of employees becoming rich because of startup stocks are few in India - and that too at the top management level. Moreover, startups tend to have undefined processes, due to which favoritism, politics, and the-guy-closest-to-the-boss-has-his-ears syndrome vitiate the work atmosphere.
In order to attract talent for a startup, create a fun and challenging environment with as little politics and as much learning opportunity as possible. Give them responsibility, give them the freedom to experiment (but focus on getting the results), listen to them, and eat out together every month or couple of months. That would go a long way in getting you good people to your startup. I'd advise against taking a judgmental position right at the start (Indians are risk-averse, don't want to do anything cool, are greedy for money, and hence they don't join startups).
From India, Delhi
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In order to attract talent for a startup, create a fun and challenging environment with as little politics and as much learning opportunity as possible. Give them responsibility, give them the freedom to experiment (but focus on getting the results), listen to them, and eat out together every month or couple of months. That would go a long way in getting you good people to your startup. I'd advise against taking a judgmental position right at the start (Indians are risk-averse, don't want to do anything cool, are greedy for money, and hence they don't join startups).
From India, Delhi
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Interesting question.
People don't want to join startups because of several reasons:
a) Low salary
b) Unknown company leading to low CV value
c) Risk of the company not surviving
d) Long working hours
e) Any potential benefits usually go to the promoters.
Individuals choose to work in startups mainly for the atmosphere. Maintaining a positive, energetic environment and providing people with freedom (while enforcing accountability) can be a strong motivator for a certain type of individuals. For senior or critical roles, it is essential to offer them a stake in the company's success through stock options.
The key point is that startups face disadvantages compared to larger companies in terms of higher risk and lower salaries. Therefore, the crucial question to ask is whether you are offering prospective employees something compelling enough to entice them to join despite these challenges.
From India, Delhi
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People don't want to join startups because of several reasons:
a) Low salary
b) Unknown company leading to low CV value
c) Risk of the company not surviving
d) Long working hours
e) Any potential benefits usually go to the promoters.
Individuals choose to work in startups mainly for the atmosphere. Maintaining a positive, energetic environment and providing people with freedom (while enforcing accountability) can be a strong motivator for a certain type of individuals. For senior or critical roles, it is essential to offer them a stake in the company's success through stock options.
The key point is that startups face disadvantages compared to larger companies in terms of higher risk and lower salaries. Therefore, the crucial question to ask is whether you are offering prospective employees something compelling enough to entice them to join despite these challenges.
From India, Delhi
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Hello all,
I am also working with a start-up company as a Senior HR Recruiter specializing in IT. I agree with Mr. Ga. Alwar. In this environment, there is no room for politics or gossip. Additionally, there are flexible hours and a heavy workload. In start-up companies, one can gain extensive experience as the workforce is small, and the workload is high.
Regarding the compensation package, we ensure that our developers are well-paid.
Thank you.
From India, Bangalore
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I am also working with a start-up company as a Senior HR Recruiter specializing in IT. I agree with Mr. Ga. Alwar. In this environment, there is no room for politics or gossip. Additionally, there are flexible hours and a heavy workload. In start-up companies, one can gain extensive experience as the workforce is small, and the workload is high.
Regarding the compensation package, we ensure that our developers are well-paid.
Thank you.
From India, Bangalore
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Hi all,
I am also working with a start-up company as a Senior HR Recruiter specializing in IT. I agree with Mr. Ga. Alwar that there is no place for politics or gossip here. Additionally, there are flexible hours and a heavier workload. In start-up companies, we have the opportunity to learn extensively because the workforce is smaller, and the workload is greater.
Regarding the compensation (CTC), we ensure that our developers are well-paid. There is less competition, more exposure, and good pay for our developers.
Regards,
Padma
From India, Bangalore
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I am also working with a start-up company as a Senior HR Recruiter specializing in IT. I agree with Mr. Ga. Alwar that there is no place for politics or gossip here. Additionally, there are flexible hours and a heavier workload. In start-up companies, we have the opportunity to learn extensively because the workforce is smaller, and the workload is greater.
Regarding the compensation (CTC), we ensure that our developers are well-paid. There is less competition, more exposure, and good pay for our developers.
Regards,
Padma
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Idrish, You need to give more details of what you intend starting up for people to guide you.
From United Kingdom
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From United Kingdom
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Hi Simhan,
It's only been six months since we started our company. We currently have multiple vacancies within our organization, but we are encountering challenges in recruitment. Many individuals prefer to work for large multinational corporations, while only a few are interested in working for a startup.
Thanks,
Idrish
From India, Pune
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It's only been six months since we started our company. We currently have multiple vacancies within our organization, but we are encountering challenges in recruitment. Many individuals prefer to work for large multinational corporations, while only a few are interested in working for a startup.
Thanks,
Idrish
From India, Pune
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It's all to do with supply and demand and what you are offering. Ask yourself the question, "If you were in their position, would you join a start-up company for peanuts?" It's not just in India that the problem is faced; it's worldwide.
Where are you based, and what kind of people are you looking for?
From United Kingdom
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Where are you based, and what kind of people are you looking for?
From United Kingdom
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The Salary Range that we are offering is pretty high. This is my concern only. Even after offering high salary, why people fear to join start up company.
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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Idrish,
IMHO, I think that stressing the startup aspect of the organization is where the trouble lies.
The potential hire wants to hear reassurances that salaries are paid on time, that incentives/bonuses are available (in any form), and that the company can sustain for another 6 months to a year, which means enough money is available.
Most founders, and that includes me, often stress the work and workload (every employee rolling up their sleeves and doing it). The fact that salaries are dependent on the employees' efforts, which lead to revenue, which in turn leads to a salary paid on time, and thus the employee being able to pay the home loan...
I am also mulling over a realization that has dawned after having dealt with multiple employees agree with you - their ability to take risks!
An average employee we founders try to hire usually has a post-grad/MBA or equivalent and has about 3-4 years of work experience in an MNC, usually in a large/global environment. In other words, a safe and steady job, which is what our culture demands as a measure of success. Why would the candidate leave that security unless I offer better compensation than the previous/current employer?
I have stopped soliciting candidates with post-grad qualifications, preferring to hire an undergrad/a plain vanilla graduate, who's looking to grow, knows opportunities with MNCs have dried up considering the qualification criterion, are usually a little more willing to get their hands dirty, and stay for a longer duration.
But then my vertical is different, and I can afford to hire undergrads or people with inadequate linguistic abilities and a high threshold for multitasking, and if you can afford to do so, try it out - it will be interesting to find out if this model works.
From India, Mumbai
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IMHO, I think that stressing the startup aspect of the organization is where the trouble lies.
The potential hire wants to hear reassurances that salaries are paid on time, that incentives/bonuses are available (in any form), and that the company can sustain for another 6 months to a year, which means enough money is available.
Most founders, and that includes me, often stress the work and workload (every employee rolling up their sleeves and doing it). The fact that salaries are dependent on the employees' efforts, which lead to revenue, which in turn leads to a salary paid on time, and thus the employee being able to pay the home loan...
I am also mulling over a realization that has dawned after having dealt with multiple employees agree with you - their ability to take risks!
An average employee we founders try to hire usually has a post-grad/MBA or equivalent and has about 3-4 years of work experience in an MNC, usually in a large/global environment. In other words, a safe and steady job, which is what our culture demands as a measure of success. Why would the candidate leave that security unless I offer better compensation than the previous/current employer?
I have stopped soliciting candidates with post-grad qualifications, preferring to hire an undergrad/a plain vanilla graduate, who's looking to grow, knows opportunities with MNCs have dried up considering the qualification criterion, are usually a little more willing to get their hands dirty, and stay for a longer duration.
But then my vertical is different, and I can afford to hire undergrads or people with inadequate linguistic abilities and a high threshold for multitasking, and if you can afford to do so, try it out - it will be interesting to find out if this model works.
From India, Mumbai
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