Surviving Startups: Getting Hired after Being Fired and out the Job Market for a While!: Surviving Startups, #1

By Ben Allen

"Surviving Startups" is the first book in a series that shares the author's experiences of working exclusively for tech startups for the past 20 years. The book provides insights into the excitement and challenges of being part of a fast-paced and innovative industry, as well as the constantly changing landscape of the tech startup world. It offers a unique perspective for those considering a career in tech startups or for those who are simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes.

The book also shares a true account of a person the author has known for a long time and worked with in the past, who found himself in a difficult spot in his life. This sad, slightly funny, infuriating, and surprising story is based on true events, with names of companies and characters changed for privacy reasons. The main character, Gabe, has a compelling story that captures the essence of the plot while maintaining the privacy of the individuals involved.

In "Surviving Startups," readers will gain an understanding of the realities of working in the tech startup industry, the challenges faced by those in the field, and the personal stories of those who have navigated this exciting and ever-changing world.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ben Allen
• Release date: Jul 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223131182

Ben Allen

Ben Allen, a former Airborne soldier in the Army's 35th Signal Brigade, gained valuable experience in thriving under pressure from his frequent parachute jumps. He began his sales career in entry-level positions, where he learned essential skills such as selling in a competitive market and mastering objection handling.  With these skills, he secured his first professional sales job selling merchant services to small businesses. Ben then joined Fleetmatics, a tech start-up that became the fastest-growing SaaS company in the world at the time. His hard work and dedication led to his promotion from newcomer of the year to sales director.  Despite setbacks and a demotion, Ben persevered and gained valuable insights into succeeding in the tech industry. He led teams through two significant financial transactions, providing him with a unique perspective and motivation to inspire others on their tech startup grind.  Today, as a veteran of his fifth tech start-up, Ben shares his experiences and stories to entertain, inspire, and educate those looking to join or currently on their tech startup journey.

Book preview

Table Of Contents

Intro

     A Note on Gabe and I

Story of Why

     TL;DR Fast Freddy

Story of Why: Continued

Story of How?

Steps

Mindset

Conclusion 

Surviving Startups

Intro

Everyday I'm asked what it's been like working exclusively for tech startups the past 20 years. In this first short book of a series, I share my experiences of working exclusively for tech startups for the past 20 years. From the excitement of being part of a fast-paced and innovative industry to the challenges of navigating the constantly changing landscape, I provide insights into what it's truly like to work in this field. Whether you're considering a career in tech start-ups or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this book and subsequent books in the series will offer a unique perspective.

Before jumping into it though I want to give a short TL;DR on working for a tech start-up in general. Working for a tech start-up can be an exhilarating experience. The fast-paced environment, innovative projects, and potential for personal and professional growth make it an enticing career choice. 

However, the uncertainty and risk associated with start-ups can deter many individuals from pursuing such opportunities. One of the main concerns that individuals have when considering a job in a start-up is the fear of unemployment. This fear becomes even more pronounced when there are shared responsibilities, such as a family to support.

 The financial stability of a steady paycheck becomes a priority, and understandably so. In such cases, it is crucial for couples to have open and honest discussions about their career choices. It may be wise for one person to pursue a career in a tech start-up while the other secures a stable position in a more established company. This way, the family can have a reliable source of income while still taking advantage of the exciting opportunities that start-ups offer. 

I can personally attest to the importance of having a partner with a stable job. If my significant other had not secured a position with a fortune 100 company, I would not have been able to take the risk of working for a tech start-up. Their stable income provided a safety net for our family, allowing me to pursue my passion without the constant worry of financial instability.

There are numerous factors that contribute to the failure of tech start-ups, such as insufficient financial backing, shifts in business plans, and inadequate management. However, despite these formidable obstacles, I have not only endured but flourished in the tech start-up industry throughout the majority of my professional journey.

I began my professional journey as a founding sales representative on the Fleetmatics Web Sales Team in 2007. The company, which is now part of Verizon Connect, was a hyper-growth start-up that was revolutionizing the fleet management industry. As a sales rep, I played a key role in introducing the company's innovative solutions to customers, and I quickly rose through the ranks to become a senior sales director.

During my time at Fleetmatics, I was able to witness firsthand the company's incredible growth and success. I worked closely with the leadership team to develop sales strategies, build relationships with customers, and expand the company's reach into new markets.

After leaving Fleetmatics, I joined Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS), where I helped introduce insurance telematics and