Every startup CEO has to learn the hard way in one regard or another. When you are able to get tips about working for a startup from a CEO who’s already gone ahead of you, you’d be smart to take the time to listen. On this episode of The Success Talk Show, I’m chatting with Frederik Rasmussen, CEO of innRoad, a management software for independent hotels. He’s learned lots of the hard lessons I mentioned and freely shares some of the best tips he has for those who are working to make their startup a success. It’s a great conversation with actionable tips you can apply now.

Does it take unique skills to work in a startup?

When I asked Frederick about the skills it takes to work in a startup environment he said that the basic skill set is pretty much the same as what is needed in any other type of business. What he said has to be different is the mindset and approach to the business that every team member has to have. If you’re going to work successfully in a startup you need to understand upfront that things will change, adjust, and be modified all along the way. There is no such thing as stability in the average startup - at least not for some time. Team members who thrive in a startup are able to flex, adapt, and grow as the journey produces new challenges every day. Learn how Frederik has seen that attitude benefit himself and his team, on this episode.

A business startup tip for team members: How can you approach the CEO with your ideas?

If you are working in a startup and would like to get a seat at the table when it comes to new ideas and direction, you have to go about it wisely. Frederik Rasmussen, CEO of innRoad says that team members who want to advance should work to come up with possible solutions to the problems they see in the company or its systems. That way they are able to approach their CEO or managers with the appearance of being a problem solver, not just a problem revealer. Frederik has great insights to share, so be sure you listen.

How to be the best startup team member you can be.

When I asked Frederik Rasmussen of innRoad what it takes to be a great team member in a startup he said that it’s vital to take ownership of the outcomes, not the tasks that reach those outcomes. Why? Because the tasks may be changed or modified at any time. The approach you take to solve problems is just as much on the table for tweaking as the product or service itself. What you need to focus on is creating solutions to the problems that arise. He calls it “taking ownership of the results.” You can hear Frederik describe it himself, on this episode of The Success Talk Show.

The importance of learning to deal with the gray areas.

When you’re working on a business, and especially a startup, your tendency is to try to pin things down, to figure out exactly what it takes to get a particular task done. That’s a great skill to have but it’s not always possible. There are so many gray areas when it comes to refining and distributing a new product or service - so it’s great advice to learn how to deal with those gray areas - the things you can’t pin down along the way. You can get more great advice and business startup tips, on this episode.

Outline of This Episode

• [1:20] What are the unique skills needed to work in a startup environment?
• [4:09] Why startup members need to own the results, not the tasks.
• [7:13] How Frederik is leading his team to become the best in the industry.
• [10:05] How up and coming leaders can prepare themselves for a bigger role.
• [16:45] Lessons Frederik has learned building a company and moving it forward.
• [22:20] How you can reach out to Frederik.

Resources & People Mentioned

• InnRoad Hotel Management Software
• Connect with Frederik on LinkedIn