Be a Startup Superstar

STEVEN MARK KAHAN is the CMO of Thycotic, an IT security company based in Washington, DC. An award-winning cybersecurity marketer and startup entrepreneur, Steve has successfully helped to grow seven startup companies from early-stage development to going public or being sold, resulting in more than $3 billion in shareholder value. He is known for his ability to plan and execute marketing strategies that accelerate a company's revenue, grow its market share, and consistently deliver superior returns for its shareholders. Connect with Steve at StevenMarkKahan.com.

• Foreword by David Meerman Scott ixIntroduction xiiiPart I: The Best Opportunities are in Start-Ups 1Chapter 1: Use the Tech Start-Up Boom to Zoom 3The Unprecedented Opportunity in Tech Start-Ups 5Why Work for a Start-Up Over a Big Corporation? 9Fewer Barriers to Entry 10Versatility in Roles 11Access to Leaders 11Financial Rewards 13Culture 14Upward Mobility 16Chapter 2: Pick the Right Start-Up for You 19How to Find Start-Up Opportunities 20Research Posted Jobs Online 21Explore Technology Accelerators 21Attend In-Person Entrepreneur Events 21Engage with Start-Up Leaders Online 23Attend Hiring Parties 23Be Willing to Intern (Preferably for Pay) 24Seek Mentors 25Five Criteria to Choose a Start-Up 26Quality People Who Share Your Values 27The Concept Fills a Big Market Need 28A Great Product You Believe In 30A Role You Can Fill Today with More Opportunities Tomorrow 31The Start-Up is Well-Funded 31Getting Hired 33Part II: Seven Keys to the C-Suite 35Chapter 3: Develop Your Leadership Skills and Self-Confidence 37Visualize Your Success Until It’s Real 38Use “Co-Opetition” and Competition to Stand Out 40Become an Expert and a Constant Learner 41Develop Strong Communication Skills 44Embrace Accountability 47Show Humility 49Believe in Yourself 50Chapter 4: Stand Out from the Herd 53Differentiate Yourself 53Ask More Questions 56Take Calculated Risks and Challenge the Status Quo 59Find the Courage to Make Tough Decisions 63Call Out the Elephant in the Room 65Be Known as an Idea Person Who Executes 66Chapter 5: Act Like a Leader (Even If You Don’t Have the Title Yet) 69Set Clear, Inspiring Goals 70Three Pillars of Goal-Setting 70The Baby Steps 71Keep Your Goals in Sight 72A Final Thought on Goals 73Everything Can’t Be a High Priority 74Create Order Out of Chaos 77Make Fact-Informed Gut Decisions 80Earn Your Stripes 82Chapter 6: Adopt Winning Work Habits 85Work Hard without Feeling Overworked 85Show You Know Your Customers 88Be Part of the Solution 91Pay Attention to Details (without Being a Control Freak) 93Add Value Through Simplicity 96Persist and Be Patient 97Chapter 7: Choose Carefully the Company You Keep 101Surround Yourself with A-Plus Talent 101Find the Right Mentors 106Choose Your Mentors 107Mentor/Mentee Relationship Guidelines 108Know When to Stay and When to Go 109When to Go 110When to Stay 111Leaving the Right Way 112Trust Your Unique Path 113Chapter 8: Embrace the Power of Kindness 117Walk in Others’ Shoes 118How to Develop Empathy 120Get to Know Your Team 121Say Thank You and Mean It 123Gratitude is Contagious 124How to Show Gratitude 124Create Fun and Joy 126Exude Energy and Optimism 128Keep Your Surroundings Positive 129How to Foster Optimism in Yourself and Your Environment 130Chapter 9: Take Care of What Matters 133Protect Your Calendar 133Meetings 135The Should-Dos Trap 137Be Your Own Top Priority 139Put Your Family First 140Make Health and Fitness a Priority 142Work Out 143Eat Right 145Sleep More 145Live Life to the Fullest 147Acknowledgements 149About the Author 151Index 153