Tag: startup team members

  • Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas For Startup Teams

    Gift-giving has been a special behaviour in human beings. It is a surprisingly complex and important part of human interaction. At its core, giving gifts is about connecting with others and strengthening bonds. The act reaffirms ties between people and conveys that the relationship matters. Picking out a thoughtful gift for someone requires spending a good amount of time understanding their personality, interests, and needs. It is about shifting the focus from oneself to bringing joy to others.

    In terms of business, the Christmas festive season makes for a great way for startups to give gifts to their employees as a token of appreciation. During Christmas, the startups can consider giving thoughtful gifts to their teams that can help boost their morale, productivity, and happiness.

    Startups are important drivers of innovation. They can create new solutions to problems or needs in the marketplace. Startups may be small companies, but they can play a significant role in economic growth. Entrepreneurs and their teams work tirelessly to build something meaningful, so what better way to show appreciation than with a thoughtful gift?

    The holiday season can sometimes feel challenging for startup teams, juggling tight budgets and time away from work. However, thoughtful gifts during this time can help lift spirits, improve morale, and show the team that their hard work is truly valued.

    So, if you’re a startup looking for some cool Christmas gift ideas, we’ve got you covered. Without any further ado, let’s explore some of the best Christmas gift ideas that startups can consider for their teams.

    “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ―H. Jackson Brown Jr

    Software Subscription
    USB Adapters
    Cord Organizer
    Productivity Planner
    Desk Essentials
    Portable Laptop Monitor
    Calendar Dry Erase Board
    A Great Book on Entrepreneurship
    Virtual Keyboard
    Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
    E-Book Reader
    OTT Streaming Subscription
    Smart Water Bottle
    Coffee Machine
    Handheld Scanner
    Projector
    Portable Chargers
    Smart Speakers
    Smart Watch
    Adjustable Laptop Stand
    Nice Laptop Bag
    Desk Plants
    Custom Gift Cards
    Relaxation Gift Sets
    Professional Courses
    Snacks Gift Baskets
    Gym Membership or Fitness Pass
    Standing Desk

    Software Subscription

    By subscribing to a hosting service, startups can easily access the latest software innovations from companies like Figma, Framer, InVision, Marvel, or Axure to create early product demos and mock-ups. The subscription can also include discounts of 1-year access to essential software such as Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft 365 at a lower cost. This can make for a thoughtful and practical gift for startup teams, helping them simplify their work while saving on costs. This way, startups can focus on their core business while the hosting provider handles the logistics, engineering maintenance, and upgrades.

    USB Adapters

    Nowadays, many new laptops don’t have USB ports, which can be inconvenient for people who want to connect different devices to their laptops. But there is good news. USB adapters are available to solve this problem. These adapters provide multiple ports and help you connect different devices with ease. Some USB-C adapters can even charge phones or tablets quickly, ensuring that startup teams can keep their devices running without worrying about limited laptop ports.

    Cord Organizer

    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startups - Cord Organizer
    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startup Teams – Cord Organizer

    Startup employees tend to have many electronic gadgets and charging cables, resulting in a tangled mass of cords. With the use of cord organizers, workspaces can be made more aesthetically pleasing and organized. Cord organizers help keep desks organized and presentable for customers, business associates, and guests. Some cord organizers are designed to be portable, allowing employees to carry their cables conveniently. 

    Productivity Planner

    Productivity plays a big part in many people’s lives. It tracks your schedule, the work you complete, and (of course) your productivity. The Productivity Planner is extremely useful for business owners looking to take control and start achieving maximum efficiency. Its main purpose is to document your work and plan out your day, and writing in one can also increase your productivity. Productivity planners can boost productivity by introducing a habit among the team.

    Desk Essentials

    Giving startup employees desk necessities allows them some individualization. Workers can set up their office desks in a way that best suits them, which encourages a sense of fulfillment and ownership. Trays, file organizers, holders, and other organizing supplies assist staff members in maintaining a neat and orderly workstation. Given their versatility and ability to accommodate a range of work styles and preferences, they make for excellent Christmas gifts for the employees.


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    Portable Laptop Monitor

    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startups - Portable Laptop Monitor
    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startup Teams – Portable Laptop Monitor

    Portable laptop monitors provide one with a full second screen to work from and clamp directly onto the laptop computer. It enables employees to multitask, which boosts their total productivity. It turns into a handy tool for group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and presentations, encouraging better teamwork. When there is a shortage of space, a portable monitor can maximize desk area and eliminate the requirement for a permanent dual-monitor configuration.

    Calendar Dry Erase Board

    This is a clear acrylic wall calendar with dry-erase markers. It comes in multiple sizes and can be customized to provide the ideal, sophisticated appearance for your space. Organizing a new business in this way is a terrific idea. Team members are more likely to be accountable when the calendar is visible. By offering a shared, user-friendly platform where everyone can view significant dates and events, this solution reduces the possibility of miscommunications or missed deadlines. It also functions as a tasteful yet subtle piece of wall decor.

    A Great Book on Entrepreneurship

    There are thousands of books available for entrepreneurs, making them a thoughtful gift for startup teams. Entrepreneur books are incredibly popular for self-education. Becoming an entrepreneur requires immense determination, and the best books for entrepreneurs offer valuable knowledge and guidance to help them succeed in their journey.

    Virtual Keyboard

    The Virtual Keyboard is designed to protect your password from malicious “Spyware” and “Trojan Programs”. The use of a Virtual keyboard will reduce the risk of password theft. The most important advantage of virtual laser keyboard technology is the relative ease by which these devices may accompany smaller hardware. The virtual laser keyboard is projected by a small device that easily travels with this other technology.


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    Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

    Noise-cancelling technology aggressively decreases or eliminates ambient sounds, resulting in a quieter atmosphere. This is especially helpful in chaotic startup settings or open offices since it helps the person wearing it focus on duties without being distracted by background noise. Employees can work more efficiently, fulfill deadlines, and work in concentrated, uninterrupted sessions. Many noise-canceling headphones have ergonomic designs and cushioned ear cups to make them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

    Bluetooth technology makes mobile phones more functional. Bluetooth is a high-speed, low-powered wireless link technology that is designed to connect phones or other portable equipment.

    Benefits of Bluetooth headset for business mobile phones:

    • Hands-free mobile phone use
    • Bluetooth headset is inexpensive
    • Bluetooth provides very low interference
    • Bluetooth is reliable and universal
    • Bluetooth consumes little energy
    • Bluetooth devices are wireless
    • Bluetooth is automatic

    E-Book Reader

    An e-book reader is a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to read. It’s compact, portable, and opens up access to hundreds of books on the go, whether for learning or leisure.

    OTT Streaming Subscription

    We all love binge-watching our favourite shows. An OTT streaming subscription is a fun way to gift some entertainment. Consider gifting a yearly subscription to platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ Hotstar—your team will thank you!

    Smart Water Bottle

    Smart water bottles are great for health-conscious employees who may be having trouble with their diet plan or productivity because they are not drinking enough water. Drinking enough water each day is an important part of improving your health and fitness. Smart water bottles track your water intake throughout the day and tell you when you need to drink more, making a meaningful Christmas gift for your team.

    Coffee Machine

    A coffee maker can make employees happy by letting them easily enjoy their favourite coffee. It’s also great for remote workers, giving them a quick energy boost on busy days. With a coffee maker, they don’t need to leave their desk to get a good cup of coffee, saving time and helping them stay focused.

    Handheld Scanner

    A handheld scanner is an electronic device that performs the task of scanning documents just like a flatbed scanner. Handheld scanners are an extremely valuable tool for communication purposes. Several different technologies have made modern handheld scanners incredibly advantageous. Handheld scanners come in several different sizes. Handheld scanners are more popular because of their space-carrying capacity and portability, making them a useful Christmas gift for the team.


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    Projector

    During meetings, workshops, or presentations, a projector is a vital tool for conveying concepts, information, and data since it enables large-scale visual presentations. It ensures that everyone in the room can easily follow along and enhances visual communication. Slideshows, presentations, films, and live demos are just a few of the content kinds that can be displayed on a projector. Due to its adaptability, it can be used in a variety of work environments and industries, making it a great present for entrepreneurs.

    Portable Chargers

    The portable chargers are handy and proficient enough to recharge your phone in a very short period and at any place. Most of the time, when you are in a hurry for some urgent meetings, family calling, or other emergencies and you find your phone’s battery is drained then you can use portable chargers. The best things about these portable cell phone chargers are that they are not only light enough to carry but also come without any unnecessary wires and cables.

    Smart Speakers

    Smart speakers, such as those powered by virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, offer hands-free assistance. Busy startup professionals will find this feature especially helpful as it allows them to make reminders, quickly access information, and complete tasks without interrupting their main duties. A smart speaker may act as a central hub for managing various devices, which is why many startups are implementing intelligent office solutions. This covers security cameras, smart lighting, thermostats, and other devices. Users of these gadgets can also use them for entertainment, such as listening to a podcast or music.


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    Smart Watch

    Smartwatches are wearable computers in the form of wristwatches providing more features besides timekeeping. Smartwatches provide easy access to some of the smartphone applications and also provide sensor data like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking which isn’t available on smartphones. Smartwatches provide an extension to your smartphone showing some of the content you could see on your phone but without reaching for your phone. Step counting, Heart Rate Monitoring, and GPS are some of the features that may come with a smartwatch.

    Adjustable Laptop Stand

    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startups - Adjustable Laptop Stand
    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startup Teams – Adjustable Laptop Stand

    An adjustable laptop stand enables you to raise and lower the height of your laptop to maintain a better ergonomic posture while you use it.

    Below are the reasons you should use a laptop stand:

    • If you use your laptop with an external monitor, raising the laptop to a similar height as your monitor will help prevent eyestrain and neck pain.
    • Using a height-adjustable laptop stand to keep the laptop above your desk surface—or lap—will help keep it cooler. Your laptop’s performance can suffer if it gets too hot.
    • An ergonomic laptop stand can help you position the angle of your laptop so you can reduce screen glare, which can lead to eye strain and headaches.
    • Many laptop stands have advanced features that can be very handy, including extra USB ports and cable management, a small drawer, or even a slot to hold your smartphone.

    Nice Laptop Bag

    No one carries a laptop and other essential gadgets with empty hands. For carrying a laptop and other gadgets you need a bag that will protect and cover against dust and other physical damages. Everyone can benefit from a designer laptop bag and they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes from backpacks to trendy handbags to shoulder bag styles.

    Desk Plants

    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startup Teams - Desk Plants
    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startup Teams – Desk Plants

    Desk plants are a simple way to brighten up any workspace. Low-maintenance options like succulents or small potted plants add a little nature and help improve mood and air quality. It is a perfect gift for making the office desk feel more alive.


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    Custom Gift Cards

    Custom gift cards are all about flexibility and personalisation. Whether it’s for a favourite store, an online platform, or a local experience, they let the recipient choose exactly what they want. A great idea for your startup team to grab what they need for Christmas.

    Relaxation Gift Sets

    Relaxation gift sets are perfect for some much-needed self-care. Nowadays, there are many items available for creating a sense of relaxation, like scented candles, bath salts, essential oils, and more. With stress levels rising among professionals, this is a thoughtful gift to help your team relax after a hectic day.

    Professional Courses

    Professional courses are a smart gift for a team looking to grow. Whether it’s a business management course or a creative workshop, it’s a great way to encourage both personal and professional development.

    Snacks Gift Baskets

    Who doesn’t love snacks? Snack gift baskets are fun and practical, especially for startup teams. You can consider making customised snack baskets containing healthy snack items like seeds, nuts, foxnuts, etc. This makes for a perfect gift for working professionals to keep their energy levels up during long workdays.

    Gym Membership or Fitness Pass

    A gym membership or fitness pass is a great way to encourage health and wellness. It promotes a balanced lifestyle and helps your team stay active and energised. With the New Year around the corner, it’s the perfect gift to start the year strong.

    Standing Desk

    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startups - Standing Desk
    Christmas Gift Ideas for Startup Teams – Standing Desk

    A standing height adjustable desk allows users to customize their workspace to create an ergonomic setting. Allowing users to customize the desk height to their desired setting improves comfort and lowers the risk of pain and musculoskeletal problems brought on by prolonged sitting. Throughout the day, employees can effortlessly shift between standing and sitting positions. Therefore, a desk with adjustable height is a kind and health-conscious gift.

    Conclusion

    This Christmas festive season, choose presents that align with the entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging teams to flourish in the ever-changing world of innovation. As we exchange holiday joy, these thoughtfully selected gifts represent a commitment to boost creativity, teamwork, and well-being that is essential for any startup to thrive in the economy.


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  • How to Build a Great Startup Team? | Tips to Keep In Mind While Developing a Startup Team

    There is a quote that we often hear “Teamwork makes a dream work.” Any startup’s journey to success begins with a great team. The team will determine whether the startup turns into a business model or a thing of the past. According to statistics, not having the right team is the third-highest factor (accounts for 18%) behind the failure of startups and the startup failure rate itself is 44%. There’s no such thing as a startup having a sole owner. If you come across successful startup stories, you will find that they owe all their success to their team. If you’re thinking of launching your very own startup, make sure you have a great team.

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    In this article, we will talk about how to build a great team for your startup. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

    How to Build a Startup Team?
    What Must Your Team Be Made up Of?
    Factors to Avoid While Building a Team

    How to Build a Startup Team?

    A team that believes in the vision and works tirelessly to achieve it is an answer that gets an A+. Unfortunately, it is slightly more complicated than that. When we break down what makes a great team, the two things that are extremely significant while building the perfect startup team are:

    The Vision

    It starts with your vision. The teams that are self-aware have fared better than the teams with no clear thought process. Dedication and perseverance are great qualities to have, but if they were the only necessary ones, the failure rate of startups would be less. Everyone needs to be in the same boat, row, and in the same direction that will get you ahead. However, every startup needs an edge.

    It is what makes your crew WANT to row in the same direction and a willingness to work with others to make it happen. In order to achieve this, you have to convince each and every person in your team and make them believe in your vision. Your vision must ultimately result in making your customer’s life better. Every team member must individually feel responsible for that. Only then will they give their heart, soul, and maybe even throw in an arm and a leg to see your vision come true.

    The Hiring Process

    What is the process to hire a dream team? There is neither a rule book nor an HR policy in your case. The process is tough and will send you somersaulting for suitable hires. A potential hire is one with a great attitude. If that person is smart and gets things done in time, recruit them. A likeable personality is a bonus. Scout colleges, browse LinkedIn profiles and network with your circle. Sell them your vision. Define startup roles and responsibilities accordingly. Hiring five managers because they are excellent is a hiring disaster. Take only the people you need.

    However, cooperation is slightly more important than talent in the beginning stages. A team with a tight bond is more likely to achieve success than one in a constant state of the cold war. Never settle. If your vision excites them as much as it excites you, hire them! An important thing to remember when interviewing a candidate is to see if they will stay with you at least until the startup is solid. A good way to ensure that is to have a transparent contract, binding them for a stipulated time.

    That being said, recruit as if you were recruiting for a business and not a startup. That way you don’t have to hunt for a new core team when your startup turns into a full-fledged business. Beware of bad hires. A bad hire in a corporation results in a loss of time and money. A bad hire in a startup is a recipe for failure.

    What Must Your Team Be Made up Of?

    After the hassle of recruiting is over, we have a team. Let’s dissect the team. An ideal team is balanced. If there’s a risk-taker, then there must a speed breaker. The startup team structure should be made up of – a brainiac, a hard worker, a financial expert, a crisis solver, and a leader. These traits are not mutually exclusive and are a generalized set of traits that any startup needs. Your team needs at least one person for each trait.

    Team Dynamics

    The core team is the face of the company. Their personalities and interactions will breed the eventual company culture. That is why initial hiring is difficult and important. A core team for a startup is like a family. The company’s losses and gains are personal to them. Your team must at the very base get along. Connect with individual members and make them feel like family. That will result in their 100% effort. Be open with your team right from the hiring process. Be clear about your expectations of them. It is better to have someone not aligned with your goals quit sooner rather than later. Earn their trust.

    Even if things don’t go well, inform them. Don’t get too caught up in work though. Take time out to enjoy yourselves occasionally. It shouldn’t be all work and no play. Also, continuously monitor and evaluate your team to find and remove inefficiencies.

    Role of a Leader

    We are yet to discuss the importance of a leader. There are a lot of unknowns at the start. A leader must be an idea-generator, a crisis averted, a problem solver, and must also constantly boost the morale of co-workers. If that leader is you, then you better start working on these skills. Soft skills are important as well. Develop a good rapport with the team. If at any point in time, the team loses a sense of direction the startup will sink. The leader must keep them on track.

    Most Importantly, the early stages are critical and can make or break the team. Early-stage leaders are in a position to make the most impact as compared to the later stages, where the company already runs on a well-defined set of factors. A CEO at that point has no major impact on the process, only the major decisions. The leader is also responsible for the kind of image the company projects. If the company has an online presence, then the CEO’s personal opinions if expressed become a reflection of the company’s culture and policies.

    Factors to avoid while building a team

    There are some factors that you should avoid while building a proper startup team and they are:

    • Avoid homogeneity at all costs. Like-minded people rather than minds that think alike. Homogeneity kills creativity. There would be no exchange of ideas as everyone will agree on a single idea. Everyone has the same weaknesses and strengths. There is no balance. Don’t sacrifice diversity at the altar of cooperation.
    • Don’t take the pressure of hiring on your head. If it proves to be difficult to obtain recruits, hire a recruiter. It is a good investment in the long run.
    • Don’t prolong firing a bad hire. Cut your losses now rather than incur them later.
    • Do not reject people who have faced failure. They are more likely to take risks, which is what startups need.
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    Conclusion

    Having said that, there are no ‘building teams for dummies’ or ‘advanced team-building theories’ to get you there. The startup journey is a rollercoaster. Many times, you may have to ‘wing it’. The dynamic nature is what makes it a thrilling journey. Seeing your vision turn into reality after putting in months or years of work is highly rewarding. The journey is as important as the destination and the right team makes it an enriching experience. Remember, your company is only as good as its core team for startups.

    FAQs

    What makes a successful startup team?

    Startup experience, product knowledge, and industry skills predict the success of a new venture.

    How do you strengthen your team?

    6 Ways to Strengthen Your Team:

    • Hire with Purpose.
    • Lead by Example.
    • Communicate Effectively.
    • Ask for Feedback.
    • Team Building.
    • Recognize and Appreciate.

    How do you start a startup team with no money?

    Tips to start a startup team with no money:

    • Stay true to the core purpose.
    • Form a kickass team.
    • Expand your social media presence.
    • Collaborate with established brands.
    • Make every customer feel special.
    • Keep an eye on your competitors.
    • Make the most out of the tools.