Navigating the startup world can be both exhilarating and challenging, requiring a blend of skills, adaptability, and perseverance.
Success hinges not just on innovative ideas but on the ability to execute, manage time effectively, and continuously learn and grow. As Head of Marketing at Sleepwave, Erin Anderson shares her insights on the essential skills that drive success in the startup environment.
Erin has nearly a decade of experience in the health tech industry. She joined Sleepwave during its pre-launch phase and, since the app’s release in 2022, it has received thousands of 5-star ratings and over 1.5 million downloads. In addition to her work with Sleepwave, Erin helps support the growth for its sister app, SnoreLab, which has achieved over 14 million downloads worldwide since its launch in 2012. Sleepwave and SnoreLab are both part of Reviva Softworks, a company renowned for its creation of leading apps and innovative technologies.
Before joining Sleepwave, Erin worked for an EU-backed healthcare network, where she quickly rose to the position of Communications & Public Affairs Manager for the UK-Ireland region. In this role, she collaborated with leading health tech startups, championing their innovations on a global scale.
From the importance of execution and time management to embracing a broader understanding of business operations and trusting your voice, especially as a woman in tech, these lessons provide invaluable guidance for anyone looking to thrive in a startup setting.
The power of execution
Execution is everything. At Reviva Softworks, we’ve developed three apps and work simultaneously across multiple projects, which often sparks excitement about new ideas and plans. However, the real challenge is bringing those ideas to life. To make this happen, our entire product and development work very closely together. This approach helps prevent miscommunication, keeps everyone on the same page, and ensures that projects reach the finish line.
Manage your time wisely
In a startup, particularly in a small team, there are many moving parts. It’s important to manage your time and, where possible, set aside periods for intensive, uninterrupted work. This way, when it’s time to collaborate with your team, you can be fully present and engaged, without being distracted by other tasks or to-do lists.
Embrace learning how a business works
Working in a startup offers an incredible opportunity to learn how a business operates and to develop skills beyond your main role. In my case, this has included exposure to business development, operations, and recruitment. This exposure has made me more confident in making decisions with the team that will drive our growth to the next level.
Trust your voice
Entering the tech industry as a woman can be daunting, but I’ve learned to trust my voice and share my thoughts on ideas and decisions. While I may not always be right (and let’s face it, no one is), it’s important to remember that most people are willing to listen and value your perspective. The best discussions happen when people come together and reach a consensus. So my advice is: don’t hesitate to contribute – your voice matters.
Build a habit of goal-setting
Setting daily and weekly goals has been my go-to habit for the last few years. Whether you’re writing them down or using tools like those we have in Sleepwave, goals help you stay focused and ensure you achieve what you set out to do. I set both work and personal goals because both are important and they have some overlap. For me, exercise is key – it helps me stay clear-headed, happier, and more productive at work.
