How to gain SMB management experience

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by a searcher from Colorado State University
in Fairfield, CT, USA

3yrs ago

How to gain SMB management experience

I've worked in software for 10 years and would like to gain experience managing an SMB workforce before ownership. Are there any good ways to do this without being an owner? For example, shadowing an owner for a month, taking a 1 year role as a GM, leading ops at an SMB, etc. Has anyone done anything like this?

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reply by a searcher 3yrs ago
from University of Southern California in Atlanta, GA, USA

Hard to answer this without knowing your background, particularly managing people. So as far as jumping straight into GM and managing teams, owners may be tentative there--particularly if you're not there for the long haul. However founders have a backlog of strategic projects they never seem to be able to get to and you could lead one of those (sales process, HR overhaul, tech assessment, etc...). Just start reaching out to owners in fields that interest you, don't let compensation get in the way of solid opportunity for experience. Express you're up for anything, you're just looking to learn and add value. You'll be surprised at the opportunities you'll be given with that open mindset.

reply by a professional 3yrs ago
from University of Minnesota in Anchorage, AK, USA

The software world needs managers. I'd talk to your current employer and see if there are opportunities to move in to a mgmt role. Buildign skills and experience in how to manage people is the most important component. The other option is to look for projects, like ^redacted‌ suggested. Those will be short term and have expected results you can deliver on and build your resume. There's an incredible amount of learning opportunity in the project construct and like Nick said, that is worth a lot, especially if you've got bigger ambitions.