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Internal Communication will change as you grow from Startup to Scaleup
Effective communication is key to the success of any business, regardless of its size.
Starting a business is no easy feat. In fact, it is estimated that only 10% of startups survive and go on to become successful businesses. However, for those that do survive, growth becomes the next challenge. As a company grows from a startup to a scaleup, communication changes as well.
Informal to Formal
In the early stages of a startup, communication is often informal and ad-hoc. The team is small, and everyone is in close proximity to one another. Communication tends to be direct and face-to-face, with little need for formal processes. In these early stages, everyone is working towards a common goal, and the focus is on getting things done quickly.
The Need for Structure
As a startup begins to grow and attract more employees, communication becomes more structured. This is because the team is no longer able to communicate effectively using ad-hoc methods. As more people join the team, communication needs to be more formalized to ensure that everyone is on the same page. At this stage, communication tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams may be introduced to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Communicating on the right things
As a company continues to grow and become a scaleup, communication becomes even more formalized. This is because there are more people involved in the decision-making process, and it is important to ensure that everyone is aware of what is going on. In addition, as the company grows, there may be more specialized teams that require their own communication channels. This is where tools such as Asana or Trello can come into play, allowing teams to collaborate on projects in a more structured way.
Information Dissemination
Another way that communication changes as a company grows is in the way that information is disseminated. In a startup, information is often shared informally, with everyone aware of what is going on. However, as a company grows, it becomes more difficult to ensure that everyone is up-to-date with the latest information. This is where internal newsletters or town hall meetings can become important tools for keeping everyone informed.
The role of Culture
Finally, as a company becomes a scaleup, communication also needs to take into account the company culture. This is because the culture of a company can impact the way that people communicate with one another. For example, if the company culture is very hierarchical, communication may be more formalized and top-down. However, if the culture is more collaborative, communication may be more informal and bottom-up.
In conclusion, as a company grows from a startup to a scaleup, communication changes as well. In the early stages, communication is informal and ad-hoc, but as the company grows, communication becomes more formalized and structured. This is to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that communication channels are optimized for efficiency. As the company culture evolves, communication also needs to take into account the culture of the organization. Ultimately, effective communication is key to the success of any business, regardless of its size.
Read this article on common assumptions surrounding internal communications that can help you find the right tools for the stage that your business is in.
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