One of the key reasons
for an established professional
to sign on
with a start up organization
is the possibility of ownership.
It is assumed
when you interview for these positions
that you ask about ownership
or stock options.
That discussion won’t be originated
by the interviewers
(because no one volunteers to give up ownership)
but you’ll look like
a dumb ass if you don’t ask.
I ALWAYS ask,
regardless of the size of the company.
There is no downside to asking.
No one has ever passed up a prospective employee
because she believes in the company
and wants to own a piece of it.
In fact, if a job candidate
didn’t ask,
I’d wonder if she was the right candidate.
Ask for a piece of the company
you will work for.