What Is A 30-60-90 Plan?

So, what is this 30-60-90 plan?

Imagine it as your roadmap for the first three months at a new tech startup.

Yes, that’s right, the numbers 30, 60, and 90 correspond to the days within that crucial period.

Why should you care about this plan in the tech startup world? Picture this: startups move at lightning speed and every second counts. By having a structured plan, you can hit the ground running and make a meaningful impact immediately.

Think of the 30-60-90 plan as your secret weapon, guiding you through the initial phase of your journey in a tech startup or entering a new role. Embrace it, and watch how it propels you forward in your career.

The First 30 Days: Laying the Groundwork

The first 30 days are about laying a strong foundation to support your growth and success in the company. Let’s explore what you can expect and how to set yourself up for achievement.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during the initial days. The company culture might differ from what you’re used to, but remember, everyone was once in your shoes. Take the time to observe, learn, and adapt. Embrace the company’s values and beliefs—they are the guiding principles that drive success.

4 Strategies For Adapting Company Culture

Identify the Company Values + Mission

Learn the company values and mission and how you align with the mission. Are there specific company guidelines you’re expected to follow? For example, if you’re 100% remote worker, does the company require camera on at all times? When you understand the company values and mission up front, you can adapt quickly.

Understand Products + Services

Immerse yourself in the company’s product or service. Understand its features, benefits, and how it stands out. This knowledge will help you contribute effectively and showcase your interest and dedication. Create a list of questions to identify and close knowledge gaps.

Create an Acronym Folder

Every company has a unique way of shortening industry terms or using new ones. As a newcomer, it’s important to identify the company’s “lingo” quickly. Keep a folder to keep all the new terms you will be learning. Also lean on your peers. Identify who the subject matter experts are and ask them for quick terms that are used often.

Get To Know Your Team

Get to know your team and their roles within the organization. Building solid relationships with your colleagues, from top management to peers, can significantly enhance your work experience. Collaboration is critical in a startup environment where teamwork often leads to innovative solutions.

60 Days: Finding Your Feet

As you approach 60 days, you must implement all the valuable knowledge you’ve acquired during your initial phase. This means actively seeking opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios within the company. Take on small projects to demonstrate your skills and enhance your understanding.

Remember, no matter how minor, every task contributes to your growth and integration into the team. By immersing yourself in hands-on experiences, you’ll solidify your learning and showcase your capabilities to your peers and supervisors.

Collaborating with the Team

Collaboration is the cornerstone of success in any team environment, especially in a dynamic tech startup. During this period, try to engage with your colleagues, share ideas, and contribute to group projects. Building strong collaborative relationships is not just about completing tasks; it’s about fostering creativity, innovation, and a positive work culture.

Be open to feedback, actively listen to your team members’ perspectives, and offer your insights wherever possible. Remember, collaboration is a two-way street where everyone has a unique contribution to make. By actively participating in group efforts, you’ll strengthen your bond with your colleagues and gain a deeper appreciation for collective achievement.

Setting New Goals for Continued Growth

As you navigate through the next 30 days, you must set new goals that align with your evolving role and responsibilities within the team. These goals should challenge you to push beyond your comfort zone, acquire new skills, and make a tangible impact on the projects you undertake.

Consider setting specific objectives such as completing a significant project, proposing innovative solutions to existing challenges, or streamlining a team process for greater efficiency. By defining clear goals for yourself, you create a roadmap for progress and a sense of purpose in your daily tasks.

• Example Goal 1: Contribute significantly to a team project by leveraging your expertise in a specific area.
• Example Goal 2: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop a new feature for the company’s product, showcasing your ability to work in diverse environments.

Remember, setting goals is not just about achieving targets; it’s about continuous improvement, adaptability, and staying ahead in a competitive industry.

90 Days: Making Your Mark

These last 30 days are your opportunity to truly make your mark and show the company what you can. This period is about taking ownership, defining success metrics, setting impactful goals, and solidifying your presence in the company. Let’s dive in!

Taking Ownership: Leading Small Initiatives

As you enter the last phase of your plan, it’s time to step up and take ownership of your work. This means being proactive, leading small initiatives, and showcasing your abilities. By owning your projects, you demonstrate to your team and superiors that you can be entrusted with responsibilities.

• Defining Success Metrics: Success metrics are the key indicators determining whether a project or task has succeeded. Take the time to understand what success looks like for your current projects and ensure your efforts align with these metrics.
• Presenting Findings: Public speaking may seem daunting, but it’s an essential skill. Whether presenting project results or sharing insights, effectively communicating your findings is crucial in showcasing your contributions.
• Becoming a Go-To Resource: To become a valuable asset to the company, aim to become a go-to resource in your area of expertise. Offer help, share knowledge, and be someone your colleagues can rely on for guidance.

Setting Goals: Demonstrate Value to the Company

During these final 30 days, your goals should emphasize showcasing your value and impact within the organization. It’s your chance to prove that you are a vital team member and can contribute significantly to the company’s success.

• Lead a Small Project: Take on a project that allows you to demonstrate your skills and leadership abilities. Show that you can drive results and deliver quality outcomes.
• Present Findings to Leadership: Share your insights and results with key stakeholders or leadership. This demonstrates your ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate effectively.
• Mentor a New Hire: Pay it forward by sharing your knowledge and experience with a new team member. Mentoring not only helps others but also reflects positively on your leadership capabilities.

Strategies for Success

As you navigate the final 30 days, here are some strategies to help you succeed:

1. Build a Professional Network: Cultivate relationships within and outside the company. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
2. Develop a Personal Brand: Define what sets you apart and how you want to be perceived professionally. Your personal brand is your unique identity in the workplace.
3. Set Long-Term Career Goals: Start thinking about your future aspirations and goals. Where do you see yourself in the next few years? Setting long-term career goals can provide direction and motivation.

These strategies, coupled with your determination and hard work, will help you make the most of the final 30 days of your 30-60-90 plan.

Keep pushing yourself, stay engaged, and leave a lasting impression as you wrap up this phase.