Interview with Erik Grueter, Founder of ‘Break Into Startup Marketing’

Article Update: Mr. Grueter no longer offers the listed course, but read more to learn about his entrepreneurial journey.

What is your course and what does it offer?

Break Into Startup Marketing teaches recent graduates and career changers how to break in the start up job of their dreams. The course provides exact word for word scripts and strategies that top candidates use to stand out in interviews, and network their way into exciting offers at top tech companies.

At whom is your course aimed?

This course is designed for recent graduates with a strong desire to break into a technology company as a first or second job.

How does your it stand out against its competitors?

This course was created based on my personal experience going from unemployed student to the first hire at several successful start up companies. Break Into a Tech Startup breaks the job search down step by step, allowing students from any background to enter this close knit industry.

Where did the idea for the course come from?

I truly believe that the best business ideas come from the problems the entrepreneur faces personally. I was a complete outsider, and went through the entire process to become a tech startup insider. Now that I faced this challenge myself, I know how to solve it inside and out.

I want to share these experiences and strategies with others, because I know first hand how difficult this transition can be – I have no doubt that students will fast track their way into a tech company with this knowledge.

Did you have any concerns when starting your business, if so what were they?

My big concern is ensuring that the right folks are able to get their hands on this program.

I know that the job search can be overwhelming – most traditional job search advice is targeted toward people who are looking for standard 9-5 jobs.

Startups are not 9-5 jobs – this is a niche were resumes, certifications, and an impressive academic pedigree are MUCH less valuable than raw intelligence, network, hustle, and the right set of strategies.

What is your business background, and what got you interested in startups?

I’ve been interested in tech startups as long as I can remember I think that it was probably my dad’s experiences working for technology companies during the first tech boom in the 90’s.

How did you initially raise funding for your this venture?

This company was bootstrapped, I never raised a dime of venture money.

How long has this been in the making, and who is the team behind the business?

This course is 3 years in the making, I originally got into technology startups after I graduated from college and began looking to tech for my first role. It was there that I began to develop the strategy I would use to land my first tech startup job.

Right now I am running a small marketing consulting company based on my experiences working for these startups. I still implement the tactics and strategies outlined in this course to this day.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

My biggest challenge was video production – This was my first foray into video production and I was a bit nervous, but I know that the content stands for itself, even If i’m no voice actor.

In the coming year, what would you like to achieve with your business?

Each year, over 1 million students graduate into an economy they’re not prepared for. I want to reach as many of these students as I can so that I can help him to find their way in an economy where a good degree no longer means fulfilling and exciting work. I’ve set a goal to reach 10,000 students this year we’re already at almost 3000, I think we’re on the right track.

What has been your most valuable lesson so far since starting your business?

Focus on the customer – whether it is a client you are doing consulting for, or a potential hiring company who you are trying to impress. it’s all about finding out what they really need and want, and creating a resume or service to fit this need.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about starting a

business, what would it be?

Focus on solving real burning problems, not pie in the sky ideas.

Innovative companies often began their life solving a basic, known need and expanding. Start with a simple business model you can execute on today and slowly add complexity and scale – this is the secret those who have bootstrapped companies use to get their firm off the ground.