Small companies
Jhauma, congratulations; however, you are not the only hard worker here.
I wish you a good luck with small company; I work for some small companies and finally quit - there might be no seniority lists in ones which is plus. Minus is tipically type and location of work, duty times, heli maintenance and vulnerability against big players.
I hope it wont be the situation with yours.
Regarding the priority for employment, while you mention it: It is still a moto: It doesn't matter what do you know but who do you know.
Best regards, happy landings. Mike