When I meet entrepreneurs my first question is: “Do you run?” Usually they look at me with puzzled eyes, and then I explain: There is one thing that is common to all entrepreneurs: they are always running. They run after their production, costumers, investors… as an ultra-marathon runner I see an inseparable connection between long distance running and building a startup. You basically go on a journey that will have lots of ups and downs and you need to make sure that you have the best support crew to help you get through.
Let’s Run A Marathon!
As a startup you are aware of the challenges of making the right decisions, especially when there is always the stress of time, money and tight timelines. As startups are under constant pressure, they tend to go with platforms that they are familiar with. However, the choice which cloud platform to use should be made not only from a technology perspective but also from a business one.
What Are The REAL Benefits That You Get?
All cloud providers offer credits but that is a tactical consideration, one of many, and we are strategic thinkers. In addition to the valuable credits, I highly recommend thinking about your support crew for the journey. Hence, who do you choose to be your partner in both aspects: technological and business.
Here are few benefits you want to make sure that you receive:
- One-on-one meetings with an architect that specializes in the technological field that your product is in, and can help you build an architecture that will save you time and cloud costs later
- One-on-one meetings with a professional account manager from your cloud provider who works with potential customers that can be your design partner in the future
- One-on-one meetings with a business development manager that will help you build a go-to-market strategy
- Mentorship from the leading figures of the cloud provider in business and technological aspects
- Opportunity for future collaboration with the cloud provider’s product groups
- Access to other key stakeholders at the provider’s company that will help your startup grow and sell
So, What’s The Bottom Line?
“If you want to run fast, run alone (but you won’t get far…), but if you want to run far – run together”. Since the journey is long and challenging you need to think with a long-distance running state of mind. All cloud providers offer credits, that is a given, but are only a fraction of the long-term benefits that you can receive from your cloud provider. Make sure you choose the right partners for your startup long distance running. Good luck!
This Article Was Written By Liat Netanel – Ecosystem Business Development Manager at Microsoft For Startups, responsible for building strategic and long lasting business relationships that drive value and create exciting opportunities in the startup world.
Contact her at v-lineta@microsoft.com
