One valuable lesson I learned from my partners at a previous startup, Sportaroo (now @SPRNTnews), is the value of distribution channel partnerships (especially when done right).

I have always found working the channels to the market the most challenging task in a startup. Partnerships (done right) give you a boost.

It makes the early days of a business (a startup) much easier when you launch with a partner, who can give you a channel to your target market, in the return for something you offer of value. This is because:

• Advertising can be expensive.
• It takes a lot of effort to work the channels.
• You’re likely doing a few people’s jobs as a founder, already.

What are you experiences with market channels and channel partners?