Utilities Management
(Or: "How to keep the lights on without losing your mind or your money.")
2.2.1 Internet & Phones
What It’s All About:
"Your internet is your startup’s oxygen. Choose wrong, and you’ll spend more time yelling at customer care than building your business."
💡 Pro Tips:
• Dual ISP Setup: Always have two providers (e.g., Airtel + local fiber). Cost: ~₹5K/month extra, but saves you when one fails during a client call.
• Static IP: Essential if you host servers/VPNs. Without it, your payroll team might get locked out mid-month.
• Phone Lines: Use cloud PBX (Ex: Exotel, JustCall) instead of traditional landlines. Cheaper, scalable, and remote-friendly.
🔥 Horror Story:
A Mumbai fintech startup relied on one ISP. During a major outage, they missed a ₹2Cr investor call. The deal went to a competitor.
Self-Assessment:
"Does your internet setup have…"
✅ 99.9% uptime guarantee in contract?
✅ Automatic failover to backup?
✅ Customer care escalation contacts?
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2.2.2 Water & Cleaning
💡 Landmines to Avoid:
• Water Tankers: If your building supply is unreliable, negotiate fixed monthly rates (not per trip). Delhi startups pay 2X in summer.
• Cleaning Contracts: Never pay daily cash—hire a registered agency (costs 20% more but avoids pilferage).
• Pro Hack: Install water meters to detect leaks early. A Bengaluru startup saved ₹18K/month fixing a hidden pipe crack.
Scam Alert:
A Gurgaon co-working space charged ₹500/day for "water cooler maintenance." Startups later discovered it was just monthly filter changes (actual cost: ₹2K/month).
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2.2.3 AMCs for Printers/ACs
(The Silent Budget Killers)
💡 Why AMCs Matter:
• Printers: A single breakdown costs ₹3K–10K if not covered. Toner is 30% cheaper under AMC.
• ACs: ₹15K/year for 5 ACs beats ₹50K emergency repairs in peak summer.
🔥 Horror Story #2:
A Chennai startup skipped AC AMC to save ₹12K. In April, all 3 ACs failed simultaneously. They lost 3 workdays + 1 employee who quit over "inhumane conditions."
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🛠️ Utilities Health Check
"Rate your setup:"
Utility 😱 Disaster 🛠️ Needs Work 🛡️ Pro-Level
Internet Single ISP, no SLA Dual ISP but no failover Enterprise-grade + 4G backup
Phones Personal numbers on WhatsApp Cloud PBX but no call recording Full CRM integration
Water Daily tanker dependence Building supply + 1 backup In-house RO + meter alerts
Cleaning Cash payments to "mama" Agency but no audits Biometric attendance + CCTV
AMCs "We’ll fix it when it breaks" Basic printer/AC coverage Comprehensive + priority service
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🚨 Crisis Protocols
"When shit hits the fan:"
Scenario Immediate Action Long-Term Fix
Internet down Hotspot + move to nearby café Sign backup ISP today
AC dies in summer Buy portable coolers (₹8K each) Negotiate 24/7 AMC
Water shortage Order tanker + bill landlord Install overhead tank + pump
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📌 Pro Tips for Founders
1. Internet: Get ISP contracts in your company’s name—not the founder’s. Avoids personal liability.
2. Phones: Use DID numbers (direct inward dialing) so employees keep numbers if they quit.
3. AMCs: Always include "same-day service" clauses. A Delhi startup got ₹10K/day penalties from their AMC for 48-hour delays.
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🎯 Final Thought
"Utilities are like underwear. Nobody notices when it works, but everyone notices when it fails."
