Can you analyze the impact of Amazon's storytelling approach on its access to cheap capital?

Amazon's unique business model has significantly influenced corporate strategies in the digital age. It has demonstrated the power of storytelling and vision in securing capital and market trust. By focusing on growth over immediate profits and dividends, Amazon has set a new standard for success. This approach has encouraged other companies to prioritize long-term growth and market dominance over short-term profitability. Furthermore, Amazon's model of becoming 'Earth's biggest store' has shown the potential of digital platforms in reaching global markets, influencing businesses to expand their digital presence and offerings.

One innovative aspect of Amazon's business strategy, as described in 'The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google', is its unique approach to capital. Amazon has had access to cheap capital for a longer time than any other business in recent times. This is largely due to its prowess in storytelling. Amazon's story is that it's building Earth's biggest store. By making progress toward this vision, Amazon has trained the market to hold it to a different standard – higher growth, lower profits, and no dividends. This strategy has allowed Amazon to invest heavily in growth and expansion, often at the expense of short-term profits.

A startup can utilize Amazon's strategy of high growth and low profits by focusing on scaling and market penetration rather than immediate profitability. This involves reinvesting profits back into the business to fuel growth, rather than distributing them as dividends. The startup should also have a compelling vision and story that can attract investors and customers, similar to how Amazon positioned itself as building Earth's biggest store. However, this strategy requires access to capital, as there may be a prolonged period of low or no profits.