Since I have decided to start offering SEO Services in Malta yesterday I attended a very interesting event for entrepreneurs and startups held by Microsoft and Malta Enterprise.  It is the first Microsoft event I attended and I have to say I was impressed with the way it was organized and with the panel speakers.

I understood how much the guys at Microsoft really go out of their way to help startups, especially software companies.  If you are eligible as a software vendor apply for BizSpark, Microsoft will give you loads of software for next to nothing.  I am talking about the latest MS SQL Server,  Visual Studo .NET, business tools, access to APIs and loads more for around $500 for 3 Years.  You can have a look at Microsoft’s BizSpark Website here.

I especially like to go to these events to network with fellow minded individuals.  This is where good business contacts are made.  My advice to anyone who goes to these events is don’t be shy, talk to people. Find a person who you’d like to talk to and find a way to start a conversation. This could be talking about your last speaker, asking him/her what they do or just smile, walk up to them, shake hands and introduce yourself. People buy people.  If you manage to build rapport then selling your services will become relatively easier.  The goal is not to look like you’re selling them something but to come out as an expert in your field. I find this most effective because then the selling part takes care of itself. It is very important to exchange business cards otherwise you can be certain that they will forget you by the time the event ends.  They will know they talked to someone, but they will not remember YOU. 

Networking is an essential success factor to any business.  Online we are hearing a lot about networking on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter but we don’t talk enough by live networking, the fundamental way of networking, face to face, man to man (or woman).  Never underestimate the power of human interaction.