Microsoft is a company that is admired and respected throughout the world for the quality of their products and the innovations that they have brought to the tech industry. One of the largest company in the world, they have a lot to offer entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to grow their platforms and take their business to the next level.
Tisha Mahal is the Global Marketing Manager for Entrepreneurial Spark, the business development division of Microsoft. She is based in Bangalore, India. If you’re an entrepreneur who is trying to make their way in the world, you can learn a lot from Tisha’s experience.
The Rise of the Digital Nomad
In the last couple of years, we’ve seen a massive shift in how people are choosing to do business and how businesses are choosing to operate. Gone are the days where a business owner would physically be in their store, handling every aspect of the day-to-day operations. Nowadays, entrepreneurs are choosing to ditch the desk job and hit the road. Why? Simply put, it’s more convenient to do business from a laptop. For those who are able to work remotely, there are a number of benefits to doing so. Self-employment is on the rise, and more and more people are choosing to go digital nomad, establishing themselves as independent contractors who are able to take on contracts and work remotely when and where they please. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. Contract work allows for more flexibility, more time, and most importantly, it’s easier to scale up or down as needed. Independent contractors who work remotely are able to take on projects that they can complete in a reasonable amount of time, allowing them to maintain their lifestyle while benefiting their bottom line.
Why India?
One of the things that makes Tisha unique is that she was born and raised in India. Prior to joining Microsoft, she was the Director of Marketing for an Indian company located in Mumbai, where she helped build their brand and grew their audience by 300% in one year. She’s also held positions with Young India and the Clinton Global Initiative, where she was responsible for the creation and execution of digital marketing campaigns for both governmental and non-governmental organizations. So not only is she an expert in marketing, but she is also steeped in Indian culture and the industry specific to that market. Culture always plays a huge role in the way that brands and businesses operate, so having a local representative on the ground who is also familiar with the culture and the market ensures that your campaign is going to gain maximum traction and that your business is going to flourish.
How does Microsoft fit into this?
Microsoft is a company that is all about connecting people. Since the beginning, their mission has been to empower people to do more, be more, and to feel more. So, it comes as no surprise that they see the independent contractor as a person who is able to help others to connect with friends and family, gain new skills, and become more productive. Empowerment through technology is at the core of everything that Microsoft does, and it forms part of their DNA. Through their Startup Hub programs, they can help connect businesses with all the necessary services and help get them off the ground, as well as provide access to mentors and experienced professionals who can assist in growing and scaling your business.
What is Microsoft Startup Hub?
Startup Hub is a global initiative that was established by Microsoft to help startups and growing businesses find the assistance that they need. In India, specifically, Startup Hub was built in partnership with Young India and the Clinton Foundation, with the aim to provide startup businesses with access to capital, mentorship, and training. For those who are interested in applying for a startup loan through the company, Microsoft offers a number of packages that can be tailored to your needs. Whether you’re just looking for an accountant to help you prepare your books or need someone to set up your office space, Startup Hub has you covered.
What types of jobs are available through Microsoft?
In addition to their Startup Loans program, Microsoft offers a variety of other business support services through their online presence. Whether you’re looking for a publisher who can help get your book into print, need someone to edit and improve your copy, or are looking to grow your email list, they are all available through the company’s various digital hubs. Most notably, they have an entire marketing team that is available to help with everything from strategy to execution. Not only that, but they also have an entire business development team available to help you get in touch with potential clients and partners who may be able to assist you in growing your business.
Marketing and Advertising
Tisha is responsible for the marketing and advertising strategies for Entrepreneurial Spark. She is a self-starter who is always thinking of ways to improve her client’s reach and to grow their audience. She takes a collaborative approach regarding marketing and advertising, partnering with other departments within the company to get the best results. She has created numerous digital marketing campaigns for both governmental and non-governmental organizations, creating advertisements that are both entertaining and informative.
The Influencer and the Blogger
Blogs and micro-blogs are all the rage these days, and for good reason; they are incredibly effective at getting the word out regarding a brand or product. However, not everyone who is involved in blogging is an “influencer.” Influencers are individuals who have a large following on social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube and who are considered to be authoritative voices in their industry. They may or may not be directly financially compensated for their efforts, but they typically are offered some form of monetary incentive to partner with brands, gain brand approval, and vouch for the products that they promote.
If you are considering entering the world of blogging, influencers can be an incredibly effective way to reach your target audience. By partnering with a renowned influencer, you can expect to reach thousands, if not millions, of potential customers.
Direct Sales and Representatives
While social media has enabled entrepreneurs to connect with customers and potential customers without having to go through a traditional advertising agency, there is still a place for those who want to go the old-fashioned route. If you are looking to enter the world of direct sales, Microsoft has you covered with one of the largest networks in the world. They have an entire representative team who can help you get in touch with potential customers and who can become your personal sales force. Just remember, as in any other sales-oriented job, you will need to prove your worth to earn the trust of your audience. Make sure that you develop a strategy to approach your audience, building trust through authenticity, transparency, and being there for them.
If you are interested in exploring the world of direct sales, Microsoft can connect you with an entire team of professionals who can assist you in getting set up with a professional network, developing a strategy, and preparing for your first sales call. With over 20 years of experience in sales, Mahesh Murthy, who heads up the direct sales team, can help get you on your feet and teaching you the ropes.
International Expansion
One of the things that makes Tisha unique is that she was born and raised in India, but she has always considered herself to be a world citizen. Since graduating with a degree in economics, she has worked in a number of different industries, gaining valuable experience and establishing herself as an expert in her field. A few years back, she got the itch to do something new, something that would allow her to put her entrepreneurial skills to the test. It was then that she discovered Microsoft, and she has not looked back since. If you are interested in expanding your business globally, Microsoft has the ideal platform for you: the cloud and the internet. With offices around the globe, they are well equipped to assist you in establishing your business in a new country. Just remember, no matter where you are in the world, you can always connect with the public sector in your country through government ministries and agencies. As for the private sector, there are a variety of business associations, chambers of commerce, and professional societies who can provide you with invaluable resources and connect you with key decision makers.
Whether you’re looking to expand your business domestically or internationally, with so much competition, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. To do this, you need to put in the elbow grease and do whatever it takes to become standout brand. For more information on how to gain maximum exposure and gain traction in your marketplace, be sure to check out Tisha’s blog or reach out directly to her through her website: www.tishamahal.com.