The Intangible Value of Goodwill

By Andrew Webber

As a startup a key skill and capability as you network is to figure out the value exchange. You will always be clear on what you want as an outcome from an engagement but you also need to understand what the person or organisation you are engaging with also wants to achieve – the value exchange. The Microsoft team understand and use this approach a lot in terms of how we engage with student developers, student entrepreneurs and early stage technology startups. If you get the value exchange right you generate goodwill. Goodwill is that intangible value which supports repeatability and a continued fruitful engagement.

Microsoft not only talks about this but we use it to inform our programmes and offers for students and early stage tech startups:

Dreamspark: a free to access programme for students that makes available all our development software and Microsoft Azure Cloud platform free of charge for as long as you are a student. More details at www.microsoft.com/imagine

BizSpark: a free to access programme for privately held tech startups that gives over $150,000 of free Microsoft software and Microsoft Azure Cloud credits for up to 3 years. More details at www.microsoft.com/bizspark

Imagine Cup: a global competition for student startup teams to enter their business idea in either the Gaming, Innovation or Citizenship categories. With first prize of $50,000 and mentoring from Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, it is well worth looking to enter. More details at www.imaginecup.com

Add comment

JComments

Varsity Pitch 2023 Competition

The Student Enterprise Conference 2021

The difference we make

Lister Rossel - Finalist

I just wanted to say thank you for your support in the whole process of the competition. This experience has been wonderful, not just because the guidance, which was a great way to understand the business itself, but also, because the team was very inspiring to improve and shape the product.

Jamie Rawsthorne - Finalist

I just wanted to drop a note saying thanks putting on the NACUE varsity pitch. We met some awesome people throughout the process, especially Jacques and David Trayford and I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with them along with the rest of the finalists. The pitches were all brilliant yesterday as well, I'm looking forward to seeing where we all end up and I'm glad I got to be a part of it all.

Ryan Robinson - Aeropowder - Winners 2017

For both Elena and myself, winning the previous Varsity Pitch Competition was definitely a highlight at the end of the year. The prize has been invaluable in allowing AEROPOWDER to continue its product development work. If we could give any advice to anyone out there, it’s to make sure you go for it! Pitching in front of such an experienced panel is always a great experience, no matter the outcome. We are extremely grateful to NACUE and Tata for the opportunity to take our company further and try to make a real difference.

Montez Blair‏

@DwainReid spoke pure knowledge at The Student Enterprise Conference @unilincoln. "Networks define net worth"@SE_LboroLdn #NACUE #SEC2017

André Tieni Vidigal‏

Just took part in an insightful workshop on investment pitch delivered by @SamanthaJDeakin from @CampusCapital ? #sec2017 #entrepreneurship

Harlow College‏

“We gained new contacts @SEC2017 & even a branding design job from a business who work with @UnlocEnterprise. Great portfolio building opp!”

DigitalDinos‏

Had a great weekend @SEC2017, ending with a brilliant Skype keynote! #NACUE2017

GlobalHE‏

At #SEC2017 David Trayford talks priorities of pitching - @NACUE | great event at @unilincoln

sheridan chilvers‏

Great session on sources of funding for start-ups. @NACUE #SEC2017 @dontsettlelive @_tnec

South Coast Apparel‏

Such inspirational talks happening over the weekend from some amazing people @SEC2017 @UnlocEnterprise #nacue #sec2017 #studententerprise

Harvey Morton IT‏

Wow, the audience at #SEC2017 was incredible. Thanks for all of your questions and overwhelming response guys! @NACUE