I landed up at the expo, and I don’t know what chemical reaction happened in my mind, I thought, why see the show, why not exhibit - after all I also do technology related services (I was already doing Internet installation, basic training; and now I knew how to make website!).
So, I hesitantly walked in and ask the gatekeeper - that I want to exhibit. He was confused, and thought I have gone mad, and asked me to go away. I requested, if I can just go and see how the expo looks like, and since the event has not started, there is no registration fees loss to them. He allowed.
The first stand was of a company called Capital Electronics, run by Mr. Agarwal, who was setting up the stand to sell modems. I walked up, and half-confidently asked - if I can share his stand. I still do not know where I got that strength from, as I had no money in hand. I am sure he was also surprised and hesitant. But, I insisted and he accepted.
The next challenge was to have “something to communicate” so that I can sell at the stand. I decided that I will sell my web design skills, something I was very excited about. I rushed out to design and print a leaflet - went to the nearest xerox outlet, quickly put together a web design plan, and put an offer of Rs. 6000/- (the exact price of my share of the stand).
Then, suddenly I realised that I have not put any company name on the leaflet. As I looked out, I saw a restaurant with the name “Indus Valley”. And I picked the name - Indus Net Technologies. And the hustle began!
As luck would have it, I got my first order on the first day itself - for the exact amount that covers the cost of the stand. It was from a leather gloves manufacturing company.