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Cafemutual recently spoke to MFD Amit Srivastava and was left spellbound with his story.
From fighting ankylosing spondylitis to running a mobile shop to setting up a successful distribution business, his story has many highs and lows but what remains constant is his strong will.
Here is his inspiring story in his words:
I studied from NIIT, Lucknow and started my career with a private company as an engineer in 1999. After 3 years, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease which makes the spine stiff and results in a bent posture. Due to this, I could not stand, walk and suffered chronic pain.
I came back to my hometown in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh and was completely bedridden for over a year. Gradually, I started moving with the help of my parents’ support, medication and willpower. I started doing yoga and physiotherapy to ensure good health and remain mobile.
Being ambitious, I wanted do something on my own. I took up insurance agency after seeing an advertisement. And on friend’s recommendation, who was my client, I took up mutual fund distribution. Initially, I reached out to friends and family members but since travelling was a challenge for me, I was not able to scale up further.
This is when my father suggested me to set up a mobile-dealership shop. While I started a shop, mutual fund distribution was my passion.
Over time, I started getting a good footfall at my shop. Since my medical expenses was Rs.70-80K per month, I thought of increasing income by cross selling mutual funds to my customers. I started talking to them about benefits of mutual funds. A few people became my clients and this gave me confidence to start focussing on mutual funds again.
I also conducted knowledge sessions for a small group of professionals like police, doctors and lawyers with the help of friends. Post these sessions, I met each participant individually to address their queries related to investment.
Additionally, I used pamphlets to expand my reach. Further, I hired a team member for business operations and grow business.
Over the years, I focused on continuous learning to enhance my knowledge. Even while I was running the mobile shop, I pursued a distance MBA in marketing and finance from Symbiosis University. I often enrol for different learning programs.
Also, I pay close attention to my dressing style and overall presentation. It not only boosts self-confidence but also shows professionalism. This creates a positive impression and builds a strong reputation.
In addition, I pursue gardening as my hobby. I have set up a garden on my terrace where I nurture 300 plants.
My journey began with a mobile shop, which later became my mutual fund distribution office. I am currently setting up my second office in Deoria, which will have a corporate look and feel. I also have an office set up in Gorakhpur. Currently, I manage assets of Rs.50 crore from over 2000 clients.
