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Cafemutual Ideas Fest 2023 featured the inspiring story of Pune MFD Kiran Shinde.
Kiran was an office boy at a welding material showroom. He; however, charted his own course to become a successful mutual fund distributor.
Terming his life as Muqaddar ka Sikandar, Sunil Subramanian, MD and CEO, Sundaram MF said that Kiran’s journey is a perfect example of ‘When life gives you lemon, make lemonade’.
Here is Kiran’s story in his words.
Enduring tough times
I come from an economically modest background and have seen poverty closely. I still remember studying in a kerosene-lit lantern in a small village. My father did odd jobs and looked after a six-member family in a less than 200 square feet house. Scarcity of electricity and water was an everyday thing.
Later, he became a postman and we shifted to Pune. While we had access to electricity and water supply, we continued to have space and financial constraints. Rising expenses with limited earnings added further to our woes. I had to leave my studies midway and take up a job to support my family.
Creating own destiny
I started with small jobs like distributing newspapers and assisting a sugarcane juice vendor to earn some money. After two years, I took up a job of an office boy in a welding workshop at a monthly salary of Rs. 1,200.
One day, I met an employee from the New India Insurance at a tea stall. This employee encouraged me to complete graduation and become an insurance agent.
I thought that this was my calling and started going to college on a bicycle covering a massive distance of 32 km daily.
Finally, I graduated and left my job to become an insurance agent.
My cycle continued to be my companion as I rode it across locations to get clients. Many of clients showed their interest in mutual funds and hence, I took up ARN.
Emerging victorious
To start with, I met at least 3 prospects a day. In the meantime, I also focussed on self-development by improving my language skills. In fact, I regularly update my knowledge through certification courses. In my view, investors feel more comfortable working with MFDs who holds a couple of degrees and certifications.
Another activity that helped me acquire new clients is making finance simpler for prospects through storytelling. I use real life examples to simplify mutual fund concepts.
I always encourage investors to start with a small amount and personally experience the investment journey through my guidance. As investors get comfortable, they increase their investments eventually.
Today, I manage close to Rs. 40 crore AUM for over 1,500 clients.
