Experience & Takeaways

The motive of the activity was really cloaked till we finally decided to
go to take the interview. We first thought it would be a simple 1 hour
process where we will just go to a small vendor, ask for interview, then
finish it. But it was beyond expectations. Because as we went to ask for
interviews, we faced many rejections initially. Some were because they
had no time, many whose owners were not at the place. Here we started
understanding it is not that easy. Then finally we reached to a Real
Estate agent who was willing to give the interview. We interviewed him
in his small office. His name was Samit Shinde. He had the idea of
doing a small business from college days. But there are few who are able
to pursue it. First he used to do a part-time job with studies. He worked
as a salesman during those days. His motivation behind starting business
was his spiritual Guru Satguru Shri Wamanrao Pai. He followed the
vision of his Guru which led him to his destination. ‘Don’t look for jobs,
create them’; the famous saying heard many times , that day met
someone who was actually following it though it was by spiritual means
but the main idea remains same. He started his business by laundry, later
included Xerox Centre and now a settled real estate agent. But still
running all three businesses. He told us some key points which helped
him to keep his business running. He was born and brought-up in
Mumbai so he was not new to the culture.
His believed that positivity is very vital for any business which we
related to the ‘Going concern’ concept.

As we know, to have a mark in real estate main hurdle is how you face
the competition. But here he made the whole concept of “dealing with
competition” much easier. He thought the hurdles are in way of any
work. But to sustain through then, that’s where the success lies. He also
said a very ethical point that we cannot earn money by snatching
other’s piece of bread. The followers of such selfless thoughts are hard
to find in any business. But he reminded us that even now humanity
exists.

Any business needs genuine efforts which lead to success. Here also the
case is true. For starting as a real estate agent, he had to do various
registrations. To start the business he had to keep mortgage jewellery of
his wife & paid deposits. As the business succeeded he needed no loans
or funding. He even didn’t had a single vehicle of his own at start but
now he has 2 bikes & 1 car. This shows the perseverance of the man and
also the support of his family because of which he is now successful.

Recession had impact on his business too. Example-Before 3 years he

used to sell 4 to 5 flats per month on an average. But now selling even 2
flats for 2 months has become difficult. But he also said that Rent
Market has not affected to that extent. People now-a-days have less job
security so they are not ready to take the burden of EMI’s. So instead
they live in a rented place.

He also started promoting business online from 3 years on social

platforms like 99acres, MagicBricks. This helps him connect with more
people.

He has fixed clients of 100-125 for Rent Market. He believes if you give
good service then you get better returns which in turn bring you to
markets even closer.

He is joined in NAR (National Association of Realtors) .

He strongly believes in positivity for expanding business. He aims to

enter Hotel Industry as per his future goals. Or taking any franchise like
Yewale Chaha. He had a good knowledge about market as he says any
brand or product has its own time period. It may or may not be the scope
of the future. Also he understands that we need to change with the
changing trends in the market which is utmost important.

He also had a kind gesture for his workers. He believes workers are the
foundation on which the empire is to be built. So take good care of them.
Because if foundation is weak or not satisfactory, even pillars can’t
stand. Also be friendly with them instead of being bossy.

When we asked him for any help for business through college, he said “I
want ideas that will expand the business”. This was really fascinating
because in the world where money speaks there are some entrepreneurs
who talk about ideas, positivity, growth , keeping pace with market and
most importantly align the business with your moral values.

This activity made us think as an entrepreneur for sustaining in market

but also to never forget who you are as human being. There are always
the talks about competition; and how to deal with it; but the real world
tells us that the competition is with ourselves; To be better person or a
better businessman tomorrow than what we are today.