My age is 56 years. I have served 25 years experience pharma sales & marketing in gulf countries worked and managed for reputed companies (MNC) of the under different profiles . Die to age , i am not getting a suitable job now for more than a year.due to pandamic i got stuck here in India. I tried my best to with a pharma retail and distribution business its all in no loss no profit. I want to start something to earn a decent income. Kindly suggest suitable business idea with least investment. Thank you

Ans: While it requires a much deeper discussion before i can suggest something, the easiest will be to become a consultant, leveraging your 30 years of experience. There are many young and growing companies who need advisors/ consultants and are willing to pay a decent amount.

Ans: With the growth in Ecommerce , warehousing and logistics are a high growth sector, though competition is equally high. Many warehousing companies are also looking for third party managed services. Meet these Ecommerce specific warehousing and logistics companies and align with them in an entrepreneurial role

Ans: Look around yourself. Find a problem that is big enough, and that you can solve. Understand how much money people are willing to pay for the problem to get sorted and what will it cost you to solve the problem. If there is money to be made, you have a business idea

Ans: I understand your situation, and it’s commendable that you’ve accumulated a corpus of over Rs 10 lakhs. Starting a pharmaceutical wholesale/distributorship is a significant step that requires careful planning and resource management. Let's break down your current financial standing and how you can reach your goal of financial stability within the next five years.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
First, let’s analyze your current financial assets:

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Rs 2,000/month
Stocks: Rs 2 lakhs
Gold and Silver: Rs 3 lakhs
Personal Loan Given: Rs 3 lakhs
Liquid Cash: Rs 50,000
You have wisely diversified your investments, which is a strong foundation. However, you require Rs 15-20 lakhs to start your wholesale/distributorship business, and you prefer not to liquidate your existing investments. This calls for a strategic approach to bridge the financial gap without disrupting your current investments.

Leveraging Existing Investments
Gold and Silver Investments
Gold and silver are relatively stable assets. Instead of selling them outright, consider leveraging them. Many banks and financial institutions offer loans against gold. This way, you can utilize the value of your gold and silver without selling them, providing you with the necessary liquidity for your business venture.

Personal Loan Given
The Rs 3 lakhs you have lent out can be a resource. If possible, negotiate with the borrower for an early repayment. You could offer a slight discount on the interest rate as an incentive for early repayment. This can provide you with additional liquidity.

Stock Investments
Your Rs 2 lakhs in stocks can be partially leveraged. You might consider a margin loan against these stocks, which allows you to borrow money by using your existing shares as collateral. Be cautious with this option, as the stock market can be volatile.

Exploring Financing Options
Business Loans
Consider applying for a business loan from a bank or financial institution. Given your educational background and business plan, you might qualify for a start-up loan. Prepare a detailed business plan outlining your strategy, projected income, and how you plan to repay the loan. This increases your chances of securing the loan.

Government Schemes
Look into government schemes that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provide loans up to Rs 10 lakhs for non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. These loans can be an excellent way to secure additional funding without hefty interest rates.

Venture Capital and Angel Investors
If you’re open to it, consider seeking venture capital or angel investors. These investors provide capital in exchange for equity or a share of the profits. This can be a good way to secure significant funding without taking on debt, though it means sharing ownership of your business.

Building a Strong Financial Plan
Creating a Budget
Develop a detailed budget for your business. Outline all initial costs, ongoing expenses, and expected revenue. This helps in understanding how much funding you need and when you can expect to break even and start making a profit.

Emergency Fund
While focusing on your business, don’t forget personal financial stability. Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to six months of personal and business expenses. This ensures that unexpected expenses don’t derail your plans.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Consider setting up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan from your mutual funds. This provides a regular inflow of funds while keeping your investment intact. It’s a way to create liquidity without liquidating your investments.

Enhancing Your Financial Knowledge
Educational Courses and Certifications
Though you have a solid educational background, consider taking courses related to business management and finance. Certifications in these areas can boost your confidence and competence in managing your new venture.

Mentorship
Seek out mentors who have experience in the pharmaceutical wholesale business. Their guidance can be invaluable, helping you avoid common pitfalls and providing insights that can lead to success.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy
Regular Financial Reviews
Set up a schedule for regular financial reviews. Assess your business’s financial health, review your investment portfolio, and adjust your strategy as needed. This ensures you stay on track towards your financial goals.

Staying Informed
Stay updated with market trends, both in the pharmaceutical industry and in finance. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions and adapt to changes in the market environment.

Final Insights
Your ambition and strategic thinking are commendable. With a clear plan and disciplined approach, you can bridge the financial gap and achieve your business goals. Utilize the value of your current investments wisely, explore various financing options, and continually enhance your financial knowledge. This comprehensive approach will help you build a successful pharmaceutical wholesale/distributorship and achieve financial stability in the next five years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in