Hi Sir, Myself Siddharth Bhattacharjee. I started my retail medical shop before covid which was doing good then. But after covid things changed. So I had to close it down. Also some partnership issues were also there. After that I started my Medicine distributorship on my own but still struggling to survive. Can you please suggest how can I be successful in this field or learn know how of this field..,

Ans: It is time to first make yourself financially stable and ensure your family's well-being too. To do this, it would be sensible to cut your losses and find ways of getting a stable source of income. With your experience in running a pharmacy and your contacts in that industry, you could consider a job in Pharma sales for example. That would help you retain your network and familiarity with the pharma industry. Later on, once you are well-set, you could reconsider business.

Ans: In whatever is your area of interest, talk to as many experts and consumers you can.. evaluate if your idea is solving a real problem that your potential consumers face. Fine tune your business idea. Then again talk to people if they are willing to pay you money to sort out the problem.. and how much. Concurrently, talk to experts on the cost of solving the problem/ offering the solution. Wherever you think the cost of solution is lesser than what people are willing to pay, is a good idea to work on prima facie. Then create a detailed feasibility report. Take help of some expert at this stage. Understand the investments and evaluate how you will need to fund the business initially. See if you can get some grants / seed funding. Typically seed funding is through friends and family . There are also a few govt schemes for entrepreneurs- see if you can get some grant/ financial assistance under these schemes. Put some of your own money and start implementing your idea in the mean while. Don’t be over optimistic in your planning. Work for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Ans: Hi there, I'm glad your mom is doing fine now. IT services and software product companies are good avenues to explore for sales and marketing. I had hired someone from the hotel sales department and she did well with my software sales. Pay is relatively better in the software field. Please connect with me and I'll be happy to send a recommendation to my HR team to interview.

Ans: I would encourage you to build on your experience as a M Pharma by taking a up a job in a Pharma company, Hospital set up or even a online pharma . ecommerce company. Even a career in a cosmetics, beauty and FMCG maker is something that you can explore. Get a few interview sessions and form a view on what job openings are available. Pick up a job and then do advance courses to progress.

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