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Starting a Market Research Firm Solo: How to Acquire Clients?

Nripen

Nripen Bhatt  |6 Answers  |Ask -

Start-Up Expert - Answered on Nov 10, 2024

Nripen is the founding director of Rafts and Rivers LLC, a Texas-based global higher education think tank.
He has 25 years of business consulting experience and is currently mentoring over 100 start-ups, helping students turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Through his company, Nripen is supporting and managing 107 incubation centres and accelerators located within state and central universities in India.
An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Nripen is an expert in fintech, edtech, food technology, retail, B2B, product and service launch strategies, app development and UI development.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Nov 08, 2024Hindi
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Career

Hi Nripen Sir, I am started my own market research(Secondary Research) firm bootstrapped without team and working on it. I want to know how to do customer or client acquisition. I have 10 years of market research experience. I am sole person to handle this. Also, I want to know do i need investment for this type of firms.

Ans: Let me congratulate you first, it is an excellent initiative you have taken, there are several firms in Market Research but there is always a demand for a genuine data driven research firm.
Initially you do not need a big team, you can handle solo, and when you require first go for management undergraduates as interns.
If you work smart client acquisition and retention will be really easy and smooth you can go step by step:
Create a one-page professional website, keep your clients’ segment in view and develop the content accordingly. Define methodology and tools in such a way that potential clients should relate immediately with their requirements. Don’t write lengthy content. Be precise be crisp.
Use business email id only.
Get very smart stationary printed, letterheads over 100 GSM, nice envelops, attractive business cards etc.
Search the websites where startups are registered such as startup India, start in up, istart etc., you will find a lot of startups who are in Launch phase or in Growth Phase, both look for secondary market research.
Exporters can be your potential clients.
Tourist planners.
Medical startups.
You have huge market for your service, start from here and you may ask time to time for further steps.
All the best
Career

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7014 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 12, 2024Hindi
Money
I am investing 100000 every month as SIP and 50000 annually. My present SIP Corpus is nearly 2Cr. How much is expected to be the total corpus in 2030 if I manage to continue the same investment model.
Ans: I appreciate your consistent commitment to investing. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and annual investments are powerful tools to build substantial wealth over the long term. Your current SIP portfolio is already impressive, and with continued discipline, you are well on your way to achieving significant financial goals by 2030.

Below, I will offer a detailed breakdown of your current investment strategy and provide an in-depth assessment to project where your portfolio could potentially reach by 2030. Additionally, I will share some insights on how you can maximise your investment returns while keeping your tax efficiency in mind.

Let’s explore the factors that will influence your future corpus.

1. Current Investment Strategy: A Strong Foundation
You are currently investing Rs 1,00,000 monthly through SIPs and an additional Rs 50,000 annually.

Your present SIP corpus stands at Rs 2 Crore, which shows your disciplined approach.

Continuing this strategy till 2030 will be highly beneficial, given the power of compounding over time.

The consistent monthly SIP ensures rupee cost averaging, reducing market volatility impact.

2. Estimated Growth of Your SIP Corpus by 2030
Assuming you continue with Rs 1,00,000 monthly SIP and Rs 50,000 annually, your investments will grow significantly.

The market’s historical average returns for equity mutual funds can range between 10% to 15% per annum. However, actual returns can vary due to market conditions.

Compounding will exponentially boost your returns, especially if you remain invested without withdrawals.

By 2030, your SIP portfolio can potentially cross Rs 6 Crore, given stable market conditions.

This estimate considers a conservative growth rate. However, equity markets have been known to outperform during bullish periods.

3. Active Fund Management: The Better Choice
Many investors lean towards index funds, but actively managed funds often outperform in the Indian context.

Active funds have skilled fund managers who adjust portfolios based on market dynamics.

They can exploit opportunities in specific sectors and stocks to generate alpha over benchmarks.

Index funds, while low-cost, are purely passive. They mirror indices without considering market trends.

Actively managed funds may have higher expense ratios, but the potential for superior returns justifies the cost.

Especially in volatile or uncertain markets, active fund management can make a substantial difference.

4. Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD)
Direct funds may seem cost-effective as they have lower expense ratios. However, they lack professional guidance.

Regular funds, managed through an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential, offer holistic support.

An MFD can help you align your investments with your financial goals, provide tax planning, and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Regular reviews by an MFD ensure your portfolio is optimised for changing market conditions.

Direct funds require you to track performance, handle documentation, and monitor taxation—all on your own.

Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner through MFDs helps you focus on strategy, not execution.

5. Tax Implications: Managing Your Gains Efficiently
The recent tax changes impact equity mutual funds’ gains. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) over Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%, while debt funds’ gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Efficient tax planning is crucial. Consult with your CFP to time redemptions and optimise tax liabilities.

Regular fund investments offer better tax management compared to direct funds, given the advisory support.

6. Market Volatility and Economic Factors
While investing in equity funds, market volatility is a reality. However, the long-term growth potential outweighs short-term fluctuations.

SIPs protect your investments from timing the market. Rupee cost averaging ensures that you buy more units when prices are low.

Focus on staying invested even during market downturns. History shows markets rebound, and long-term investors benefit the most.

With India's economic growth prospects, equity funds have the potential to deliver strong returns in the coming years.

7. Diversification and Portfolio Rebalancing
Continue diversifying within mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Allocate your SIPs across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds for a balanced approach.

Rebalance your portfolio annually with your Certified Financial Planner to align with changing market conditions.

Consider thematic or sectoral funds cautiously, as they carry higher risks.

Reinvest dividends and gains to harness compounding benefits further.

8. Emergency Fund and Liquidity Considerations
Maintain a separate emergency fund to cover at least 6 months of expenses. This will prevent premature withdrawals from your SIPs.

Avoid liquidating your investments for short-term needs. Instead, use other sources like fixed deposits or liquid funds.

9. Aligning Investments with Financial Goals
Define clear goals, such as retirement planning, children’s education, or buying a property.

Each goal requires a tailored investment approach. For instance, retirement planning should focus on growth funds.

Engage with your Certified Financial Planner for goal-based investment planning.

Long-term SIPs work best when aligned with specific objectives, ensuring a disciplined approach.

10. Tracking and Monitoring Your Investments
Review your portfolio semi-annually to ensure it’s performing as expected.

Monitor fund performance and exit underperformers if needed, based on your Certified Financial Planner’s advice.

Keep an eye on changes in taxation rules and market regulations that could impact your returns.

Ensure your SIPs continue automatically. If cash flows change, adjust SIP amounts accordingly.

Finally: Staying Committed to Your Financial Journey
The journey to Rs 6 Crore or beyond is achievable with consistency.

Avoid impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Keep your focus on the long-term horizon and stick to your investment plan.

Seek periodic advice from your Certified Financial Planner to stay on track.

The discipline and patience you’ve shown so far are commendable. Continue this momentum.

By following these strategies, your SIP investments can help you achieve significant financial milestones by 2030 and beyond.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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