13 Jun THiiNK with Charcoal Man
Rajesh Hattangady, residing at Thane, Maharashtra is one of the new generation modern IFAs who offers amazing insights to the advisory business. He is a B.Com graduate from R.A.Podar College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai and Management from Welingkar College, Mumbai. His company is called THiiNK and it is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company. He was awarded the MFRT Samman award in 2015.
Post graduation Rajesh began his career by serving his father in his dyes and chemical business but unfortunately the business came under stress due to several external factors and had to be closed down.Because of his “commerce” background, he decided to jump into the financial advisory arena. One of Rajesh’s secret recipe, if I may say so, is his approach of looking at every adversity as an opportunity and this quality of his gives him energy to bounce back time and again.
Today, THiiNK handles more than 1500 individual clients for their personal investment and insurance needs. THiiNK is present at Thane and is branching out to Bangalore and Pune soon. THiiNK serves most of their clients through a mix of both online and offline platforms and therefore have clients across India and also abroad. Initially Rajesh did a lot of road side activities like distributing pamphlets etc but referrals brought him almost 90% of his business. Nothing can beat “customer experience” and “word of mouth” marketing.
According to Rajesh, the “Mutual funds business” has opportunity for everyone. The need is to focus on market development and grow the pie. India is an under penetrated market and instead of fighting for market share one must look to grow the size of the pie by way of educating people to move from traditional instruments to modern day solutions. Thus strong client engagement is the need of the hour.With the changing mindsets and young demographics, the financial world is set to ply a very significant role in the lives of people.
Personal touch, some creativity along with technology can make the client’s investment journey a very gratifying for him or her.
Rajesh believes in providing the best advice and processes to his customers. He got his firm THiiNK ISO 9001:2008 certified at a time when entry loads were removed and most believed ISO certification was meant only for manufacturing units. Instead of worrying about loss of revenues, Rajesh invested in his business. Rajesh says, “pro-activeness rather than reactiveness helps”. There isn’t any point cribbing over actions done by any external forces.
Rajesh understands that client’s biggest need is to have a qualified, educated, trusted human interface when it comes to managing his or her money. This human interface or human connect shall always remain crucial for the investor. Therefore if one focuses upon providing high quality engagement and service then there is no need to fear the emergence of technology and direct investing. Simply give your best and be with clients and serve them well.
Rajesh is a master sketcher using charcoal. He uses this skill beautifully in his business by using his own sketches in client communication such as greeting cards etc. He also beautifully expresses financial education through his sketches. His clients have developed a special bond towards him because of this different and creative approach. Right from websites to WhatsApp “thank you messages” and even the “presentations” carry his stamp of charcoal sketches”.
In the words of Mr Hattangady, “My idea to draw charcoal sketches is to simplify the financial jargon and also to communicate social messages. Through this process I have been able to build the THiiNK brand. Clients always acknowledge one’s skill even if they are not directly linked to investing. In fact such skill breaks the monotony and helps build a much stronger connect with the clients. Initially my clients thought the sketches were drawn by a professional but once they knew it was my own creation, the conversations shifted from returns or the best funds to other interesting things that helped in fostering relationship. Once one client said that he would never question the person who has conveyed so much through the sketches. In fact my client’s wait for new sketches to be released. A visit to our office is like walking into an art gallery. Clients feel relaxed in this environment leading to more meaningful discussions rather than mere evaluations. I would encourage every IFA to use his or her unrelated skills to foster client relationship. It works like magic. Clients find you interesting and that helps to build trust and business”
Some business recommendations that Rajesh would like to make for his IFA friends are as under:-
- Always face every situation head on.
- Innovate by using what may appear as unrelated skills
- Everything happens for the good. If one serves the clients, the clients will serve you in return.
- Always keep your doors open. A 5 star hotel never closes it’s door for business, be open for your clients (small or big)
- Never hesitate to walk the talk. Invest in the instruments you advice.
- No work is big or small. Be ready to roll up your sleeve and work with fellow colleagues.
- Trust your employees first, your clients will trust you.
- Don’t imitate others, identify your strengths and create your own identity
- Don’t sell, provide solutions.
- Target mindshare of the client, not the market share.
- Don’t sit in the glass chambers. Reaching out gets you business, lethargy gets you excuses.
- Embrace technology and reinvent
- Learn to earn. Invest in your business and on yourself.
- Build your brandSome of Rajesh’s work is here for you to see and enjoy.
Avijeet Das
Posted at 04:03h, 15 JuneGood success story. Very innovative concept he is using to grow his business.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 19:40h, 15 JuneThank You Avijeet for your kind words. Remain connected.
Avinash Jadhav
Posted at 04:20h, 15 JuneGreat work and highly appreciable the way of handling the clients.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 20:14h, 15 JuneDear Avinash, it isn’t only about money, it’s about people management too. Although our profession is about rational THiiNKin, people are emotional deep within. Compassion is key
Arijeet Dutta
Posted at 04:23h, 15 JuneIdeas and creative mindset always leads to success. Thank you for sharing the same.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 20:16h, 15 JuneDear Arijeet, hard work and persistency always works. Put your best foot forward and you will discover we would have travelled a long way ahead
Chandramohan S Parab
Posted at 04:26h, 15 JuneExcellent personality. More to take away from his devotion towards his clients.
We will really input his ideas for IFA community.
Hats off. A inspiration personality
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 03:45h, 16 JuneNamaskar Mr Parab, while we remain focussed on our personal growth don’t lose focus on the most important reason for growth : client. Don’t falter, keep doing good and with consistency. Success is assured
sheelu
Posted at 04:26h, 15 JuneCongratulations. This is only a baby step in the business. You have to climb ladders one by one .And one day you have to be on the top .
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:25h, 16 JuneThanks Ms Sheelu. The journey of a thousand miles start with a single step. And every forward step takes us closer to newer destinations.
T K B GANESH
Posted at 04:27h, 15 JuneReally inspiring
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:30h, 16 JuneMany thanks Ganesh. Remain connected. All the best
Shyamala Sashikumar
Posted at 04:35h, 15 JuneIncredible journey by Rajesh. I have seen him bloom. He has the potential to take this journey to far greater heights
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 19:59h, 15 JuneThank You Shyamala, one can never forget the solid foundation you imbibed in me to help me reach every milestone. Gratitude. May many more be recipients of your knowledge sharing.
S A Khetani
Posted at 04:35h, 15 JuneVery inspiring story. It reinforces the power of positive thinking and building on one’s own special strength.
Thanks Dharamji for your continued advice and inputs which are of immense value to us in our practice as well as in our life
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 19:52h, 15 JuneThanks Mr Khetani. Positivity is infectious. Keep serving clients with utmost integrity and compassion, they will never desert you.
RAMAN GUPTA A
Posted at 04:37h, 15 JuneVery unique personality. Right approach to business and practice. Wish success follows him for many many years.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:23h, 16 JuneThank you for the good wishes Raman. Let’s give our (IFA) space the respect that it deserves.
Anita KANBARGI
Posted at 04:38h, 15 JuneInspiring!:)
Message through creativity is very thoughtful.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:20h, 16 JuneHey Anita, many thanks. Keep attempting new ways of engaging with clients. You will discover few that your clients would love you for. Good luck
Prakash kumar Agarwal
Posted at 04:39h, 15 JuneExcellent personality very good step to grow the business & client.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 20:05h, 15 JuneThank you Mr Prakash. Every new step will lead us closer to our goals. Keep the focus and never rest till we reach one. Wishing you a pleasant journey.
Sanjiv Gandhi
Posted at 04:42h, 15 JuneVERY GOOD SUCESSS STORY.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 20:11h, 15 JuneDear Sanjiv, success always follows people who are willing to get themselves tested. Remain focussed and determined, success lies within us. Be a winner. All the best
L SHANKAR RAO
Posted at 05:04h, 15 JuneWowwwwww……what an IDEA for grow our business…..Thankyou
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 19:47h, 15 JuneDear Mr Rao, each one of us are unique in our own way. Discover your strength and back yourself with conviction and passion. Success will find you always
Rajesh Tiwari
Posted at 05:12h, 15 JuneRole of inspiration of entire IFA community
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 20:02h, 15 JuneThanks Rajesh. There are many more inspirations in our industry. In fact you too are inspiration to many., May the tribe grow.
Alex pinto
Posted at 05:22h, 15 JuneGreat article
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:14h, 16 JuneDear Alex, thanks for your feedback. Glad my experience helped you in some way. All the best.
ashok panchal
Posted at 05:42h, 15 JuneReliable personality, I can put my blind faith.. I should have met him 10 yrs earlier to better manage my funds!!
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:08h, 16 JuneNamaste Mr Panchal, it’s never too late to start a good habit, isnt it?
Nitin Chandra
Posted at 05:58h, 15 JuneTouching & Inspiring
Thanks
Nitin Chandra
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:16h, 16 JuneDear Nitin, when we touch people’s life, more than anyone, it inspires us the most to-do better and with more vigour.
Mohanraj
Posted at 06:02h, 15 JuneVery good idea thanks for sharing
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:10h, 16 JuneThank you Mr Mohanraj, hope to see your story soon. Be positive
Upendra Sheth
Posted at 06:04h, 15 JuneInspired by Rajesh’s successful journey.My congratulations to him for his achievements.
Regards,
Upendra Sheth
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 19:44h, 15 JuneDear Upendra, each one of us are inspiration to others. Keep discovering self and that itself will bring fresh life into our practice.
Naveen Kumar Agarwal
Posted at 07:27h, 15 JuneTruly inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 20:07h, 15 JuneThank you Naveen, all the best and let’s remain connected
Girish Kulkarni
Posted at 08:35h, 15 JuneVery Inspiring and lot to learn from this success story
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 19:55h, 15 JuneThanks Girish for finding the story inspirational. Keep reinventing and always remember: there is a lot of perspiration before inspiration. All the best , remain connected
Santosh shankar rane
Posted at 09:03h, 15 JuneGreat work mr rajesh
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 04:01h, 16 JuneThanks Santosh. Remain connected.
Santosh Hegde
Posted at 09:30h, 15 JuneJust nice…
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 03:59h, 16 JuneThank you Santosh. All the very best and keep doing good.
Amit mahto
Posted at 10:46h, 15 JuneExcellant..Its truely inspiring..
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 19:41h, 15 JuneThanks Amit. Keep your eyes and ears open , there is so much to learn from each one of us.
Gurudatt Kundapurkar
Posted at 12:35h, 15 JuneInteresting writeup on an innovative educator on money matters for individuals. He makes himself approachable because he is very much down to earth, focuses on what is best for an individual on a long term. As he doesn’t advocate any get-rich-quick ideas he comes across as a reliable long-term financial adviser-cum-friend. His suggestion to the IFA colleagues too is novel & practical, not from a pedestal. Wish you all the best, Rajesh. Gurudatt Kundapurkar
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 03:57h, 16 JuneThank You for your kind words Mr Gurudutt. Remaining grounded is one of the best virtues to imbibe, for the higher you go increases the distance between us and our clients. The financial journey isnt a solo journey, it is enjoyable only when we travel alongwith our clients.
Anil Mishra
Posted at 13:17h, 15 Junenice, innovative & motivative story.
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 03:51h, 16 JuneNamaste Anil, thank you for your compliments. Remain connected.
Nikhil girme
Posted at 17:19h, 15 JuneSimple lucid way of explaining.. Excellent way of communication
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 03:49h, 16 JuneDear Nikhil, customers don’t want technical or jargoned language. All they need is someone who understands them and one who can communicate in the same language they know of. Discover your strength and walk alongwith your client. Journey is bound to be memorable
Alok kumar Maheshwari
Posted at 16:45h, 17 JuneHats off sirji
Real life story by real HERO
Rajesh Hattangady
Posted at 17:01h, 17 JuneThanks Mr Alok. There is a hero within all of us. It’s time we unleash it and show our mettle. All the best
Anjana kulkarnijoshi
Posted at 02:35h, 19 JuneVery true whatever you said… Clients.. They trust us…. They need customer service… And yes of course…. If we are honest with them…. Trust level automatically grows….