Mr. Vikas Soni (NJ Wealth Partner, Vadodara)

Mr. Vikas Soni (NJ Wealth Partner, Vadodara)

Q1. To begin with, please tell us a bit about yourself - your background, your journey so far, and your approach to work and business.

Ans: I am a 49-year-young professional with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. I began my journey in 2002 as an insurance agent with ICICI Prudential. In 2004, a friend introduced me to NJ Wealth, and since then, I have been a proud and loyal NJ Partner for the past 21 years. My approach has always been relationship-driven - focusing on trust, consistent service, and helping clients achieve their long-term financial needs. My next milestone is to achieve an AUM of ₹500 crore within the next four years.

Q2. What was your first impression of NJ Wealth, and how have you seen the platform evolve over the years?

Ans: My first impression of NJ Wealth was that it offered a truly innovative and user-friendly platform for mutual fund investments. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem supporting various products such as equities, bonds, and insurance. The technological advancements and constant upgrades have made it one of the best platforms for mutual fund distributors as well as investors. The only area where I feel there’s room for improvement is the NRI e-Wealth account opening process, which could be made smoother.

Q3. Which features or initiatives of NJ Wealth’s platform have contributed the most to your business growth and success?

Ans: The NJ Partner Desk and NJ E-Wealth App have been instrumental in my business growth. Additionally, I actively use the NJ Financial Tools App for client portfolio analysis and investment projections. The Need Assessment Tool is one of my favorites-it helps in generating new SIP and lumpsum business from both existing and new clients by making need-based investing easier to communicate.

Q4. How has technology influenced your business operations and helped you scale more efficiently?

Ans: Technology has been a game changer. The NJ suite of digital tools has made client onboarding, portfolio tracking, and need assessment seamless. It has allowed me to engage more effectively with clients, manage operations efficiently, and expand my client base without compromising on personalized service.

Q5. What are some of the key challenges you face in your business today, and how are you addressing them?

Ans: The key challenges are client retention, acquiring new clients, and generating more business from the existing client base. To overcome these, I maintain consistent communication with clients through newsletters, MCS images, and the Need Assessment Tool. I also believe in adding a personal touch - for instance, I personally deliver Diwali gifts to my HNI clients in the city and send New Year calendars to those living elsewhere. Staying connected, whether digitally or in person, has helped me build strong, lasting relationships.

Q6. Could you share some of the strategies or activities you follow for client acquisition and client retention?

Ans: Referrals are the cornerstone of my client acquisition strategy. By consistently delivering value and maintaining strong relationships, I encourage my existing clients to introduce me to their family and friends. This referral-based approach, coupled with continuous engagement and personalized service, helps in both client acquisition and retention.

Q7. Please share a memorable client experience where your guidance made a significant difference in their financial journey.

Ans: A recent experience stands out when a client called during the Indo-Pak conflict, wanting to withdraw all his investments due to panic. I advised him to stay invested, explaining how markets have historically recovered after such events. He trusted my guidance and remained invested. Today, he’s grateful for that decision, as his portfolio has grown significantly since then.

Q8. In your experience, what is one practice or habit that every NJ Wealth Partner should adopt for long-term success?

Ans: Gratitude - towards all existing clients, the mutual fund business, NJ Wealth, and especially towards Neeraj Bhai, Jignesh Bhai, and the entire NJ team who work tirelessly to strengthen the platform and its technology. Being thankful and appreciative keeps us grounded and motivated to serve clients better every day.

Q9. What are your short-term and long-term goals, and how are you planning to achieve them?

Ans: My short-term goal is to expand my client base through stronger referral networks and greater digital engagement. My long-term goal is to achieve ₹500 crore in AUM within the next four years. To achieve this, I plan to continue leveraging NJ’s digital tools and marketing initiatives, such as NJ BizMall, to create impactful one-pager distributions and enhance visibility among potential clients.