Meet Obu from Smart Money Solutions
Smart Money Solutions is a Mortgage Broking firm with a vision to help women with their mortgages. We realise that women face three most important problems – lack of knowledge, being time poor and paying higher fees by focusing on low-interest rate only. We focus on these by providing tools (my book, information on my website, apps on smartphones) and thoroughly understanding customer needs before we can recommend a product.
What does being a business owner means to you and why did you become one in the first place?
I love being my own boss and the freedom it gives me. I couldn’t find a job in science and jumped upon the opportunity to become a mortgage broker. I love the ride I have been on and the different experiences I have been through.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
I don’t think there is any one person or one thing that has been my greatest influence. There are always a few things, but the top most that I can resonate with are being compassionate – putting myself in someone else’s shoes and doing business from that point of view, helps me a lot.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My book “Smart Women, Smart Homeloans”.. I never thought I’d write a book and it was never on my agenda.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Be willing to try new things. Failing is more important than just winning.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Embracing new technology including social media.
What is one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Being consistent is something I learnt over the years. It is natural for us to take up something new and work on it until the excitement wears off. But doing the some of those things beyond the excitement is essential.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available).
Every business needs to have a CRM – there are so many out there. Choose what helps your business.
Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell us about it.
I want to write my second book this year. There is a vague idea in my head, but making it concrete is my project this year.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
Sing for a band, play my musical instrument “Veena”, spend time with my family, cooking
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Resilience
- Resourcefulness
- Willingness to try and fail
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Nowadays I try not to fear. I’ve taken up meditation and that helps me a lot. To be honest, how many of our fears have actually come true? Would it be one in 100? Then why let fear rule our mind?
What makes you happy?
Thinking about my life and how lucky I am – from family to friends to health to business makes me happy.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Family time mainly.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Virgin – Sir Richard Branson – without a doubt.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
I often don’t ponder upon a long term, because I like to live in the now, but I also grab opportunities as they arise and sometimes that means change. I know that I love helping women become financially empowered and for them to take control of their financial future – so somewhere along those lines.
What book has inspired you the most? (OR What is your favorite book?)
I read a lot of non-fiction books, but two of the most fav ones are “Live what you love” by Naomi Simson and the recent one that I am reading – The Sell: The Secrets of Selling Anything to Anyone
How do you measure your success in business?
I guess people usually measure success in business by the dollar value. For me, success is also about the number of lives you change through your business and also the number of people you inspire.
Do you have kiddies if so how many? And what is their favourite activity to do with you?
I am blessed with a boy and a girl. We love to just hang out but I think they love to cook with mummy.
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