Investing in property involves thorough research to uncover valuable opportunities that aren’t always visible on popular listing platforms. And that’s the magic of off-market properties.

An off-market property, also known as a silent or pocket listing, is one that’s available for purchase but not publicly promoted. It’s a private deal, away from bidding wars.

Off-market investing isn’t just for industry insiders. With the right strategies, you can uncover these hidden real estate deals and get ahead of the competition. Let’s break down what off-market properties are, why they matter, and how to track them down like a pro.

What Are Off-Market Properties and Why Do They Matter

In simple terms, off-market properties are places for sale that you won’t see on property websites or multiple listing services (MLS). They are typically sold discreetly through word of mouth, private networks, or direct approaches to the seller.

As property investment expert Deepak Mandy explains, “Off-market isn’t just a sourcing tactic; it’s a strategic filter. It finds you deals where competition is low, negotiation power is high, and true value often hides.” These properties aren’t necessarily distressed; sellers might crave privacy (think inheritance, divorce, high-profile owners) or simply want a faster, quieter sale. In hot markets, going off-market can be your key to unlocking property development opportunities before bidding wars erupt.

Why they matter:

  • Less Buyer Volume: You’re not fighting against a sea of public buyers at an auction. However, reduced buyer volume doesn’t mean reduced competition. Institutional buyers dominate premium off-markets.
  • Potential for Better Deals: Sellers may be more flexible on price or terms.
  • Stronger Negotiations: Without the pressure of open homes and agents pushing deadlines.

Benefits of Investing in Off-Market Real Estate

Benefits of Investing in Off-Market Real Estate

Now that you understand why off-market properties matter, let’s look at how they can give you a competitive edge.

  • Better Price Negotiation: Sellers might accept a lower offer for the certainty of a quick, no-fuss deal. A CoreLogic study shows off-market sales average 97.4% of asking price vs 98.9% for listed properties.
  • More Control: Skip the auction chaos and negotiate directly.
  • Flexibility: Tailor settlement dates, repairs, or inclusions to suit your needs.
  • Privacy: Sellers often choose off-market to avoid nosy neighbours or to test the waters before going public.
  • Access to Unique Stock: High-value properties, development sites, or unusual assets often transact privately before ever hitting mainstream platforms.
  • Faster Transactions: Cutting out the traditional marketing phase can significantly shorten the buying process. While successful off-market deals close faster, sourcing them often takes months.

While the advantages are compelling, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and drawbacks that can come with investments in real estate through off-market deals.

Risks of Off-Market Property Deals

  • Legal Risks
    • Titles might have undisclosed encumbrances or disputes.
    • Sellers might not have a clear legal right to sell, especially in cases of inheritance or family disputes.
  • Financial Risks
    • Sellers may overestimate the property’s value, leading to overpayment without competitive market checks.
    • Lack of transparency can make it harder to secure financing or insurance.
  • Ethical Risks
    • Some sellers might be vulnerable (e.g. distressed sales); ensure you’re not exploiting someone’s hardship. Use the ‘Fair Price Test’: Ask yourself if the seller can achieve ≥5% more via public listing.
    • Wholesalers sometimes misrepresent deals or assign contracts they don’t actually control.

Drawbacks of Off-Market Deals

Drawbacks of Off-Market Deals

Despite their appeal, off-market deals aren’t without their drawbacks:

  • Low Response Rates
    • Direct mail and cold outreach can yield response rates of just 1–3%, especially without targeted lists or follow-ups. While the method can unlock hidden deals, it requires strategic execution and persistence to be effective. This topic is explored further below.
  • Legal Grey Areas
    • Laws about solicitation, contract assignments, and off-market advertising vary by country. Always consult a local solicitor.
  • Misinformation Risks
    • Without public listings, it’s easier for sellers or intermediaries to present incomplete or misleading property details.

By understanding these potential hurdles, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the real estate market and apply the most effective strategies to uncover hidden gems

Top Strategies to Discover Hidden Deals

  1. Real Estate Expert Networks
    Experts often have upcoming listings they haven’t advertised yet. Build strong relationships so they think of you first.
  2. Direct Mail Campaigns
    A personalised letter to property owners in your target suburb can unlock hidden opportunities.
  3. Online Data Tools
    Platforms like Real Estate Investar (Australia), Property Monitor (Dubai), and Magicbricks (India) can identify absentee owners or outdated listings. Magicbricks reports 12% off-market lead accuracy; Real Estate Investar: 18%.
  4. Driving for Dollars
    Cruise through your chosen neighbourhood, looking for neglected properties, ‘For Sale By Owner’ signs, or vacant properties. Requires 10-15 hrs/week, with trespassing risks in regulated markets.
  5. Word of Mouth
    Talk to local tradies, property managers, and even coffee shop owners. You’d be surprised who knows someone thinking of selling.

How to Find Motivated Sellers Before Competitors Do

Motivated sellers are key to finding good deals. Look for:

  • Owners behind on mortgage repayments (check default notices where available).
  • Landlords who are tired of tenant issues or high vacancy rates.
  • Inherited properties (estates belonging to deceased persons).
  • Divorce settlements or business liquidations.

Pro Tip: In Dubai, watch for expats leaving the country; in India, look for owners relocating interstate or overseas.

Using Direct Mail to Source Off-Market Leads

Despite response rates as low as 1–3%, direct mail remains highly effective when hyper-targeted. Why? Because even a single positive response can translate into a profitable deal, especially in high-value markets like Dubai or Sydney. The ROI hinges on quality, not volume.

Here’s how to do it the right way:

Build Your List: Focus on specific criteria like absentee owners, inherited properties (via probate records), long-term owners (20+ years), or properties with equity but dated condition.

Craft Your Message: Be empathetic, professional, and direct. Highlight a quick, hassle-free cash offer solution. 

Persistence Pays: Expect low response rates (1-3%). Consistent, well-timed mailings (e.g., quarterly) are key. Track responses meticulously.

Location Nuance:

Dubai: Focus on areas with older villas or apartments where expat churn is high. Respect cultural norms – formal language is essential.

India: Target inherited properties in established neighbourhoods. Consider local language mailers where appropriate.

Australia: Highly effective in suburbs with ageing populations or areas undergoing gentrification. Avoid cold mail to owners registered on ‘Do Not Contact’ lists.

The Role of Wholesalers in Off-Market Property Deals

Real estate wholesaling is when a wholesaler finds properties, puts them under contract, and then on-sells the contract to an investor, often for a fee.

Why use them?

  • Time-Saving: They do the legwork, finding motivated sellers.
  • Access to Deals: Wholesalers often have strong local networks.
  • Negotiation Skills: They can get below-market contracts before you even step in.

Pros:
Access to pre-vetted, discounted deals saves sourcing time.

Cons:
Fee adds to cost – While wholesalers promote below-market prices, those savings may be offset by assignment fees. Requires due diligence on both the property and the wholesaler’s reputation.

Red flags of a Wholesaler: Upfront fees, refusal to show seller contracts, <48hr due diligence windows.

Pro Tip: Verify the wholesaler’s track record, ensure contracts are watertight, and always get independent valuations. “A good wholesaler creates wins for everyone; a bad one creates headaches,” cautions Deepak Mandy.

Leveraging Real Estate Networks to Find Private Listings

This is often the most powerful source:

Experts: Build strong relationships with local experts. Tell them specifically what you want (area, property type, budget). Expertsoften have “pocket listings” – properties they market quietly to select buyers before going public.

Property Managers: They know landlords facing tenant issues, costly repairs, or simply wanting to exit. Prime source for rental yield investors.

Investor Groups: Join REIAs (Australia), property investor clubs (Dubai), or online forums (India). Networking events are goldmines for off-market tips and joint ventures.

Professionals: Befriend mortgage brokers, accountants, and solicitors. They hear about clients needing to sell due to financial pressure, divorce, or inheritance long before it’s listed.

Attend local property meetups and online forums. A single coffee meeting might lead to your next investment.

Legal Considerations When Buying Off-Market

Legal Considerations When Buying Off-Market

Buying off-market doesn’t mean skipping due diligence. Even with the best strategies, it’s essential to protect yourself legally when buying off-market. Here’s how.

  • Title Search: Confirm ownership and any encumbrances.
  • Building and Pest Inspection: Essential for any property, even off-market.
  • Fair Market Value: Get an independent valuation or comparative sales analysis.
  • Contract Review: Always have a solicitor or conveyancer check the contract terms.

Note: Different countries have unique legal systems.

Case Study: Securing a Dubai Villa Off-Market

Based on Property Monitor data for same-sized villas sold in Q1 2024.

  • Situation: Investor targeting family villas in Arabian Ranches, Dubai. Public listings were scarce and premium-priced.
  • Strategy: Build relationships with 3-4 real estate experts in the area. Attend investor meetups. Send targeted mail to older villa owners.
  • Result: An property expert presented a pocket listing – a long-term expat family relocating urgently. The investor secured the villa at a price approximately 8.7% below comparable public listings, thanks to a motivated seller and off-market access. 
  • Key Takeaway: Networks delivered the deal faster than mailers, but the mail campaign built broader awareness.

Final Word from a Real Estate Expert

As Deepak Mandy says, “Finding off-market properties is about turning rocks others won’t bother with. It’s where the hidden gold lies.”

Whether you’re building a portfolio in Australia, diversifying into Dubai’s dynamic market, or chasing yields in India’s buzzing cities, mastering off-market deals gives you the edge that transforms an average investor into a property pro.

FAQs:

How do I approach sellers without seeming pushy?
Use a warm, non-confrontational tone. Offer to discuss options rather than forcing an immediate sale.

Do off-market properties cost less?
Often, yes. Sellers might accept a perceived discount for speed/privacy, but rigorous valuation is essential to avoid overpaying.

Can I finance an off-market property?
Yes, but pre-approval is crucial, as lenders may require more due diligence on off-market properties. Lenders often require stricter terms for off-market purchases. For example: 15% lower LVRs (loan-to-value ratio).


They said owning property was out of reach. Millennials responded, “Fine! let’s reach differently.”

What Is Fractional Real Estate Investing?

Imagine you want a slice of the property pie, but the whole thing’s too costly for your wallet. So instead of buying the entire thing, you share it with others, like splitting the bill on a fancy dinner. That’s fractional real estate investing in a nutshell.

Rather than owning an entire property, you own a fraction of it, perhaps 1/10th, 1/20th, or even 1/100th, depending on the platform and the asset. The costs, the profits, even the headaches; those are shared too. You get all the benefits of a landlord without needing a massive deposit.

Digital platforms like BrickX and DomaCom in Australia are at the forefront, offering entry points as low as $250. No, that’s not a typo. Your next weekend party may cost more than your first step into property investment.

Why Are Millennials Driving the Fractional Investment Trend?

Why Millennials Are Driving the Fractional Investment Trend

Picture this: you are 28, living in Melbourne, paying $650 a week in rent, juggling a side hustle and student debt. Buying a house? That feels like asking for a yacht on a barista’s wage. But what if you could own 5% of a two-bedroom flat in Sydney’s Inner West and still afford your regular lifestyle?

That’s exactly why millennials are leaning into fractional investing. It’s not just about affordability. It’s about rethinking what ownership even means.

And Deepak Mandy, a property expert, entrepreneur, and voice of reason in a noisy market, puts it best: “They’re not avoiding real estate. They’re reimagining it.”

The Advantages of Fractional Ownership

1. Lower Barrier, Bigger Opportunity
With some platforms, you can start investing for less than a night at the casino. But unlike roulette, this is backed by bricks, mortar, and data – a perfect example of low-cost property investment.

2. Spread the Risk
You wouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, so why do that with property? Fractional ownership lets you diversify like a seasoned investor.

3. Earn While You Sleep
Rental income? Still yours. Your slice of the pie earns just like the whole thing would. The best part? No late-night calls about burst pipes.

4. Get a Taste of Premium Property
You might not buy a luxury apartment on your own, but with others? You just might own a piece of one.

5. Build Your Own Portfolio
Inner-city apartments, regional homes, holiday homes – you get to choose your vibe and your risk level.

Platforms like Assetora simplify it even further, offering curated property portfolios that match your goals, not just your postcode – opening the door to long-term property investment and smarter wealth building.

How Fractional Real Estate Investment Platforms Work

How Fractional Real Estate Investment Platforms Work

Think of these platforms as your digital property brokers. Here’s how it typically works:

  1. Experts hand-pick promising properties.
  2. You browse and choose your favourites.
  3. Buy a share or a few.
  4. The platform manages the nitty-gritty.
  5. You receive income and track performance.

Some real estate investment platforms even branch into other asset classes. But when it comes to property, their mission is simple: make premium real estate accessible, slice by slice.

The Risks of Fractional Ownership You Should Consider

Now, before you pour your savings into slices of property, let’s talk downsides. Every investment carries risk, and this one’s no different.

1. It’s Not Always Liquid
Unlike stocks, you can’t sell your property share instantly. There may be a wait to find a buyer – it’s more like selling a vintage watch than cashing in a bond.

2. Market Fluctuations
Real estate market trends shift. Property values can rise or dip. That dream coastal villa might lose value faster than a used luxury car.

3. You’re Not the Boss
You won’t be picking the curtains or managing tenants. The platform handles that.

4. Platform Risk
You’re putting faith in a platform. Check licences, read the fine print, and research their governance model. Not all platforms are created equal.

5. Taxes and Regulation
Rules change. Tax laws shift. And what’s okay today might be a grey area tomorrow.

As Deepak Mandy wisely says, “Don’t just follow trends, understand them. This is still real estate, not Monopoly.”

How Fractional Ownership Helps Build a Real Estate Portfolio?

Fractional investing isn’t just a one-off deal. It’s the beginning of a strategy. A fusion of property interests that can help you build a diverse, strategic portfolio across cities, regions and even countries.

You might start with a share in a suburban house in Brisbane. Then add an apartment in Perth. A few months later, a holiday rental in Byron Bay. Before you know it, you’ve got a diversified portfolio that even a traditional investor would envy.

And the beauty? You’re not tied down. Want to shift strategy? Reinvest profits? Adjust risk? You’ve got options – just like a savvy player in the property development space.

The Future of Fractional Real Estate Investing

As technology charges ahead like a bullet train, the real estate world is racing to keep up. Tokenisation, blockchain verification, and AI-led portfolio management are already happening. It’s not sci-fi.

In fact, platforms are beginning to offer fractional property tokens. Yes, like NFTs, but tied to real homes. 

What this means for investors:

  • Faster buying and selling
  • Transparent ownership
  • Improved security and traceability

So, Should You Go Fractional?

Maybe. If you’re looking to build wealth, diversify assets, or just get your foot on that ever-elusive property ladder, fractional investing deserves your attention.

But remember: it’s not magic. It’s still an investment. There’s risk. There’s paperwork. There’s waiting.

Still, for many millennials and forward-thinking investors of all ages, it might be the smartest way to turn today’s spare change into tomorrow’s legacy.

Advice from a Real Estate Expert

As Deepak Mandy, renowned real estate expert and strategic investor, often says, “Property isn’t just about ownership; it’s about opportunity. You don’t need to buy the whole building to have a stake in the future.”

And that’s what fractional real estate investing offers: a doorway to possibility. A chance to build, brick by digital brick, a portfolio that reflects your goals, your lifestyle, and your version of success.

So, the next time someone says you need to wait for the perfect time to buy property – smile, and remind them that the perfect time might already be in your hands.

They told you to “wait until the market cools.” But maybe you just needed a cooler way in.

FAQs:

Can I visit a property I own 5% of?
Not usually. You’re a co-owner, not a landlord. Access is limited and arranged by the platform. Some may offer virtual tours or special visits.

Do I pay stamp duty?
Often no, if you’re investing through a managed platform. But rules vary by state, so always check the latest regulations or speak to a financial advisor.

The CEO Magazine recently interviewed the founder of CBD Movers, Deepak Mandy, and here is an extract from his exclusive interview. Let’s dive into it and learn about his life story.

In the year 1979, the world got a dynamic leader, but the talent was yet to be unleashed. Yes! Mr. Deepak Mandy, born in 1979, was destined to become a dynamic entrepreneur and a great leader. He is a true example of “age is just a number.” At a very young age, with the spark and zeal to move the sky, he started his journey.

Mr. Mandy had very little money in his pocket when he left for Melbourne, Australia from India. But his heart was on fire to become successful. He started with the plan to start a taxi company. He had to battle a lot in the beginning and also took various odd jobs on his plate. He also invested his surplus money in a cab business. Young Mandy was determined to make it successful.

All his experience, knowledge, efforts, and perseverance were rewarded in 2009 when he started his moving and packing business. It started with a two-ton vehicle and a man. And today, his moving company has established a strong network worldwide. The brainchild of Deepak Mandy, CBD Movers is thriving as an international transport business and operates in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the UAE, the Philippines, Canada, and India. This glorious success does not stop him, and he is further determined to come up with more branches.

Mr. Mandy has been very competitive since his early teens, and that serves as a major reason behind his success. He takes up challenging objectives head-on. In addition to logistics, moving, and packing, he utilizes his experience to offer business development and real estate services. He aims to take CBD Movers to even greater heights and make it a reputable company at a global level.

Talking about the success of his business, he reveals with a spark in his eyes that CBD Movers tops the moving and packing industry in Australia, with affiliates in Canada, the UAE, New Zealand, India, and the Philippines. The reason for this zenith success, he feels, is the dedication of his team to exceeding the expectations of the customers. CBD Movers has been setting new standards for commercial, residential, corporate, and international moves for over a decade now.

Furthermore, CBD Movers has always been appreciated for the pace at which it is expanding its horizontal and vertical growth. The company has built a strong network of like-minded people. The brand has made significant investments to strengthen the infrastructure, vehicle fleets, personnel, and all the other resources. All this has contributed to the worldwide establishment of the brand.

Most people relate success to earning profits only. But Mr. Mandy’s perspective on success is not the same. Though revenue is one of the important aspects of success for him, he also considers some other factors, like the firm’s expansion, customer satisfaction, and the networks he has built. The factors to achieve this are client focus, integrity, creativity, teamwork, innovation, growth, accountability, teamwork, respect, and ownership, as revealed by Mr. Mandy.

Being a visionary man, Mr. Mandy always has approachable plans for his future. He aims to nurture his team to the best of his abilities. And he has a specific plan for doing so. It will be done by putting systems in every organization, emphasizing well-organized and strong training programs. It will help in strengthening the roots of the organization and lay a solid foundation to achieve customer satisfaction.

Businessmen are often believed to be money-minded and focus on achieving profits only. Mr. Deepak Mandy, on the other hand, is known for his constant desire to give back to the social institutions in which we live. He has the desire to feed 1,200 families, offer free tuition to his employees’ families, and offer a considerable amount of his profits to charity.

Through CEO Magazine, Mr. Mandy advised his readers to “remain consistent and never give up.” He believes that everyone has challenges initially, but it is with perseverance that you can overcome these challenges and become a great businessperson. Do not give up on maintaining relationships and gaining knowledge.

By now, one thing is for sure: the reason for the success of CBD Movers is the zeal that CEO Mr. Mandy has to make his team learn through several initiatives like development programs, professional training, focusing on their communication skills, and nurturing the leadership and managerial skills of the organization. Apart from learning, the primary focus of the organization is the health, well-being, and happiness of its employees.

You must be thinking that CBD Movers must be very monotonous to work for because of the regular training programs that the company hosts. But the fun part is that the brand leaves no chance to create a social and enjoyable work culture for the employees. There are regular business outings, sports leagues, and holiday get-togethers, which ensure that the employees gel well together and strengthen the team bonds.

By now, you must be thinking that it was all a fairy tale success for CBD Movers. But as everyone has to face challenges, even Mr. Mandy had to take his brainchild through difficult times. He was able to do this because he tried his best to not dwell on his mistakes. He is an optimist and tries his best to take advantage of every situation by learning and developing from his mistakes. He accepts the fact that failures are unpredictable and can arise at any time and never fears facing them with his well-trained crisis management team.

Today, the CBD Movers franchise model serves as a distinctive strategy for its success. Many small and medium-scale businesses rely on CBD Movers to handle the relocation part. It is because the brand supports businesses requiring guidance and assistance to those who do not have enough resources to expand their personnel and lack proper guidance. By owning this franchise, people can live their dream of owning a successful brand that has surpassed the initial days of struggle and has a worldwide presence.

After this glorious success, Mr. Mandy has even higher aspirations for CBD Movers. The brand is heading towards achieving the goal of becoming the best at offering personalised and unique services. It further helps in achieving the ultimate goal of maintaining client loyalty. The goal is to grow not only vertically but horizontally too. The inner management tries its best to create an enjoyable, stimulating, and enriching work environment for the employees. The vision is to shine as the go-to movers and packers of the era, as shared by the founder and CEO of CBD Movers, Deepak Mandy.

As Mr. Mandy has built this empire from scratch, he understands the initial daily struggles. Thus, he wants to help all small and midsize business owners by providing them with the tools and resources that they cannot afford.

So, these were some of the insights from Mr. Deepak Mandy’s interview with The CEO Magazine. It reveals what makes him a dynamic leader and the secret sausage of CBD Movers’ success.

It is always a delight to read inspiring stories and get motivated to overcome all the obstacles and reach new heights. Intending to inspire passionate individuals, IT Firms publish stories of inspiring leaders in the industry.

Here is an extract from IT Firms on one such influential personality interview, Deepak Mandy.

Read below to learn about his insights on technology trends.

Deepak Mandy shared that Work4you is a dynamic IT company that changes as per a customer’s requirements. He further shared that it is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Work4you also facilitates customer support, KPOs, and BPOs.

Those who have ever encountered Mr. Mandy know how passionate he is about society and wants to help everyone to tap their innermost potential. His vision is to help people achieve their personal growth. He is the one who takes challenges head-on and never fears risks.

Mr. Mandy not only leads Work4you but is also a business consultant. He has set up strong businesses in various countries like Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada, UAE, Philippines, and India. His passion to help others roars, and he is all set to expand the horizontal and vertical structure of his business even more.

Unexpected challenges are part of business, and recently, during the pandemic, we have seen how badly businesses were knocked down. Speaking about the same, Mr. Deepak Mandy explained how he managed to run his business during the tough times and how everyone else could prepare. He revealed that he motivated his team to take it as a challenge and restructure the functions in a streamlined manner. Being an IT company, it was easy to figure out ways to carry out operations online. Everyone realized the importance of going digital and abandoned traditional ways of marketing. Thus, Work4you was able to help many small and large-scale businesses. Mr. Mandy and his team’s greatest accomplishment was to be in sync with what the rest of the world is going through and to be able to assist everyone in progressing their businesses during difficult times.

In an exclusive interview with IT Firms, Mr. Mandy not only shared his highs but shed some light on his disappointments too. As he keeps traveling and visiting his teams in various nations, he does not like to stay away from his teammates. The lack of physical contact with his teammates is something that Mr. Mandy never wants to experience again. But as shared already, he is an optimist and figured out this positive thing about the entire situation: isolation was somewhat beneficial as it helped people figure things out about life and learn about themselves.

Now, comes the most awaited part of the story, which is the functioning of the company from scratch, i.e., from the moment a client walks into the time the product is developed. Mr. Mandy is the preacher of the agile model of business. The moment the client walks in, his team maintains a back-and-forth relationship with the customer. And he revealed that the secret sauce of his success is the art of conducting several interactions and moving in chronological order. He stresses the importance of understanding the requirements of the clients completely and then entering the development stage. Furthermore, it makes the functioning of the organization much more transparent and, thus, increases the authenticity of the company.

Now comes the engagement model. It is delivery and partner-oriented. When offering services to customers, the aim is to stick to quality and cater to the customer’s requirements. Looking closely at the models:

Delivery-oriented: Here the focus is to examine the client’s requirements, put across the information about the deliverable to the client, and offer effective price ranges. Once the client is on board, the hardworking team of Work4you offers the services and gets into regular feedback sessions with the customers.

Partner-oriented: Work4you is expanding both horizontally and vertically. It also readily collaborates with individuals or organizations with similar ideologies. The vision behind this is to benefit both parties. As discussed above, Mr. Mandy is concerned about society too, and aims to nurture every business. His model also focuses on nurturing upcoming entrepreneurs and constructing a conducive business environment for growth.

As companies are switching to hybrid or online mode, Work4you is committed to making this transition smooth for customers. It provides the best solutions for the market. With the upgraded technology and processes, Work4you can deliver it. The team is dedicated to gaining more popularity on a global level without compromising the quality of work. “Our approach is customer-oriented, as our name “Work4you” implies,” Mr. Mandy stated.

In conversations with IT Firms, Mr. Mandy also shared some traits that are useful in an app development firm. He shared how essential working on the design is. Quoting the example of “Apple”, he stresses the fact that its pioneer, Steve Jobs, gave most of his time to design in the nascent stages. He believes that marketing design is crucial for success. Thus, he concludes that apart from the technicalities like website interface and programming language, it is important to focus on marketing and design.

He was also asked how he views the role of research agencies that bridge the gap between clients and service providers, as IT Firms did. Commenting on this, he expresses his admiration for the idea of cultivating a community of progressive and like-minded individuals and expresses gratitude to IT Firms for doing so. He also stresses that the bi-directional flow of communication between the customer and the organization is important.

Further, he comments that IT Firms is an amazing platform, which is fun like social media. It provides a chance for entrepreneurs and businesses to keep themselves updated.

So, this was an extract from Mr. Deepak Mandy’s interview at IT Firms. It reveals how he climbed the ladder of becoming a successful entrepreneur. But he knows how to secure his work-life balance apart from the “n” number of tasks that are lined up for him. Giving time to loved ones and yourself is also important, he concluded.

This was an extract from Deepak Mandy’s interview with IT Firms.

Over a decade ago, when people were hunting for the right professional services, the advocate of automation, “Deepak Mandy,” came up with an idea. The idea is to bridge the gap between organisations seeking professional services and the experts offering these services. As automation has always fascinated Mr. Deepak Mandy, he has been keen to utilise technology right from the time he tried his hand on MS paint. Obviously! He just could not wait to give wings to his idea. This is how his brainchild, Work4you, came into the picture. Soon, the idea became a game changer in the industry as all the small and mid-level organisations benefited from its technological services.

The journey of Work4you started back then when it provided backend support to its Australian client, CBD Movers, which has now grown to have a worldwide presence. After this glorified success, there was no looking back. Work4you has today become a leading organization that runs processes in virtual assistance, lead generation, sales, enterprise-level solutions, customer support, website design and development, digital marketing, app development, and various other niches all over the world.

You must be wondering why Mr. Deepak Mandy chose this difficult and competitive niche of the industry. Well, commenting on this, Mr. Mandy shared his thoughts that he knew that the strong value system and deep-rooted thoughts he had behind launching Work4you would help him surpass all the competitors in the industry.

In conversation with Firmfinder, Mr. Mandy shared his secret sausage of success in the initial days. He shared three key points:

1. Engagement

“We at Work4you have always been open to suggestions and deliver the best to our clients. Since our initial days, we have followed the strategy of engaging with our clients.” Our approach has always been feedback-centric,” shared Mr. Mandy.

2. Tapping “The” Right Niche

He also shared another crucial thing, which was to recognise their forte and work hard to improve it. And today, Work4you is leading the virtual assistance and digital marketing industry. They recognised their hook and worked for it.

3. Setting goals

We also figured out that Work4you, since it was a baby, has kept a goal-centric approach. They set measurable, small goals and worked to achieve those goals. The team also ensured that the process of reaching that goal was realistic and smooth.

The ladder to success was not easy for Work4you. Even this industry-leading brand had to overcome many initial challenges, such as finding the right skill set, acquiring resources, and gaining societal trust. Throwing some light on the initial days’ setbacks, the CEO of Work4you shared that his team was in the process of taking a very influential client on board. He quoted, “We worked hard on the project in making the strategies, hiring more people with the required skill set, and providing the best services. But this very client, for no good reason, went silent just a week before the kick-off was scheduled.

We also discovered that Work4you’s monetization model has a two-pronged model and has further subdivisions. The first model is delivery-oriented. It focuses on understanding the requirements of the customer and delivering on their demands. Another model is partner-oriented. The goal here is to expand the network and add more to the skill set by collaborating with the companies and individuals. This approach is majorly contract-based. The collaboration is structured in a way that benefits both parties.

Work4you follows 5 key points, which are based on a design thinking model that has led it to create successful apps or SaaS.

  • The first approach revolves around the customer’s demand. It is the customer-centric approach. The idea behind this approach is to satisfy the demands of the clients and make their experience worthwhile. An example of this is Mate4trade. It is a customer relationship management app. It was developed to help tradies manage their team and work. It has helped tradies to abandon the stressful process of managing the leads manually.
  • Next, the brand uses a “lean approach.” It uses the art of optimising resources efficiently. The idea is to do smart work and save time and effort.
  • The third approach that we discovered, which Work4you uses, is agile methodology. As Work4you has always believed in the engagement approach and satisfying customers’ requirements. It sticks by it at every step. The customer’s feedback is taken at every step to make sure that the results satisfy their requirements.
  • Another approach that Work4you is appreciated for is its “after-sales” support. It maximises customer satisfaction completely. Providing maintenance after delivering the service or product is very important to maintain the authenticity of the product.
  • Another very evident approach that Mr. Deepak Mandy swears by is valuing relationships more than monetary benefits. Work4you has gained popularity for serving the community and giving affordable services that actually help brands achieve their goals.  

We know that by now you are all influenced by the charm that Mr. Deepak Mandy has spread in the industry. Since you are all influenced by him, let us tell you a good deed that is on his mind. If you are idealising him, then you must approach him and give him ideas to actualize it. So, being a visionary man, he has the vision to begin a movement that provides a platform for the masses to show their talent to the world. That will further aid them in earning their living. Hardworking and deserving people should be able to make their name as experts in the niche that they are proficient in. Helping people realise and tap into their inner potential and grow in life is his aim.

It was the support of his parents, wife, children, and employees, whom he chooses to call his own family, that led him to the point where he is today. Yes, this is what he shares whenever he is asked about the strengths that made him a successful entrepreneur.

There is no success story without mistakes. Every human being makes mistakes, and so did Deepak Mandy in his initial days. But he believes that it is important to make mistakes and learn from them. Do not be knocked down by them, but rather persevere each day to reach the point of victory.

He has built a strong international brand, but the key to his heart will always be a simple Indian milk tea. Deepak Mandy believes in constructing a strong path for himself and others through his vision. Having made his name in the industry, he is now focused on helping others build theirs. These are the highlights from the interview of Mr. Deepak Mandy, conducted by firmsfinder.

Deepak Mandy is a business coach who has been building businesses Down Under all his life. From commendable expertise in the IT sector to a tight grasp on logistics, he has also been a mentor for budding entrepreneurs, giving genuine and effective business advice. As a business coach, Deepak Mandy understands the challenges that young, as well as seasoned businessmen, face while raising funds for their companies. It is true that the proper execution of an idea is what makes it work. Bringing good solutions to the masses has been Deepak Mandy’s forte ever since he entered the Australian markets and raising capital is one of the foundations of any good execution. This guide seeks to explore these challenges and how to overcome them.

Challenges in Raising Capital

Entrepreneurs come up with brilliant ideas and even have the right knack for executing them into practice. However, a slow or lack of cash injection at the right time is a major reason for many crushed dreams. Deepak Mandy suggests:

  • Investors are Dicey: It happens often that a verbal commitment given by the investors during a pitch is not followed up with a proper investment decision by the investors.
  • Lack of Urgency: Entrepreneurs often fail in creating a sense of urgency to the investor which results in a delayed reaction. The number of investors is less compared to the number of companies seeking funds – a major reason behind this issue.
  • A Declining Economy: You can’t do much about it, can you? Well, coming up with a market disruptive solution is the only business advice that would work here. Moving on.

Companies Eligible to Raise Funds in Australia

Public companies (a company with more than 50 shareholders that are not direct employees of said company) are eligible to raise money from the general public (IPO). The company has to declare securities before entering the public pool to raise money.

Private companies (technically the opposite of a public company i.e not more than 50 shareholders that are not employees) can also enter for raising capital:

  • From a private party such as employees, shareholders, or a subsidiary company.
  • If there is no disclosure document required, the private company can raise funds from the general public.

Restrictions on Advertising or “Cold Calling”

When a disclosure document is required to raise funds, cold calling or advertising to the general masses has restrictions and boundations. In the most general terms, it is not allowed to cold call people from the general public and tells them about the securities. There is an exception in this case though. Deepak Mandy suggests that you check this link out. Holders of the Australian Financial Services Licence can raise funds from the public. Do check the link for more information though.

Advertising securities, as aforementioned, is not allowed. However, if the disclosure document is lodged, the scenario changes a bit. You can start advertising for public funding in Australia after the disclosure document is lodged as long as there is a statement in the advertisement or cold call stating that:

  • Offers will be taken only with an attachment of the disclosure document
  • There is an application form in the disclosure document and anyone who wishes to infuse money should fill it out first.

Don’t have a disclosure document? The Right Time to Raise Funds is this

With years of experience raising as well as investing funds, business coach, Deepak Mandy has compiled some pointers for you in this regard. If your company does not have a disclosure document, the right time to raise funds depends on:

  • In case there is a personal offer. This also includes (a) offers made to less than 12 people in the course of a year and (b) the offer will not raise the total amount (in a year) above $2 million.
  • Offers are made to the person who is not eligible for a disclosure document.
  • There are also various conditions that are included in this category. For a detailed understanding of when you can raise capital without a disclosure document, check out the official link.

The right time to raise capital in case of the non-existence of a disclosure document also depends on where your business is currently and whether you have an execution plan in place. In simple terms, the allocation of the proposed incoming funds needs to be decided by the entrepreneur. Although this is not some mandatory step, it is absolutely essential for the entrepreneur to have a thorough understanding of where the money would be used and how much the returns will be.

How to Overcome Raising Capital Challenges

As a business advisor and coach, Deepak Mandy suggests that entrepreneurs take the following roadmap to overcome the challenges of raising funds in Australia:

  • Scalable business strategy: A scalable business strategy is one of the major factors that investors look into before injecting money into a business. Investors look for good future prospects before making a decision so a scalable business model is a must.
  • Market feasibility: Entrepreneurs and young businesses should not fall in love with their ideas and lose a sense of the real world. The feasibility and the problem-solving power of a business is the one thing that will keep the company floated in periods of crisis.
  • Having a realistic time frame: Unrealistic deadlines are also a reason for the failure of many young businesses. Business advice in this case requires entrepreneurs to keep a realistic sense of time frames.
  • Networking: Networking with high net individuals as well as good companies of the different industries is another key factor that will help you to raise capital.
  • Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is another great way to raise capital if you believe that your idea is capable of motivating the general public to help you grow.

Conclusion

It is crucial to understand the place and time where your company stands before you start planning the next step. If you decide to raise money at the wrong time, it may end up hurting you more than helping you. We hope that this ‘Deepak Mandy’s guide to helping overcome capital raising challenges’ was mind-opening for you.

Establishing a new business can be amazing and challenging. You have to do market research, arrange finance, build contacts, secure a location, and perhaps hire staff. Before establishing your new business, it is recommended that you speak with an experienced business consultant about your new business idea. A business consultant will increase your knowledge and experience about the future operations of your business, as well as help you in creating a business plan.

Business Plan

People avoid writing a business plan because they believe it is too time-consuming or unnecessary unless they are seeking financing. However, the reality is opposite. Establish a business strategy before investing. It will help you develop a strategy, define your company goals, and determine the viability of your planned business.

A business consultant may develop a customized business plan for you or will evaluate your existing plan and provide you with useful suggestions on your business idea. They will identify any missing information or research on your behalf. Additionally, they will offer simple business advice on how to improve your company’s performance.

During the start-up period of the business life cycle, a business consultant will help you deal with the specific difficulties that arise.

Building a strong structure– Identifying the most appropriate structure for you.
Registration may be a hassle– With assistance, you may avoid the hassle of registering your company with the government.
Budgeting and planning– can help you in developing a practical and effective company strategy.
Accounting system– can conduct an audit of your current accounting system and provide recommendations for improvements to guarantee that your system generates accurate and trustworthy financial statements.

Benefits of Getting the Assistance of a Business Consultant

● Protect your company from making potential mistakes and spending money that isn’t required.
● Provide a properly studied business plan.
● Most up-to-date legal and compliance knowledge.
● Understand all aspects of running a company from start to finish.

What does a business consultant do?

A business consultant’s goal is to help an organisation improve its performance and growth by finding creative ways to achieve corporate goals. They are equipped to handle difficult business problems by developing solutions that will enhance the operational and financial health of any organisation.

  • Identify barriers to growth or efficiency
  • Determine the changes that need to be made and help implement the changes
  • Provide necessary training and resources to staff and management
  • Bring unique ideas to rejuvenate the business
  • Support in business planning and creation of new business
  • Implementation of new programs
  • Analyze the budget of a business, provide recommendations for changes, and assist in implementing such changes
  • Select suppliers and partners to help accomplishing goals

Strategy Development For Your Business

Strategy development approach of a business consultant ensures that short term activities are aligned with long term aspirations, vision and purpose. Through market research and business analytics, they identify key issues, opportunities, and threats that affect an organization’s business model.

They collaborate with you to define and develop your organization’s fundamental mission and vision, as well as define the critical strategies necessary to achieve them. Then they plan, prioritise, and organize key initiatives into a roadmap with short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.