In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren interviews his old friend Sauren Ghosh of Utility Warehouse.
They discuss Sauren’s journey from being made redundant to becoming self-employed and his involvement with Utility Warehouse, a multi-level marketing company. The conversation covers the benefits and challenges of self-employment, the value of community, and the ethics of network marketing.
Sauren shares insights into personal development, leadership, and the importance of aligning one’s values with their work. The episode concludes with practical advice for those considering a similar path.
Early Career and Redundancy – the McDonald’s Management Experience
Sauren started his career as a manager at McDonald’s, which he describes as a “baptism of fire” in leadership and management. This role taught him valuable lessons about people and processes, which he later applied in his own ventures.
Transition to Self-Employment
After being made redundant in 2004, Sauren decided to become self-employed. He initially started an IT training business, leveraging his experience in running IT projects and his teaching qualification. This move allowed him to enjoy more control over his work and life, which was a significant motivator for him.
“Sometimes I think we need a bit of a push or a prod or encouragement to do things. Maybe we don’t quite believe in ourselves.”
Joining Utility Warehouse – Discovering the Opportunity
While not actively looking for a new venture, Sauren was introduced to Utility Warehouse by someone who saved him money on his bills. He was attracted to the company’s ethos, values, and the community it offered. He began working part-time, dedicating a few hours a week to building his business.
Balancing Work and Entrepreneurship
Sauren emphasises the importance of starting slowly and balancing a new venture with existing commitments. He advises having some income from another source while building a new business to reduce pressure and increase enjoyment.
“When I started, I only could do two to five hours a week… I had to give up some things.”
The Value of Community – Building a Supportive Network
One of the key attractions of Utility Warehouse for Sauren was the community of positive, like-minded individuals. He found that being part of this community provided motivation and support, which was crucial for his success.
Ethical Network Marketing
Sauren discusses the importance of ethics in network marketing, contrasting ethical companies with those that prioritize personal gain over genuine customer service. He appreciates that Utility Warehouse focuses on helping customers save money on essential services, which aligns with his values.
“The company have got to make profit, the partner network has to be able to make money out of it, and the customer must benefit from it.”
Personal Development and Continuous Learning
Sauren is a strong advocate for continuous learning and personal development. He believes in adapting and improving oneself to better serve others. This mindset has helped him in both his personal life and business.
Applying Lessons in Life and Business
Sauren applies the lessons he has learned in his business to his personal life, such as understanding different personality types and communicating effectively with them. He also emphasises the importance of having a balanced life, and enjoys activities like table tennis for physical health and social interaction.
“I have become very obsessed with table tennis… it’s important to find something that’s going to keep you fit and healthy.”
Starting a Network Marketing Business
For those interested in starting a network marketing business, Sauren advises starting part-time and using the support and training provided by the company. He highlights the importance of finding a company that aligns with one’s values and offers a supportive community.
The Importance of Ethics and Values
Sauren stresses that success in network marketing comes from helping others succeed. He values the ethical approach of Utility Warehouse, which ensures that all parties benefit from their services.
“My number one value is balance… I want it to be a win-win-win situation.”
Conclusion
In this episode, Sauren Ghosh shares his journey from redundancy to success in network marketing, emphasising the importance of community, ethics, and personal development. His story is a testament to the value of continuous learning and aligning one’s work with their values. For those considering a similar path, Sauren offers practical advice and insights to help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of self-employment and network marketing.
Connect with Sauren:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurenghosh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saureng/
X: https://x.com/saurenghosh
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sauren/
Website: http://www.piggytime.info/
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/
Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com
Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk
