From Layoffs to Leading Secret Brokerage: Arif Sengoren’s Story

Today, in our BizStack Solopreneur Spotlight series, we’re excited to introduce you to Arif Sengoren, the founder of Secret Brokerage. This domain name brokerage has been marking its territory in the domain industry. Arif adds flavor to his entrepreneurial journey with a coffee shop and an olive garden.

A Glimpse into Arif’s Professional World

Arif’s journey started after graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. His career took an unexpected turn when he began working for a company in the domain industry, where he realized his knack for buying and selling domain names.

With over a decade of experience and a few hiccups along the way, including layoffs from two significant players in the industry, Arif didn’t let that deter his spirit. Instead, he embarked on a solo venture, Secret Brokerage.

Arif proudly shares that he never registered or bought domains while working for these companies, but he successfully brokered significant sales, including the sale of Kiwi.com, for an astounding $800,000.

A Week in The Life of Arif Sengoren

Arif’s typical week is a blend of discipline and flexibility. Here’s how he divides his day every day except Sunday, in his words:

  • Wake up at 8:30 AM
  • Leave out home at 9:15 AM
  • First coffee at my coffee shop at 9:30 AM and some chit-chat with our barista and customers
  • 10 AM – 12:45 PM: e-mails, followups, calls, brainstorming for all the businesses
  • 12:45 PM – 1 PM: chit chat time at the coffee shop
  • 1 PM – 1:50 PM: lunch (first meal of the day)
  • 2 PM – 3 PM: siesta
  • 3 PM – 5:45 PM: e-mails, follow-ups, calls + some boring stuff like payments and invoices.
  • 5:45 PM – 6 PM: chit chat
  • 6 PM: leave office and go home
  • 6:30 PM – 9 PM: family time, mostly with our daughter
  • 9 PM – 1 AM: calls, e-mails, transaction updates, follow-ups with the clients + playing computer games/watching movies/spending some time with my wife/friends, etc.
Arif Sengoren
Arif Sengoren, Founder of Secret Brokerage

Tools that Keep the Business Running

Running a purely online business demands reliable technology. For Arif, a good internet connection, a phone, a PC, a Mac, and blockchain technology for secure transactions form the backbone of his operations. Monitors are crucial for multitasking, with one always tuned to news or streamers on YouTube/Twitch.

Strategies for Growth in the Online Domain World

Success in the fast-paced online domain niche requires agility and networking:

  • Being open to new ideas allows Arif to adapt and implement strategies quickly.
  • Having a strong network has been pivotal in sustaining and growing his business.

Managing Workload Like a Pro

Productivity hacks that have stood the test of time for Arif include taking siestas and embracing outsourcing for tasks outside his expertise, allowing him to focus on high-value tasks that require his direct attention.

Overcoming Challenges

One of Arif’s significant hurdles was finding the right talent for critical tasks such as SEO, web design, and coding. This challenge echoes a common solopreneurial pain point: filling skill gaps without compromising business focus or quality.

Marking Milestones

Despite the challenges, Arif has consistently generated sales volume of over $1M for the past eight years, primarily through acquisitions in the last four years.

Advice for Aspiring Solopreneurs

Arif’s advice for anyone contemplating the solopreneur life is to evaluate their worst-case scenario. If they can handle it, they should take the leap. His journey is a testament to thriving post-employment and establishing a successful solo career.

Arif Sengoren’s Lightning Round

In this lightning round, I asked Arif Sengoren to answer 12 rapid-fire questions:

What’s something that’s in your pocket right now, besides your phone?

Car keys (my phone is on my desk)

Artificial intelligence: hope or dread?

Both. I’m the Matrix fanboy so if you know, you know.

Your favorite place to think big?

My hometown, when I’m alone.

If you were out of business tomorrow, what job would you pursue?

Never thought about that. However, that’s probably the idea behind my mind since I’ve been trying to create different areas to create extra income.

One object from your childhood you could never throw away?

I don’t have the “one.” However, I keep looking for printed photos of my younger version.

One feature you wish your phone had?

Perfectly working “voice control” with my native language.

Your favorite mobile app?

X

The book that most influenced you?

Nutuk (The Great Speech) by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Messy desk or clean desk?

Something in between 🙂

One thing you always have in your fridge?

Cheese

Your favorite time-saving hack?

Outsource

Best movie ever?

“The Matrix”

Connect with Arif and Discover Secret Brokerage

For aspiring domain brokers and those curious about the intricacies of the domain sale industry, connect with Arif through his LinkedIn profile and explore SecretBrokerage.com to learn more about his services and journey.

Arif’s multifaceted journey from an agricultural engineer to a renowned name in the domain brokerage industry, coupled with being a café owner and managing an olive garden, is truly inspiring. His story highlights resilience, the importance of networking, and the willingness to take calculated risks — a perfect blend for aspiring solopreneurs and entrepreneurs aiming for success in their ventures.

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