"Order to Be a Public Face , One Needs to Establish a Healthy Relation With the Audience." - Aniket Raj


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1. Tell us about your background and journey.
 

At a tender age of 13 or 14 years , I marked the start of this ongoing journey. You may call it a silly ambition , but it was then , that I had begun dreaming of being a widely known face for my creative works. 

In my initial days as a passionate photographer , I often suggested my knowns with tips on how to be more efficient with one's clicks. Later , I mustered up courage and started getting myself clicked.It took me a bit more to start posting my works on my social media handles. 

No sooner did I do so , than I was fed with appraisals and compliments. This indeed boosted me up. I took a step forward and followed young artists and models , seeking inspiration and guidance from them.

I learnt the know-how of fashion industry and soon left for Delhi to try my luck at modeling. I , then worked with a few agencies and also some actors of the television industry.

To be sworn , their dedication compelled me to strive for my dreams with greater energy. Not to forget ,it was then that I met one of the finest Fashion Photographer of India and undoubtedly my mentor , Mr. Praveen Bhatt (Sir). Sir taught me a dozen of things and I still follow all of his advices hoping to reach my goals someday.

Later , I shifted to Kolkata and begun my work in the world of blogging and got a chance to interact with other bloggers and influencers. I also learnt marketing and made a number of observations for the enhancement of my journey as a blogger.

2. What led you to start your page on Instagram and what is it about? 

I recall a well known phrase," If you want something you've never had, then you've got to do something you've never done". This provoked and inspired me to do something that I earlier feared - being socially active. It took me a bit to start sharing a creative outlook of my routine works. I was surprised to see audience being attracted to them and providing a good reach to my page. Also , I would express my heartfelt gratitude to every soul that appreciated as well as criticised me and contributed to my growth.

3. How would you distinguish the term blogger from an influencer?

In my opinion bloggers generally aim at providing pieces of information , doses of entertainment , or giving expertise training  through their content, which could come in the form of images/videos. 

Then there are some who tend to share their views on some products or a particular style or a definite place with respect to their lifestyles.  On the other hand Influencers, are individuals who have the ability to affect or hold sway over

The perceptions and beliefs of their audience due to the influencers’ experience, training, background, knowledge, or authority. Influencers typically communicate actively with their target audience, often through social media. Every blogger is an influencer to a certain extent.

4. Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?

There is no room for worrying over financial terms if you have ability to do something in better way than others. Anyone can pursue this platform recklessly. Because this platform is not limited to users. Anyone can come up here and showcase their talents and efforts.

 I have seen many rich kids with less numbers of followers (pfffffffffff...hahaha). So financial factor doesn't actually matter in blogging. What matters is one's content, dedication and definetly their efforts.

5. What do you think influences consumer behavior?

There are basically many factors which influence consumer behavior. In my opinion first is getting connected to them and working loyal. Secondly reaching out to audience with honest reviews and presenting real things to them is one of the priority. Another is always being responsive to their conversations, which builds a relation between influencer and audience(consumer).

6. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?

My friends know it well , as they must have heard me saying many a times that in order to be a public face , one needs to establish a healthy relation with the audience. 

To be straightforward, "when they know you , they like you , when they like you , they follow you". And then interaction , undoubtedly gets one more popular among masses and gives one reach . Get connected with bloggers of your niche, try to learn from them, and seek inspiration.

This actually helps you a lot in becoming better in your work. And lastly focus more on your content, and check it with the perspective of the audience. Try to be better day by day. To quote , "Rome wasn't built in a day".


7. How can someone become a successful social media influencer?

Focusing more on content, and being dedicated to own niche is always the best way to get oneself into the list of social media influencers. Also , never rush for brands . Rather aim at good content , I repeat.  Brands and campaigns will
come to you when the audience shall admire your content and you'll be a well recognised face among them.


8. Which is your favorite book and why?

"Life, as I see it, is not a location, but a journey. Even the man who most feels himself "settled" is not settled—he is probably sagging back. Everything is in flux, and was meant to be. Life flows. We may live at the same number of the street, but it is never the same man who lives there."

These are the lines from the autobiography of Sir Henry Ford , "My life and work" that inspire me the most. Everyone they push me to strive harder for my goals with least expectations but high resolutions and higher ambitions.

Interviewed By - Vayun Sahni