Believe in Yourself & Work Hard for the Things You Are Passionate About - Shubham Bari

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My name is Shubham Bari. I'm born and raised in Pune. Currently I'm 21 & have done my bachelor's in business administration. I'm a very artistic person & had interest in arts & extra curricular activities since childhood. 

I love singing & as a vocalist I've been a part of "Guinness World Record for The Largest Indian Cinematic Band". I always have that urge for new experiences & opportunities to learn & explore new things. I love to create content around fashion & lifestyle and believe to grow more in the same field. 

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

I created my account as a normal Instagram user, but eventually it has became my main page (@shubham_bari_sb) where I post my content. So I started creating content for brands as being a brand ambassador, I was selected as brand ambassador for a clothing brand & I created content to promote the brand which I really loved. 

I realised creating content made me happy & I wanted to do more of it. So I started collaborating with brands & started doing the brand campaigns as well. Besides creating content for brands, I like to try out new creative ideas or try out things which are trending to create my own content. 

Recently I did a IGTV video of "What I'd Wear If I Were In Netflix" & I was overwhelmed to see such a good response for the same! My page is all about Fashion, Lifestyle, Grooming & Entertainment as well.

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

I think that a blogger is someone with a website where they host a blog and publish their own original, valuable content of their specific niche and an influencer is someone who can influence the other’s opinions, he/she has followers and uses the socials (especially Instagram) daily for putting their content. 

An influencer doesn’t necessarily have a blog and shares his/her thoughts and content through the Socials. As an influencer, we have the ability to affect or hold sway over the perceptions and beliefs of our audience due to our experience, training, background & knowledge about the niche around which we create the content. I believe that not all bloggers are influencers. 

Bloggers can become influencers by writing a blog which actually influences the people. Bloggers generally aim to influence their visitors through their websites in the form of articles and images, hence they emphasis on providing only quality content.

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

I personally believe that it depends on every individual like how they tackle brands or create own content which is worth engaging. 

Being consistent & investing in yourself is necessary in the initial state as you won't get collaborations at the very beginning, but after reaching a level, the brands can approach you & you can determine who your target audience is, and learn more about them to engage in your content. 

So yes, for me, if one chooses the right brands and right collaborations, it can help them to be financially sustained for the long run.

5. What do you think influences consumer behavior?

Providing content which is worth engaging, giving honest reviews & staying loyal to your audience is important. Consumer behaviour  can vary depending upon each individual like how they buy, select, use, and how a service is satisfying their needs. 

But in my case, genuine reviews of products & services, keeping upto date with trends & providing knowledge about the same really helps to influence my audience. 

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

I believe that sometimes spontaneous things are the best things that can happen to you rather than the things which are planned. 

So the mantra I follow is believing in yourself & work hard for the things you are passionate about & you'll eventually reach your goals. Give your best in any new experience or opportunity you get. Would like to quote "Decisions As I Go, To Anywhere I Flow"

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

7 points to keep in mind :

1)Identify what you're passionate about & know your niche.

2) Optimise your social media profiles.

3) Stay updated about all the trends going around.

4)Understand your audience.

5)Create and post relevant content.

6) Be regular and consistent & 

7) Engage with your audience.

And make sure you're happy in what you are doing.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favourite book would be "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia

The advantages of having an ‘Ikigai’ seem clear. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning. Enjoying in your work, loving what you do, giving meaning to your existence. Combined with healthy eating and a nice living environment, your ‘Ikigai’ is an important ingredient for being your best self!

Interviewed by - Vayun Sahni