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| To me, success means having the autonomy to make choices that align with my values and desires, rather than being constrained by circumstances or expectations. |
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I persuaded my parents to let me travel for a long duration (say months) around 2.5 years back. It was a fairly new concept for me. Who knew that something I'd always wanted to do, namely travel across the world while keeping my career, was doable. This was a wild fantasy for me, as it is for many others, and I never followed it since it was impossible for me to leave my work and do it. But when the opportunity to combine work and travel arose, I couldn't stop myself from trying it out.
I never imagined I'd be traveling for months at a time, and yes, it took a lot of convincing and stubbornness, but I have this superpower of making things work my way ;) Nainital was my first extended journey. It was more of a test to see if the digital nomad life was right for me. Is it only in my dreams that it appears to be attractive? I had a lot of questions, but I wanted to give it a go and see what I could learn. Fast forward to today, I do not know what I would be doing if not this. There were challenges along the way, but my will to travel takes me places.
2. What led you to start your page on Instagram and what is it about?
I started my Instagram page out of a deep passion for content creation, photography, and videography, coupled with my love for travel. This platform has given me space to share my experiences, insights, and the beauty I capture through my lens, whether it's exploring new destinations or capturing everyday moments.
Beyond just sharing content, I saw Instagram as a valuable tool for personal branding, allowing me to establish my digital presence and connect with a community that shares my interests. Through my page, I aim to inspire others, foster a sense of connection, and showcase my creative journey, all while building a personal brand that reflects my passions and expertise.
3. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?
My idea of success revolves around the concept of freedom and provision. To me, success means having the autonomy to make choices that align with my values and desires, rather than being constrained by circumstances or expectations. This freedom extends to various aspects of life, including career choices, lifestyle preferences, and the ability to pursue passions and interests.
Furthermore, success is deeply intertwined with my ability to provide for my family. Ensuring their comfort, security, and happiness is a fundamental measure of my achievements. It's not just about financial provision, although that is certainly important, but also about being present, supportive, and nurturing, creating a stable and loving environment for them to thrive in.
Ultimately, my mantra in life is to live in a way that balances personal freedom with responsibility towards my loved ones. This balance enables me to lead a fulfilling life, rich in experiences and relationships, and grounded in the values that matter most to me. In essence, success is about having the liberty to shape my life while ensuring the well-being of my family, which in turn brings me profound satisfaction and joy.
4. How can someone become a successful social media influencer?
Choose Your Niche: Focus on a topic you are passionate about and knowledgeable in. Whether it's fashion, gaming, fitness, or any other interest, having a clear niche can help you attract a dedicated audience.
Be Consistent: Regularly post high-quality content to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers. Consistency is key to building a loyal following.
Engage With Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and participate in conversations. Building a community around your content can help increase engagement and loyalty.
Collaborate: Partner with other influencers or brands to expand your audience. Collaborations can introduce you to new followers and provide fresh content.
Stay Authentic: Be true to yourself and your values. Authenticity resonates with audiences and can help you stand out in a crowded space.
Learn and Adapt: Stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and platform updates. Being adaptable and willing to learn can help you maintain your relevance and appeal.
5. What are your tips for first-time and aspiring entrepreneurs?
For first-time and aspiring entrepreneurs, here are some straightforward tips:
Find Your Passion: Choose a business idea that you're passionate about. This passion will keep you motivated during tough times.
Research and Learn: Understand your market, competitors, and customers. Learn as much as you can about your industry and keep up with trends.
Start Small, Think Big: Begin with manageable steps to minimize risk, but have a clear vision for growth and expansion.
Network: Connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals. Networking can provide valuable advice, partnerships, and opportunities.
Be Adaptable: Be ready to pivot and adapt your business plan based on feedback and changing market conditions. Flexibility can be key to survival and growth.
Manage Finances Wisely: Keep track of your income and expenses. Understand your financial health to make informed decisions and secure funding if needed.
Embrace Failure: Don't be afraid of making mistakes. View failures as learning opportunities and use them to improve your business strategies.
6. Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?
Yes, it can be financially sustainable to be an influencer today, but it varies a lot. Some influencers make enough money to support themselves by partnering with brands, creating sponsored content, and sometimes selling their own products or services. However, the success and income can greatly depend on factors like how many followers they have, how engaged their audience is, and what niche they are in.
For example, a fashion influencer with a large, active following might make a good income through brand deals and sponsorships. But a smaller influencer might not earn as much and could need another job to support themselves. Also, being an influencer can have unpredictable income, so it's not always steady like a traditional 9-to-5 job.
So, while some influencers do quite well financially, it's not guaranteed, and the industry can be competitive and change quickly.
7. How would you distinguish the term blogger from influencer?
A blogger is someone who primarily creates written content for a blog, which is like an online journal or informational website. They usually focus on a specific topic or niche and share their thoughts, knowledge, or experiences in detailed posts.
An influencer, on the other hand, is someone who has the power to affect others' purchasing decisions because of their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with their audience. Influencers often use social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to share content and can cover various topics, not just written posts.
So, while a blogger writes detailed articles, an influencer might use photos, videos, or live streams to engage with followers and often works to promote brands or products.
Having said that, I call myself a content creator and not a blogger or an influencer.
Bio -
This is Komal Maheshwari. She is a content creator and has more than 40k followers on Instagram.
Interviewed by - Ashmeet Kaur
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