Writing, Blogging, Traveling: An Interview With Kriti Mukherjee

Nothing in my mind can take the place of a personal hand shake or a smile.

When did you first find a love for writing?

I always had a love for writing but never really acted on it for the fear of being laughed at. I enrolled for English honors in college and that is where my interest in literature grew. However, writing then mostly revolved around assignments involving essays, character analysis, critical appreciations etc. Blogging has really put my writing in the forefront and I now feel much more responsible than I ever did when I sat to write a paper in college. The world is viewing this time and I better put up a good show.

Do you remember your first experience with the internet?

Yes, it was in Darjeeling, India, when internet had just made an entry into the small town and was already cooking up a storm. Having an e-mail id suddenly became crucial for a social standing. People who never even said ‘hi’ when face to face suddenly wanted your e-mail id!!! Me and a few friends then actually registered into a computer class and took lessons in Microsoft just to open up ids and learn the ways of the internet. We walked out all starry eyed and at least 6 inches taller. This was back in 1997.

Where have you traveled? Why do you love traveling?

I just love to explore places. I haven’t done as much traveling as I wanted to but am taking it up seriously this year onwards. Out of the places that I have traveled to, Bali in Indonesia is a winner in my books. Even with its scorching temperature one cannot be absolutely carried away with its natural beauty. I remember being amazed at the currency exchange rate there. Everything was for a few hundred thousand rupiah.

The other countries like Thailand, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Aruba, London etc all have their own characteristics that make it intriguing. My most favorite city In America is Florida – The Keys.

How does writing allow you to express yourself?

Words can do wonders. It’s a healer that provides vent to your feelings. Although most of my writings are imaginary and does not deal with personal problems much – I see a release in that itself. It is amazing how rejuvenated one feels after a good session of writing. Given the time I would be in front of this laptop screen forever…

What experiences have you had in marketing?

I started my career with corporate communications for a non banking financial institution – a rather serious job for a beginner and a tough stepping stone indeed. But there has been no looking back since. I have been a marketer for the last 12 years and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. The best part about the profession is the innovation that goes into each and every plan that you propose to a client. The brain is constantly working on ideas and strategies. The other interesting aspect is the people you meet in marketing. One is constantly getting introduced to new faces and names – in my mind they all add up to some character or the other on my next post. Also every client, either bad or good (depending on his nature only and not the assignment in hand) always enriches ones experience. Every day is a learning process. Marketing is a huge gamut and an evolving one at that. We can only get wiser as we go along.

In what ways do you believe the internet will change this coming year?

It is needless to start with the cliché that the internet has made the world a much smaller place, but there I said it anyway. There are a number of other things that may change but below are a couple of thoughts:

In my opinion Social Media will take over much of the marketing business. While traditional marketing tools will still be imperative social media will not remain an option anymore either.

Chances are Face Book with all its flaws and weaknesses will become the forum for cyber socialization.

It is unfortunate that print media such as magazines, newspapers, periodicals etc have gone to the background since the advent of internet and have seen some huge losses. I know this is the flip side of your question but there is talk of the publishing market getting ready to fight back. Their weapon maybe anything from special material, exclusive interviews, reports in prints which will not be available online. A sneak peek of the envious matter is all one will get and that will hopefully tempt the person to buy the printed version. (What comes to mind immediately is the hope that the publishers also take afforestation seriously if and when this happens).

Even book stores are now fighting a battle to survive sleek kindles, ipads, cybooks and other e-readers. It will be interesting to see what turn that takes.

In your mind, how can the web world become a better place?

Nothing in my mind can take the place of a personal hand shake or a smile. However, one cannot negate the positive aspects of the World Wide Web. I have a group on Face Book called the Ladies Club. We are a growing group of about 200 members that have a fantastic time. I look forward to everybody’s post each day and can’t wait to get to my computer to see what’s cooking in the club. It still amazes me that I can sit in Danbury and be a great friend of someone in Scotland that I haven’t even met! The club has enriched my life way beyond I ever imagined.

Social Causes can cook up a storm in the web. In one instance, there was this girl who desperately needed a bone marrow transplant to survive cancer. A rare blood group came into the way and threatened any chances of hope. Her brother got on to a portal and shared his story – now people all over the country are organizing donation camps to search for the person who may save her life. Hundreds of people have joined hands and now there is more hope than ever was. The world is full of giving people if only we can reach them and that’s where internet comes in.

How often should bloggers update their blogs?

News posts are imperative to keep your follower’s interest going. If one visits your blog and finds the same story he had read 2-3 days earlier he may just lose patience and sign off. The more often you can write the better it is.

You have an hour of free time. What do you do?

Read or spend time with my 22 months old little girl (if of course she has the time for me)

How would you like to be remembered?

A happy person, an entertaining blogger, a successful marketer, a good friend, a good daughter, a fantastic wife… (the list goes on…. I was starting to get very ambitious there!).

On a serious note I would like to remembered first and foremost as a good human being.

To the beginning internet marketer, what advice would you give?

Spend at least an hour everyday reading about trends and the news. Keep yourself abreast of everything that is happening. You can never know enough.

About Kriti

I am a solutions-focused Marketing & Public Relations Professional with proven success in not only revenue performance, but also in customer service, satisfaction and retention. I like to think I am a happy person who can make a difference in people’s lives. I blog to hear my thoughts and to see what people have to say about them.

You can follow me at howaboutthis, on Twitter at @kritimukherjee, or write to me at kritimukherjee937@gmail.com.

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