Jobaaj Stories
In the heart of Agra, where the majestic Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of love and architectural brilliance, a young man named Gareeb Panda embarked on a journey that would take him from the bustling streets to the vast expanse of the digital world. His story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives even in the most unexpected places.
Gareeb Panda's story started with a passion for food, a trait he inherited from his family. When he got a new Realme 3 phone, he started taking pictures and videos of the delicious street food he loved in Agra. This was the beginning of his journey as a food blogger. "Eating and drinking is a big part of our culture," he chuckles. "In my family, we love to eat!" This passion, combined with his new phone, led him to explore the world of food blogging.
An unexpected event, the CAA NRC protests and the resulting internet shutdown, pushed Gareeb Panda to explore his passion further. He traveled to Dholpur to access the internet and discovered the world of Instagram, where he started sharing his food adventures.
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His initial foray into content creation was spurred by an unlikely event: the CAA NRC protests, which led to an internet shutdown in Agra. Determined to stay connected, he traveled 50 kilometers to Dholpur, where he discovered the allure of Instagram and the burgeoning field of food blogging.
Gareeb Panda's focus on street food quickly resonated with audiences. Armed with a single rupee from his mother for petrol, he and his friend embarked on culinary adventures during the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting the hidden gems of Agra's street food scene. "At that time, street food wasn't as popular on social media," he recalls, "so it gave my page a unique edge."
His dedication to capturing the authentic flavors and stories behind the food resonated with viewers. He amassed a following of 70,000 on Instagram, all while using his trusty Android phone, proving that expensive equipment isn't a prerequisite for success.
Gareeb Panda's path wasn't always smooth. He faced challenges in monetizing his content, encountering resistance from some vendors, and even dealing with a breached contract from a short video platform. However, these setbacks only fueled his determination.
He learned to adapt, finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles. He engaged vendors in conversation, built rapport, and sometimes even resorted to harmless white lies to capture the essence of their culinary creations. "It was a tough job in the beginning," he admits, "but now it's much easier for newcomers."
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In an era of fake followers and paid promotions, Gareeb Panda remains steadfast in his commitment to organic growth and authenticity. He believes in building a genuine connection with his audience and creating content that resonates with them on a personal level.
Gareeb Panda's journey to monetization was a multi-pronged approach, utilizing different platforms and strategies. Initially, he dabbled in short video platforms, earning a modest income by fulfilling specific content requirements. "If you have 100 followers, we will give you Rs. 1000 monthly, you upload 30 videos on our platform," he recalls the terms of one such contract. While this provided some income, it wasn't sustainable in the long run.
He then turned his attention to Instagram, leveraging his growing following to secure brand collaborations and sponsored content. This proved to be a more lucrative avenue, allowing him to monetize his passion for food and travel.
Gareeb Panda's most recent success story involves Facebook. Despite a slow start on the platform, he discovered the power of long-format videos focused on street food. "One video got 5 million views overnight," he exclaims. This breakthrough opened up new opportunities for monetization through Facebook's partner program, which requires a minimum of 10,000 followers and 60,000 million views.
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As Gareeb Panda's popularity grew, he expanded his content beyond food, exploring diverse genres like lifestyle, travel, and social commentary. He recognizes the importance of evolving and staying relevant in the fast-paced digital world. "You have to change the content, change the type of content," he explains. "If you're in food, do something that no one else is doing. It took people 10 months to catch up to my ideas."
His creative spirit and willingness to experiment have set him apart from the crowd. He constantly seeks new ways to engage his audience, pushing the boundaries of content creation.
Gareeb Panda's aspirations extend far beyond his current success. He envisions a future where he can inspire and empower others to pursue their passions. He emphasizes the importance of education and encourages aspiring creators not to sacrifice their studies for the sake of content creation.
"Studies should always be your first priority," he advises. "You need a strong foundation to build upon."
He also plans to explore new avenues for monetization, such as merchandise and online courses, to create a sustainable income stream and further his impact.
Gareeb Panda's journey is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. From capturing the essence of Agra's street food with a Realme 3 to becoming a multifaceted content creator with a massive following, he has proven that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to adapt.
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