By Shankar B
CEO, Fourth Dimension Media
In today’s new world of start-ups and technological advancement, everyone likes to talk about what companies have to offer. We hear jargon like ‘augmented reality’, ‘synergies’ and so on. As head of a company that provides assistance to brands that outsource their marketing and sales function, I have come to realize that what really keeps a company like this together is passion towards media sales.
It all started as a thought that disturbed me one fine morning. I never knew then that it would make me quit my job, put aside 20 years of experience in Print, Television, Radio and Digital and work across platforms.
Now, my day starts at 6 am with calls, mails and meetings. I work not by the clock, but 24x7, as it is no longer just work, but my life. I always endorse myself with great time management and organizing skills. I do rigorous follow-ups and speak to new clients who have not been forthcoming, though they are in the market. My mantra is to get going no matter what time of the day it is. I am an avid media sales person and hence I am organized even at midnight if a client wants to crack a deal.
This is what I had prepared myself for. When I started my career as a computer professional way back in 1993 in Chennai, the movie ‘Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman’ inspired me and I wanted to make a living in Mumbai. So I worked in Mumbai with companies such as Getit Yellow pages, Indian Express, Turner International India, Raj TV, Hello FM, E-18 and Ignitee Digital Solutions. What was common at all these workplaces was that I had to deal with tough bosses and my passion for work increased.
All the time, I felt very strongly about the media industry in South India and wanted to prove to the world of media that the South is as important as any other region. Now, my motto is to evangelise Brand South India. My advantage is that I have an insider’s view of how the media sales industry works and being in the South, I know I can crack deals with brands that people have hardly heard of.
Today, we have clients like Puthiya Thalamurai (Tamil Nadu’s No. 1 news channel) and their magazine, Chennai Live, the only English radio station, Sathiyam TV and V6 Channel. We are determined to encapsulate the spirit of these brands.
I love this industry and my mantra is ‘Work smart, work hard and do what others in the industry have not done so far’.
Feedback: shankar@fourdm.com
