Chandrima Chatterjee
Chandrima Chatterjee
Digital + Social Storyteller / Founder C2 Media
Los Angeles, CA
www.c-2media.com
twitter @chandrimatweets
Facebook.com/ChandChatterjee
Facebook.com/ChandrimaChatterjeeMedia
Google Plus
About.Me
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Hi! I'm often called a Jane of All Trades but my role is social storyteller. I will teach you how to use the social and digital tools that suit you or your organization best. I will seek out grants, media coverage, partnerships and events you should be a part of. I will enable your digital resources to empower you.
I can organize and curate and create content for you - photos and stories are what I excel at. I can shoot video but I'd prefer to put you in touch with one of my trusted collaborators instead.
I will write blog posts, news pieces, short and long-form social media stories, just about anything you need. I'm a content manager, community manager, networker and believer that your passion project should be your career path. Offline events? Sure! I organize events too, fundraising on and offline are always on my mind and in my calendar.
“I will enable your digital resources to empower you.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I was a scientist and community organizer for political campaigns, and that's where my love and propensity towards data came to be born. I went from being an HIV vaccine research specialist to a MPH, then to a community and social media manager to now expanding that role into a communications manager and now digital journalist. I write frequently - soccer and travel. But I'm open to all things since I have a lot of hobbies. I'm a private pilot and a non-profits program developer and consultant. I'm just now graduating with a professional digital journalism certificate so I have the formal background. And I keep myself up to date with all social media through constant General Assembly coursework. I plan to teach there too! In case you're wondering, I started my own company two years ago so I can share my services with the world. This year (2016) I have finally expanded to the point where I have two others helping provide the same quality in services C2 Media is known for.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Well, for me, it's always been taking close care of my clients, giving them personal attention, support and guidance that I saw lacking with the big agencies. Often times the one-stop PR agencies won't give the level of conscientious care that boutique firms can. So that's what I do. I am borne of the non-profit and academic arenas, so my heart and brain are deeply linked to your work, your brand, your organization. I hope that we become good friends, because that's usually how I give you my best work. The more professional trust we have, the better the end result. Whether it's a short-term online fundraising campaign or event promotion, or a website redesign and maintenance, or even a social media campaign, I'm there for you!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I have a few non-profit clients now across NYC and LA. I'm a writer and blogger for Brown Girl Magazine and Corner of the Galaxy. I'm also editor of the online Women United FC media group.
I spend a lot of time with my clients - online usually, but I aim for one face-to-face at least every two weeks. Street Soccer USA was my first NGO client. I grew their social media reach 2000-fold within 6 months, focusing on one channel at first, then expanding to 2, then 3, then 4. I'm no longer their social media manager, but during the 2 years I was there, they saw their big sponsors actively participating in campaigns together.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I'm a writer at heart. As much as I'm a talented social media/digital media curator, my love for storytelling is why I got into this field, to tell the stories of non-profits, outreach program participants and global changemakers. I wish I could focus more on the storytelling piece, and less on the organizational. That's why I've hired two assistants to take over much of the curation, so I can work on my forte.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The bicoastal life. It's incredible traveling for work. But I lose a day every week in that is travel. With the addition of more staff, I'll have to learn to release my grip on every single detail and trust them to handle situations more independently.
WHAT TASK KEEPS LANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TO DO LIST?
Write more. Books, scripts, travel photography. Investor relations. Financing.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Curation and community management help. I want to grown from 6-10 clients annually to 20 this year. Also, please make sure I eat :)
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
In college, when I was an English minor debating a double major with biology and English, I should have gone with my gut. Do what you love. Always. Because eventually, your heart will lead you there.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Successful female entrepreneurs in digital and tech. Basically time management, life management, balancing skills while maintaining competitive edge.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for clients all the time. Non-profits, leaders in change-making, global impact makers, athletes, musicians, writers and short-term and long-term projects. Anyone who is looking to start a new social media strategy and become empowered to learn their unique storytelling approach. I can help build websites, run social media campaigns, maintain community management (the mine and grind), and I will also happily plan offline and online events. I can build your content library and help you grow your business.
“I can help build websites, run social media campaigns, maintain community management (the mine and grind), and I will also happily plan offline and online events.”
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Positive people only! I've had some negative complainers before and it doesn't work out well. It only works if you are willing to be humble like me, be open to changing what doesn't work for you, and to be ready to work with me. Someone who wants to put forth their true selves online is who I'm looking for at all times. I'll give you all I have in return!
DO YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO SAY NO?
Yes. No is tough. But not being paid repeatedly or watching clients treat others poorly is where I draw the line. I work a lot of hours so it's rare I'll say no, but last-minute deadlines are tough. Give me at least a few days beforehand. For campaigns, to be serious, give us a month to get everything ready ahead of time. You want it to be the best it can be.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
$20 an hour - $30 an hour, depending on how much you need me to do. Content management is $20. More extensive writing/photography/website building/etc are closer to $30 an hour. I can also set project-based prices rather than hourly.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send me a tweet at @chandrimatweets! We'll then connect over Skype and/or e-mail! I'm at chandrima@mac.com and always eager to work with folks that love collaborating!
This member profile was originally published in January 2016.