Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I had been focused on my career even before I took the decision to join a B School. I tried many roles and grew up in Org ladder. When I worked with a IT partner to implement a major IT project for my operations, I discovered the tremendous impact Business Analysis can have on the success of the project.
It fascinated me so much that I switched careers and made a fresh start as a Business Analyst. And that was a right decision. I enjoyed the journey immensely. I also understood it is a profession akin to being a pilot flying a aircraft. You have to constantly be on the alert for unpredictable skies, understand many languages, patient with the situation around you, be tireless and deliver with perfection every time. That is precisely the life of a Business Analyst.
I have started off sharing my experience with my first Book on Business Analysis. I am working on other books all pertaining to Information Technology Industry.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Adventures of a Business Analyst” is what it is. It is a unusual name for a book addressing professionals who believe they are very serious folks. The books for this skill are usually very exhaustive and make a dense read. I wanted to break this trend and share my learnings in a way it is simple for a person to understand and relate to their real life. So I took the path of story telling with slice of life happenings as a way of debating the morals.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A good idea or thought if not cherished is lost. So when I get one, I jot it down as quickly as possible.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The classic “David Ogilvy on Advertising” is a book that has impacted me for its brevity and extreme simplicity, yet packing a punch. I also was very impressed with “Sapiens: A brief history of human kind” for the author’s ability to comb through immense sweeps of history but yet produce a condensed version easy for readers to understand and navigate.
These and similar authors are always a inspiration to me who make reading and educating yourself a pleasure rather than a punishing task.
What are you working on now?
I am working on spreading the knowledge on Business Analysis skills in different forms not limited to my book. You can generally try to get me across any social networking sites by searching for premkumarpost.
I am also working on a book for IT Program and Project Management.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Getting public forum reviews from people whose work and values you trust. Good websites where readers reach like this one.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get out that first book. Don’t worry about impressing any one or making it a best seller. Your finished book will be the persuasion for you to keep doing more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Work with people you like and the culture you enjoy.
What are you reading now?
A good variety of fiction. That keeps me charged.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep venturing into newer subjects and newer forms of writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Couple of Harry Potter and Dave Barry books should do for me.
Author Websites and Profiles
Premkumar Thiagarajan Amazon Profile
Premkumar Thiagarajan’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account