How to find a following
Another one of those ah ha moments hit me like a bolt of lightning. So many times I have sat in an audience (pre covid, of course) and thought, that person’s message is so similar to mine. I wish I could do what they do. Then the looming thought would creep in. They found their tribe and I don’t know where to start. That changed for me when I realized the other people in the audience were my tribe. They all bought the ticket just like me. They were all there to have a similar experience. They are all like minded and see the value of being there.
What a realization. That’s all fine and dandy if you are an extrovert and want to shake everyone’s hand and exchange contacts at events.
While I love events, I am naturally shy and don’t want to put myself out there quite so much. Instead, I turn to social media. A plethora of options to stay ambiguous while sharing and connecting in a way that you feel comfortable. No need to overshare.
Whichever platform you like to use, the strategy is the same. Follow someone you admire and get to know other audience members. Like other people’s comments and follow the people you resonate with. You will know who they are. Make comments directed to the people in the audience that you feel drawn to. Compliments are gold when it comes to social engagement. Someone we don’t know taking the time to offer a kind word goes a long way. It says something about your character. People are more likely to agree with what you have to say if they already hold you in high regard. You can also relate to them by discussing specific points they bring up.
People are busy these days. If they don’t respond, move on. The internet is so overloaded with people selling themselves that we are all weary of it. Serve your tribe with no expectations. This will nurture a community of supportive people that want to listen to what you have to say. My biggest cheerleaders are people from other parts of the world that believe in what I have to say.
Yes, there will always be trolls that try to use words to hurt, but that old saying “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me” still holds true. If that doesn’t do it for you, you can always pull out the good ol’ “I’m rubber, you’re glue” saying. At the end of it, if the keyboard warriors are still aggressively defending their position, (not that you asked for it) there’s always the ever faithful block button. After all, who has time for that much hate in their life? We are looking for our tribe, not a debate on why your opinion is wrong.
