I felt like a nobody online
how to grow online (authentically), AI survey results, One Dope-a-liscious link
This may surprise you but…
I used to be a huge lurker.
I never shared anything. I never posted. And the most I would ever do to engage was click the like button.
Worst of all?
I spent most of my time constantly jealous of the creators around me.
Why are they so successful when I’m not? How do they make it look so easy? What’s wrong with me?
Social media always made me feel like the weird loner kid at the birthday party.
It felt like everyone else had an “in”. As if they knew, what to share, when to share, and how to share it. And I couldn’t crack the social media code no matter how hard I tried.
In the real world? I’m a social butterfly.
I’m talkative, friendly, and I can lead a party like nobody’s business. Talking to groups of people came as easy as jamming on a guitar. Conversations were my bread and butter.
And yet, every time I hopped online I faced INTENSE friction.
Why couldn’t I show up authentically online?
Why is it 10x more difficult to make friends online then it is in real life?
Why do I feel like a nobody?
2 years later…
After publishing, writing, sharing, coaching, creating, launching, and doing everything under the sun I think I’ve found my answer(s).
3 Reasons Why Growing Online Is So Uncomfortable
1. When you first start sharing online it feels scary because it’s new. 🪩
It’s like stepping into an entirely new environment.
Making friends at a house party is one thing, but what if you were transported to the club? What about a concert? or a library?
How comfortable would you be then?
When you’re confident in one place and unconfident in another it’s called: Situational Confidence.
2. You feel like a nobody because you ‘technically’ are. 🥹
When you have little followers, it can feel like you’re writing to the void.
You feel like a nobody because, in comparison to the hundred of other accounts, you are. In the vast sea of social media it becomes increasingly harder and harder to stand out.
Of course you feel insignificant— it’s only natural.
3. You’re putting to much pressure on yourself to succeed. ❤️🔥
Have you ever tracked how many friends you could gain? No.
Have you ever tracked how many followers you could gain? Yes.
Not only that…
But we romanticize our growth with data, spreadsheets, charts, and all sorts of metrics.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with tracking your progress…
But I’m a firm believer in making things as natural and fun as possible.
And tracking every little tweet for engagement just doesn’t spark joy in me.
The Fun Solution To Showing Up Authentically And Growing Quickly 🌱
Embrace that you’re a nobody.
That you’re going to make mistakes.
That you’re going to have little followers.
Imposter syndrome be damned!
Embrace the fact that: Yes, growing online IS scary. And No, it’s NOT easy.
Write cheesy one liners and tweet them all.
Write long articles and leave them in the drafts.
Write and keep writing. :)
Do things that spark joy for you.
Launch projects that make you smile.
Create art that is purely for you.
and above all else?
Have fun.
This may surprise you but…
if you do all of these, I promise the growth will come.
Till next week,
Brian “ Nobody” To
Build In Public
Huge shoutout to Paul, Rob, Adam, and Olesya!
Thanks for reviewing the AI guide— you’re input has been amazing, and I can’t wait to start editing.
AI Guide Survey Results
As part of the beta reading I also conducted a brief survey to see what users wanted form the guide.
👉We have mostly creators and writers in our audience.
👉Most readers wanted to learn how to create unique and fresh content use AI.
👉Most readers found it very easy to digest and how “packed with value” it was!
If you’re interested in being the first to know when the guide drops sign up here. 👈
A couple of side notes:
People on the waitlist will have a chance to grab the guide for FREE.
After talking to a couple of other writers I’ve decided to price the guide somewhere between $75 and $150.
I’ll be adding over the shoulder videos, prompt formulas, and more useful tools so that it’ll be more than just a guide in the future.
I’ll be talking about ChatGPT 4 and specific usage tips for that as well.
One Dope Link
I’m ditching Loom for this new recording tool! 👈
Create instant gifs
Unlimited recordings
Fast download speeds
Generous FREE plan
Now I’m thinking through how to set up an IRL friendship tracking spreadsheet, and what engagement metrics to focus on.