Don't Turn Into Human SPAM

Avoid Being Human Spam

People who focus only on promoting themselves without engaging with others or contributing to their community are like human spam.

They don't take the time to listen or appreciate the work of others.

To avoid this, be genuinely interested in other people's work and engage with your community.

Be a Fan First

If you want fans or followers, start by being a fan yourself.

Show interest in others' work, participate in conversations, and support your peers.

This helps build genuine connections and a supportive community.

Quality Over Quantity

Focus on the quality of your followers and interactions rather than the quantity.

Having a small, engaged audience is more valuable than a large, disengaged one.

Build relationships with people who share your interests and values.

The Vampire Test

Evaluate your interactions with people using The Vampire Test.

If someone drains your energy and leaves you feeling depleted, limit your interactions with them.

Surround yourself with people who energize and inspire you.

Nurture Your Real Peers

Find and nurture relationships with your real peers — people who share your interests and mission.

Collaborate with them, share your work with them first, and support each other.

These relationships are invaluable for personal and professional growth.

Meet Online Friends in Real Life (IRL)

Meeting online friends in person can strengthen your connections and lead to meaningful relationships.

Attend meetups, organize gatherings, or simply invite someone for coffee.

These face-to-face interactions can be more rewarding than online communication alone.

Actionable Insights

  1. Engage with Others: Take the time to comment on and share other people's work. Show genuine interest and be supportive. This helps build a strong, engaged community around you.

  2. Be Selective with Followers: Focus on attracting and interacting with followers who share your interests and values. Quality interactions are more important than the number of followers you have.

  3. Apply The Vampire Test: Regularly assess your relationships and activities. If something or someone consistently drains your energy, consider limiting or ending that interaction. Prioritize what and who energizes you.

  4. Cultivate Real Peer Relationships: Identify people who share your passions and mission. Collaborate with them, seek their feedback, and support their work. These relationships are crucial for mutual growth and success.

  5. Organize and Attend Meetups: Take the initiative to meet your online friends in person. Organize or attend local meetups related to your interests. These real-life interactions can deepen your connections and lead to new opportunities.

By following these steps, you can build a meaningful and engaged community, avoid becoming human spam, and create valuable relationships that support your personal and professional growth.

Summary from Book: Show Your Work! 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered