Cover Photo by @elidefaria: https://unsplash.com/photos/b-YmNNAxcYE
Yesterday I was talking to a very successful writer here on Medium and at one point came the subject of how he became popular.
You and I read many articles both on and off of Medium about strategies on how to get your articles published, how to get many followers, etc.
I don’t deny their value, but being so good at something goes a long way.
In 41 Short And Powerful Quotes To Make You Feel Unstoppable, I shared the following quote:
‘Be so good they can’t ignore you.’ — Steve Martin
But I know what you’re saying now:
“I’m good, but no one notices or remembers me!”
Well, I’m proposing the following ways to change that:
1. Be Great
Are you good or are you great? That is the question.
In his book titled “Good To Great”, Jim Collins said it right:
“Good is the enemy of great.” — Jim Collins
Be honest with yourself. Are you good? Are you great?
Analyze the great.
Surround yourself with the great and you’ll become great yourself.
Never strive for good.
2. Be Interesting
Make A Good Impression.
If I need a business card to remember you, you failed to make a good enough impression.
When you network with people, do you stand out? What makes you more interesting than others?
Tell great stories.
Look different.
Find common grounds with the person you exchange with.
3. Be Authentic
A lot of times, you call tell if someone’s an impostor or not. If you are one, be sure to be a damn good actor to live up to it!
If you read my other stories, I almost always share my own experiences about the subject I’m writing about.
It’s no coincidence. I lived these things. People trust people who are honest, vulnerable and know what they are talking about.
Find your niche. Tell your stories. Give your own perspective on a valuable life lesson you learned.
Don’t just grab stuff from the internet you think may work for people.
4. Be Positive
No one likes a hater.
The stories I write that can be perceived as negative are much less popular than the positive ones.
People want to feel good. Showing a positive attitude in the midst of a crisis will get you recognized.
Be encouraging. Be grateful.
5. Be Consistent
Do things consistently.
I personally love that one.
The more you do, the more exposure you get.
The more you do, the better you get.
The more consistent you are, the easier it becomes.
The more consistent you are, the easier it gets to find you.
I write one story a day. I’ve been doing it consistently for 41 days now.
In this short period of time, I got published and became a top writer in 6 categories here on Medium.
Conclusion
Being truly great, interesting, authentic, positive and consistent are sure ways to get noticed and remembered.
Obviously, it’s easier said than done. But be honest with yourself.
Be aware of your behaviour and your surroundings. Take notes. Improve yourself in these 5 ways and your “luck” will turn up.
“In the field of observation, chance favours the prepared mind.” — Louis Pasteur
You can do this!
Thanks for reading! :)