Don’t lurk, do this instead

[Copshay]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Here's the obligatory thank you for the reminder. Got to come back to this now and then so I don't get sucked back into just reading all day.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Andy Black]

Only a little bit of a cop out

I'll rephrase a little. What users, aside from yourself, seem to put out a lot of good content? More aimed towards people just getting started, but also from a general wisdom perspective. Not looking for people to spell the whole answer out, because I know that's never going to happen, but pieces of the puzzle here and there.

Maybe follow people who you like, see what they like and engage with, and maybe follow the people they seem to follow.

I suggest it's not about following people who put out a lot of content necessarily either. Your goal is to be on team producer rather than team consumer. Maybe someone posts sporadically but when they do it inspires you to take action or do something different? Maybe you find a progress thread or two and start engaging with people doing what you're doing? Maybe they come over to your progress thread and start engaging with yours as well?

I encourage people to try not to see the forum as a platform for consuming content, but more of a place to engage with people, help people, get help, etc.

 

[Mr.Nichan]

I encourage people to try not to see the forum as a platform for consuming content, but more of a place to engage with people, help people, get help, etc.

Thank you Andy for putting this into words even though a forum (especially like this) should primarily be viewed as a place of information exchange, not consumption.

If you take your time and respond with giving thanks while also driving the discussion further you might even get tips and advice from others or their individual posts that really hits home in you particular situation. Trying to get advice from consumption will most likely never lead you to a perfectly good example that can be applied in your own situation.

So, thank you again! I'm new here since yesterday, so I'm still learning the ropes even navigating the forum.

And big thanks to @MJ DeMarco for creating this place for us to converge and share!

 

[thedevp]

Thank you Andy. I just watched your youtube videos yesterday and they're awesome.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[nagualdev]

Thank you Andy. I just watched your youtube videos yesterday and they're awesome.

Very appreciated to you, Andy, to encourage this behaviour.

 

[Jasper_]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Thanks Andy,
I've been lurking around for a while and it's time I start helping people and join team producer.

 

[Vynpi20]

Puede sentirse tentado a acechar, en este foro, en otros foros o en la vida.

Será mejor que participes en su lugar.

¿Le preocupa no tener valor para agregar?

Comience dando gracias.

Si lees algo que te gusta, no solo presiones el botón Me gusta.

Cítelo, agradézcale al cartel y explique por qué le ayudó.

Esto es lo que sucederá:

1) Ayudarás al posteador a darse cuenta de que no están publicando en el vacío.

2) Los animarás a publicar de nuevo.

3) Los ayudarás a seguir adelante, posiblemente durante tiempos oscuros.

4) Adquirirás el hábito de “dar gracias” donde explicas cómo te ha ayudado.

5) Empezarás a ser visto como alguien que aprecia y apoya a los demás.

6) Pasarás lentamente de consumidor de equipo a productor de equipo.

7) Comenzarás a hacer amigos, construir relaciones y crear ganar-ganar (la esencia del negocio).

Intentalo y ve que sucede.

Vuelve y agradéceme más tarde.


Versión de video agregada en septiembre de 2022:

Ver: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Bueno, desde el punto de vista en que lo expones, suena lógico no cerrar la boca o en este caso, no dejar de mover los dedos para transmitir agradecimiento.

Yo ya había escuchado el audio libro, pero en inglés (cabe mencionar que me di cuenta que me faltaba conocimiento, porque no lo había entendido tan bien como ahora que lo volví a escuchar en español).

También me parece que me diste unas cachetadas, cuando hablaste sobre el intercambio negativo de 5 por 2, de que si iba a pedir un incremento de sueldo del 100% me lo iban a negar (porque si lo había hecho hacía unos 6 meses y apenas me dijeron que sólo podrá ser de un 15%), que si buscas hacer lo que amas probablemente acabarás odiándolo, que si compras lo que crees que necesitas en tu vida, eso probablemente te robará horas de libertad, y ahí es donde te mantienes en un círculo vicioso del que no sabes cómo escapar; creo que muchas de estas aseveraciones ya las había visto o escuchado, pero intentaba seguir explicándome que esto es momentáneo, mientras esto o lo otro pasa.

Has despertado en mi esa chispa de creer que puedo cambiar mi estilo de vida y la de los míos, cuando sólo había una pequeña llamita, esperando que no aconteciera un soplo inoportuno de la vida. Considero que desde muy chica he buscado instruirme a mí misma mediante la lectura y buscando todo lo que pueda absorber y este libro ha sido uno de mis favoritos, por ayudarme a pensar de otra manera, desde otro ángulo.

Si puedo aportar algo más, sólo diré lo que mi maestra de sexto grado nos decía y nunca olvidé: "Hoy me inclino ante los libros, para mañana no inclinarme ante los hombres".

Saludos.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Dmorr]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Thanks for the reminder

 

[Joe Yuan]

thank you, I loved the message, gives me few things to mull over about, hope you don't mind I copy this into my common book

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

 

[Endy]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.thank you i used to hide but i will take your advice

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-

thank you i used to lurk but i will take your advice

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Arnold_Fastlane]

I suggest it's not about following people who put out a lot of content necessarily either. Your goal is to be on team producer rather than team consumer.

Thanks Andy Black for this.
As a relatively new fastlaner who has been lurking for well over 2 months I view this as the best kickstarter. I will engage more especially in progress threads and give weekly milestone threads myself to keep myself accountable but mostly to get used to the producer mindset

 

[Fastcreative]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

I'm not a big fan of social media so I don't lurk (I would say I sometimes "scan") and I rarely participate, however, in a forum such as this, I can see that there are people like yourself that provide incredible value. I am new here so I will consciously look for opportunities to give thanks, encourage others and add value where I can. Thanks @Andy Black

 

[NathanN]

I always need to come back to this thread when I catch myself lurking or not taking as much action as I should have. Sitting on the sidelines in life doesn't get you anywhere.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[JayO]

Hey Andy! Thanks for letting know your amazing idea! I've never thought about how "Being thankful" can influence my life and others. I'm going to thank anyone who is making the world brighter from now on. Once again, thanks!

 

[Erintran]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Andy,

I'm brand new here and this is the first gold thread I've clicked on. Just reading through your list gave me a boost of energy. The Fastlane book is right - this isn't any ordinary forum. Thank you for putting this reminder out there for all of us. It's apprecaited and respected.

-Erin Tran

 

[MrRiaos]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Thank you for this. I have been running around like a headless chicken from thread to thread and never posting much as I have no idea what I should be posting or replying. I will start now, with a little more bravery and heart. I wish, no, I am sure, with this post, I will start posting and replying more. Maybe then, I will then be able to contribute in any ways I can.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Andy Black]

Thank you for this. I have been running around like a headless chicken from thread to thread and never posting much as I have no idea what I should be posting or replying. I will start now, with a little more bravery and heart. I wish, no, I am sure, with this post, I will start posting and replying more. Maybe then, I will then be able to contribute in any ways I can.

Eventually you'll stop running around from thread to thread. Some will stop you in your tracks and give you an aha moment. Something will resonate with you or pique your interest. Then go deeper into it. Take action, including replying. Before you know it you'll be going down a rabbit-hole and finding others doing the same.

 

[MrRiaos]

Eventually you'll stop running around from thread to thread. Some will stop you in your tracks and give you an aha moment. Something will resonate with you or pique your interest. Then go deeper into it. Take action, including replying. Before you know it you'll be going down a rabbit-hole and finding others doing the same.

Yes, I can't wait for the day I find the rabbit hole! Thank you for the reply, kind sir.

 

[benjamin.matulis]

Thanks alot Andy! This gives a good start to how people can get implemented in the community in a positive and helpful start!
Great advice on how to behave in real life as well, people will see that you are grateful and will want to help/give you advice again.
Keep going.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[hlee]

Thank you Andy for this valuable post. This insight was helpful and gave me a reason to start participating. No more lurking.

 

[maras2137]

I starting to sell laser-machine-stuff and I need a lot of selling/marketing/mark building advices... Sooo yours posts are very usefull and that is exactly what I need now. I'am very appreciate for that.

 

[otis7]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Thank you for the post Andy! It's tough to shake that feeling of wanting to lurk around the forum and just read/consume all day. I will try to participate more in the forum instead.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[GiacoQ]

Nel caso non l'avessi notato, ti sto convincendo a diventare una versione migliore di te stesso.

Grazie grazie grazie caro @Andy Black ... la gratitudine è uno dei pilastri della mia Vita. Grazie per i consigli, per il supporto...ricordo sempre "comincia ad aiutare chi ti è vicino"... ti auguro il meglio dalla Vita

 

[Nottoday]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

I love this!

I am just starting out on my journey and I am battling the fear of the unknown, a bit of imposter syndrome, and a heavy helping of perfectionism. If I stop focusing on my internal fear dialogue and focus on what I can do for others that is when I make a difference.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[Vox]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Thank you Andy. I haven't even introduced myself to the forum yet (I'll do that soon) but I first wanted to thank you. It's posts like this from guys like you (and you specifically) that resulted in my joining thefastlaneforum. I have much to learn, being thankful for a great group like this is my first lesson, it seems. I typically lurk, it takes me multiple months, sometimes years before I start to contribute to a group. Yet, I know that I learn best by teaching. Strange isn't it? Thanks again.
/steve

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[B-qiri]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Thanks! I have been thinking how I could give back some value as I don't have great results to back up my input yet. I do have some ideas but this is definitely a good option I can immediately implement!

 

[Yeti]

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

Thank you Andy for this. Did not know by giving thanks and sharing something simple means I am being team producer, not team consumer.

 

[Benny.Liquid]

You may be tempted to lurk - in this forum, other forums, or in life.

You'll do better to participate instead.

Worried you don’t have value to add?

Start by giving thanks.

If you read something you like then don’t just hit the Like button.

Quote it, thank the poster, and explain why it helped you.

Here’s what’ll happen:

1) You’ll help the poster realise they’re not posting to the void.

2) You’ll encourage them to post again.

3) You’ll help them keep going, possibly through dark times.

4) You’ll get into the habit of “giving thanks” where you explain how it’s helped you.

5) You’ll start being seen as someone who appreciates and supports others.

6) You’ll slowly move from team consumer to team producer.

7) You’ll start making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins (the essence of business).

Try it and see what happens.

Come back and thank me later.


Video version added Sep-2022:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/bVydKMkGj-E

Thanks for the advice, I am struggling to find a way to interact on here, and I think this is the best way to get started. I was never really the online social presence type of guy, but after a few sales jobs I got a lot better at talking in person. Which ended up being weird for some people later in my life. Most people want to talk from behind a screen, but all I wanted was to talk face to face. Though this is good, even if I don't have much to say on here yet, I can still help people feel heard. Thanks again!

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Andy Black]

Thanks for the advice, I am struggling to find a way to interact on here, and I think this is the best way to get started. I was never really the online social presence type of guy, but after a few sales jobs I got a lot better at talking in person. Which ended up being weird for some people later in my life. Most people want to talk from behind a screen, but all I wanted was to talk face to face. Though this is good, even if I don't have much to say on here yet, I can still help people feel heard. Thanks again!

You'll start interacting in the comments, then some will go to DM, then some to Zoom.

 

[roo]

Thank you very much for the remainder