Don’t lurk, do this instead

[admiralrohan]

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

Hi, thanks for sharing your interesting perspective. Can you elaborate more on the last point? How to move from transactional to more personal level online?

 

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[Andy Black]

Hi, thanks for sharing your interesting perspective. Can you elaborate more on the last point? How to move from transactional to more personal level online?

Just chat to people, like you would if you met for a coffee.

These posts might help:

• Spend your money on diesel and coffee
• Let's Chat Sales

 

[Mike Saubert]

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.

Thanking you now Andy! Good word!

Mike

 

[ravinder09]

Just chat to people, like you would if you met for a coffee.

These posts might help:

• Spend your money on diesel and coffee
• Let's Chat Sales

Andy, Thanks for providing enormous value to this forum. YOUr google ad words webinar is packed with enormous value. Every beginner should watch it. The way you whip up the post-it board and start drawing is captivating. Thank you.

 

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[amandangvs]

No longer lurking, thanks to Andy.

Uncertain how much i can contribute to this forum. But I want to try and be active and build postive relationships for accountability and inspiration.

Its people like Andy and MJ who put themselves out there that make me feel like, I can do it too.
Grateful I found this forum and thankful to everyone for being active and posting, sharing, inspiring, mentoring ect ect.

As a budding fastlane student, this forum is a gold mine!
Thank you for keeping it real!

 

[Andy Black]

Andy, Thanks for providing enormous value to this forum. YOUr google ad words webinar is packed with enormous value. Every beginner should watch it. The way you whip up the post-it board and start drawing is captivating. Thank you.

Thanks. Here it is in case anyone wants to watch it:

• MARKETING - Google Ads Workshop Replay

 

[yomiflexx]

Thank you everyone who replied. I hope you throw away that spectator badge for good and join us in the arena.

For those of you who don’t feel you can add value, check out this thread:

• HOT TOPIC - Learnings from 700+ PMs with fellow forum members

(And thanks MJ for the Gold badge. I hope this thread is found by new members for many years to come.)

From now I’ll stop standing by the sidelines and start being thankful, it won’t be easy but it’s an adventure I’m willing to go on

 

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[michelec]

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.

Thank you! I will apply this now and yes, I always doubt myself before posting a reply. Sometimes I even type it and just delete it after, so this definitely applies to me. Thanks again

 

[natashaquinn88]

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.

Hey Andy!

I love reading your posts and comments! You have so much wisdom to share. I definitely feel like a lurker but I’ve challenged myself to be more active in commenting and even posting. I really don’t like social media and have never been big on putting myself out there as Facebook and instagram and all the others seem so shallow and make me feel crappy the more time I spend on them. So I’ve got rid off the apps off my phone and spend all that time I would be spending on social media on this forum now. I am wondering though as I start to build a brand and business is it essential to be well versed in marketing with social media??

 

[Guyfieri5]

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.

I like the producer vs consumer mindset you always talk about. Sort of a paradigm shift for me, had never thought of it that way until I read a post you made about that. Certainly I’ve been getting a lot more out of this forum by participating in discussions vs just reading posts. Also, posting on topics and explaining things to others is extremely helpful in gaining more clarity on things. As the old saying goes, the best way to learn is to teach. Thank you!

 

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[Guyfieri5]

Hey Andy!

I love reading your posts and comments! You have so much wisdom to share. I definitely feel like a lurker but I’ve challenged myself to be more active in commenting and even posting. I really don’t like social media and have never been big on putting myself out there as Facebook and instagram and all the others seem so shallow and make me feel crappy the more time I spend on them. So I’ve got rid off the apps off my phone and spend all that time I would be spending on social media on this forum now. I am wondering though as I start to build a brand and business is it essential to be well versed in marketing with social media??

I’m not a social media user either! No shame though in asking questions and posting valuable insights you’ve gained on your journey out of the rat race on the forum. You’ll find people here are friendly and helpful. As for social media use, it has its utility as a branding tool in business, no doubt. For me though (and it sounds like you as well), I don’t find much value in posting everything I’m doing to impress friends, family, and acquaintances!

 

[Dr_Kdub28]

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.

Thanks for this. I've been feeling like I don't have any value here, which will definitely put me in lurker mode. Giving thanks and showing genuine gratitude is something I struggle with. I want to get better at that through these kind of platforms.

 

[natashaquinn88]

I’m not a social media user either! No shame though in asking questions and posting valuable insights you’ve gained on your journey out of the rat race on the forum. You’ll find people here are friendly and helpful. As for social media use, it has its utility as a branding tool in business, no doubt. For me though (and it sounds like you as well), I don’t find much value in posting everything I’m doing to impress friends, family, and acquaintances!

Thank you for your reply! I guess it’s all about finding the balance and using the tool of social media without getting sucked into mindless scrolling. And as soon as I have the means that will be the first job I delegate to someone else!!

 

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[Guyfieri5]

Thank you for your reply! I guess it’s all about finding the balance and using the tool of social media without getting sucked into mindless scrolling. And as soon as I have the means that will be the first job I delegate to someone else!!

Exactly!

 

[Andy Black]

as I start to build a brand and business is it essential to be well versed in marketing with social media??

No, social media marketing or content marketing is not essential for a business. Having customers is. Depending on the type of business, social media may or may not help.

I’m tickled that I’m a digital marketing consultant and don’t really have a website (check out AndyBlack.net to see what I mean). We even sell landing pages and don’t have a landing page to sell them from.

I post very occasionally to my Facebook profile, LinkedIn profile, YouTube, and Twitter. It’s not so I get found by people on those platforms - it’s so people see I have a presence online if they’re referred to me. (Google for “andy black google ads” to see what I mean.)

I don’t have those apps on my phone so there’s no danger of mindless scrolling. I log into those apps once a day to check my inboxes, except Twitter which I’ll log into once a month if I remember.

I use Facebook groups quite a bit, especially support groups for tools I use.

 

[natashaquinn88]

No, social media marketing or content marketing is not essential for a business. Having customers is. Depending on the type of business, social media may or may not help.

I’m tickled that I’m a digital marketing consultant and don’t really have a website (check out AndyBlack.net to see what I mean). We even sell landing pages and don’t have a landing page to sell them from.

I post very occasionally to my Facebook profile, LinkedIn profile, YouTube, and Twitter. It’s not so I get found by people on those platforms - it’s so people see I have a presence online if they’re referred to me. (Google for “andy black google ads” to see what I mean.)

I don’t have those apps on my phone so there’s no danger of mindless scrolling. I log into those apps once a day to check my inboxes, except Twitter which I’ll log into once a month if I remember.

I use Facebook groups quite a bit, especially support groups for tools I use.

I love your website! Simple is best. It’s very comforting to know that someone much more tech inclined then myself doesn’t really waste time with social media. And I’ll most likely be selling physical products so social media probably will have some initial involvement to get my brand out there. One step at a time. Thank you very much for your reply. I’ll definitely be watching some of your YouTube videos later. It was cool to read your intro to the fast lane forum. You mention in it that you have your own forum running? Is that still a thing??

 

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[Andy Black]

You mention in it that you have your own forum running? Is that still a thing??

I’ve started a few little forums and Facebook groups but didn’t enjoy running them or being asked so many questions about Google Ads. I shut them all down. I prefer popping in here and just chatting with folks.

 

[Shiru wainaina]

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.

I'm one of those who are always lurking. Thanks a lot.

 

[Zoobs]

@Andy Black your post kicked my a$$ in to gear. I hope to provide good content here in the future, am excited to be here.

Have a great day everyone

 

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[Daudi]

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.

Thanks, I'll try to be me more thankful to information I find on these forums.

 

[Peter Kay]

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

Thank you

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

Thank you @Andy Black for always giving us insight on how to benefit from this forum.

 

[Edgar King]

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.

Thanks Andy!

This will surely help me stop fearing being wrong and participating bahaha.

 

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[AhmedFADEL]

Thanks for the inspiring post Andy. I'll give my best in participating.

 

[Raymond Uganda]

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.

That's great stuff right there Andy. Thank you for the great advise.

 

[Derich S]

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.

Thanks so much for this, it's actually true. Life is about supporting one another where we see necessary and the most wonderful thing is the more you do the more meaningful life becomes.

 

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[Angler]

We could all use an uncle like Andy. Thank You, Andy. Seriously, every single time I read a post from you, it oozes with care and love. On a tangent here; however, I got to share this with you... the "instead of but, use and" thread... It saved a family reunion of mine. The other day, I got along with my distant family members that would usually bicker with me at the table, just because of "you're right, and I also believe XYZ could help out too. It would make your product even better"!

 

[Andy Black]

the "instead of but, use and" thread... It saved a family reunion of mine. The other day, I got along with my distant family members that would usually bicker with me at the table, just because of "you're right, and I also believe XYZ could help out too. It would make your product even better"!

What a great story! And a great example of what I mean by replying and explaining how something helped, rather than "just" Liking a comment or thread.

Ha. Someone else somewhere mentioned how I was like some Uncle character from a cartoon series or something.

 

[Mike Carr]

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.

Great post, thanks Andy. I have a habit of lurking and I'm going to try out your advice.

 

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[Severe]

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.

Best thing I've read this whole month! Well said @Andy Black

 

[Tritton]

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.

Thank you very much for your post Andy! I'm someone that listens deeply when others speak, yet I rarely take time to flesh out how I think and feel about things. I feel like I might be surprised of the results that doing this consistently will yield. Every bit of progress counts!