4) Be Consistently Optimistic
I’m not saying you should be naive, but following someone who has enthusiasm about what they’re doing, their community, connections and technology is a lot more fun than a sourpuss. Good early adopters and social networkers that see holes in a product expect they’ll be filled in time, rather than complaining and making a list of open demands. Supporting the community’s ideas, families, projects and interests is all good.
You’ve probably heard most of this advice in bits and pieces across the web. But I’ve never found it as concisely phrased as Louis does here, with 10 principles for building a social following on pretty much any platform. He’s thinking social media sites, but honestly? This will serve you well in face-to-face interactions, too.
And number four in this list, excerpted above, is a real winner. Louis focuses on products, but I’d extend this to everything from your own life to the world around you. I like people who can offer an informed critique (especially if it includes suggestions), but I’m a lot less likely to follow someone who is relentlessly negative. Many people who believe human society is heading in a profoundly wrong direction still leaven their analysis with signs of hope and positive alternatives.
Put it this way: you’re posting something, even something negative, because you might think it could do some good, right? How about spelling out what that good is?
