Social Media gives us access to millions, allows us to spread a message and become internet celebrities. It gets us noticed and gains us fans. But, who is more valuable, friend or fan? On the surface, friends and fans can look a lot alike. Having people follow you, applauding you and sharing your message can be a great confidence booster. If you’re looking to develop yourself and have long term success, while you may love your fans, you need your friends.
Fans are fun and certainly good for the ego, but they aren’t personally invested in your success. They are looking for the most popular, engaging, entertaining and interesting new people and things. There are pop-culture fans. They are great at spreading your message as long as it’s hip, interesting and fun, but they also have a short attention span and lack loyalty. Those fans love you when as long as you make no mistake. You may even have some adoring fans who are loyal to a fault. They can lull you into thinking you’re great, even when you may be mediocre, and keep you stuck there by cheering for you no matter what. Both extremes can give you a false sense of accomplishment. This isn’t to say that being a fan or having fans is not a good thing, but there is another level of interaction which exponentially boosts your growth.
Friends care about not only what you do, but care about you. With friends, it’s personal. They know you. They are as concerned with your success as they are your development as a human being. Friends will tell you if you’re off track, challenge you to be your best and even tell you when you may be wrong. If friends see you going in the wrong direction, they warn you or stop you, so that you don’t self destruct. Friends will give you honest feedback and hold you accountable. They stick around when you’re not the shiny new thing. You are just as valuable to them when you’ve slid off the top of the hill as you were when you reached the peak. Better yet, friends will walk with you on the way back up. By all means, go out there, have fun and get some fans, but be sure that you keep some friends around for balance and growth. Engage, attend to and interact with your fans. Be transparent and vulnerable with both Allow your friends access to hold you accountable. Be thankful for both.
Friends care about not only what you do, but care about you. With friends, it’s personal. They know you. They are as concerned with your success as they are your development as a human being. Friends will tell you if you’re off track, challenge you to be your best and even tell you when you may be wrong. If friends see you going in the wrong direction, they warn you or stop you, so that you don’t self destruct. Friends will give you honest feedback and hold you accountable. They stick around when you’re not the shiny new thing. You are just as valuable to them when you’ve slid off the top of the hill as you were when you reached the peak. Better yet, friends will walk with you on the way back up. By all means, go out there, have fun and get some fans, but be sure that you keep some friends around for balance and growth. Engage, attend to and interact with your fans. Be transparent and vulnerable with both Allow your friends access to hold you accountable. Be thankful for both.
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