Section 1.1: The Power of Consistency

To cultivate a personal brand, consistency is key. Success rarely comes overnight; if it does, it likely won't last. The fundamental skill that determines your ability to attract an audience and share your thoughts effectively is your commitment to showing up daily.

I often fell into the trap of obsessively tracking my views, likes, and followers instead of focusing on consistent publishing. During the months when I dedicated myself to writing 10-15 articles per month on Medium, I noticed a positive shift in my engagement.

I followed the journeys of writers like Anangsha, Sinem Gunel, Neeramitra Reddy, Akshad Sagi, and Ayodeji Awoski. Tim Denning, for instance, began 2020 with around 100K followers on Medium while still juggling a full-time job. He eventually decided to leave that job to pursue writing full-time and has since secured a book deal with a major publisher, now boasting over 300K followers.

Anangsha's journey began in 2020, and she has since grown her audience from zero to over 100K in just three years. I have witnessed her evolution firsthand as she transitioned from her full-time job to her writing passion.

The primary distinctions between me and these successful writers? They are more consistent and committed, proving that consistency is the secret ingredient to success.

I mistakenly believed a side hustle could be pursued casually, but it requires dedication and hard work. You must be passionate and willing to put in the effort; half-hearted attempts will lead you astray.

Being consistent and committed can significantly alter your trajectory. If you have a passion, consider making it your side hustle—but don't underestimate the level of dedication it demands.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Personal Connections

My greatest oversight was failing to engage with fellow writers and creators directly. Not being part of a community of like-minded individuals was a significant setback. Although I could learn from various online resources, the value of being in a group with shared goals is immeasurable.

Many successful writers actively participate in writing communities, sharing insights and offering support. I was blind to this opportunity for far too long, but I urge you not to make the same mistake. No matter your passion, always seek out your tribe. The knowledge gained from others can accelerate your growth exponentially.

I've recently joined a writing cohort led by one of my favorite authors, Eva Keiffenheim, and it's just the first step toward building my network. You don't need to reinvent the wheel—focus on your creativity and learn from those around you. These connections may eventually lead to collaboration and partnership opportunities.

Section 1.2: The Necessity of Growing Your Audience

In the digital landscape, I initially favored Medium for its ad-free experience. However, as a creator, cultivating an audience is crucial. The formula for building an online presence, as articulated by the writer Dan Koe, is straightforward:

Idea = Value

Traffic = People

Your idea must offer value, addressing a problem or helping others. Traffic refers to the number of individuals exposed to your valuable idea.

Even if you produce exceptional content, it won't reach its audience without visibility. Great content may find its audience eventually, but that could take a lifetime—a timeframe we can't afford to wait for.

To increase your visibility, be bold on social media platforms like Twitter, where organic engagement thrives. Twitter offers a more authentic environment than Facebook, and it's home to a multitude of content creators.

Regrettably, I didn't prioritize building my presence on Twitter from the outset. I considered myself an inadequate writer, but that shouldn't have deterred me from sharing my work. Consistent effort leads to improvement, and showcasing your growth provides social proof of your journey.

Don't repeat my mistake—start sharing your creations on Twitter or other platforms without hesitation. This is my Twitter account: @ahsan398. I may be late to the game, but I'm committed to showing up daily, regardless of the outcomes.