When you start a new adventure, it can be pretty daunting. A new job; a new romance; a new school or college. Online is no different.
The first time you join Twitter, it’s like a crazy maze. When you log into Facebook, there’s no quick set-up guide. If you want to start a blog, the choices can be bewildering.
Then you look around you, and see others that are seemingly way ahead of you. People that have 50,000 followers on Twitter; 2,000 friends on Facebook; 10,000 subscribers to their blog. You begin to doubt whether you should even be here – how can you possibly compare with that?
Don’t worry – you can’t. But you don’t have to. You just need to be you. No-one else; just you.
Think about that person on Twitter with 50,000 followers. Did they join the service with 50,000 ready-made followers? No – they started with a clean sheet. Zero. And they built. Through seeing how Twitter worked, how to converse, how to connect. But a lot of it was trial and error – much like yours will be, and mine was.
The 2,000 friends on Facebook? Some may be business contacts; some may be personal friends; some may be old school buddies. Some may even be part of the 50,000 Twitter connections. But again, it starts from zero. Just like you will, and I did.
The blogger with 10,000 subscribers? With a bunch of comments on every post? With lots of social bookmarks? That all started somewhere. It went through months of no-one reading, or commenting. It takes time to build a community of readers and commenters. But build it you will.
Because you matter, and you’re building something special without even knowing it. That single tweet of yours that someone saw? That made them stop and think, and you mattered to them. That Facebook status update of yours that a mutually connected friend saw and shared with his or her friends? That made them stop and think, and you mattered to them.
That blog post you wrote that a complete stranger left a comment about, thanking you for sharing just what they needed at that time? That mattered – all because you wrote something that might be missed by everyone else, but for that one person you mattered.
We spend so much time wondering how we can be like someone else. How we can have that person’s success. But you know what? There is absolutely nothing wrong with who you are. Right here. Right now.
Because at this very moment in time, for someone, somewhere, you matter. And that’s all that really matters, no?
photo credit: Stephen Poff
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New @dannybrown: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/sEYn2
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New @dannybrown: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/sEYn2
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Great post from @dannybrown on why YOU matter: http://bit.ly/f3h7R
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Great post from @dannybrown on why YOU matter: http://bit.ly/f3h7R
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Great blog post from @DannyBrown: "Why You Matter," a social media version of the starfish parable: http://bit.ly/T0U7T
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Great blog post from @DannyBrown: "Why You Matter," a social media version of the starfish parable: http://bit.ly/T0U7T
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must read for Beginners in Social Media RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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must read for Beginners in Social Media RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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New to Twitter? Must read…RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @ValerieSimon: New to Twitter? Must read…RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @ValerieSimon New to Twitter? Must read…RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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New to Twitter? Must read…RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @ValerieSimon: New to Twitter? Must read…RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @ValerieSimon New to Twitter? Must read…RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @knealemann: @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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RT @knealemann: @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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Danny – thanks for this.
I watched a few shows last night about Ted Kennedy, who had an impact on millions of people. There were stories of individuals (single moms, struggling workers, parents of soldiers in Iraq) who Kennedy responded to personally. Funny thing is that those individuals talked about the impact Ted had on them, as individuals, not the impact he had on millions. So yes – this is all that really matters.
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“At this very moment in time, for someone, somewhere, you matter. And that’s all that really matters, no?”
YES.
Thank you, Danny.
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Danny – thanks for this.
I watched a few shows last night about Ted Kennedy, who had an impact on millions of people. There were stories of individuals (single moms, struggling workers, parents of soldiers in Iraq) who Kennedy responded to personally. Funny thing is that those individuals talked about the impact Ted had on them, as individuals, not the impact he had on millions. So yes – this is all that really matters.
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“At this very moment in time, for someone, somewhere, you matter. And that’s all that really matters, no?”
YES.
Thank you, Danny.
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RT @knealemann @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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RT @knealemann @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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RT @knealemann: @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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RT @TheStacey: RT @knealemann: @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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RT @knealemann: @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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RT @TheStacey: RT @knealemann: @dannybrown explains why you matter. Fantastic post! http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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Thanks Danny – great and grounding advice. Patience is a tough one, especially for those of us in the instant online world. It makes sense to consciously dial down the impatience and frustration, to focus on doing your stuff well, and know that as it matters to you, it will matter to someone else as well.
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Thanks Danny – great and grounding advice. Patience is a tough one, especially for those of us in the instant online world. It makes sense to consciously dial down the impatience and frustration, to focus on doing your stuff well, and know that as it matters to you, it will matter to someone else as well.
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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nice read:)
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nice read:)
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RT@DenisHiller RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT@DenisHiller RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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@disqus Hi @giannii you could try this http://bit.ly/dPCqN or this http://bit.ly/2OsrJp (last Reaction a day ago though been more since)
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@disqus Hi @giannii you could try this http://bit.ly/dPCqN or this http://bit.ly/2OsrJp (last Reaction a day ago though been more since)
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Read "Why You Matter" by @DannyBrown especially if you are new to blogging… http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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Read "Why You Matter" by @DannyBrown especially if you are new to blogging… http://bit.ly/4juP7P
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Do you know why you matter? @dannybrown does: http://bit.ly/Xo2b9
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RT @timjahn Do you know why you matter? @dannybrown does: http://bit.ly/Xo2b9
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Do you know why you matter? @dannybrown does: http://bit.ly/Xo2b9
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RT @timjahn Do you know why you matter? @dannybrown does: http://bit.ly/Xo2b9
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL I needed to hear this — TODAY! Thanks, Danny!
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL I needed to hear this — TODAY! Thanks, Danny!
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Why You Matter http://ff.im/-7f6b8
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RT @rachelvelarde Why You Matter http://ff.im/-7f6b8
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Why You Matter http://ff.im/-7f6b8
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RT @rachelvelarde Why You Matter http://ff.im/-7f6b8
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“At this very moment in time, for someone, somewhere, you matter. And that’s all that really matters, no?”
YES.
Thank you, Danny.
Twitter: johnhaydon
Danny – thanks for this.
I watched a few shows last night about Ted Kennedy, who had an impact on millions of people. There were stories of individuals (single moms, struggling workers, parents of soldiers in Iraq) who Kennedy responded to personally. Funny thing is that those individuals talked about the impact Ted had on them, as individuals, not the impact he had on millions. So yes – this is all that really matters.
You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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So true… RT @ItStartsWithUs: You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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RT @tmpark So true… RT @ItStartsWithUs: You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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RT @tmpark: So true… RT @ItStartsWithUs: You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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So true… RT @ItStartsWithUs: You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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RT @tmpark So true… RT @ItStartsWithUs: You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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RT @tmpark: So true… RT @ItStartsWithUs: You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T (by @DannyBrown)
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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RT @DannyBrown Why You Matter danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T via @DannyBrown @Itstartswithus
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You should read this – great article: Why You Matter http://bit.ly/3LYa6T via @DannyBrown @Itstartswithus
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Inspiring! Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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Inspiring! Why You Matter | danny brown http://bit.ly/N9ipL
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Why You Matter http://bit.ly/eVaXp
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Why You Matter http://bit.ly/eVaXp
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The last line says it all, Danny! Everything regardless what it is will come in time. The time it takes may be short or long but regardless it all takes time.
Thanks Danny – great and grounding advice. Patience is a tough one, especially for those of us in the instant online world. It makes sense to consciously dial down the impatience and frustration, to focus on doing your stuff well, and know that as it matters to you, it will matter to someone else as well.
nice read:)
Danny, Understanding that everyone starts somewhere and being patient enough to take the steps is the one thing that often stands in the way of us achieving success. In a “want it all, and want it now” mindset, we get impatient easy when it doesn't happen that way. I've been finding that on multiple fronts lately and I appreciate your post which ties it all together.
Makes me think of the saying “Rome wasn't built in a day!” I really appreciate your words of encouragement. Somehow I don't think you can keep going when the results, whatever they may be for you, don't measure up to your intentions unless you actually believe you matter. Certainly not just a message for the online world!
Danny, I always love your line of thinking … and this post is no different.
As I said when I tweeted a link to this post, it really does remind me of the “starfish parable” that I've heard many times since childhood (and the fact that you wrote this without actually knowing the story actually impresses me even more!).
For the curious, here's a link to one version of the starfish parable: http://bit.ly/q3goJ
If we can touch just one person emotionally, John, and change their day for the better – yes, that is all that really matters. Hope doesn't cost a penny.
Speed isn't always of the essence, that's for sure.
I wonder if it stems from school? I know at the school I went to, it was always “Only winners count” – nothing else mattered. Yet most of the winners from my year (best at sports, etc) haven't really taken that into life.
So yes, definitely Julie – it's good to succeed but it's even better to do it on your terms.
True, Susan. Too much emphasis is placed on standings, results, popularity, online and off (I'm thinking cheerleader pressure as one). Much of the time it's superficial anyway – be yourslef, be real and make the real successes happen.
Like I said on Twitter, I'm pretty uncultured when it comes down to it; really need to expand my reading. And I LOVED the starfish parable – thanks for sharing that!
Twitter: itstartswithus
I love this post. Awesome.
Every one of us has the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us, every single day. Just be who you are, speak your truth, and bring it. You'll do fine.
And you're doing a damn fine job with that yourself, Nate – inspiring stuff over at your place.
RT @ItStartsWithUs & @DannyBrown. Why You Matter – Nice read, especially for bloggers. http://bit.ly/3LYa6T
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RT @ItStartsWithUs & @DannyBrown. Why You Matter – Nice read, especially for bloggers. http://bit.ly/3LYa6T
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Why You Matter http://tinyurl.com/kl7vj9
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Why You Matter http://tinyurl.com/kl7vj9
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Why You Matter – You just need to be you. No-one else; just you. http://bit.ly/1HmuQp via @ DannyBrown #socialmedia
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Why You Matter – You just need to be you. No-one else; just you. http://bit.ly/1HmuQp via @ DannyBrown #socialmedia
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We start with none, we reach out and connect, and who knows where we can end up.
Contentment comes from not comparing yourself to others, it's something I need reminding of, thanks Danny.
Twitter: johnhaydon
I like that – “hope doesn't cost a penny”.
Why You Matter, se parte de esto. http://bit.ly/ucHlg
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Why You Matter, se parte de esto. http://bit.ly/ucHlg
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“There is absolutely nothing wrong with who you are. Right here. Right now.”
Danny, I think this might be my favourite post on your entire blog!!! And that's saying something considering I'm a Danny Brown fan
I love this. It's so true!
Good things come to those who wait…and work hard! And you are who you are, no one else. I think this goes beyond the blogworld though. This applies to the real world too. And too many people don't know, appreciate or think that they have an amazing “self worth.”
Well said, Mr. Brown.
Nice post Danny.
It's tough to not compare our selves to others or try to be like others who we think or see as successful. Human nature I guess. What's Chris Brogan call it … 'creating your own game'.
Showing the love to people helps them do this. You know what I mean? I think we can all help each other out by promoting or praising others. This way everyone is getting attention and has relationships that are helping them get better. Tough?
http://twitter.com/franswaa
Amen! =)
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Amen! =)
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Bravo!
“Because you matter, and you’re building something special without even knowing it.”
Sometimes it takes someone outside of our own little world to remind us of that, and I thank you for this post!
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Bravo!
“Because you matter, and you’re building something special without even knowing it.”
Sometimes it takes someone outside of our own little world to remind us of that, and I thank you for this post!
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It can be tough to avoid. But as long as we compare to see how or where we can improve or use what's worked for others, as opposed to just trying to be like them, then I think we're halfway there.
Amen! =)
Frank Barry
Internet Solutions Division, Blackbaud
frank.barry@blackbaud.com
________________________________
Bravo!
“Because you matter, and you’re building something special without even knowing it.”
Sometimes it takes someone outside of our own little world to remind us of that, and I thank you for this post!
Thanks Derek – glad it resonated, and yes, you're right – it does often take someone from outside our “circle” to remind us of things. I know I learn every day from people that wouldn't be seen dead in this space
Cheers!