Derek — this resonates even more from where I’m standing.
I’m three weeks in. Eight subscribers. And oddly enough, that tells me almost everything I need to know.
When I responded to your earlier note about libraries, the reaction surprised me—150+ likes, replies, restacks. Not because I optimized anything, but because I offered something people could use: lived experience, a clear idea, no varnish. That moment quietly confirmed your point. Trust compounds before subscribers do.
Patience, here, isn’t passive. It’s active listening. It’s understanding the room before rearranging the furniture. And usefulness—practical, humane, immediately applicable usefulness—still does the heavy lifting.
Your framework names what many feel but haven’t articulated yet. Build understanding. Offer value. Let time do its work.
As I am in the process of learning this platform I enjoy Reading What You share. I have been recommended writing here by several people I trust and believe it is my time.
Thanks for the read Derek!
My take?
Most writers chase “thought leadership".
Trying to impress with originality and cleverness.
But readers don’t want "thought leadership" on Substack.
Instead?
They want movement.
A clear framework, a practical step, a simple model.
Usefulness travels further than trying to be a genius.
If your advice can help someone today, they’ll keep returning tomorrow.
Ah yeah, the classic “new year, new strategy” panic—as you said, Derek, trust trumps trends every time!
Derek — this resonates even more from where I’m standing.
I’m three weeks in. Eight subscribers. And oddly enough, that tells me almost everything I need to know.
When I responded to your earlier note about libraries, the reaction surprised me—150+ likes, replies, restacks. Not because I optimized anything, but because I offered something people could use: lived experience, a clear idea, no varnish. That moment quietly confirmed your point. Trust compounds before subscribers do.
Patience, here, isn’t passive. It’s active listening. It’s understanding the room before rearranging the furniture. And usefulness—practical, humane, immediately applicable usefulness—still does the heavy lifting.
Your framework names what many feel but haven’t articulated yet. Build understanding. Offer value. Let time do its work.
The rest is noise.
Coach Sydnor
As I am in the process of learning this platform I enjoy Reading What You share. I have been recommended writing here by several people I trust and believe it is my time.
This is a great place to write Charlotte.