Tag: Influencer

The Art of Growing on X

INFLUENCER’S STORIES

My Journey

Image created by ChatGPT

When I began navigating the world of X (formerly known as Twitter), I was captivated by its potential.

A platform with millions of active users, all engaged in conversations about ideas, technology, and everything in between, was the perfect space for someone like me, passionate about IoT, smart cities, and entrepreneurship.

But let me be honest: figuring out how to grow my presence wasn’t a straightforward journey.

It required persistence, experimentation, and, most importantly, understanding what my audience valued.

Let me take you through my journey of discovering the best practices for growing on X, peppered with a bit of self-dialogue.

Step 1: Crafting a Magnetic Profile

Photo by Ben Sweet on Unsplash

“Why should anyone follow me?” I remember asking myself this question while staring at my barren X profile years ago.

The first step to drawing people in was to communicate my value.

I began with my profile banner. It needed to tell a story – my story.

A simple image highlighting my work with FAVORIOT and my role as an IoT advocate made an immediate impact.

Next, the bio. “What do I stand for? What can I offer?”

To attract the right audience, I crafted a concise description of my expertise, including key terms like IoT, smart cities, and entrepreneurship.

The final touch? A pinned post.

This became my digital billboard.

Whenever I had a significant announcement – whether about a new IoT project, an insightful article, or even a speaking engagement – it went there.

Step 2: Engaging with the Giants

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“Why waste time commenting on posts by big names? They won’t notice me,” I thought initially.

But I was wrong.

I decided to step out of my comfort zone.

I began following influential figures in IoT and technology. Whenever they posted, I didn’t just ‘like’ or retweet; I added value.

If someone tweeted about IoT’s role in agriculture, I’d share my perspective or a relevant case study.

To my surprise, my comments started gaining traction.

Other followers noticed my contributions, and occasionally, the original poster replied.

I learned a simple truth: the more visible you are in meaningful conversations, the more likely you attract followers who resonate with your insights.

Step 3: Creating Value-Driven Content

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“What do people want to see from me?” This question guided my content creation.

I realised that my audience wasn’t just interested in IoT – they wanted to learn, be inspired, and sometimes entertained.

I started experimenting with different content formats:

• How-To Guides: People loved practical advice. I shared tips like “How to Start Your IoT Journey” or “Three Ways IoT Can Transform Small Businesses.”

• Personal Stories: Sharing my struggles and triumphs – like the challenges of penetrating the smart cities market – resonated deeply.

• Lists: I posted quick, digestible tips, such as “5 Tools Every IoT Developer Needs.”

• Contrarian Takes: Occasionally, I’d challenge popular narratives, sparking thought-provoking discussions.

• Case Studies: Breaking down real-world examples of IoT applications showcased my expertise while providing value.

Every post was an opportunity to build trust and credibility.

I reminded myself that consistency was key.

Some posts didn’t perform well, but others exceeded expectations.

It was a learning process, and I embraced it.

Step 4: Embracing Video Content

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“Do I need to be on camera?” I asked myself.

However, I realised that videos were becoming the future of content consumption. People wanted to see faces, hear voices, and connect more deeply.

I began creating short videos – sharing IoT tips, discussing trends, and answering common questions.

My initial attempts were far from perfect, but the engagement was undeniable.

Videos kept people on my posts longer, which boosted their reach.

Step 5: Riding the Wave of Trends

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“Why should I care about trends? My niche is IoT,” I initially thought.

But then it hit me – trending topics were an opportunity to align my expertise with what people were already discussing.

For example, when a conversation about AI’s impact on the environment was trending, I joined in with my insights on how IoT complements green initiatives.

The result? More engagement and new followers who shared my interests.

Step 6: Leveraging Templates That Work

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash

Over time, I noticed specific post structures performed better than others. These weren’t just random observations; they were patterns worth replicating:

• Predictions: Forecasting trends like the future of smart cities got people talking.

• Challenges: Asking my audience to share their IoT success stories increased interaction.

Each format served a purpose, keeping my content fresh and engaging.

The Takeaway

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Growing on X isn’t about chasing followers.

It’s about building a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and value your insights.

My journey on X has taught me that authenticity, consistency, and adaptability are the keys to success.

I often remind myself of a question I initially asked: “Why should anyone follow me?”

Every piece of content I create, every interaction I engage in, and every trend I ride is guided by the answer to that question.

And as long as I stay true to my purpose, I know the journey will continue to be rewarding.

The Struggle Between TikTok and Medium

INFLUENCER’S STRUGGLE

The choice between TikTok or Medium — Which one?

This question kept nagging: why am I splitting my time between TikTok and Medium?

Image created using ChatGPT

The platforms couldn’t be more different, yet both significantly shaped my voice online. This duality, balancing TikTok’s fast-paced allure with Medium’s more reflective, thoughtful environment, has been an exciting challenge.

It’s a constant juggle, but each brings out a different side of my creativity, and I’m starting to embrace both worlds in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

The Allure of TikTok: Fast-Paced and Instant Feedback

It all started when I ventured into TikTok as @iotman2030, exploring short, snappy videos about the Internet of Things (IoT). I didn’t expect much at first — after all, I’m not strictly part of the younger generation that dominates the platform.

But to my surprise, TikTok has been an exhilarating ride, rapidly growing to 6,729 followers. My videos get hundreds, sometimes thousands, of views in hours. It’s instant feedback, and something is thrilling about seeing the numbers climb in real time.

TikTok is a platform that thrives on speed and spectacle. Often, I can craft a video in under a minute. It’s about capturing attention quickly, keeping it visually engaging, and riding the wave of trends.

Every like and every view comes almost instantly, which can be addictive, to be honest. But there’s a catch — monetizing that success isn’t as straightforward as you’d expect. While TikTok offers a burst of engagement, it doesn’t always translate into financial rewards as easily as Medium does.

The Depth of Medium: Slower but More Meaningful

Despite TikTok’s fast success, something keeps pulling me back to Medium. On Medium, things are quieter. My audience is smaller — around 2,531 followers — and my articles rarely pull in big numbers.

At most, I’m seeing about ten reads a day. But here’s the thing: I’m okay with that. I’ve started to appreciate the slower, more thoughtful pace that Medium demands.

Writing on Medium feels like a slow burn. Sometimes, I’ll spend hours, even days, drafting and refining an article. It’s more than just putting words on a page — it’s about crafting something that resonates on a deeper level.

Medium readers are different.

They’re not there for quick entertainment; they want depth, insight, and value. These readers appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating a meaningful article, and in turn, they engage with me in a much more thoughtful way.

Different Audiences, Different Expectations

It’s fascinating to see how the audiences on TikTok and Medium are polar opposites. TikTok is fast, fun, and full of energy.

Most of my viewers are younger and drawn to the edutainment-style content I produce. They come for quick, digestible clips that deliver information playfully and engagingly. It’s a rush to see their reactions within minutes of posting.

Medium, however, attracts a more mature crowd. These readers are looking for depth — they enjoy sinking their teeth into well-researched articles.

My audience on Medium appreciates thoughtful pieces that go beyond surface-level insights, and they expect a higher level of engagement from me as a writer.

My discussions in the comments section often dive deeper into the topics, leading to rich, meaningful exchanges. Knowing I’m connecting with people on a more intellectual level gives me a different kind of satisfaction.

Why Not Both? Embracing the Balance

After reflecting on these differences, I asked myself: Why should I choose between TikTok and Medium? Why not embrace both?

It’s like catering to two different creative appetites—TikTok satisfies my need for instant engagement and creativity, while Medium allows me to connect on a deeper level. Each platform offers something unique, and together, they help me grow as a content creator.

By embracing both platforms, I’ve found a balance that works for me.

On TikTok, I get to experiment with fast-paced, visually engaging content, which fuels my creative energy. Meanwhile, Medium allows me to slow down, reflect, and dive deep into the topics I’m passionate about.

It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about leveraging the strengths to reach different audiences and explore different sides of my creativity.

Beyond TikTok and Medium

But my content creation journey doesn’t stop there.

I’ve also dipped my toes into other formats like podcasting and YouTube. Podcasting has been an exciting adventure, allowing me to explore long-form discussions that wouldn’t fit into a TikTok or Medium post.

I can dive into complex topics in a more relaxed, conversational format. In a way, YouTube combines the visual appeal of TikTok with the substance of Medium. It’s another experiment where I’m still figuring out what works best.

But that’s the beauty of content creation; it’s constantly evolving, and I get to try new things, see what sticks, and adjust along the way.

Lessons for Budding Medium Writers

For anyone thinking of jumping into Medium, I have a few takeaways from my experience so far:

  • Know Your Audience: Medium readers aren’t looking for fluff. They crave well-thought-out, insightful content. Take your time to craft pieces that offer value.
  • Engage with Your Readers: Medium thrives on interaction, and the conversations you start in the comments section can be as meaningful as the article.
  • Be Patient: Building a following on Medium takes time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but if you stick with it, the personal and financial rewards are worth it.
  • Create Meaningful Content: Unlike TikTok’s quick-hit content, Medium is about depth. Focus on creating articles that stand out and resonate with your audience.
  • Diversify Your Platforms: Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Like I juggle TikTok, Medium, podcasting, and YouTube, explore different formats and reach out to varied audiences.

The Art of Juggling Platforms

Ultimately, I’ve seen my presence across TikTok, Medium, podcasting, and YouTube as a diversified portfolio.

Each channel brings something different to the table, allowing me to connect with various kinds of audiences uniquely.

As I continue this journey, I’m learning that content creation is not about chasing numbers but finding the right balance between speed, depth, and authenticity.

This journey is far from over, but I’m enjoying the ride, juggling different platforms, and discovering more about myself as a creator.

Different strokes for different folks, as they say, and I’m learning to embrace that fully.

My Life Before TikTok

MY SOCIAL MEDIA JOURNEY

An Unexpected Journey

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

It’s been a long road as a content creator, beginning long before the rise of TikTok. Allow me to take you on a journey through my life before TikTok, when YouTube was my primary platform, and creativity was my guiding light.

The Early Days of Content Creation

My journey as a content creator started on YouTube, a platform that allowed me to express my creativity and share my passions with the world.

It all began with a simple idea: to create content that informs, entertains, and inspires others. With that goal in mind, I launched several YouTube channels, each linked to a unique Gmail account and dedicated to a specific theme.

It was like painting with vibrant colors on a vast canvas, each channel representing a different facet of my interests.

The Diverse World of YouTube

My channels covered various topics, from the latest tech gadgets to travel adventures, personal vlogs, and deep dives into entrepreneurship and technology.

This variety allowed me to connect with a diverse audience, each with their unique tastes and preferences.

Looking back, it’s remarkable how most of these channels continue to thrive.

They are monuments to their continued relevance and my dedication to keeping them alive.

My Gadget Channel: A Labor of Love

One channel with a special place in my heart is ‘My Gadget.’

Launched 14 years ago, it became a beacon in the tech world, offering the latest news, how-to guides, and insights for Android and iOS users.

It was an exciting time, coinciding with significant technological breakthroughs in smartphones and tablets.

As the world welcomed iPhones and Android devices, I immersed myself in this new world and shared every discovery and insight with my audience.

A Journey Beyond Reviews

My engagement with the tech community went beyond mere reviews.

I delved into the heart of these devices, exploring their capabilities and sharing my findings with a tech-hungry audience.

Jailbreaking iPhones to explore new apps became a staple on my channel, captivating my viewers and offering them a glimpse into their devices’ limitless possibilities.

Expanding Horizons

As my journey expanded, so did the scope of my content.

Travel soon wove into my narrative, allowing me to share the world’s beauty through my lens.

This added a rich, vibrant layer to my digital collection and gave my audience a window into my adventures.

The Birth of Favoriot

The birth of my startup, Favoriot, marked a new era in my life and, consequently, in my content journey.

This venture opened doors to opportunities like interviews and TV and radio appearances, enriching my content with tech talks and adding a new depth to my digital storytelling.

The Challenges of Content Creation

Juggling content creation across various platforms was a colossal task.

It demanded time, meticulous editing, and a never-ending flow of creative ideas.

Eventually, I embraced a more natural, spontaneous approach to video posting.

This approach lightened the editing burden and brought my work a genuine, relatable touch.

The Rise of TikTok

Then came TikTok, a platform that redefined how we create and consume content.

It was an unexpectedly different form of creativity.

I remember my first TikTok video, which quickly garnered attention.

The format was perfect for my spontaneous style, allowing me to share snippets of my life and insights more casually and engagingly.

Discovering the Power of TikTok

As I embraced TikTok, I discovered its power to reach a new audience.

The platform’s algorithm and user-friendly interface made it easy for my content to go viral.

I shared tech tips, travel adventures, and glimpses into my daily life, all within the constraints of a 60-second video.

The response was overwhelming, and I soon found myself with a growing following of engaged viewers.

The Shift to Spontaneity

TikTok encouraged me to be more spontaneous and authentic in my content.

I no longer had to spend hours editing videos; instead, I could capture moments as they happened and share them with my audience.

This shift brought a new level of authenticity to my content, allowing my viewers to connect with me more personally.

The Emergence of Podcasting

As the digital landscape continued to transform, so did my methods of connecting with my audience.

Podcasting emerged as the new frontier, and I set sail in this exciting direction.

With podcasts, I could delve deeper into topics, share stories, and engage in meaningful conversations with my audience.

A Digital Journey

Reflecting on this digital journey, I’m awed by the incredible transformation of technology and social media.

They’ve reshaped our ways of creating, consuming, and sharing content.

From the early days of YouTube to the dynamic world of TikTok and the emerging realm of podcasting, my journey has been a testament to learning, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of passion.

Feel free to check out my TikTok content at IoTMan2030 for more insights into my life and journey as a content creator.

Additionally, you can explore my YouTube channels for a deeper dive into tech, travel, and entrepreneurship.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.

Your support and engagement mean the world to me.

Here’s to more adventures and the endless possibilities of digital content creation.

If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out my books and blog for more content on technology, entrepreneurship, and life as a content creator.

How X (Twitter) Can Transformed an Introvert To A Thought Leader

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER’S SERIES

Ten (10) lessons learned to become a Thought Leader

Let’s connect on X (Mazlan Abbas)

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In 2014, one of my staff sent an email with startling news he had gathered from the Internet. I was unexpectedly named the №20th Thought Leader in IoT by the 2014 Onalytics Report — “The Internet of Things — Top 100 Thought Leaders”.

This accolade was a surprise and a moment of pride and revelation. The recognition stemmed mainly from my engagement on X (formerly known as Twitter), where I had been actively sharing insights and knowledge about IoT.

From then onwards, I received several accolades from different organizations and websites (Take note: this is different from the paid version that most people receive nowadays).

Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

Some of the notable ones are:

  • Top 50 B2B Thought Leaders, Analysts & Influencers You Should Work With In 2024 (APAC)
    – Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on the Internet of Things (February 2019) and Digital Disruption (October 2019) by Thinkers360, 
    – Top 50 Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders by World CSR Congress 2017
    – Top 10 in IoT Top 100 Influencers by Postscapes 2017 & 2018

However, not all accolades are based on X alone; for example, Thinkers360 uses a unique patent-pending algorithm, as mentioned on their website:

Our differentiation from the various influencer leaderboards on social media, and other randomly-compiled lists on the web, is that our patent-pending algorithm takes a holistic view of thought leaders and experts, beyond their social media activity, and looks across all the hats they may wear — such as academic, author, consultant, entrepreneur, influencer, and speaker — and all the types of thought leadership content they produce. — Thinkers360

Thus, it’s important as a thought leader that we need to have our blog, too.

This experience not only underscored the influence of social media in professional branding but also highlighted ten (10) lessons about the power of digital platforms in establishing thought leadership.

1. Consistency is Key

My journey on X began with a simple desire to share what I knew and believed about IoT. Over time, this consistent sharing of articles, insights, and personal commentary helped me build a dedicated following. Consistency in posting keeps your audience engaged and helps you build an online persona that reflects expertise and reliability.

2. Quality Over Quantity

While consistent activity is crucial, the quality of the content shared is paramount. Each tweet, retweet, or shared article was selected or crafted to add value to discussions around IoT. This focus on quality ensures that your audience finds your contributions worthwhile, encouraging deeper engagement and broader sharing.

3. Engage with Your Audience

Engagement goes beyond posting content. Responding to comments, participating in discussions, and acknowledging others’ content helped me build a community around my social media presence. This interaction is about spreading knowledge and learning from others, a hallmark of authentic thought leadership.

4. Leverage Networking Graphs

The Onalytics report highlighted the importance of how individuals influence various audiences through network graphs. Understanding and leveraging these connections can amplify your reach and impact. I could extend my influence beyond my immediate followers by engaging with key influencers within the IoT space and participating in broader discussions.

5. Recognize the Power of Niches

IoT is a vast field, but my focus was often on specific niches within this domain that were less saturated but had significant potential for impact. This strategy helped set me apart, giving me a unique voice that could offer fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge.

6. Adapt and Evolve

Technology constantly changes. We must adapt to new trends, platforms, and technologies. IoT has expanded, leading to discussions on technical aspects, ethics, and policies.

7. Share Your Journey

Authenticity resonates with people. Sharing successes, challenges, and learnings from my journey as an IoT professional has helped humanize my online presence. This openness fosters trust and encourages others to share their experiences, creating a rich, interactive community.

8. Commit to Continuous Learning

Thought leadership is not a static achievement but a dynamic process. Continual learning and updating one’s knowledge base are critical. Engaging with the latest research, industry reports, and innovative practices has kept my content relevant and insightful.

9. Give Back to the Community

Throughout my journey, giving back has been a cornerstone — whether through mentoring, webinars, speaking engagements, or collaborative projects. These contributions enrich the community and establish your role as a knowledgeable leader committed to the field’s growth.

10. Stay Humble

Recognition as a thought leader should not be an end in itself but a platform for further growth and contribution. Staying humble and approachable ensures you remain open to new ideas and connections, vital for sustained relevance and influence in a rapidly changing field.

The recognition Onalytics bestowed upon me was a powerful reminder of the impact I can make through my contributions. It emphasized the transformative potential of social media to shape my professional identity and enhance my brand.

Most importantly, it underscored our crucial role as thought leaders to drive meaningful change and progress in our respective fields.

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More stories about my Social Media “adventures”:

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