<Building Connections: The Key to Success on Medium>

Let’s talk about the significance of connecting with other writers and how it influences your success on Medium.

As children, we were taught to “treat others the way you want to be treated.” This Golden Rule is not just applicable in personal relationships; it is vital for our interactions on Medium, making the platform more relational.

Recently, Ev Williams and the Medium creator's hub highlighted some changes aimed at enhancing this relational aspect. In their latest communication, they stated:

> “The new homepage feed on the web primarily reflects whom you follow. As a writer, your followers are more inclined to see your stories.”

Additionally, they mentioned:

> “The 'who-to-follow' section assists readers in discovering writers. Our recent update has boosted recommendations, resulting in a 25.9% higher success rate for follows, meaning more readers are connecting with writers.”

Medium thrives on relationships, doesn’t it?

Firstly, it's about your connection with yourself; for many, writing serves as a meditative process, helping clarify personal values. Secondly, it’s about engaging with fascinating writers on Medium—there are certainly many worth connecting with!

Is This a Trend?

Recently, Patricia Rosa, a notable writer, reached out to express her gratitude for my mentions in some of my articles. She asked if this would be considered a trend.

She isn’t the only one who has reached out to me for similar reasons. Here’s my response and the story behind the “let's get relational” concept.

My Journey Towards Connection

In April, I was delighted to find my name, Kristina God, mentioned in a piece by ScienceDuuude in the publication WoTWU. It’s a joy to see one's name recognized after just three months on Medium. The article that resonated with me was “Strumming my Uke for Redemption” by Carlos Garbiras.

This touching narrative revolves around playing the ukulele with his daughter and reflects on forgotten dreams. Carlos had always wanted to learn an instrument, but his mother's fixed mindset led her to believe he would excel in math rather than music. When his wife gifted him a ukulele, he found a supportive audience in his daughter and wife. As a result, 16 writers commented on his article, and he received 1.5k claps.

However, the most important takeaway was how Carlos interwove his journey with interactions from other writers that encouraged him to persist on Medium, despite moments of doubt. This is crucial, as many talented writers contemplate quitting.

> “As many of you might’ve experienced, the journey on Medium can feel disorienting.” — Carlos Garbiras

Medium: A Supportive Community

Carlos found motivation through a poem by Lee Ameka, which inspired him to submit work to Thomas Gaudex’s publication called Scribe. One day, while commenting on another of Lee's poems, Scienceduude invited him to contribute an essay, which led to the article where I was mentioned.

Carlos also discovered a piece by Christopher Robin (not a pen name) titled “The Averagest Superpower.” Christopher runs a publication called Songstories, where writers share experiences about how music impacts them.

> “I started talking to the author and realized we are kindred spirits.” — Carlos

Ultimately, Carlos found a brother, a kindred spirit, on Medium. Isn’t that incredible?

Tom Hanratty left a comment on my “About Me” story:

> “It really is a community of writers and readers. We support and help each other, forming friendships with people we may never meet in person.”

Understanding Reciprocity

Are you curious about the secret behind Carlos's success and what you can take from it?

The answer lies in the Law of Reciprocity—a behavioral principle that has been essential for human survival throughout history.

> “The best way to honor relationships is to practice the Law of Reciprocity.” — Jack Hanson

This law states that when someone does something kind for you, there's an inherent desire to reciprocate. It should guide your interactions on Medium.

Cultivating an Online Community

How did Carlos garner such engagement? He built connections with other writers—not just through their articles but by mentioning them, including me, and involving others who might relate to his experiences.

He also noted that Ryan DeJonghe and Dr. Funny had previously called for a “Let’s Get Relational” initiative to foster an online community.

Earlier, Terry Mansfield gained significant attention with his article “You Don’t Need Magic To Succeed on Medium — Reciprocity Does The Trick.”

Visualizing Medium’s Potential

Imagine Medium as a vibrant map dotted with light bulbs. Typically, only a few bulbs light up when you publish an article. If it resonates, perhaps more will illuminate.

What can you do to increase visibility? Engage relationally to attract more views, claps, and comments.

The Audience as a Channel

Whenever time permits, I read articles on Medium. The suggestions I receive stem from my connections and reading preferences. New writers often emerge through comments or claps on my articles.

In simple terms:

> If I engage with your work, your reach expands since my followers may find your article relevant.

If I mention you in my articles, it likely benefits the Medium algorithm, signaling that your work inspired me.

Practical Steps to Connect

Here are several writers who embraced the “let's get relational” ethos by responding to my stories. This practice is beneficial for everyone involved.

Highlighting the Relational Concept: At the end of my articles, I showcase writers related to the topic.
Showcasing Relevant Works: I elevate other writers’ articles in my content to provide added value.

Final Thoughts

I’m not here to dictate your approach; I can only share mine. Together, we can achieve remarkable things.

> “Our underrated superpower is collaborating with others and fostering relationships instead of focusing solely on ourselves.” — Kristina God

Ten Benefits of the “Let’s Get Relational” Idea

Helping others boosts our happiness.
Service to others, as Jay Shetty emphasizes, always pays off.
Your followers become my followers and vice versa.
You discover your unique voice.
Mutual care and support.
Teamwork always yields greater results.
If you appreciate what you read, give 50 claps!
You value other writers as individuals.
You nurture ongoing relationships.
You draw inspiration from others.

My Approach to Reciprocity

When writing, I dedicate time to:

Linking to other stories.
Tagging relevant individuals whose insights I value.
Maintaining relationships through comments and claps.
Caring for fellow Medium writers as individuals.
Reading articles from new followers to understand their perspectives.
Returning claps and comments for impactful pieces.
Engaging deeply with others' work rather than skimming.

Key Takeaways

> “The basis of social relationships is reciprocity: if you cooperate with others, others will cooperate with you.” — Carroll Quigley

Embracing the Law of Reciprocity on Medium enhances your credibility and establishes trust.

Join the “let's get relational” movement by:

Building strong relationships through genuine support.
Treating fellow writers and readers as you wish to be treated.
Aiming to match the kindness you receive.

Let’s get relational!

Kristina God acknowledges Robin Jessie-Green, Acacia Bergin, Cosette Ubik, Freda Savahl, Niru, Jennifer Jarvis, Burt, Melissa Steussy, Jessica N. Goddard, Sean McBrid, and the Modern Parent Ambassadors team, including Sylvia Emokpae, Stephanie Gruner Buckley, Ryan Glenn, Adrienne Koziol, Karine Barbier, and Eva Grape.

I hope this article inspires you. Feel free to tag me in your upcoming pieces; I’d love to read them!

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