Hey everyone!!! We made it to 65! Thank you so much!!
So, about this #steemit journey ...

Steemit Beginnings

My #steemit journey happened much by accident. I had been hearing about cryptos, and was curious to learn more. Being behind the game, I did what any knowledge hungry person would do...

I went to youtube (the new school library 😊). I started devouring videos, trying to understand everything. I wasn't understanding anything very well until I stumbled across @heiditravels and her youtube page, Cryptotips.

I must have watched most of what she had uploaded - some videos several times.
She had one video where she mentioned #steemit , and I was beyond intrigued. I must admit though, the learning curve for me was steep. I really appreciate those who can take this technology, it's terminology and make it accessible to the layman. Many of the more technical types in the crypto space simply cannot do that: @heiditravels can, and that's why she is where she is today. Anyway, back to steemit :-)

I began writing blogs, many of which were long; since that's what I noticed others doing. I did, however, make sure I put a lot of info, and experiences into my writing. Being from a music and business standpoint, I wrote about the ups and downs of being a business owner while dealing with a "lot" of bumps and bruises along the way (plenty to pass on to readers for sure). Now, mind you, this was done all while trying to handle the "crypto learning curve, AND experiencing the Steemit growing pains. I wrote quite a bit, at first. After a while, though I focused more on networking and making friends here, than writing the long blogs.

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Making the Connections

I think the realization that steemit is more than just writing blogs was key. After being here for a bit, I noticed it looked like more of different friendships, groups, and people connecting: who sometimes may, or may not have things in common. That is pretty cool. I saw a youtube clip talking about blogging here on steemit, and earning crypto - that was my initial attraction. I have been an educator/business owner since '93, so I was naturally drawn to teaching what I know here on steemit. BUT, I had to realize that this was every bit as much a social network as it was a blogging/educational site.
It makes sense, actually. In business, you are constantly having to make relationships - that's how you know how to serve. I believe this is a great tip for newbies. I have seen many great blogs/blog posts go unnoticed. I can understand how it would be frustrating for a newbie here. The key, I think, is to not forget the social network aspect of steemit;
I really believe that is where we are heading now.

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Newbie Tips

So, what advice would I have for a newbie?

• Put In the Time
  Nothing in life falls in your lap. If it does, you will most likely loose it. ...so get to work 😊

• Learn to Network
  Make friends, and be interested in others . That's business, and that's life.

• Learn to Write
  If you want to write/blog don't kid yourself. If you can get better at writing, then get better.

• Contests & Groups
  There are some good ones here to get you noticed and connected:

• @luzcypher #openmic for musicians

• @kalemandra #colorchallenge for photography

• @steemitbloggers #steemitbloggers if you like writing/blogging

• @minnowbooster "IF" you are capable of providing great content, this is great for newbies.

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Great Friends Great People

The snapshot above ⬆️ was a surprise LOL. I just noticed a mention from @eforucom so I wanted to see what it was. Low and behold, I had an increase in followers! 😊 I think this kind of "hit home" with the concept of making connections.
I think if the #steemit team can keep progressing towards adoption, and stay ahead of the competition, we will have a game changer.

Not just in the crypto world,
Not just in the blogging world,
Not just in the social networking world,

...but IN THE WORLD

Steem On friends!! ✌🏾

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Special Thanks & Please Follow:
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