Those Who Can Build a Fanbase and Those Who Cannot

The moment "doing it for the other person" becomes a strategy, it stops resonating.

Likes, views, follower counts, revenue—when you post with the goal of receiving these things, your engagement will steadily decline.

This is not limited to social media; the exact same thing happens in real-world settings. If you truly want customers to become fans, the same law applies as a matter of course.

Don't hold back information, don't put on airs, and post as your authentic self—I believe this direction is correct.

However, almost no one is actually doing it.

Altruism does not return at the timing you desire.

Even if you understand "doing it for the other person" in your head, I believe there is only one reason why people cannot actually do it.

It is because they are expecting something in return.

If you act 100% for the sake of others, it will eventually come back to you—this is true. But "eventually" is not necessarily the timing you want. In fact, in most cases, it takes time. Few people can think, "I'll wait a little longer," at that point.

To be honest, my experience is that more often than not, after continuing to act truly for the sake of others, you realize you are thriving yourself. But that is a byproduct; if you make it your goal, it won't work out.

What I think is good is the attitude of "egocentric altruism."

There are people who do not view acting for the sake of others as a sacrifice.

People who genuinely enjoy acting 100% for the sake of others. People for whom that act itself is their own joy. I call this "egocentric altruism."

It is not that they are "doing" altruism, but that it is their very way of being. The posts of such people carry genuine passion, not strategy. The people on the other side of the screen can sense that.

Posts where "doing it for the other person" has become a strategy will reach those who can see through it. Those who can keep at it will build a fanbase.