I deal with this more often then not, I put out content such as a blog post, video or something that I think people would love and I get...No likes, comments, shares or any movement from the people who I thought I connected with on a much deeper level. Some of these people I was in the streets with, share some "real" moments with and some I even worked with for years. I said to myself, well at least my family will share or at least like my stuff so that I feel better and that my ego does not take a emotional blow to the gut. I think I did 2  of the 4 agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, I made assumptions and took it personal  when I did not get the results from the people I "expected" to applaud me, not because my content is good, but for all the reasons I mentions above. It made me reflect on why I was doing what I was doing, was I doing it because it was needed or because I needed confirmation from my peers, family or whoever?  Over the past few weeks I have been raving about Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss, which has an article recommendation,1000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly, which talks about how to develop a loyal following by simply focusing on obtaining 1000 True  fans. Also in the book Tools of Titans was a story about an burlesque dancer who performs in a strip club next to other girls who go completely nude. Most would would assume that the burlesque dancer would lose the majority of the fans in the strip club by not stripping down, however she has one fan willing to pay her $50 to see her show. What I learned from both stories is that you should not try to please the masses (to which I have never really done) and focus on super serving your audience, even if it is an audience of 1. The truth is that most of us who are really out there creating art are or at least at some point feel like an impostor, also known as Impostor syndrome, which is state of mind where it is very difficult to internalize accomplishments, you always feel like someone will expose you. As you step into new and different domains and settings your comfort, knowledge, and experience is tested and you want some type of confirmation that you are on the right track, Those who have the luxury of having mentors to confirm your steps and accomplishments have an asset some of us struggle to attain if ever. I have found that not having a mentor is not a deal breaker and in some cases actually makes you more clever in obtaining advice, knowledge and confirmation that you are in fact making the correct steps and headed towards success. I use books, videos, podcast and articles to get my competitive edge back and I continue to look at my track record for my confirmation and focus on the one person who needs my content and as for my friends, family and others who do not think my content is not that great or even good, I want to thank you for confirming I am on the right track because if you (being so many different personalities) like it, its mass and I am not mass. I show up every week, sometimes I am on and sometimes I am not, but I ship. 

As a child I use to love when my father would take my brother and I fishing. It was cold and we were very tired (less than desirable conditions for a 7 and 8 year old) however we loved it. We loved that thrill of seeing your pole shake and the potential of bring home tonight's dinner. As I have developed in business I have realized that Fishing and Business have a lot in common  for example:

Go Where the Fish Are
In fishing you need to go where you have the best chances at catching a fish, lakes provide a certain type of fish and environment for fishing (safe, predictable conditions, calm waters) while the Ocean provides several types of fish l(mostly large and some that can eat you) and a very unpredictable. In business you have to go where the best customers(fish) or where you have the higher probability of catching those customers(fish)  so use tools like Googles Shopping Insights to look at where the customers (fish) are biting and what keyword/products (bait) they are searching for.

Using the Right Bait
You can find the perfect fishing spot where the fish are literally jumping out of the water, however if you do not have the "right" type of bait you will simply be a hungry spectator. In business your bait will consist of 1) Your Offer: Customers(Fish) are very particular about what they put into their houses, minds, bodies and more so make sure you have the right offer. 2) The timing: Fish like to feed at different times of the day, and the same hold true for customers too. Make sure your offer is timely and convenient for the customer. 3) The equipment: If you go Ocean fishing using freshwater lake equipment you will be in for a very rude awakening when a 40lbs Grouper bites and pulls you and your fishing pole in the water. In business when you are finally in the right market and have the customers attention make sure you have the capacity to handle the customers and their needs. There is nothing worst than constantly being sold out, or not having the right people to handle the customer calls.

Patience is Key
The one thing that all fisherman understand is that the "Fish Bite when they want". Some fishermen and businessmen give up or move spots way to fast. Sometimes the customer(fish) wants to see how committed you really are to catching them/earning their business, so stay the course. They want to see if you are serious about business/fishing and more importantly serious about giving them the right bait at the right time to earn their business. So in business you need to make sure that you are where your customers are, have the right bait, and wait for the fish to bite.