Finding Ly-Ang #23: Followers vs. Connectors—What Really Counts?

Picture this: you’ve got over a thousand followers, nearly a thousand connections, and hundreds of newsletter subscribers. Sounds impressive, right? A LinkedIn powerhouse! But here’s the twist—despite those numbers, the same small group of people consistently engages with your posts.

The likes, comments, and shares come from familiar names, the ones who always show up. This isn’t a complaint—just an observation backed by performance data from my own LinkedIn feed. It makes me wonder: are we chasing numbers for the sake of it? Or are we truly cultivating meaningful exchanges within our networks?

Let’s dig into the difference between followers and connectors.

The Numbers Game: Followers vs. Connectors

We live in a world where the size of your following is often equated with success. Having thousands of followers feels like holding the keys to influence. But what happens when most of those followers remain silent spectators?

Followers are like window shoppers—they stroll by, glance at your content, maybe double-tap, and move along. They’re not bad to have, but their impact often ends there.

On the other hand, connectors are the lifeblood of a thriving network. They engage, challenge, and inspire. Connectors don’t just “see” your posts—they respond, share, and amplify your voice. They transform your network into a dynamic community.

Performance vs. Perception

Reflecting on my own LinkedIn activity, it’s fascinating how the same individuals keep the engagement alive. Despite the thousands of followers and connections, the real action comes from a dedicated core group. These are the connectors—people who go beyond the scroll, who add value to the conversation, and who make this whole networking thing worthwhile.

Let’s be real: having a large following is flattering, but it’s the meaningful interactions that matter most. It’s not about how many are watching—it’s about who is truly connecting.

Active vs. Passive Engagement

This brings me to a classic saying:

“There are three types of people in the world: 10% lead, 20% follow, and 70% sit on the sidelines.”

Now think about your network. Are your followers in the 70%—the sideline spectators? Or are they in the 10% and 20%—the leaders and followers who actively engage and contribute?

It’s easy to focus on growing the numbers, but what good is a crowd if it doesn’t spark conversation or collaboration? Connections without connection are just numbers.

The Connector Mindset

To make your network more meaningful, shift from being a collector of followers to a cultivator of connections. Here’s how:

1. Prioritize depth over breadth. Take the time to know your network. Who are they? What do they care about?

2. Be a conversation starter. Don’t just post—engage! Respond to comments, ask questions, and create dialogue.

3. Be a bridge. Introduce people in your network to each other. Connectors are the glue that holds networks together.

A Realistic Look at Engagement

Having a network that consistently engages might not mean every follower comments on every post. And that’s okay. The beauty of connections lies in the quality, not the quantity, of interactions. Those few individuals who regularly engage with your content are proof of the power of authentic relationships.

But let’s challenge ourselves: can we activate more of our network? Can we inspire those silent spectators to step forward and become connectors themselves?

The Final Takeaway

Here’s the question I’ve been asking myself lately: would I rather have a thousand followers who know my name, or a handful of connections who know my worth?

For me, the answer is clear. Followers may inflate your numbers, but connectors multiply your impact. And the best part? You can be both—a connector to your community and a leader to those who follow.

So, let’s stop chasing numbers and start building bridges. Because in the end, it’s not about how many people are watching; it’s about how many people are truly with you.

Live Laugh Love – whether you’re following or being followed, make sure you’re also connecting. ??

#WackyWednesday #ConnectorsOverFollowers #MeaningfulConnections