I've read all three of these "If I was a minnow on Steemit" posts. Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective and experience. 

I especially like:

> The great networkers would do something completely different. They tried to find someone they could genuinely help either with a referral, a connections or sometimes just a good advice. Then, they would keep in touch with them, building a relationship until the other person got interested in what they did.

Building a network in my local community is what has allowed me to remain in business (brick & mortar repair and sales shop). Without it, we would have closed our doors long ago. 

I hope to take the lessons I've learned from that and apply it here on Steemit.