One thing I believe a lot of people miss is focusing too much on themselves and how much they can make individually.

The best contacts I have made have come from commenting on others posts, or sharing an idea that might be valuable that someone could "steal" and not give credit to me. Steemit is all about collaboration and those who do not see that will soon be left in the dust. I've seen that happen and seen the rewards drop for people I believe the community sees as selfish, who at one time made great money. Not a dig at anyone, but simply an observation.

While mentoring is time consuming and you cannot mentors tens of people, finding driven people to share steemit with can pay dividends and not just monetarily. Real friendships can be made while you blog and experience this world together.

So long term value in steemit is going to be based on more people joining (whether or not you get any reward for bringing people here to me is inconsequential). People you help will likely help you, and you may be helping someone who is the next @smooth or @berniesanders I don't like to see people only helping because they feel that maybe they will find a person who will make them successful, but even if that is the case, steemit will become more valuable.

Steemit is kind of like the latest greatest phone technology. It's better than other versions, but unless you use it right, the iphone 7 is the same paperweight as the old motorola razr phone. It's all about how you use the platform.

Cater to your strengths and figure out what you wish to gain. That might be shopping money for the weekend so you dedicate a few hours here and there or for a vacation or as a lifestyle.

Build a team with strengths that compliment one another, network, have fun and if you don't see more success (maybe not quit your job success) you probably need to step back and look to someone who is seeing success.

Lastly I'd advise posting about what you love over what is popular and might make you money.

A post about depression that touches the life of someone else and makes a friend and only make $1.00 can be far more valuable than a comedy post about a whale that generates $100. I wouldn't advise making steemit just about making money (not alluding you are) and instead just keep it something you enjoy and then it will be a welcome part of your day and not "Oh no I need to make another post" type feeling.

Feel free to contact me however you wish to if I may be of any help.

Best Wishes!