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When I first got onto Steemit, it was definitely all about money cause lets be realistic for a second, when you heard that by posting, commenting and even curating can all earn you money, you'd probably wanted to know more. People who are searching for that additional income definitely would be interested to know more and Steemit definitely does give that edge over all social media.

For me, I got onto Steemit looking for money, as simple as that. Before Steemit, I had a business venture with a few other people and it didn't go so well. Though I've learned a lot of people skills through my business, I've also lost a lot of money. It was indeed a very expensive lesson for me and my partner. I was pretty upset that I failed that business because I had high hopes that I would make enough money to take care of my family. So, I came to find Steemit as just another source of income. If it works, GREAT. If it doesn't, I would probably quit and find something else to do.

I started grinding and finding my own niche on Steemit. I know that hardwork pays off especially on platform like these so I spent countless nights just trying to do what the guides tell me to do.

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Yes, these are all the basics of Steemit but doing that daily seems pretty robotic. I also thought that joining the Steem Malaysia Facebook group was just another group page to dump your Steemit posts, but everything changed when I joined the #teammalaysia discord. I was pretty careful at first because everyone seemed 'Too good to be true'.After a month on Steemit, I found that the people I've met are some of the most amazing individuals here. And this definitely changed my perspective of Steemit.

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Photo courtesy of #teammalaysia

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Photo courtesy of #teammalaysia

Yes I came for the money, but what I've found later are beautiful friendships formed among one another, and this is priceless. I've also learned a few things along the way and I think I've shared with some of the fellow Steemians when they asked me how do I know everyone so well? How do I build these relationships with strangers? Honestly, I do not know any 'perfect' formula to this but what I would always tell them is to BE SINCERE & GENUINE.

Always BE Sincere & Genuine

People are NOT dumb and they can smell if you're insincere or have certain motive behind whatever it is you're doing. Though I am not a perfect being, but I try my best also. So if you're approaching someone just because you want his/her network or if he/she has a high upvote, you're doing it all wrong. How long can a shallow relationship built on benefits last? If you're looking for something longer, let's say.... a lifetime. Why don't you approach the person just because you want to know him/her. That way, you don't have to hide or lie and you can be yourself.

Another important thing I learned is that you should always Be Yourselfand Always Improving. You will still get no where if you're lazy and wait for people to fall on your lap and maybe drop you some whaleshare tokens, you always have to put your best foot forward first.Ohhhhh you have no idea how introverted I am, I am indeed a very introverted guy when it comes to talking to people especially strangers. I don't think anyone has seen this side of me yet except my close friends who is also a Steemian. That's because I always do make an effort to mingle. Yes It is definitely hard for me, but I want to improve myself.

These are some of the things I've learned on Steemit. What I think of Steemit? Well, money has become secondary for me, and building friendships have become my main focus now. The good thing about Steemit is that you can enjoy what you're doing and still get incentives(money). The best thing there is!

Thank you to all the amazing Steemians I've met here, some of you were there for me when I was down, some of you just made my day by saying hi. Some spent time to join me in my meetups when you could be somewhere else doing something more important. I just want to say Thank you for being my friend.