Like I replied to someone else, you have to be patient and persistent. Write posts you really care about, engage with the community, you'll be fine. I made almost nothing the first few weeks I joined. I've never asked anyone for a vote, and I don't have any whale friends. I'll never be a top author, but I don't want to be. My goal always was and I'm content to have created my own niche.
RE: Why I won't vote for you if you offer me something in return