So as I spend time lurking and having fun in the chat, I notice that so many people are waiting to be helped out by Steemit. They don't understand why they don't have as many followers or upvotes as they feel they deserve... (insert sob story here).
I ask these people, do you go in for a job interview begging for the job? Or do you go in wondering how you can be useful to that employer?
I am nowhere close to being an influencer here on Steemit (except for my short list of followers), but I do have an opinion and hopefully this might help someone.
Have you every asked yourself what you can do for Steemit?
Why should someone follow you? Do you upload great content? Or is it a bunch of Resteems and low quality posts that seem effortless? Like any good story you might tell your friends, entertain your followers with a glimpse into your world, your mind, or just your day. And please don't ask me to follow you unless you think your content is worth my time.
Do you interact with and help others? Or you are constantly asking people to send you over some SBD (true story), or to help you when you haven't even created a rapport with them? Why not help someone else and see what that does for you?
Do you leave thoughtful comments on the content your enjoyed? Or an even bigger questions: do you even browse Steemit looking for content you might enjoy? Supporting Steemians you like and actually enjoy would be the first step to using the platform in a way that will serve everyone, including yourself.
Ok, so let me guess, you think it "sucks" to work hard on a post and get no rewards. I agree, but guess what, that's life and Rome was not built in day. If you post regularly enough, with quality content and well written posts, the followers should come to you. I think everyone has something special that they can bring, no matter your skill, talent or education. Just CONNECT!
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it at least guides you in the right direction of asking yourself the right questions, as opposed to being bitter with life cause you feel you "deserve everything" for reason X, Y or Z.
And remember, no matter how crappy your life might be, someone surely has it worst!
Follow me 
Chau!