Being first is super powerful.
Whether it is launching a new idea, joining a trend, or jumping into a fresh opportunity, those who act early often enjoy rewards others can only dream of. From gaining visibility to setting trends, the benefits of being ahead of the curve are worth exploring.
Take social media, for example. Influencers like Gary Vaynerchuk and Richard Branson became icons partly because they started early. They shared valuable content consistently when competition was low, building loyal audiences over time.
In this issue, I explore the incredible impact of taking the first step and how being first can shape success and open doors to new opportunities.
The advantages of being first
Being first comes with unique advantages. Let’s break it down:
1. Sponsorships and partnerships – Early adopters often attract brands and collaborators. For instance, influencers who joined platforms like Instagram or TikTok early were able to secure sponsorships and partnerships that boosted their careers.
2. Algorithm advantages – Social media algorithms often favor early content creators. With fewer competitors, early adopters can gain more visibility and grow their audience quickly.
3. Securing unique usernames – Being first allows you to claim memorable and recognizable usernames. Think about how much easier it is to remember @JohnSmith than @JohnSmith0987.
4. Setting Trends – Early adopters often become thought leaders or trendsetters. They are the ones others look up to for inspiration and guidance.
The myth of being first
While being first has its bonuses, starting late doesn’t mean you’ve missed the boat. There’s a growing myth that success is only for early birds, but let’s bust that myth wide open.
Some of today’s most successful people started late and still achieved incredible results:
• Lara Acosta, Jasmin Alić, and Justin Welsh joined LinkedIn long after it became popular. Yet, they’ve become top influencers and successful solopreneurs by creating thoughtful, engaging content.
Starting late can even be an advantage. You get to observe what works, learn from others’ mistakes, and enter the space with a refined strategy. The key isn’t about when you start – it’s about how consistently and intentionally you show up once you do.
Opportunities waiting for you
If you are wondering where to start, platforms like LinkedIn provide excellent opportunities.
Here’s why:
• LinkedIn had over 1 billion members by 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing professional platforms.
• It’s trusted for credible information, making it the go-to space for thought leaders.
• According to my analysis, LinkedIn will play an important role in thought leadership in 2025. In my estimates, the professionals who invest in building their LinkedIn presence now will reap significant benefits.
Your “first” starts when you do
The good news is that being “first” doesn’t have to mean being the earliest. Your first moment is the day you decide to start. That could be today, tomorrow, or even next year.
Building your brand is key.
Here’s how you can begin:
• Identify your strengths – What are you good at? What do you enjoy sharing or teaching others? Knowing your strengths will help you craft a niche.
• Create a content strategy – Decide what kind of content you want to share and how often. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Engage consistently – Post regularly, interact with your audience, and join conversations in your field.
• Leverage platforms – If you’re starting on LinkedIn, focus on professional insights. For Instagram or TikTok, lean into creativity and trends. Each platform has its unique style, so adapt accordingly.
What’s Next?
If you’re inspired to take action, don’t forget: it’s never too early or too late to start. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or even 50s, the best time to begin is now.
Here’s your starting checklist:
• Start this week.
• Start next month.
• Start next year.
• Just start today.
When you take that first step, you position yourself to gain from opportunities that come your way. Be consistent, stay curious, and watch how your effort pays off over time.
Resources to help you start
To help you along the way, here are some valuable resources:
• LinkedIn learning – Offers courses on personal branding and content creation.
• Hezron Insights Blog – Regular posts to inspire your journey and provide actionable tips.
• Gary Vaynerchuk’s blog – is packed with tips for building your brand and leveraging social media.
• Atomic habits by James Clear – A great book on building habits that stick.
My final thoughts
While being first is powerful, the real power lies in starting. Whether it’s a new platform, a bold idea, or a career pivot, the moment you take action is the moment you achieve your dreams. So why wait? Begin your journey today.