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Jen Baxter ✒️'s avatar

I really like how you're examining the overlap (and sometimes chasm) between friends & subscribers... it says a lot about how we grow in both areas. 👍🏻

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Karen Esbenshade's avatar

And how we maintain relationships! Thanks for your thoughts.

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Jen Baxter ✒️'s avatar

Yep, how we maintain relationships.

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Georgia Clare's avatar

I love that we've found each other on here and are now friends :)

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Karen Esbenshade's avatar

Thank you Georgia. I really appreciate this comment and your unwavering support!

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Georgia Clare's avatar

You're welcome :)

I think that's what Substack is all about.

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Hi Karen, just had to drop you a note after I read your mention of Dale Carnegie's fantastic book. I'm retired now but when I was a young go-getter, I didn't have a college degree and didn't have many influential people in my circle. I relied on drive, a substantial amount of "on the ground" experience in the business I was in, and people skills. To further sharpen the positives that I did have, I enrolled in two different night classes that the Carnegie Foundation used to sponsor at the college level and maybe still do. It was a commitment to attend them, after working all day in a full-time job. One business class was centered on Public Speaking and the other was on Leadership and Management Skills. It was undoubtedly the best thing I ever did in terms of improving myself. Overcoming doubt, gaining self-confidence, understanding the value of motivation (my own and others), the importance of leading by example were all areas that I benefitted from. Those courses had tremendous value to me. I used to recommend them to basically all my business associates and personal friends. Thanks for reminding me of that experience. - Jim

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Karen Esbenshade's avatar

Truthfully, I have yet to read the book. I have it and it’s on my summer read list. Both my daughter and husband read it and rave about it. Looking forward to following your journey on Substack. I’m happy to subscribe and learn more about what you write!

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

It is still as relevant, relatable and insightful as it was when it first came out in 1936, so please keep it on your to read list! Really appreciate you subscribing. I have fictional short stories, Author Insights interviews, personal essays and classical book reviews so maybe out of all that you will find something of interest. - Thanks again, Jim

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Melanie Jarboe's avatar

Thanks for being my friend! As Woody in Toy Story says, “You’ve got a friend in me.”

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Karen Esbenshade's avatar

It is my pleasure!

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Jerry Keusch's avatar

Hi Karen, I came to Substack about 10 months ago and I do applaud your consistency and determination. An interesting topic on the intersection between friendship and subscribers. I think it is more about our relationship with Substack. Do write and post ir do we read and comment. I think ultimately that the intersection between friendship and subscribers will always be a small sliver and as writers our time is more valuably spent learning and crafting our message. Not an opinion that aligns with all the influencers here, but the real issue is what is our goal. Subscriber numbets, frienships or message. Ultimately its a different balance for all of us.

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Karen Esbenshade's avatar

Yes to everything! Two key words relationship and balance. Life requires both and that is why my Substack falls short. I prioritize real living with the goal of publishing recovery fiction. What I enjoy most about Substack is the value for aspiring authors.

I am trying to make the most of a platform that relies on constant interaction for growth!

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Paul Christopher's avatar

Well stated Karen. I think this applies at any stage of life. Developing genuine friendships takes risk, some vulnerability, even overcoming fears.

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