As someone who’s been grinding in the music industry for nearly two decades, I’ve seen it all—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. But one thing that stands out to me is how support tends to come only after you’ve proven yourself. Why is it that people will watch you struggle, ignore your calls for help, and remain silent while you’re building, only to suddenly pop up when you start gaining traction? In this blog, we’re diving into why people wait until you make it to show support and how that impacts creators like me.
Understanding the Reality of Support
Early support is hard to come by, even from people you’d expect to be in your corner from day one—family, friends, and so-called day ones. There’s always this feeling of disbelief, as if people are waiting to see whether you’ll actually make it or if you’ll crash and burn. It’s like they’re on the sidelines watching, waiting to say either, “I knew you had it in you,” or, “I told you it wouldn’t work.”
But here’s the thing: support isn’t just about spending money or showing up to events. Real support can be something as simple as sharing a post, dropping a comment, or even just hitting you up to ask how your journey is going. These small actions don’t take much effort but mean the world to someone who’s grinding day in and day out.
The Wait-and-See Mindset
I’ve come to realize that a lot of people are hesitant to support until they see others doing it. They need social proof. If they don’t see you getting that external validation, they’ll think, “Why should I support if no one else is?” It’s like they’re afraid to co-sign something unless it’s a sure bet. This mindset comes from fear and insecurity. People don’t want to look stupid for believing in something that’s still in its raw stages. They want the finished product.
But as a creator, this mindset is frustrating because I don’t want bandwagon supporters—I want people who see my vision before it manifests. I want people who can appreciate the struggle, the late nights, the sacrifices, and not just the shine.
Spotting Real vs. Fake Supporters
Over time, I’ve gotten better at spotting the real from the fake. Real supporters are those who reach out during your low points, who show up when you need it most. They’re the ones who make themselves known with positive energy, even when things aren’t looking great. On the other hand, fake supporters are the ones who suddenly appear once you’ve gotten some clout. They’ll act like they’ve been there from the start, but they were just watching from the sidelines, waiting for you to prove yourself first.
A tip I give to other artists and entrepreneurs is to watch how people react when you ask for help or share your vision. If they can’t see the value in your grind early on, they’re probably not going to stick around long-term.
What Keeps Me Going
You might wonder what keeps me motivated when so many people hold back their support. Honestly, it’s a combination of things. First and foremost, I’m driven by my passion and my vision. I’m doing this for me. But it’s also the people who’ve shown genuine love, whether it’s a small comment, a shared post, or a message that says, “Keep going, I see you.” It’s those little things that fuel me to keep pushing, even when the majority stays silent.
Another key motivator is proving people wrong. If you’re not going to support me when I’m down, don’t expect access to me when I’m up. I don’t hold grudges, but I do remember who was there and who wasn’t. The ones who slept on me? I’m using that as fuel to push harder, go further, and make them regret not believing in my vision from the start.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode of my series touches on a topic that every creator, artist, and entrepreneur has faced at some point: the struggle for early support. We’ve all been there, and I want to shed light on it so others know they’re not alone. If you’re in the trenches right now and you’re only getting love from a few, don’t sweat it. Keep going. Focus on your real supporters. Build with them, and let the rest catch up later—if they even can.
The journey is long and challenging, but the people who believe in you when no one else does? That’s your tribe. That’s who you need to cater to. It’s not about how many people clap for you when you’re winning; it’s about who sticks around when you’re still getting your reps in. Those are the ones who matter, and those are the ones you keep by your side when the success finally comes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a creator or entrepreneur going through this struggle, know that you’re not alone. Keep pushing. Don’t let the lack of early support discourage you. Use it as motivation. One day, the same people who doubted you will be the ones asking for favors, for tickets, or trying to associate with your brand. But by then, it’ll be on your terms. Remember: real ones show up before it’s convenient. Keep track of those people and build with them, because they’ll be the backbone of your success.
And to the people who wait until the train’s already left the station—don’t be surprised if you’re standing on the platform when the doors close.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below. Have you dealt with fake support? What keeps you going when the love isn’t there? Let’s talk about it.
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