In a recent LinkedIn post, Alec Rickard discusses the often-overlooked reality of building a significant following and achieving substantial results online, emphasizing the importance of patience, consistent effort, and strategic iteration over overnight success. Rickard challenges the common perception that achievements are instantaneous, highlighting that behind every viral moment or large following is a long period of unseen dedication.
Rickard begins by drawing parallels with well-known figures, noting the extensive effort required even for established personalities. He states:
“It took Mr. Beast over 100 videos to hit 1000 subscribers on Youtube. It took Gary Vaynerchuk 18 months of daily vlogs before going viral.”
This sets the stage for his personal experience, illustrating that even consistent effort on platforms like LinkedIn can take time to yield significant returns. Rickard shares his own journey, revealing that he posted on LinkedIn for three years without substantial engagement before building a following of 90,000.
The Unseen Effort Behind Virality
A core theme in Rickard’s post is the disparity between the public perception of success and the private reality of the grind. He points out that most people only witness the outcome, failing to appreciate the preceding period of intense, often unrewarded, effort. According to Rickard, this period is crucial for development and momentum building.
He elaborates on this phase:
“For a long time, you have to show up, with nothing to show for it. You post and no one sees it. You post and no one reacts to it.. You try something different, nothing happens.”
Rickard argues that this phase of low visibility and minimal engagement is not a sign of failure but a necessary part of the process. He suggests that continued posting, even without immediate positive feedback, is essential for eventually capturing attention and building an audience.
Key Strategies for Long-Term Growth
To navigate this challenging period and foster sustainable growth, Rickard outlines three key strategies that he believes are critical:
1. Show Up Consistently
Rickard emphasizes that showing up regularly is paramount, regardless of past performance. This means continuing to create and share content even when previous posts have not performed well. The act of consistent posting, he suggests, builds a foundation and signals commitment to both the platform and the audience.
2. Keep Iterating
Continuous improvement is another cornerstone of Rickard’s advice. He advocates for studying what works for others in the space, implementing those learnings, and then measuring the impact of these changes. This iterative process allows for refinement and adaptation based on observed results and market trends.
3. Double Down on Wins
When a piece of content or a strategy does achieve a breakthrough, Rickard advises focusing on understanding why it was successful. The goal, according to him, is to replicate that success by refining and improving upon what already works, rather than constantly searching for entirely new approaches.
The Nature of True Success
Rickard concludes by reinforcing the idea that significant achievements are rarely rapid. He states:
“Success does not happen fast. It happens slowly. Then one day people notice.”
This perspective is intended to encourage those who feel discouraged by slow progress. Rickard posits that if growth feels slow, it is likely a sign of building rather than failing. He prompts readers to reflect on their own unseen efforts and encourages them to persist through the early stages of their endeavors.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Alec Rickard on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 1, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →