I created a circle of people and we gave each other pennies, actually we had to work up to giving each other pennies. Those of us who stuck it out and held on to our stake have grown, but the rest of the circle has grown as well so suddenly the previous work began to pay off. I did search for minnows to support and the good ones stuck around and they are now in my circle.
This is Steemit strategy 101 here. Anyone reading this post should think about how to follow it. Then think about the higher-level stuff.
Nods, I have been watching you... You are doing this also. And it gets noticed by those of us who engage on the site.