The Tazel 30: Building Real Relationships with Your Fans and Followers
Inspired by the timeless relationship principles of business legend Harvey Mackay — creator of the famous “Mackay 66” — The Tazel 30 reimagines those ideas for today’s digital creators. In an era of algorithms, this guide is about something deeper: connection.
When Harvey Mackay published “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive” in the late 1980s, his now-famous “Mackay 66” taught salespeople to truly know their customers — not as transactions, but as human beings. Fast-forward to the creator economy, and that same philosophy is more relevant than ever.
Creators don’t sell products; they build relationships. Every like, comment, and message is a form of trust. The Tazel 30 simplifies Mackay’s classic approach into thirty modern, digital-age insights that help creators strengthen their communities, increase loyalty, and grow income — all by knowing their fans better.
🧭 The Tazel 30: What Every Creator Should Know About Their Fans
Personal & Connection Insights
- Their first name (and preferred nickname) — Even online, using someone’s name creates instant familiarity.
- How they first discovered you — Was it a viral post, a referral, or a collab? That’s your best marketing clue.
- Why they follow you — Humor, authenticity, confidence, creativity — know the “why” behind their loyalty.
- What they do for a living (or dream of doing) — Helps you connect with their lifestyle and aspirations.
- Their location or time zone — Perfect for planning live events and engagement timing.
- Favorite type of content you make — Stories, audio, clips, behind-the-scenes — track what hits home.
- Topics they’d love to see more of — Ask and deliver; fans love creators who listen.
- How often they engage — Daily supporter or quiet lurker? Adjust how often you reach out.
- Their preferred platform — X, Patreon, Discord, or Tazel — meet them where they already spend time.
- Their comfort level with interaction — Some crave DMs, others prefer quiet appreciation. Respect earns trust.
💬 Emotional & Motivational Insights
- What excites or inspires them — Emotion drives connection more than content does.
- Their humor style — Match their tone; shared laughter is a powerful bond.
- What stresses them out — Offer comfort, laughter, or escape when they need it most.
- Their creative interests or hobbies — Engage their passions beyond your own niche.
- How they describe themselves — Reflect their identity language back; it builds alignment.
- What milestones they’re celebrating — Birthdays, promotions, anniversaries — mention them.
- Their favorite compliments from you — Notice what makes them light up.
- What they admire most about you — Sometimes it’s your courage, not your content.
- What causes or values they care about — Shared beliefs = deep loyalty.
- Their curiosity or fantasy themes — For adult creators, knowing this safely shapes more personal engagement.
💡 Practical & Behavioral Data
- Their preferred payment or support method — Make it easy to support you however they choose.
- Their engagement or spending level — Understand loyalty; don’t exploit it.
- How they react to exclusivity — Some love VIP perks; others prefer inclusion. Adjust your tiers accordingly.
- How they respond to scarcity or urgency — Track what really drives conversion.
- When they’re most active — Morning scrollers? Night owls? Post for their rhythm, not yours.
- Which events or offers they joined — Keep notes for personalized follow-ups and thank-yous.
- Their comfort with edgy or adult content — Respect boundaries — trust sustains income.
- What other creators they follow — Reveals crossover communities and collaboration opportunities.
- Their communication preference — Email, DM, Discord, comments — know how they like to connect.
- One personal detail you remember — Their pet’s name, hobby, or story. It’s the human touch that matters.
💎 How to Apply the Tazel 30
- Use simple tracking: Most platforms let you tag or note top fans. Keep it lightweight but consistent.
- Protect privacy: Record only what followers share voluntarily. Trust is currency.
- Reward recognition: “You mentioned this last month — how’s it going?” shows authentic care.
- Automate with empathy: Templates save time, but your tone should always feel personal.
- Review quarterly: Fans evolve; update your understanding regularly.
🔥 Final Thought
At Tazel, we believe your success doesn’t come from chasing algorithms — it comes from building relationships that last. When you truly know your followers — their stories, habits, and hopes — they don’t just buy your content; they buy into your journey.
Start your own “Tazel 30” fan notebook today.
Understand your audience. Serve them better.
And watch your creative world — and your income — grow.
Your Space. Your Rules. Your Success.