In order to get get, you must give.  Seems paradoxical, but it's the nature of the universe.  Interacting with your fans, influencers who you want to get in front of their audiences, and new people who discover you are ways to build relationships.  Often times, we get attached to the numbers, not realizing that what makes the numbers are people.  Once you develop and nurture your connections, you will find that you are able to grow organically.