It depends on the quality of the voter. My account is still new, so I don't pass much value when I vote for someone. However, when someone else comes along that has a ton more SteemPower, their vote means something. As the whales learn that you provide great content, they'll start to vote more, increasing your overall earnings.

That also goes for yourself. As your account gets stronger, as you write new articles, the vote you pass on your own articles gives it a boost. That, in turn, encourages others to also participate and over time, you get stronger and stronger.