Five pieces of advice for new Web3 social impact builders
By: Drew Simon, Founder, Crypto Altruism
I launched Crypto Altruism back in May 2021 with a mission to show the world the good of crypto, in the hope that it would help onboard more builders from traditional impact spaces to Web3. Since then, there has been a lot of progress in the Web3 social impact ecosystem, with many new projects emerging, and many more novel use cases being discovered.
My conviction in Web3 technology as a force for good has only grown stronger over the last 2.5 years, and I truly believe that now is the time for Changemakers to leverage this technology as they endeavor to build a better world.
That being said, venturing into uncharted territories can be daunting, particularly when the intricacies of Web3 remain elusive. My own journey began far from technology, rooted in education and nonprofit leadership, so I can certainly understand this feeling. However, I have found that those who embark on this journey often discover that grasping the fundamentals, forging connections, and making a meaningful difference is more attainable than anticipated, thanks in large part to the plethora of resources available and the supportive nature of the community.
So, in this article, I wanted to share five pieces of advice that I have learned from my journey building in Web3, as well as through the stories I have heard interviewing over 140 pioneering Web3 Changemakers from all backgrounds.
Let’s dive in.
1. Most people are pretty new to the space, and we’re all still learning together!
One of the biggest misconceptions I had when I was first considering starting a career in Web3, was that I simply didn’t have the knowledge or expertise to succeed in the space. I had missed the crypto train, so-to-speak, and I didn’t have the network or know-how to turn my passion into a sustainable and impactful project. On top of that, I was not a techie, and didn’t understand all the ins and outs of blockchain technology. This imposter syndrome prevented me from launching Crypto Altruism for quite a while, as I debated whether it was worth it, and whether I could bring any real value to the space.
Fast forward 2.5 years, and I couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished with Crypto Altruism, and the value that has been created for the broader Web3 ecosystem. Throughout this journey, I learned one valuable lesson: the space is very new, so there are few true experts, and we are all learning together.
The Web3 space has only been around for about 15 years, with the vast majority of builders entering the space in the last 10 years or so. In fact, many of the leaders I have interviewed on the Crypto Altruism podcast have only started working in Web3 over the last few years. Despite being new to the space, many of these individuals have built very successful, high impact projects.
Famous author Malcom Gladwell once opined that you need 10,000 hours of practices to truly become an expert in something. Now, to be fair, I don’t actually agree with this theory, but the point I’m trying to get at is given how new the space is, there are so few people who have ‘put in enough hours’ to truly call themselves an expert, and we are all learning together as we build. So, don’t be afraid to dive in. Even if you’re new to crypto and don’t have the knowledge and experience of the early builders, you can make an impact.
2. No matter your background, you can find a place to contribute in Web3.
As an emerging space, all skills sets and backgrounds are needed in Web3 for the ecosystem to truly thrive. You do not need a background in computer science, cryptography, or finance to succeed in Web3. The guests I have interviewed on the Crypto Altruism podcast come from diverse backgrounds: education, law, art, finance, non-profit management, Web2, marketing, and more. Many of these individuals have gone on to build very successful companies and careers in Web3.
If anything, I would argue that coming from a different sector brings a lot of value to the space, especially considering how blockchain is disrupting almost every industry in the world, from supply chains, to finance, to arts and culture. Web3 isn’t a technology, it’s a movement, and for a movement to truly thrive, it needs diverse participants with varying backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets.
So don’t worry, you don’t need to be a super coder or mathematician to build a career and create value in Web3.
3. Set boundaries and take it slow.
Web3 is a 24/7, fast moving space, and it can be very overwhelming when you first dive in. There are the non-stop Twitter/X spaces, the thousands of Discord and Telegram groups, and markets that never close. This can make it easy to burn out, so it’s important to set boundaries and achieve a sense of balance.
While Web3 never sleeps, we certainly need to, and I personally try my best to stick to a standard work schedule, leaving plenty of time for family, friends, and hobbies in the evening. You don’t have to attend every space or webinar, or instantly respond to all your Telegram and Discord notifications. There will always be more you can do in Web3, but it all comes at a cost, so it’s important to prioritize what’s important to you and focus your efforts and attention there.
4. Take an interdisciplinary approach to building.
In Web3, there is often an emphasis on building purely decentralized solutions that are separate from and independent of traditional institutions and stakeholders. While there is certainly value in taking this type of approach for many projects, it is also okay to build projects in collaboration with traditional institutions, whether it be financial institutions, governments, traditional NGOs, or academic institutions.
Regardless of the approach you take, it’s always valuable to take an interdisciplinary approach to building that includes diverse perspectives from industry leaders, builders, governments, Indigenous communities, NGOs, and more. The projects that have succeeded in the Web3 social impact ecosystem are those that have embraced this.
5. Find your community and engage.
One of the biggest concerns I hear from new builders is that they simply don’t know where to start, and that they don’t have a network in Web3 to help them on their journey. The beauty of Web3, is that there is no other space where it’s as easy to build a network quickly.
One of the pillars of Web3 is decentralization, and with this comes a spirit of openness and collaboration. There are few other spaces where you can simply reach out to a project via DM, and realistically expect a response. Nearly every Web3 project also has some sort of open public forum, whether it’s a Discord or telegram group, or regular Twitter/X spaces where you can ask questions and engage with other contributors. This makes it easy to get to know others, build a network, and begin engaging with projects.
Furthermore, those in Web3 come from diverse backgrounds and passions, making it easy to find like-minded communities. Whether you are interested in tackling climate change, fighting extreme poverty, bringing arts programs to underserved communities, or anything in between, I can all but guarantee that there is a Web3-native organization with a similar focus. A great first-step in your Web3 journey is finding this community, joining their public forum, and contributing to its growth.
Conclusion
The world of Web3 is not reserved for the few; it's a collaborative tapestry where diverse talents converge to forge a future where technology and social impact intersect. As we stand on the threshold of this digital revolution, let us cast aside doubts and embrace the collective learning journey, contribute our unique skills, seek balance, collaborate across disciplines, and find solidarity in community. The time is ripe for action, for contribution, and for transformation. So, don’t be afraid to take that first step, join the movement, and be a part of crafting a world where technology serves as a cornerstone for societal improvement. The future is decentralized, and it awaits your contribution!
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