The NFT, Web3, and crypto revolution has taken the world by storm. While there seems to be new opportunities emerging each day, it can be daunting to consider getting involved in an industry that remains so volatile. But not getting involved out of fear of the unknown can also mean falling behind the rapidly moving learning curve and missing out on potential opportunities. The key, then, for navigating this industry is finding the balance between diving into the unknown and eschewing the hype in favor of doing proper research and making informed decisions.

To get to the bottom of why you shouldn’t miss out on this revolution, we tapped thirteen experts from the Dreamers & Doers collective. While their journeys and advice are different, their conclusion is unanimous: not getting on board means the risk of missing out on the future of currency, the internet, culture, and so much more.

LATOYA RAMOS

Founder of Pluvrichor Studio, a boutique sustainability advisory and social impact brand strategy studio.

My journey: I was introduced to the crypto space during my time working at a rapidly-growing SaaS company. After going down the blockchain rabbit hole and learning from experts in the space, I began to invest and continued to see a great return. However, it is still a learning process and that should be the focus for us all—not the hype. This is still a new world and an unprecedented time for us all. 

My advice: Figure out what your core interests and passions are, then align those things with the types of NFTs and cryptocurrencies you decide to engage with. Research and genuine interest are key. It’s not all about the financial return—it’s about the future of money and how Web3 will impact our lives for generations to come. While it is still evolving, this revolution provides an opportunity to build wealth for BIPOC communities and entrepreneurs in ways that have not been accessible prior. 

TINA HUI

Founder and CEO of The Gage, a venture collective and community platform endeavoring and in support of meaningful innovation and leadership.

My journey: In 2013, a consulting project led to the founding of Follow The Coin, which started off as a community and co-learning project for the space and became the leading news, advocacy, education, and multimedia platform in the industry at the time. In 2017, we expanded our scope to encourage leaders in the space to consider the world they are creating for. We then began pivoting to The Gage to inspire more than just crypto and fintech endeavors. 

My advice: The technology and entire space is highly complex, still largely uncertain, and floats in a largely gray area in terms of regulation and compliance. When any industry is variable and volatile as it often can be in Web3, it is important that people do their research and their due diligence. Don’t buy into the hype. Focus on meaningful technological advancements and find positive alignment in values, purpose, culture and passion. If something feels off, trust your instincts.

WENDY HEILBUT

An attorney passionate about guiding innovative founders and teams to their goals, protecting IP, and fundraising.

My journey: As an attorney, it started with clients bringing me and my team their questions and projects. Little by little we all got curious and dug in—and now we are a go-to resource for some of America’s biggest brands on Web3.

My advice: Be curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Jump into some groups and remember that not many people are true experts yet. The entire NFT/Web3/crypto/blockchain space is still new and evolving so don’t let anyone make you feel uneducated or behind. In order to be ready for Web4, Web5, etc., consider becoming an early adaptor of Web3. 

NINA KONG-SURTEES 

Founder of smART Advisory, elevating the role of artists by mentoring and guiding visual artists to build and cultivate their legacies and careers IRL and Web3.

My journey: My journey with crypto started a little rough. I didn’t know anyone, so I navigated the space through trial and error by attending many conferences and talks. I began exploring and learning more about blockchain in late 2018 and met people along the way. I was still on the fence about novel concepts without concrete use cases. The crypto space felt isolating to me at the time, especially the project I was involved in, which didn’t end very well. Despite the disappointments, I’ve taken the lessons learned and questioned every project that came my way to make sure it’s legit. 

My advice: Be proactive when navigating the crypto space. Do your homework and don’t be afraid to seek guidance or ask questions on Twitter, Discord, and Clubhouse. However, take hypes and advice with a grain of salt. Like everything else, the crypto space is all about building trust and relationships within the community. Although it takes time and patience to get over the learning curve and establish trust, remember, it’s an evolving technology and everyone is in the same boat.

JESSICA GREENWALT

Founder of Pixelkeet, a product design and research company that helps crypto companies design, build, and launch products that change the world.

Why you can’t miss out: Crypto and NFTs have created the greatest wealth-building opportunities in history, and Web3 is already transforming our way of life. It’s important to me to see more women and POC entering the space at this early stage so that we have a more diverse community shaping the tech that is changing the world. 

My advice: Get in now and start experimenting. Everyone is experimenting at this stage. There’s no reason to feel like an outsider or to believe you can’t catch up. Buy some crypto, make a wallet, and mint an NFT. Explore the space’s user experience and think about how you can make it better. Reach out to others in the space and share your thoughts. You’ll find that the Web3 world is incredibly friendly and collaborative and you’ll be glad you came.

NICOLE TREMAGLIO

Branding Consultant at Nicole Tremaglio, helping brands adapt to trends and technology by leveraging TikTok and emerging social platforms.

Why you can’t miss out: Web3, NFTs, and crypto are completely shifting the paradigm and shaking up the status quo in finance, technology, art, and the creator economy. Innovators and early adopters in virtual, decentralized communities have an opportunity to build and co-create the future of work and life. Being ahead of the curve is critical when it comes to quickly-evolving digital trends and internet culture. 

My advice: Find projects and communities that share your core values, connect with others in the space, remain curious in the pursuit of knowledge, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It may feel like you’re late to the game, but you’re still ahead of the early majority. Breaking into the crypto space is like learning a new language—it requires consistency, commitment, and cultural immersion.

NANCY SONI

Co-Founder and CEO of PathMatch, the first decentralized career management network helping GenZ connect with and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow.

Why you can’t miss out: We’re still in the earlier stages of Web3, but DeFi, crypto, and NFTs are drawing mainstream adoption. While there’s still a lot of work to be done, the foundation has been laid. The beauty of Web3 is that it’s still new enough that there are few true experts. Anyone can build skills that Web3 companies are looking for and redefine their career.

My advice: Look at where the demand is for talent—community managers, smart contract developers, blockchain developers, product managers, and Web3 technical recruiters. Leverage some of the online content and curriculum to pre-skill yourself and get started. Connect with companies and communities on Discord and Telegram and start networking.

KATE DE HAEN

Co-Founder of The Fourth Floor, a marketplace network that’s mission is to close the gender wealth and funding gap by diversifying boardrooms and cap tables.

Why you can’t miss out: I strongly believe it is the future, just as the internet, ATMs, Web2, and streaming services all came to be. My concern is that oftentimes early adopters will reap great financial rewards, dominate, and disproportionately control the space, which perpetuates conscious and unconscious biases. Not only should the revolution not be missed out on, it is necessary and crucial that all groups are involved in building this new universe to insure equity and not further exacerbate the gender and racial wealth gaps that already exist.

My advice: It’s really easy to just dip your toes in and get started. You can get involved with very little money. Open an account on a crypto exchange and start playing around. Follow some thought leaders on Twitter and other social platforms. Information is everywhere and everything is so new—there are no real experts. Things are changing daily. It is really an extraordinary time as we are all learning together. But remember, crypto is really volatile so don’t invest any amount you cannot afford to lose.

KRISTINA LIBBY

Founder of LvL Studio, a creative studio.

Why you can’t miss out: It’s a technology evolution. Whether you are a creator, an investor, or a curious business leader, these new technologies are the tip of a larger cultural change. They are a signal that the current technologies people are using are not enough. People are seeking out decentralization at an alarming rate, which comes with more opportunity for new forms of engagement. It also comes with harms such as the growing commodification of community. 

My advice: Just try. Buy a small amount of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another currency. Purchase a low value NFT. Flip the NFT. By trying, we learn more than anything else.

SHARONNA KARNI COHEN 

Founder of Dreame, a collective of artists and a platform that provides commissioned artwork.

Why you can’t miss out: Thanks to NFTs and blockchain, the world of digital art is thriving. Working in the space with digital artists around the world for the last seven years, the demand and appreciation of digital art is growing exponentially. I am extremely enthusiastic about this.

My advice: It is important to understand which cryptocurrency you want to trade in. Do your research. Read about the pros and cons of each one and explore whether the community trading in that currency is speaking the same language as you rather than simply relying on how well it is doing from time to time.

WADEEHA JACKSON 

Head of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs at Sardine Corp, providing fintech, crypto, and decentralized exchanges with fraud and compliance risk mitigation solutions.

Why you can’t miss out: There are many use cases for NFTs outside of the digital art space. We are in the infancy stages of NFTs, but there is lots of opportunity for cross-industry usage. As for Web3 and crypto, this is the new wave of opportunity to virtually integrate decentralized and governance protocols to incorporate virtual realities for the convergence of how we interact.  

My advice: Make sure that your use case is viable. There are lots of whitepapers available to identify if there are existing projects in the market where there is a rush to bring a product to market. Understanding if one’s use case is available will provide an assessment of market entry and viability. Additionally, understanding the applicability of regulatory requirements and expectations is important, as the laws are changing for crypto. Creating a product or service offering without proper legal guidance may result in costly fines and limitations for raising funding.  

MINA ENNIN BLACK 

Founder of In The Black, a collaborative wealth planning firm for high-achieving women.

Why you can’t miss out: Missing out on Web3 is like missing out on the internet when it first came into existence. Today, most people can’t go a day without the internet. Soon that will be the case with Web3, NFTs, and crypto. 

My advice: Use your existing skills to adapt in this space but be willing to learn from others. There’s no need to go out and learn an all new skill set. Educate yourself about Web3, crypto, and NFTs and start having conversations. Whether you’re a marketer, an artist, or a wealth advisor like me, use your existing experience and learn as much as you can to create your own lane.

ASHLI WEISS

Attorney at Weiss Law LLP, helping businesses navigate the law.

Why you can’t miss out: Blockchain technology is disrupting a wide range of industries. It allows businesses to form and self-organize, raise funds, create value, and manage their infrastructure in radically new ways. The technology is still in its infancy, so lawyers are in an exciting position where they can help shape and even lead its development.

My advice: There is very little blockchain law, but that does not mean this legal area is free for all. Several existing laws still apply. Attorneys trying to break into this field should consider pairing their blockchain knowledge with cyber security, data protection, intellectual property, or a related area of law. This will help establish your place in this space.

All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community and diverse ecosystem amplifying extraordinary entrepreneurial women through PR opportunities, authentic connection, and high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and subscribe to its monthly The Digest for top entrepreneurial and career resources.