Growth in the NFT space
Here are some tips on how to grow, stay persistent and keep a positive mindset in the NFT space.
The NFT space is unlike any other in the digital landscape. Just like the preliminary stages of the web, we are all in a hurry to understand and to create the foundations of something special in this latest iteration of the digital age. This is no easy task since the field of opportunities is vast, and every day it seems like there’s a change in direction: what’s important, what’s valuable, and what’s trendy.
When I first entered the space in July 2021, it took me another two months to understand what on earth was going on in this exhilarating community.
After some time spent observing from the sidelines, I began to navigate, connect, and learn through writing and interviewing some of the most prominent names in the space. Like a jigsaw puzzle, I was slowly assessing how I could fit into such a fast-paced and euphoric climate.
For many, it’s difficult to grasp where to begin and how they can fit into this intricate dynamic to add value. The entirety of the NFT space is built upon experiment and change. Subsequently, to excel in such a space your mindset and work ethic must reflect these values. We have to be flexible and to understand that nothing in NFTs will remain the same for long. Fundamentally, we have to grow.
As Bobby outlines in this thread, we have to consider the importance of our mindset. They distinguish between two spectrums, a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. The former is one that is fluid, open, and understanding of change, while the latter is closed and resistant to change.
A fixed mindset will not succeed in the NFT space. It is an inevitable pathway to failure and those who come and go are often those with this same outlook. In a space that is rapidly evolving and, in many cases, unpredictable, you have to be acceptant of failure, challenges and be prepared for the extreme highs and lows.
When we first join the NFT space, we all virtually start from zero: we have to learn the ropes and adjust to the community, culture, and atmosphere. This takes time, and still, nobody is perfect. All that we can do is learn, and simply be better going forward.
Aim to be creative, innovative, acceptant, understanding, and always foster a mindset that focuses on growth.
How to grow
So what does it take to make it in the NFT space? Again, there is no easy or simple answer. Although there is no secret formula, one thing is for sure and that is that there are no shortcuts. You cannot expect to put in minimal effort and receive maximum rewards.
First, immerse yourself and simply observe your surroundings. Then decide how are you going to add value to the space. What is it that you can contribute? Use people already in the space as sources of inspiration and comparison, then build your own unique niche. Be identifiable, be personal and always be your own true self.
If you find that you are not seeing results, remember this isn’t a sign to leave but a sign to adapt, learn, grow, and never give up. You never truly know what is around the corner, but if you are persistent and finish what you start, then you will surely be rewarded. In a space that moves 100 miles per hour, patience is key.
Change
You may find that what you are doing or creating is not working out or perhaps you aren’t fully happy with the result. Instead, why not try something new? Flexibility and the ability to adapt are key skills in the NFT space. Nothing will always work, and sometimes it is best to start fresh and try something entirely new. Quitting in itself, and knowing when to stop is a strength that is extremely important. Some of the most successful have mastered the art of quitting, proving that knowing when to draw the line is something we must all try to do. You should never feel guilty or ashamed for embarking on a new path. Try different styles, experiment, and break out of your comfort zone. This is precisely why the NFT space is so creative: there are no boundaries and you are in a position to break them. Change is inevitable.
Mistakes
We all make mistakes. It is impossible not to in the NFT space. Whether you are new to the space or a veteran, we’ve all FOMO’ed into a project and consequently been stung when they fizzle out. What about the project you were confident in that turned out to be a rug pull, or the one you forgot to mint which eventually turned out to be bluechip? Don’t let these past mistakes negatively affect your future. It’s not easy to recover from the emotional and mental pain, but only those who do will prosper in the space. The ‘playground’ is fast-paced, demanding, and exhausting, but at the same time, there is a community there to support you. Reach out, ask questions, and enjoy learning.
It is easy to be deceived, to make mistakes, and to fail. But once they have happened, let these mistakes be lessons for the future, and don’t allow moments of the past to interfere with your present. Reevaluate and take control and you will always come back stronger.
Learning
So where can you learn, who are the pillars in the community that we can trust? When you enter the space there is so much noise it is almost impossible to filter the good from the bad. Furthermore, as the days go by, more and more fake accounts with malicious intent are using the NFT space to their own benefit. We must be cautious, and source the good actors before making any decisions.
Importantly growth comes from those around you, especially if they are positive and uplifting. Tailor your circle and sources of information, to excel in the space you cannot afford to have your energy drained by negativity, or toxic accounts.
To be your best, you have to be surrounded by the best, so let’s zone into the best sources of information.
NFT Ethics:
This is a very important Twitter account that will bolster your understanding and knowledge of scams and rug pulls in the NFT space. The account takes deep dives through the use of threads investigating and evidencing the known and unknown scammers.
Ohh Shiny Show:
A Twitter space hosted by Ohh Shiny and Herb that provides a platform for creators in the space. You can be sure to extract value from the daily shows that last an hour each. Whether it is a project small or large, you will learn so much from simply tuning in each day.
Andrew is a senior writer at the web3 publication Decrypt, which covers all crypto and NFT related news. Andrew specifically covers NFT content and has reported on some of the most topical events. The articles will better help you to understand the surface and the depths of the NFT space.
Crypto Gucci:
This account provides an abundance of helpful information through weekly and monthly threads that extensively cover the key events and moments in the NFT space. If you want to stay informed with everything that has happened, the threads are certainly a good starting point.
Richerd:
Richerd is a smart contract artist and co-founder of Manifold. He is an account to follow especially for newcomers who are not entirely sure about how to best secure their NFT assets. He provides useful threads on how to protect yourself and avoid scams, as well as how to begin creating in the NFT space.
6529:
6529 is an important figure in the space who provides insightful threads regarding the metaverse, the NFT space, and web 3. If you are new to the space he offers a very detailed glossary of NFT terms to get you up to speed with the community lingo.
Zeneca:
For multimedia coverage of the NFT space, Zeneca offers a range of information through Youtube, Substack, Discord, and a podcast. Within this, he discusses the community, projects, analytics, and how to grow/navigate the NFT world.
Final thoughts
To thrive in the NFT space, we must first learn how we can grow. This starts with our mind and our understanding. Embrace the challenges, immerse yourself in the space, set your goals, learn from setbacks and always focus on how you can grow.
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