Digital currencies have soared in popularity in recent years and everyone wants to get a slice of the pie. Not a day goes by without hearing about crypto in the news, on social media, or on the street. The hype is real and it’s impossible to turn a blind eye to the phenomenon. This has led to an increasing number of people wanting to jump on the bandwagon, either by trading or investing in digital currencies.
However, since we’re dealing with a very distinct asset class that has only been around for a little over a decade and has tried to popularize a completely new paradigm for money in that time, a lot of people are still struggling to understand what crypto is all about. Looking at cryptocurrency prices, market cap and live charts, reading about Bitcoin’s history, learning how to buy Ethereum or following trends doesn’t seem all that complicated, but that’s just scratching the surface.
There’s a lot of complexity underneath that many people are not able to decipher without a little guidance. That’s where crypto experts come into play, helping current or potential crypto users make sense of confusing crypto concepts and the intricate technology that powers these assets, so they can make better-informed decisions.
But as helpful as crypto experts may be in spreading useful knowledge and making it easier for people to navigate the ever-changing crypto landscape, knowing whom to turn to for advice and guidance represents a challenge in itself. With digital assets being the talk of the town, it seems that everyone is an expert on crypto these days. Obviously, many of those who claim to be crypto experts are nothing more than self-styled gurus with only a superficial understanding of the topic and very little wisdom to share.
So, how can one spot real crypto experts and avoid the fakes? Here’s a question that many people have been asking themselves lately and that we’re going to address in this post. And the best way to do that is by highlighting the characteristics of true experts as opposed to shams.
Experts have vast experience under their belt
It goes without saying that one does not become an expert overnight, no matter what field we’re talking about. Crypto may be a newly emerged asset class, much younger than traditional markets, but it has developed rapidly over the years and comprises great complexity. So, if someone says they’re a crypto expert after studying the crypto space for a couple of months, it’s pretty obvious that they’re using the term quite loosely and don’t have any solid arguments for calling themselves experts.
Another way to know if you’re dealing with a versed expert is by checking their credentials. There are several courses and training programs that can help one advance their crypto knowledge, with the Certified Cryptocurrency Expert (CCE) being the most recognized certification in the field.
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Experts are not self-focused
The way people conduct themselves is quite telling about their level of knowledge and proficiency. Real experts tend to be more focused on their work and more eager to share their knowledge with others than to talk about themselves, while fake gurus tend to do the exact opposite, promoting themselves more than they promote their skills.
This doesn’t mean real experts don’t enjoy being praised or never discuss their achievements. But they are considerably less self-focused than wannabe crypto gurus who place themselves at the center of every discussion.
Experts acknowledge their limits
Experts know a lot but they are not know-it-alls and they don’t claim to be either. A great part of being an expert is being aware that you don’t know everything and not being afraid to admit it. The cryptocurrency space is extremely vast and complex, not to mention volatility, instability and speculation are its main characteristics, so even if someone has reached an expert level, it’s virtually impossible for them to know all the ins and outs of the industry, or offer accurate predictions.
If a so-called expert claims to have all the answers or goes as far as saying they can predict future movements in the market, you can be sure you’re dealing with a sham, not a real specialist.
Experts are open to new perspectives
True experts are open to debates and willing to listen to other peoples’ ideas and perspectives. In fact, they welcome these types of interactions because they demonstrate intellectual curiosity and that allows them to expand their knowledge and prioritize continuous learning, which is extremely important in such a rapidly evolving field. This would be impossible if they spent their time in an echo chamber.
Therefore, crypto experts do not shy away when they are presented with evidence and data that challenges their beliefs nor do they feel uncomfortable when they find themselves in a different context than the one they’re used to. They have no trouble improvising because they have a solid foundation of knowledge that allows them to hold their ground while also adapting to new situations with ease.
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Stick to established figures in the crypto space
If you want to seek professional advice on crypto-related topics or learn from people who have reached expert status, don’t go looking for them in places where they have no business. It’s highly unlikely you’ll find real experts on forums, chat rooms, hanging at the local pub or in your close circle of friends.
Real crypto experts are usually famous people who have managed to establish themselves in the field through their professional activities. This includes analysts, investors, developers, and other personalities known for their contribution to the development of the crypto space or their extensive expertise such as Vitalik Buterin, Anthony Pompliano, Changpeng Zhao, Brian Armstrong, or Roger Ver. Following these people is a lot better than getting advice from unknown crypto gurus on the internet who can lead you in the wrong direction.
