Everything came full circle when I got a chance to volunteer at the meetup booth during the conference. Back in 2014, it was a “Bitcoin Magazine” that sat on a stand at a local brewery that stood out to me. I had no idea what it was, so I picked it up and began reading it. On this journey, it’s crucial to remember faith and the reason you started on the Bitcoin path. For some, it’s for gains or a hedge against inflation, for others, it’s having “F you money .” For me, it’s those things and a chance for everyone to have freedom and sovereignty that would not be realized in today’s world without Bitcoin. I eventually met another local Bitcoiner and we agreed that we needed to start our own meetup in Rocket City.
The Rocket City Bitcoin Meetup was the first step, but I had to join the Twittersphere. I had no idea how to be interesting, so I decided to be interested. Interested in what others were doing, saying, selling or starting. I noticed people; if one person needed the thing that someone else was offering, I connected them. Involving others and experiencing this journey together is something I’m committed to and passionate about.
I urge any plebs to orange-pill their families, friends and social circles. Begin the conversation with them in a way that they’re able to understand and don’t give up. They want to know why you’re passionate about Bitcoin. Take your commitment a step further and organize a meetup or attend one in your neighboring cities. Your community support will go a long way. To those who are interested in Bitcoin but have no idea where to start, I suggest reading the books mentioned earlier and attend a local Bitcoin meetup. Ask questions, gain an understanding and build a community. Newbies miss out on opportunities because it seems difficult to follow along, but if you ask questions and seek an understanding, you’ll walk away empowered instead of discouraged.
Being interested in others is how I started this journey. I’ve made fantastic friendships and met incredible mentors along the way. With their guidance, I’ve grown my local meetup and network. And I’m just getting started.
I’d like to personally thank God, the Rocket City Bitcoin Meetup Members and my co-organizer, my closest friends and mentors, my Austin Bitcoin family — especially Pleb Lab — the Nashville Meetup organizers and members, and my Ohio Bitcoin family. Special thanks to Car Gonzales for pushing me out of my comfort zone and inspiring me to write this article and Texas Slim for telling me, “I don’t have to ask for permission.”
This is a guest post by Justin Ragland . Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc. or Bitcoin Magazine.