Reils - bitcoinwell.com@BTCombs11
The art of orange pilling 🟠💊
You don’t suck, your explanation does.
Throughout the years, my approach and “pitch” about Bitcoin have changed a lot. Like most of us, when the lightbulb went off for me and I fully committed to falling down the Bitcoin rabbit hole, I naturally wanted to tell everyone. I slowed down though and made sure that I put in enough proof of work before having those conversations. When I started talking to my family and friends, I had the confidence from my research, but I had the wrong approach. I would attempt to give them a crash course on the Bitcoin basics and discuss how it was going to change the world. That was the mistake. It’s too much, too fast. While some would find it interesting, the majority didn't care about the network jargon and financial privilege as a blinder is very real (@gladstein). Just like how most people don't care to know about the inner workings that make up the items they use on a daily basis. The thing just works and it’s a useful tool. While it didn't move the needle for folks as much as I expected, looking back I was naive for ever thinking it would, those repetitions serve has learning blocks. At some point as a messenger though, you have to look at yourself in the mirror.
Fast forward, after more reps and adjustments, I broke down my approach into five steps (2 rules I set for myself too now: 1. They showed genuine interest and curiosity. 2. You schedule time for this conversation):
“Before we get into anything, what questions do you have about Bitcoin?” This immediately gives you a baseline of what they know and what they probably don't know. You also get to address any FUD that they may have mentioned and properly educate them on those topics.
“What is important to you and what are your life goals?” Finances play a huge role in someone’s decision making, but unfortunately, fiat is making more and more people pessimistic about the future. Bitcoin is restoring optimism around the world, and it has the power to reunite and strengthen our communities again if we don’t get in the way too much.
“Over time, have you found it harder to save/ invest because everything is getting more expensive (inflation)?” The return to first principles with the “What is money?” question (@Breedlove22). If they don’t understand that central banks and governments are the root cause of this evil then they won't fully appreciate Bitcoin.
Know when to STFU. Let resources that were monumental to your Bitcoin journey do the talking. Provide some article and video recommendations and allow people to put in their own proof of work. Pick up the conversation when they are done. If you don’t hear from them, well, you just saved yourself some precious time.
Lastly, the importance of baby steps. You can’t donate your conviction and maximalism to someone. It’s going to take them a minute to get comfortable with everything. If you overwhelm, they will only pull away.
There is no need to “sell” Bitcoin. Remember, “Don’t trust, verify!” Bitcoin sells itself, and when someone goes on their own rabbit hole journey with an open mind, they’ll realize that. For whatever reason if they don’t, then you tried, and you have to return back to protecting your peace and time. It takes longer for some people and they’ll know how to find you if they have a change of heart.
Throughout all of this, personal development serves as a reminder of the importance of adapting and humility. You have to be able to tailor the conversation based on the person you are talking to and you can't be afraid to admit when you don't know something 100%.
What a journey it has been and I'm so grateful to be in a position where I'm talking Bitcoin and life with our amazing @bitcoinwell Infinite clients every day.
Happy stacking⚡.
PS
In my opinion, here are a few of the top orange pillers right now that attack this with the correct approach:
@adamobrien
@DSBatten
@Dante_Cook1
@natbrunell
Who's on your Mount Orange Pill list?
