How to Become a Blockchain Specialist?

Ian Balina, a cryptocurrency investor, serial entrepreneur, author, and filmmaker, has his own recipe of how to become an expert, which he shared at Quora:

1. Read up on Bitcoin and Blockchain Wikipedia articles
2. Read a book on Bitcoin and Blockchain; I highly recommend “Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money” by Nathaniel Popper
3. Invest in Bitcoin and altcoins and actively follow them
4. Every month, attend at least one local meetup or event on Bitcoin and Blockchain in your area and network with the community
5. Join a Bitcoin/Blockchain related project
   a. If you’re looking to become a technical expert, then definitely look at the open source code and become a contributor
   b. If you’re looking to be a non-technical expert, become a writer or blogger on Bitcoin and Blockchain related topics
6. Attend large annual Bitcoin and Blockchain conferences
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for at least two years, and then you will be credible enough to be a Bitcoin and Blockchain expert.
   Once an expert, you could do the following:
   a. Start your own Bitcoin or Blockchain related startup
   b. Start a consulting or software company on Bitcoin or Blockchain
   c. Write a book on Bitcoin or Blockchain
   It is up to you to choose your way of becoming a blockchain or cryptocurrency expert, for no one will argue the industry brings many opportunities and prospects. However, no education will help you gain true expertise if you have no passion and enthusiasm for what you do.

How did you become a bitcoin and blockchain expert? Feel free to share your personal story of success in the comments below!