What do you do if you're a late-career professional trying to network in the Web3 industry?

As a late-career professional venturing into the Web3 industry, embracing change is your greatest asset. The Web3 space is dynamic and fast-paced, so staying open to new ideas and technologies is crucial. Begin by leveraging your existing network while actively seeking out Web3-specific communities—whether online or in person. Attend industry events, join relevant forums, and participate in discussions. Your experience brings valuable perspectives to the table, so don't hesitate to share your insights. By being adaptable and continuously learning, you'll find that your established skills combined with a fresh mindset can open doors to connections in this innovative field. And more importantly, they work hard, not as many in the web3 space.

Adaptable is unbeatable! Answer written by a human, not AI :) To keep learning, embrace change by letting go of previously held notions or practices. This is important because so much on Web3 is still being shaped... so any person that is willing to learn-unlearn-and then relearn will become a valuable asset to a Web3 project (rather than someone who seems to be stuck in their ways) You can start by learning from others. And therefore become a student of people with more experience in the domain. That way you'll develop a good feel for how to tackle challenges and learn frameworks/ mental models by mirroring their approach.

Web 3 is change. Going from a centralized world to one that is decentralized is change. If you are a late-career professional transitioning into Web 3 than accepting change is a must. Change doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Ask questions, step out of your comfort zone and make mistakes! That’s how one can improve and that’s what web 3 is all about. If you are afraid of change than you will not be able to innovate. Change aligns you with evolving trends and new communities, ultimately making your professional journey more exciting and rewarding!

To build an online presence, learn and share. Incessantly. Answer created using Human Intelligence not AI :) 1) Learn a lot about the space on a continuous basis, and convert it into content that you can share. Share in whichever format that you're comfortable with. 2) Know where to distribute the content so that the right people see you in the version that you want to be seen as. I tend to share on LinkedIn. 3) Experiment by joining different forums/groups online and see what you like. Because everyone reads different things and is exposed to different data sets, group sharing really helps bring various industry developments together

You can leverage your existing network: Reconnect with Contacts: Reach out to colleagues and contacts who might already be involved in the Web3 space. They can provide introductions, insights, and advice on getting started. Use LinkedIn and Other Professional Platforms: Your existing network on LinkedIn might have connections to Web3. Engage with their posts, join discussions, and ask for introductions to people in the industry.

To master networking as a late career professional, attend events. - In both online and in-person events, a ton of new learning happens. And you stand a chance to meet a potential new employer, team member, client, business partner. - I happily insert myself into groups where interesting discussions are going on and I shamelessly listen. If I find there is something I can contribute I will try and do so. I take people's contact/ & in future if I come across something relevant to the person, I send it to them. I find that the best way to build rapport and actually make a meaningful connection is by listening and then giving rather than just speaking and taking.

I'd also suggest taking it a step further by volunteering or speaking at these events. It not only positions you as a contributor but also opens doors to deeper conversations with key players. Engage actively, share your insights, and be open to collaboration opportunities. The Web3 community thrives on partnerships and shared visions.

When you're working in the Web3 industry, dedicate time to continuous learning by following industry news, reading whitepapers, and exploring new platforms to stay updated on the latest developments. Based on my experience, staying informed about emerging trends and technologies helps you engage in meaningful conversations with peers and potential employers, showcasing your commitment to the field. One thing I've found helpful is setting aside regular time each week for learning activities and subscribing to industry newsletters or forums. This approach keeps you updated and demonstrates your willingness to adapt and grow in the Web3 space.