Over the weekend, an old acquaintance pinged me for some advice on how to break into a Web3 BD/Partnership role from her current Web2 role. My short answer to her was to attend Token2049 in the near term and network/meet people since a BD/partnership role will require her to network and win deals anyway.

I’ve been thinking more about this and thought that it is a perfect prompt for me to share a longer thread here. There’s obviously many ways to break into crypto and here are some tips on what one can do to break into Web3 successfully.

1. Understand your Web3 vertical well

Web3 is now a massive ecosystem spanning multiple sectors - DeFi, NFTs, Layer 1/2/3, GameFi, LST/LRT, RWA, CEX/DEX, memecoins, and more. To stand out, you need to have a deep understanding of a specific niche.

Trying to join Web3 without having a clear vertical in mind is like shooting in the dark - there are thousands of companies, all working in different areas. Whichever vertical you choose, research it thoroughly.

Understand its unique value propositions, how it’s evolving, and stay updated on key projects, trends, and partnerships. This knowledge will set you apart and allow you to contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem.

2. Get involved in communities

Web3 thrives on community, and most of the action happens on platforms like X and Telegram. Some communities are active on Discord, while some others are active on Farcaster and Lens. Whichever vertical you’re interested in, it’s important to immerse yourself in the communities surrounding the key projects.

Join and engage in their Telegram/Discord groups and on X. Each community has its own unique culture that you will discover by interacting with the community.

Actively participate in discussions and provide value - whether through thoughtful questions, insights, or even offering help. This will help you better understand the challenges and opportunities within the ecosystem. Over time, this can lead to meeting like-minded people and finding job opportunities that aren’t publicly listed.

3. Gain relevant experience

Business development in Web3 is about building relationships, facilitating partnerships, and helping projects grow. If you’re coming from Web2, emphasize any transferable skills you bring to the table - whether it’s sales, partnerships, marketing, or strategy.

The Web3 space is still relatively young, and although there are many job seekers, very few truly go the extra mile to stand out. To differentiate yourself, take initiative.

For example, offer to volunteer for a Web3 project. This will give you hands-on experience and expose you to valuable connections in the space. Crypto experience is highly regarded and could be your foot in the door.

4. Demonstrate your understanding of tokenomics

In Web3, tokenomics is often the backbone of a project. Understanding the basics of token design, incentives, and governance models is crucial for any BD or Partnership role. You’ll need to confidently discuss these concepts in meetings and negotiations.

Start by reading the whitepapers and documentation of the projects you’re most interested in. Make sure you’re well-versed in how their tokens work, what problems they aim to solve, and how they plan to scale.

Many people skip this step and fail to answer deeper questions when prompted. Taking the time to understand the underlying mechanics of tokenomics will position you as someone who’s serious and knowledgeable about the space.

5. Network like your career depends on it

Web3 is all about who you know, especially in a BD role. Attending events like Token2049 is a great start, but it shouldn’t stop there. Attend other conferences and participate in industry-related conversations on X.

Building genuine relationships is key, and these interactions can often lead to job offers or partnerships in the future. Web3 is still an emerging industry where connections are often more valuable than qualifications alone. Keep an open mind, show up to events, and constantly engage with the community to expand your network.

6. Be adaptable and open to learning

The Web3 space is evolving rapidly, with new protocols, technologies, and trends emerging all the time. To stay ahead in a BD role, it’s critical to remain adaptable and continuously learn.

Even if you’re not a developer, having a good understanding of the technical aspects of the projects you’re working on will make you more effective in your role.

Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to dive into the technical details. The more you know, the better positioned you’ll be to add value and grow in the industry.

7. Target companies actively hiring in your region

Even though Web3 jobs are often remote, teams still tend to cluster in certain geographic areas. Some teams are primarily based in North America or Europe, while others have a stronger presence in Asia.

If you’re based in Asia, you may have a better chance of joining a team that operates in your region and time zone. While North American or European teams may occasionally hire Asia-based BD members, it can be more challenging to break in without relevant experience or strong connections.

By targeting companies that are actively hiring in your region, you’ll increase your chances of networking with the right people and collaborating more seamlessly with the team.

8. Assess the company’s funding stage and team size

Understanding the funding stage of a company is important when deciding which projects to target. Are you more interested in joining a pre-seed project that hasn’t launched a token yet, or do you prefer to join a company that has already raised $100M and has a token already trading?

Additionally, think about the team size - are you looking to join a small startup with 5 people or an established company with 1000 employees? Each stage comes with its own unique work culture, challenges, and opportunities.

Smaller teams may offer more flexibility and a chance to wear many hats, while larger companies provide more structure but could be more hierarchical. Choose a setting that aligns with your career goals and preferred working style.

Hope these tips help those looking to break into Web3. There are likely more strategies and insights, so if you’re reading this and have some to add, feel free to reply with additional tips. I’ll be sharing this thread with my acquaintance to help her get started!

Disclaimer：

1. This article is reprinted from [Bobby Ong]. All copyrights belong to the original author [Bobby Ong]. If there are objections to this reprint, please contact the Gate Learn team, and they will handle it promptly.
2. Liability Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not constitute any investment advice.
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