This is an opinion editorial by Mickey Koss, a West Point graduate with a degree in economics. He spent four years in the infantry before transferring to the Finance Corps.
It may seem counterintuitive, but in the past four years I’ve served in the US Army, I’ve basically been a customer service specialist, whether it’s handling payroll issues in the military pay office as a commander, or addressing travel or budget issues as a controller in an operational unit.
Lately, I’ve found myself asking clients more questions than they’ve asked me. I have realized that many people do not really understand the problems they are experiencing. And, because of this conundrum, the questions they ask me when they seek help may not yield an answer that actually solves those problems. I’ve come to realize that a big part of my job has become uncovering actual problems so I can fix them at their root.
Herein lies a common thread I’ve found with the “orange pill” and people learning about Bitcoin. Like the soldier approaching me, asking a question that doesn’t make sense, your friends and family may also ask you strange questions – without really understanding what problems Bitcoin is trying to solve.
As stewards of the Bitcoin space and de facto ambassadors in our circles of acquaintance, I see the role of Bitcoiners as similar to that of a customer service professional. People don’t understand the monetary system, let alone the problems it faces. (Insert potentially overused analogy about a fish asking for water here.)
Instead of answering the questions blindly and taking them at face value, I challenge you to dig a little deeper next time. Help your curious friend figure out what he’s looking for. Help them discover issues they didn’t know they cared about. Help them ask the right questions. Otherwise, they can never solve their problems.
This is a guest post by Mickey Koss. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
