Document Before Mastering

Noah Kagan shares his perspective on entering new markets or niches, particularly in crypto and emerging spaces, by focusing on documentation rather than immediate expertise.

• Documentation as Entry Strategy:

  • Start by researching and documenting what others are doing
  • You don't need money or expertise to begin
  • Focus on becoming a curator of information first

• Content Creation Approach:

  • Research and compile interesting developments
  • Explain complex topics in simple terms
  • Create newsletters or content that break down insider information
  • Make inaccessible information more accessible to others

• Real World Example:

  • References "The Milk Road" newsletter
  • Explains crypto Twitter discussions and Discord groups
  • Translates insider information for broader audience
  • Helps people understand what's legitimate in the space

• Building Expertise Through Documentation:

  • "That's how you do become an expert in these different areas"
  • Start with research and sharing findings
  • Eventually develop deep knowledge through consistent documentation
  • Can be applied to any niche or emerging market

• Key Insight for Side Hustles:

  • Documentation is a low-barrier entry point
  • Particularly valuable for those without capital
  • Can be monetized through various content formats
  • Builds authority while learning the space

This approach suggests that instead of trying to become an expert first, start by documenting and sharing what you learn along the way, which naturally leads to expertise over time.