Victoria Christine van Eyk is an entrepreneur, consultant and contributing writer for a number of publications. While she is relatively new to the Bitcoin space, she is a veteran at getting stuff done.
We had a chance to speak with van Eyk earlier this week about her own work.
Cointelegraph: Could you tell us how you were first introduced to Bitcoin, and what motivated you to build a business around it?
Victoria Christine van Eyk: I heard about Bitcoin from a client who wanted to learn how to buy it, and how to use it as an investment. I asked her, of course, if she intends to buy drugs with this investment. That's what I knew about it. Well, I knew that it was linked to purchasing drugs, but that it had really increased in value, and that there was more to it than it seemed.
I was right. A turn of events took me to San Francisco and Miami, to my first Bitcoin conference. That's when I saw the potential of it; it was more than a currency.
I see the potential for a lot of business in this field. It's a new technology, and there are gaps everywhere. My goal is to be the go-to professional services firm to help onboard people and businesses to the technology.
Personally, I write a lot and consult with Bitcoin companies, or promote businesses that I vouch for and support. BSG [Bitcoin Strategy Group] is the first formal professional structure for me, and then I'll probably take on some other fun projects in the space.
- Ms. van Eyk
CT: What kind of work are you and the team doing at Bitcoin Strategy Group?
VCE: Well, so far we offer an array of professional services related to Bitcoin.
We help people identify locations, secure contracts and roll out their own ATM's: a form of personal investment and passive income, if done correctly. We help businesses save money, time and even earn money by using Bitcoin. We help Bitcoin businesses increase their profits by positioning themselves properly in the market through marketing and public relations. Generally, the idea is if you're a specialist, and you're a good person, let's chat.
CT: Have you seen any effects in the Canadian Bitcoin economy yet as a result of Bill C-31? What is the mood among Canadian Bitcoin entrepreneurs and community members?
VCE: Apparently, Bill C-31 affected one Canadian business. Christine Duhaime, a lawyer and crypto specialist in Vancouver, writes about this bill at length on her blog. A gambling company relocated from Canada after learning of the bill.
Generally, I feel like we are full speed ahead, and there's generally little discussion about things like that. I think we understand what we need to do to “stay compliant,” but don't spend too much time speaking about it.
CT: In May, you wrote a piece that suggested some Bitcoin businesses are developing too quickly to worry about soft skills such as PR and lobbying and public outreach. How do you imagine the cryptocurrency universe could slow things down a bit?
VCE: I did. Mostly, I was concerned with the public image of Bitcoin users (which is the front line, right?) and more so the ability for rumours to turn into news.
I really learned how fast "news" spreads and becomes "truth" just with repetition, and retweets, retweets, retweets. I think people are in a rush to get market share, and they over-promise and under-deliver, and it's ruining the image and potential of the technology.
When people slow down and act deliberately, we do a better job. However, I wouldn't trade the 8-hour cross-country drives and late night chats for anything. It's beautiful to be caught up in something so revolutionary and so energetic.
CT: Finally, I wanted to ask about your charity work. Are you still working with The Ottawa Mission? Are there any other organizations where you donate time/money/energy?
VCE: I love mentoring and teaching. I am in my element when I am running a mastermind group, or a smaller meeting with people. I preach about financial literacy to younger people and teach financial planning to more established people.
I feel happiest when I am helping someone with their money. It can be such a stressor. When you have control on your outcome, you have peace. I typically do two- or three-hour shifts at the Mission and help them with their PR work. I've always wanted to try the Library shift, though...
Other than that, I work with two teams and a few clients, and I am writing a lot, so that takes up most of my time currently. Now's the time to craft your career if you're young and involved in Bitcoin!