Someone recently asked me a common question: How can I get first-hand industry information? Why do I always find out late, only to realize that early participants have already stepped in, and I end up getting trapped?

My answer is very straightforward: Spend money. Not to buy information, but to learn, to experiment and make mistakes, to invest in yourself. Any action that can enhance your position within your circle is worth doing.

Recently, a recruiter from an exchange contacted me, saying they are hiring to work in Hong Kong or Shenzhen, but the English proficiency requirement is very high. My own English isn't strong enough, so I missed that opportunity. But if I were fluent in English, in my twenties, and in Shenzhen, it could have worked out. Entering the exchange's professional circle means gaining access to its resources and information network. If you have good English skills and a relevant background, you might consider this path.

Many people misunderstand what "first-hand information" means. They think that just by knowing certain information, they can buy early and make money. That logic is fundamentally wrong.

Information is the result, not the cause. What truly determines everything is the circle you are in.

Occasionally catching a few valuable pieces of information by luck might earn you some profit, but this cannot be replicated. Because the core is the circle. A circle is not just a community, a group of people, or a platform; it is defined by your own temperament, abilities, and resources. The circle attracts the right people, which in turn generates relevant information flow. If you haven't reached that level, it's very difficult to continuously obtain valuable information. Instead of worrying about missed messages, think about how to improve yourself and expand your capabilities. Naturally, you will enter new circles.