Living the digital nomad life sounds dreamy, right? Traveling the world while working from your laptop. Yeah, it has its perks, but there’s a lot more to it than Instagram-worthy moments.
After 12 years on this wild ride, we’ve learned a ton—some lessons were great, some downright brutal. Here’s a no-BS look at what you need to know.
Stay Put
We messed up big on this for the first 8 years. Constantly moving left us exhausted and our business in shambles. News flash: You can’t build a real business if you’re moving every 3 days.
If you’re serious, plan to stay in one place for at least 3-4 months. Get an apartment with solid Wi-Fi, establish a routine, and dedicate at least 20 hours a week to focused work. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Network Like Crazy
Ever noticed how the folks hanging out at digital nomad hotspots seem to be the ones killing it? That’s not a coincidence. Network your face off. Go to events, co-working spaces, and connect with others. Your next big idea might come from a random chat.
For some, like me, being social isn’t second nature. But push yourself. Email your competitors, turn them into allies. Hell, show up at successful people’s houses if you have to. The more people you know, the better your chances of success.
Don’t Get Cocky
Look, confidence is key but don’t let it turn into cockiness. We built a six-figure blog in 12 months, but that didn’t mean we were invincible.
You should know your worth, but always keep in mind: markets change and today’s success might be tomorrow’s failure. Stay humble and focused on providing value to others.
Remember, the world doesn’t revolve around you. Stay human, help others, and you’ll be just fine.
Diversify
Seriously, if more than 50% of your income comes from one source, you’re playing with fire. We saw our income plummet 50% because we weren’t diversified enough.
Diversify your income streams to protect yourself from unexpected changes. And make sure your business isn’t reliant on just one platform or source. It’s a safety net you’ll be thankful for when things go south.
Have a Product
If you don’t own it, you don’t control it. Simple as that. Create your own product or service. This is what makes a business a business.
Digital products are the best: courses, eBooks, memberships. They’re easy to create, have low overhead, and can bring in serious cash while providing value to your audience.
Without a product, you’re leaving money on the table. Get on it.
Rock Your Email Funnels
Emails are gold. One email subscriber is worth a thousand followers. You own that list, no algorithm can mess with it.
Offer something valuable for free to get emails, then nurture your list with value-packed emails. Eventually, you can pitch them your product. If done right, it’s a goldmine.
Don’t Sleep on Social
We ignored social media for too long, thinking our blog was enough. Big mistake. Social media is crucial for building a brand and connecting with your audience.
Humans connect with humans. Being active on social isn’t about fame, it’s about engagement. Get on it and showcase your personality.
Invest in Yourself
We’ve spent close to $100,000 on courses, coaching, and consulting. It’s worth every penny. Educate yourself, sharpen your skills, and it’ll pay off big time.
If someone tells you investing in a course is crazy, remind them how much they spent on a degree they probably don’t use. Education is an investment in your future.
Success is Not a Straight Line
Here’s the ugly truth: you’ll have highs and lows. Get used to it. Accept the lows and move past them, enjoy the highs but stay humble.
All entrepreneurs face this rollercoaster. Learn to ride it and don’t let the lows defeat you.
Success is 90% Mindset
After coaching over 1,000 people, I can tell you most don’t fail because their idea sucks. They fail because they give up on themselves.
Mindset is everything. Believe in your success and stick to your plan. It makes all the difference.
Don’t Believe Social Media
Social media is a highlight reel. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking everyone’s life is perfect. It’s not. Their businesses have down days too.
Get inspired by social media but don’t let it make you feel inadequate. Your journey is unique, focus on that.
Passion ≠ Business
Passion alone won’t build a business. Your idea needs to be profitable, in a viable market, and you need the skills and knowledge.
Plan your monetization strategy, do your market research, and make sure your idea stands out. Passion is great, but it’s not enough.
Authenticity is Key
Be yourself. Authenticity is powerful. Don’t just follow trends to go viral. Stick to what you love and build from there.
Authenticity resonates more than anything else. Stay true to yourself and your audience will stick around.
The digital nomad life is a mix of highs and lows. But with the right mindset, a solid plan, and these lessons, you can build a successful and fulfilling remote business.
Take these lessons to heart, stay adaptable, and make smart choices. The journey might be rough, but it’s worth it.
Source: Goatsontheroad