Stepping into the world of digital nomads is a brave career and lifestyle choice to make. Due to the passion and uncertainty involved in such a radical change, we suspect that you don't just want to make it, you want to thrive! So, if you recognise in yourself some of the following trades – determination, independence, curiosity, and a healthy disrespect for authority – and you know what you are good at, then you are ready to launch your brand as digital nomad. Sara, a digital nomad and freelance writer, gives you some tips on how to make this profile outstanding and profitable.
Get your brand right from the start
To establish yourself in the digital world, you first have to build a well-thought-out and consistent image of your services and professional persona, or else you risk starting off on the wrong foot. If you don't know much about personal branding and social media, here are four key words to consider that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Clear: It must not take too much time for your clients to recognise what you do and who you are. So, be specific and bring the important information to the forefront – anything more than two minutes, and you are at risk of losing their concentration (and possibly a deal).
Simple: Customers are busy, and their job is to pick the right profile amongst numerous others. So, you want to make things easier for them (while catching their attention) – keep your design clean and simple to create a calming effect without, of course, taking away from your creativity or originality.
Consistent: Your style and message shouldn't change across different platforms. Your business card, website, or portfolio should all look like they come from the same company. Your name, logo, and brand colours should be in harmony and should represent you.
Memorable: Create a brand image that will stick in people's heads, and make sure they remember you for the right reasons (original, smart, pioneering).
Be Flexible
It is important to have milestones as well as short-term and long-term goals, but your business or trade evolves with your decisions and actions, and with the occurrence of unpredictable events. So, be prepared to accept the fact that sometimes things can go in a direction you didn't envision, and that you may have to re-evaluate your plan A or even B and C. The exciting thing here is that you never know where that new road can take you.
Flexibility is also a characteristic that your customers will appreciate, as the tasks you will be assigned won't always be straight forward, and they may require collaboration with more than one person.
Set realistic goals
A sprinkling of reality never harmed any dreams. If you think you can beat Richard Branson to Mars, then most likely you will come crashing down in a cloud of disappointment. Remember to go one step at a time – set a goal, work hard, meet the goal, and set the next one. Even if at times you feel disheartened, or slow, from an outsider's perspective you might have progressed more than you think.
Find balance and wellbeing
Balance and wellbeing are important to everyone – the digital nomad, the self-employed, the nine to five employee. But for the digital nomad who's independent, finding the right techniques to manage their time, prioritise, and organise life around work, leisure, and travelling is vital.
As a digital nomad, you are often your worst enemy. Having fully dedicated yourself to a passion, you want to push the limits to achieve success. But finding the balance between hard work and social life is actually the best way to look after your business – and think of all the new people you will meet, and the ideas and knowledge they may inspire. It is key to proactively remind yourself that it is alright to take a coffee break, to put your phone away at a restaurant, or to switch your email notifications off on holiday.
Believe in what you are doing
It is a given that business decisions should never be impulsive or badly thought out, however, instinct is often an overlooked gem. If your gut instinct is telling you “no, don't do it” or is telling you “go ahead”, then try to find a rational and business orientated way to take you in that direction. Instincts are linked to your moral code, and your perception of events surrounding a decision, and so are often right more than they are wrong.
Never let your doubts drown out all your rational thoughts and positive results – part of being a nomad and working for yourself is that you will have quiet months and it will be hard to grow your idea which you will often have to face alone. Keep up your determination, work hard, and believe in yourself.
