You’re keen on being location-independent, maybe even becoming a full-time digital nomad. You’re searching for an employer who’s cool with you working from anywhere, anytime and is flexible about time zones. You also hope they’re open to the occasional need to sign up for foreign Social Security systems for visa purposes and are committed to remote work long-term.
That’s a tall order. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but are you sure it’s worth the risk?
What if your new employer decides that in three weeks everyone has to work in the office two days a week? Or, what if they decide you can no longer use a VPN to access the company’s server and systems? Well, friend, you are screwed. OR, what if they realize “Hey this offshore thing is working,” So they decide to replace you with someone at half the cost or decide they will keep you on payroll, but only if you cut your salary to match the local economy you are living in.
I’ve heard a boatload of stories of these kinds of things happening.
You might think getting a job for a company is the only and most secure way to go. But I don’t think that’s true. I think starting your own business is much safer in the long run. It might be scarier, harder, or seem overwhelming. But, the rewards are worth it.
Reasons I Think Owning Your Own Location Independent Business as a Digital Nomad Is Worth the Effort
- You have total control of where you work from and for how long.
- If you want or need a raise, you get a new client.
- You can easily have more than one revenue stream, so if one client “fires” you, then you aren’t screwed.
- When done right, you are building a wealth asset.
- YOU get to decide EXACTLY what kind of work you want to do and with whom you will do the work.
Types of Business to Start to be a Digital Nomad
- Freelance Writing/Content Creation and/or Editing: Write or edit articles, blog posts, or create content for websites and businesses.
- Graphic Design: Offer graphic design services for logos, branding, and digital marketing materials.
- Web Development/Design: Create websites and web applications for clients.
- Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts for businesses and individuals.
- Online Coaching/Consulting: Offer coaching or consulting services in your area of expertise, whether it’s business, fitness, or personal development.
- Virtual Assistance: Provide administrative and clerical support to businesses remotely.
- E-commerce Store: Sell products online through platforms like Shopify or Etsy.
- Dropshipping: Set up an online store where you sell products, but the manufacturer handles inventory and shipping.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral.
- Digital Marketing Agency: Offer services like SEO, PPC advertising, and content marketing to businesses.
- Online Course Creation: Develop and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
- App Development: Create mobile apps or software solutions for businesses or consumers.
- Copywriting: Write persuasive copy for advertisements, sales pages, and marketing materials.
- Language Translation Services: Provide translation services for businesses or individuals.
- Remote Tech Support: Offer technical support and troubleshooting services to individuals or businesses.
- Travel Blogging/Vlogging: Document your travels and monetize your blog or YouTube channel through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- Remote Health and Wellness Services: Offer virtual fitness training, nutrition coaching, or mindfulness classes.
- Podcasting: Start a podcast on a topic you’re passionate about and monetize it through sponsorships and merchandise sales.
- Virtual Events Planning: Assist with planning and coordinating virtual events, conferences, and webinars.
- Digital Product Creation: Develop and sell digital products such as ebooks, templates, or stock photography.
How to Start Your Own Business to be a Digital Nomad
Truth be told, there are a LOT of ways to go hear. And the internet is full of plenty of people who have done this and now sell a course that claims to be the way to success. In truth, it’s just one pathway that worked for at least one person.
The key to success is to understand the principle behind the practice. All of these experts that claim their “unique” or “new” way is the best, fastest, and only way that currently works are full of it. When we actually are able to break apart their experience we see that there are some universal truths at play.
Every successful online business venture has five systems in place.
- Leadership
- Lead Generation
- Lead Conversion
- Collecting and Managing Money
- Project Management.
You’ve got to have all of these. What they look like depends on how you want your business to work and how big you want it to be.
To get started, I work with people to answer the following questions:
- Leadership – What actual problem are you motivated to solve for people?
- Lead Generation – How are you going to attract potential customers/clients?
- Lead Conversion – How are you going to convenience them to hire you?
- Collecting and Managing Money – How much do you need to charge to solve it?
- Project Management – How are you going to solve it for them?
In fact, I offer a 60-minute roadmap coaching call to help you answer those questions and map out the next steps for you to work on to start your own remote work business.
