How to be a Digital Nomad - The Digital Marketing Institute Podcast
Travel the world in this week's episode!
Host Will Francis, from the Digital Marketing Institute, peeks into the digital nomad life, chatting with Chris Cerra and Michelle Coulson. Chris founded the platform RemoteBase for finding remote accommodation and Michelle built HR platform Remote Rebellion out of frustration with companies calling people back to the office.
How to Become a Digital Nomad
Becoming a digital nomad is about embracing the freedom to work anywhere, but it takes more than just a passport and a laptop. The first step is ensuring your job is portable. Freelancing, consulting, remote roles, or running your own online business are ideal for this lifestyle. Before you set sail, streamline your finances—ensure you’ve got a decent savings buffer, since income can fluctuate.
Start small: work remotely from a nearby location first, just to test how well you adapt to working outside your usual environment. This helps you understand the real challenges—time zone differences, connectivity issues, and staying productive amidst distractions.
Once you’re ready to go all-in, get serious about your setup. A good laptop, noise-cancelling headphones, and a strong VPN are essential for security when you’re hopping between WiFi spots. Join digital nomad communities online—these groups are treasure troves for advice on visas, co-working spots, and the best locales for quality internet.
Balance is key: it’s easy to get caught up in the adventure and neglect your work, or vice versa. Set a routine that works for you, and remember that productivity doesn’t mean being chained to a desk; sometimes it’s about finding the rhythm in a new place that allows you to thrive, both professionally and personally.
In this podcast’s episode, they have tips for newbies, choosing the right destinations, essential gear, and the challenges and rewards of remote work. We also get some insights from Chris on his remarkably successful email newsletter and Michelle's approach to LinkedIn.