# 12 Insights Gained from 12 Years of Digital Nomad Life
It’s astonishing to think that 12 years have passed since we departed our lucrative corporate positions in Canada to pursue a life of continuous travel and remote work. Our friends and family believed we were out of our minds, yet not only have we exceeded our former salaries, but we’ve also achieved this while working fewer hours and cherishing every single moment.
In this article, we’ll reveal the 12 key insights we’ve gathered from our 12-year journey as digital nomads. These insights stem from both our achievements and our missteps—some of which cost us considerable time and money (especially #7 on our list!).
If you’re contemplating the digital nomad lifestyle or are currently on this path, we trust these insights will assist you in sidestepping some of the challenges we faced and speeding up your success.
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## 1. Take It Easy
When we initially began our travels, we were guilty of rushing around. We moved from one location to another every few days, making it almost impossible to accomplish any substantial work.
Here’s the reality: You can’t cultivate a sustainable business if you’re perpetually on the go. If you’re serious about advancing your remote business, settle in one location for at least 3-4 months. Choose a cozy apartment with dependable Wi-Fi, establish a routine, and dedicate focused hours to your enterprise.
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## 2. Network Relentlessly
Although I’m not the most outgoing person, I’ve come to understand that networking is vital for thriving as a digital nomad. Individuals who gather in digital nomad hubs are often more driven, possess better ideas, and enjoy greater success than those who choose isolation.
Participate in events, work in co-working environments, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. You never know what opportunities might emerge from a casual discussion.
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## 3. Stay Grounded
Achievement can foster a sense of invulnerability, but it’s crucial to maintain humility. There have been instances where we became a bit too self-assured—whether it was building a six-figure blog in just a year or requesting $10,000 for a sponsored journey.
While it’s essential to recognize your value, always keep in mind that markets can fluctuate, and success might be short-lived. Always prioritize offering value and assisting others, and you will increase your chances of maintaining your success.
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## 4. Ensure Variety
One of the most significant errors we made in the beginning was relying too much on one income source. If your business hinges on a single platform or revenue stream, you are inviting disaster.
We have observed companies plummet by 50% or more due to insufficient diversification. Whether it’s traffic driven by Google or revenue from advertisements, ensure you have multiple income streams to shield yourself from unexpected shifts.
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## 5. Create Your Own Product
If it’s not yours, you lack control. One of the most effective ways to secure long-term success is by developing your own product or service. This might be a digital offering such as a course, an ebook, or a membership, or even a physical product that you sell online.
Owning a product empowers you to manage your income and enables you to establish a genuine, sustainable business.
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## 6. Master Your Email Campaigns
Your email list is one of your most crucial assets. Unlike social media platforms, where algorithms can change and restrict your visibility, your email list is entirely yours.
We’ve discovered that email marketing is among the most powerful techniques for selling our products and services. By providing value to our subscribers and engaging them with helpful content, we’ve generated substantial revenue from our email initiatives.
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## 7. Don’t Overlook Social Media
This lesson ended up being the most costly in terms of time and finances. For several years, we concentrated on our blog and email list while overlooking social media. We didn’t aspire to be “famous,” so we believed we could manage without it.
However, we were mistaken. Social media is enormously influential for developing a personal brand, connecting with your audience, and attracting leads. Had we dedicated more attention to social media earlier, our growth would have been significantly faster.
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## 8. Invest in Your Growth
We’ve spent nearly $100,000 on courses, coaching programs, and consulting within the last few years, and it’s been worth every cent. The skills and insights we’ve acquired have propelled both our businesses and personal development.
If you’re intent on building a thriving business, don’t hesitate to invest in your education. The right course or mentor can save you countless hours of trial and error.
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## 9. Success is Full of Twists and Turns
The entrepreneurial journey is riddled with highs and lows. There will be moments when your business flourishes, and others when you might feel like everything is crumbling.
The secret is to persevere